Personal Guide to the Best Market in Groningen: The place where you can find everything your heart desires

 

 

Nowadays, most of your shopping will occur in those brightly lit, crowded isles found in supermarkets around the world. While you struggle to cram a list of all the groceries you need mentally, you’ll probably be hectically checking for the price of each item and doing the mental math to ensure you don’t exceed your monthly budget again. It is no secret that shopping for food used to be fun when you went with your family and tried to sneak in crisps or sweet treats along the way – now however, shopping is the cause of nothing short of stress. But what if I told you there was a way you could rediscover the beauty of grocery shopping? The way through which this is possible is the infamous market on Vismarkt every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. The market offers a stunning variety of products- from juicy meats, fresh fish to ripe fruits and colorful textiles. 

My favorite is the bakery stand “Veel Vers Vorrelig” which opens every Tuesday. Although it may not appear as much with its black marquise, there is a reason why a crowd of all ages surround it, no matter the time of day. The reason: mouthwatering pastries for an unbeatable price. Whether it’s 3 focaccias for 2.50 or 4 croissants for 1 euro on a Tuesday and 5 croissants for 5 euros on the weekend, there is a deal for everyone and everything. 

Near the bakery, there is also “Dick’s Groente & Fruit”. With there 1.50 euros per net for avocados and “Eurohoeks”, it is a stand you shouldn’t forget. If there is one stand where you can save money, it is this one. The Eurohoek means different types of vegetables and fruit will be available for no more than a euro. A price that you would not even find in Lidl on Black Friday. Nonetheless, if you place quality over price head over to “Kaper: Groeten & fruit”, their veggies are nothing short of fresh and delicious. 

Now apart from pastries and veggies, you can also find your dairy and meat necessities along the streets of Vismarkt. Firstly, there is “Eierhandel TH. Visser &Zn” that sells no less than 30 eggs for a whopping 8,15 euros. You might be asking yourself, amazing but when will I eat 30 eggs? You’d be surprised how quickly they disappear- prove me wrong if you must. “Dorland Uw Poelier” offers juicy meat, even freshly roasted chicken with all the herbs and spices you usually can’t seem to find in the Netherlands since they’re “only salt and pepper” seasoners. Equally, the blue and red striped fish stand is a must-try. Their kippling with the traditional mayonnaise sauce is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and hey I avoid fish like my life depends on it so it is THAT good. 

Of course, there are so many more stands and dishes to try that if I list them all this blog would never end. Hence, I lastly have to mention “Le Souk”, the Stroopwaffel man, and “De Kruidenspecialist”. “Le Souk” may be on the pricier side, but there is no smoother hummus in town. The Stroopwafel man presents the perfect UB break snack and all I’m saying is- has a viral TikTok page for a reason. Ultimately, the herb stand provides you with every spice imaginable. Therefore, the market is not just a lovely autumn activity you can do with your friends, it is also the place where you can save money and end your confused strolls around the scarily clean supermarket floors. 

Overall, the Vismarkt is not only the favorite weekly event of a grand portion of the student population here, it is a place that will allow you to feel the liveliness of the city even on the cold and wet days. Wishing you all the best time exploring one of the well-kept secrets of Groningen!

– Written by Annika. K