Rotterdam Markthal: A Psychedelic Foodie Paradise

The Rotterdam Markthal in Blaak square opened it’s doors for the first time on October 1, 2014. Since then this complex has been open daily and is a famed national landmark. The first floor is an open market with 96 stands. Situated below it, are a grocery store and a four story parking lot. But that’s not all, can’t get enough of the market? You can actually live here! More than two hundred residents reside in apartments draped over the horseshoe shaped market floor. These apartments offer views of the city and into the market itself.

The building is architecturally intriguing and the Rotterdam skyline would not be complete without the arch shaped clumsy structure. The cafes and eateries offer an eclectic vibe and a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy lunch, dinner, or a light snack. The produce, cheeses, sliced meats, fresh juices, and baked goods are some of the best in the city. The 96 stands offer tastes from all over the world.

Some of the best include, cured meats hanging overhead from Spain, passion fruits and coconuts piled high from South America, enormous jackfruits from Asia, artisan cheeses and olives from Italy and France, Japanese inspired sushi, and German inspired sausages.

In addition to the worldly variety, there is traditional Dutch fare. When I am in a market my first priority is to try the local foods. First stop: Gouda and edam cheeses from local dairy farms. The stands offer traditional flavors like garlic, chili, or truffle, but two of the more exotic tastes are lavender, coconut, and even asparagus.Personally, I loved the coconut but nearly wanted to spit out the asparagus. The exotic flavors may not be for everyone, or for every occasion, but they are definitely worth a try!

After a savory cheese sampling, I followed the decadently sweet smell to another Dutch favorite: Stroopwafels. Stroopwafels are made all over the Netherlands, and are extremely difficult to resist. Warning: They are one of those addicting-ooey-gooey-perfectly-sweet-not-exactly-a-cookie-snacks. I have been back in Spain for three weeks now, and those late night stroopwafel cravings are not subsiding. So what is a stroopwafel? Two thin crispy layers of waffle with a chewy caramel syrup squished between them. Beware: Packaged stroopwafels are sold everywhere but for the real deal the warm caramel sandwiched between the freshly pressed waffles can’t be beat.

The most amazing part of this markthal is not the architecture or the food. It’s the art.

When standing in the markthal, LOOK UP! The mural designed by Arno Coenen is called “Horn of Plenty” and is considered the Dutch version of the Sistine Chapel. It’s more like Sistine Chapel meets Alice in Wonderland meets Old McDonald. Delicate lily flowers escape giant asteroid-like raspberries, wheat plants get swept away by floating pea pods, passion fruits and sliced avocados plummet to the ground, and butterflies and fish heads flutter by Rotterdam landmarks peacefully. A smorgasbord of a mural that is definitely worth more than a glance.

The free samples, elaborate produce displays, and psychedelic artwork are all free. If you plan to do any purchasing do a lap or two first to find the best deals while you soak in the atmosphere and admire the artwork.

But if it is a market day, head outside for your purchases! An incredible market, and one of the biggest in the Netherlands, is held just outside the revolving doors in Binnenrotteplein on Tuesdays and Saturdays! The rent indoors is significantly higher leading to increased prices but the same quality you can find outdoors. To read more about this market, click here.

If you are an art loving foodie, make the Rotterdam Markthal your #1 stop in Rotterdam!