Unique food markets around the world

From the time-honored food market in London to the exotic floating market in Thailand, or the flea market in Geneva, CCTV reporters have been exploring unique markets in different countries during the Spring Festival holiday. Loved by both locals and visitors, these markets offer a window for a peek into life and culture.

With a history of over 1,000 years, the Borough Market in London is more than a place to buy and sell food.

This unique corner of London captures the U.K.’s rich culinary history. A source of quality British and international produce, the market has a reputation as the country’s most renowned food market. It’s a place where people to come to discover the tastes, aromas, textures and colors that only fresh, seasonal food can offer.

In Thailand, a visit to the Amphawa market can satisfy most of your curiosity about local people’s daily life. Unlike other markets, this one is doesn’t start to get going until late afternoon. Very good news for late risers.

Set up by a canal, the market is occupied by vendors who pack their boats with food and drinks, such as fried sea mussel, noodles, and coffee. Customers can enjoy the delicacies on the bank.

For the visitor to Kenya, want something to show for your holiday other than a tan and photos? Check out this locally recommended Maasai Market in the capital Nairobi. For a wonderful selection of arts and crafts, wooden carvings and beadwork, you can’t go wrong.

The nice thing about buying items here is that sometimes you are dealing with the actual people who make the craft items.

For those looking for something vintage, the city of Ouro Preto, or Black Gold, could be the destination. Protected by mountains, the city embodies the history of Brazil’s gold rush era from the 17th and 18th century.

Today, most visitors are searching for imperial Topaz, a gem unique to Brazil. After hours in a craft shop, you can bring home a piece of jewelry with Topaz.

Despite its small size, Geneva rivals London and Paris as a major European shopping destination. But there’s one flea market that offers a great alternative to the high priced world of retail as well as a chance to mingle with the locals.

Here locals go to hawk their old and often valuable "junk", be it paintings, records, dish sets, antiques or vintage clothing. It takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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