Booking a street food tour in Palermo and trying to decide which market to go to: Ballard or Capo? I am aware that Ballaro is the more authentic and hectic one but just how stimulating is it? Will I get an authentic experience if I go to Capo?
Posted by
seattle
2412 posts
We have visied the Balero Market several times. I recommend going earky in the day, it can be hectic, but is very interesting.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
2257 posts
Going to Catania, too? My husband, the market-shopper and cook, greatly preferred the Catania markets to Palermo's, especially the Mercato del Carmine that is north of the more famous markets.
I'd say that what you get at the Palermo markets and several others we've been to in Europe is neither an authentic experience or an inauthentic experience ---- the two are side-by-side. So just try to ignore the aspects you don't like, such as the tactics some of the market restaurants are using to get you enticed inside or all the people taking selfies instead of buying groceries. The earlier you can go, the better!
Posted by
Minnesota
1123 posts
If by "authentic" you mean the movie scene where Nonnas are all mixing, haggling with the butcher and the fruit vendor as they shop for dinner.. then no. That scene definitely exists all around Italy but I think the train left the station decades ago at the markets you mentioned.
But if by "authentic" you mean vendors hustling, selling food to hungry travelers from far away or "rehydrating" thirsty locals at night, Ballaro fits the bill; especially for a food tour.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9515 posts
I love food, love markets, have tried many things at markets, but will at least warn you to choose carefully what you eat in the Palermo markets
For the tourist crowd, they fry and cook up all kinds of stuff, laying it out on the open counters for display and sale.
I get the sense you have no clue how long it has been there, or what may have transpired since it was put out
I would want to see it prepared and dished out to me