• August 5, 2010
• by Sarah
• 1 Comment

The Vienna Naschmarkt

I am going off on holiday for two weeks, but before I do, here’s a little information about one of the attractions of Vienna, where I buy some of my ingredients.  See you in two weeks and…don’t forget to try out the recipes.

The Vienna Naschtmarkt – a Sight for Sore Senses!

“An international city full of culture and history,” that is how Vienna, the capital of Austria, is often described by people who have had the opportunity to pay her a visit:  and nowhere else is the city’s ‘internationality,’ and ‘culture’ more apparent than at its premier open-air market – the Naschtmarkt (situated in the 6^th district in Vienna).

As you step into the market you are jostled by people of every culture and region; and surrounded by aromas and fragrances of varying degrees:  the spicy and pungent aroma of Indian cooking; the softer and alluring one of Thai and Japanese; the sizzling smoky aroma from the lamb and chicken kebab stand of the Turkish region; and the cumin and cinnamon-based ones from Northern Africa. Topping all these are the vats of different kinds of sauer krauts (a cabbage delicacy often accompanied with sausages and dumping), a specialty of both the Austrians and the Germans.

It is a market which caters for the differing taste and needs of its visitors.  Here you find smartly dressed men and women quickly slurping a couple of oysters brought in by Nordsee – the Norwegian seafood chain, before heading back to their offices.  It is a ready to eat (fast and healthy), interesting, and affordable meal location for breakfast, brunch, lunch and, of course, dinner – for those who cannot be bothered to wrestled with pot and pans after a stress-filled day at work.

As you step into the market your senses are bombarded by colourful fresh vegetables and fruits, seafood, meat and poultry of every description, and heady fragrances of spices and herbs from the Orient (all attractively displayed and advertised in a manner that guarantees that you are not burdened by the weight of your wallet at the end of your sojourn there).

Another interesting point of the Naschtmarkt is the internationality of its speech.  German (Deutsch), the official language of Austria, is the language one hears everyday on the streets of Vienna.  At Naschtmarkt, however, it is quite common to hear  English, Turkish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese, French, Portuguese and Spanish, and some African languages, all joyously bargaining, haggling and competing for attention, at any given time of the day.

Then there is the Flea market section of the market: now, need I say more?

In conclusion, perhaps the most convincing reason to visit the market when you do find yourself in Vienna is its easy accessibility. The Naschmarkt is right in the centre of the city – about 500 metres from one of the most important tourist attractions of Vienna – The Vienna Opera – which has played host (and continues to do so) to some of the most venerable Opera concerts in the world.