Food Shopping

Fresh markets are the mainstay of Thai food shopping. Markets sell vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, rice, and noodles. In each market, many vendors compete for business, making it possible for customers to shop around for a good deal and quality produce. Fresh markets are usually open for two separate periods every day. The morning period runs from around 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. This period serves people buying food for preparation at home and stocking up on highly perishable vegetables and fruits. The evening market period runs from 5:00 p.m. until late into the evening. Many fresh foods are sold in the evening, but also people go to the market at this time to eat dinner or to purchase prepared foods to take home for dinner. Grocery stores for dry goods are usually located close to the fresh market. Bottled water and soft drinks can be purchased from vendors on the street or at stands in the marketplace.