The delicious heart of the old town
There are two market halls worth mentioning in Palma. The fresh market of the Mercat de l'Olivar is the largest of its kind in Mallorca. The building was inaugurated in 1951 and I have read that an average of 3000 people daily meander through the market halls in Palma with their approximately 120 stalls. Previously, so it writes the history books, one had driven at many different places of the island capital trade with food.
The largest fresh produce market on Mallorca is divided into two large halls. We start our tour at the "pescadores", the fishermen. It smells exactly as you imagine it. A mixture of salt water, fish and that somewhat musty ode you get in your nose on the beach when everything there is full of dead seaweed. It takes a little getting used to, but your eyes have a lot to do with this incredible variety of sea life on ice, and it's a quick distraction.
If you observe the men and women standing behind the refrigerated counters in the market halls in Palma, you quickly notice that many such "pleasure walkers" - like me - march through the fish hall of the Mercat de l'Olivar every day. Their eyes seem to say, "Stop gawking and start shopping!" In doing so, they are by no means unfriendly, but they also don't seem that keen on being part of the umpteenth vacation Instagram post.
If, on the other hand, the señora comes around the corner, who has been buying her fish for the paella from them for years, the ice melts quite quickly in the truest sense of the word and there is gossiping and chatting, as befits a true market hall.
Fresh fish at the counter
The special thing about the fish hall in the Mercat de l'Olivar is that there are plenty of raw delicacies as well as lots of already prepared ones. Small glass showcases present sushi, fish tapas, stews and lots of (it) sea! You can sit comfortably on the bar stools, and beer, wine or bubbly is served almost everywhere to accompany the culinary delights. The food offer of the market halls in Palma is as rich as the prices. Personally I find it for this special ambience however nevertheless unrestrictedly recommendable. More gastro tips besides the market halls in Palma can be found here .
Once you've seen and tasted enough of the fish, head one door over to the main hall. Here you'll find everything else, so to speak. Fresh Mallorcan fruits are lovingly and appetizingly arranged in abundance. Numerous butchers cut up and package their wares. There are spices, coffee, the Mallorca sea salt "Flor de Sal".
In addition, you can find in the market halls in Palma pretty much everything that could please the holidaymaker heart. Starting with the paella pan for those with the very large suitcases to the beach bag in the typical Mallorcan tongue design to basketry and lots of souvenirs.
The stand that is probably the most out of line here sells Korean hot dogs and other delicacies from the faraway Asian country. The "Perrito Caliente" comes on a stick and looks quite tasty. I didn't get a chance to try it. Stomach problems 🙂 Scuzi!
Visit market halls in Palma? Bring time with you!
If you visit the Mercat de l'Olivar, then let the little hand on the clock turn in circles 2 times. You can spend two hours here without any problems. If you want to see more of the market halls, go to the official site for a little 3D tour.
At Google maps I would enter this address. Under the Mercat de l'Olivar there is a parking garage with over 300 parking spaces. When I have to go into town by car, I always park there and have never had any problems finding a space for my vehicle. for my vehicle for my vehicle. The hallowed halls are open from fromMonday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. open. On Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.. On almost all Sundays and holidays the market stalls closed. I would recommend you go there right after breakfast or move the most important meal of the day right there. The earlier you get there, the richer the selection of everything.
Until a few years ago, there was a restaurant in the market halls in Palma on the top floor next to the supermarket, which directly prepares the fish you buy in the fish hall. The offer is still there, but the store has moved and is now no longer in the Mercat. However, also not far away.
The Mercat de Santa Catalina:
Smaller and somehow more authentic
I encounter men and women in baby blue and neon yellow uniforms as I enter the Mercat de Santa Catalina. The early shift ofPalma's city cleaning service Emaya is having a beer when I get stuck at "la fabrica" and Juan Bennasar. Juan is Mallorcan and sells burger patties of various coleur.
They are made of beef with truffles and parmesan or rabbit with garlic and rosemary, to name just two variations. Take away only. Juan tells us: "I've been here for nine years, and I know a lot of people in the hall by now." The merchants here would probably have to make much less of a living from vacationers than they do in the city center with the competition. "I love the family feel here." And yes, it's true, on this Wednesday the Mercat seems mainly unexciting.
"I love the family feel here."
We don't have to go another whole round through the Mercat de Santa Catalina now. The offer of the two market halls in Palma is similar. It's also a fresh produce market. The difference is the urban feel that the guy in the scuffed blue overalls gives you, as he laughs at dirty jokes with the sausage lady while you stir in your coffee. That's the real Palma de Mallorca.
Finally: Pollo Limon
To those who have stuck it out this far, here are two things: first, thank you for your attention. And second, the best is saved for last. Look at the picture. Even if you don't like chicken, you have to admit: This looks like something out of a catalog. If you do like poultry, unlike the catalog chicken, it tastes exactly like it looks. Mr. Poulet in the fresh market Mercat de Santa Catalina and especially his "Pollo Limon" are my secret tip of the two market halls in Palma. Tell him a greeting from me and he should not skimp on the sauce.
P.S. Parking can be exhausting in the Santa Catalina district. There is no underground parking under the market. It's best to find a parking garage nearby. Enjoy your meal.
