I always hesitate to write about Goa as I have mentioned before. Of late, since I have been in the state for a while, I’ve been revisiting a lot of places that we wandered through on a daily basis as a child. The Margao market is one of those places.
While today I head there to get my shopping done and often bustle through the numerous stalls, the smells and buzz of the Margao market never fail to evoke a sense of nostalgia. With that in mind, I thought I would write a short post on one of the first markets that I have ever wandered in and how I learned the skills of bargaining at my grandmother’s side.
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Table of Contents
A Little History Behind Different Markets In Margao
A glimpse of what is left of the old Margao market
Sometimes when I think how the city of Margao has evolved over the past three decades, I start to feel really old.
So much has changed since I was a child and yet there is so much that has remained the same. One of the main changes that took place revolved around the markets in Margao. Now you may wonder how can a market change? Well they shifted. Yup! That’s right.
Initially, the main market area was opposite the Margao municipality. This included the vegetable market and the fish market. It was easy to reach and in the heart of our small city. For me, it was just a walk away. Today, these markets are now located near the KTC bus stand and the market is called the SPDA market.
It is a huge market complex with separate sections for fish, meats and vegetables. I have to admit that when I think back, it was a good move. The larger markets cater to the increasing population. It is definitely much cleaner, and the large parking space ensures that there is no chaos where vehicles are concerned.
The Margao Market
Another Margao market that was and still is popular is the MMC Market also known as New Market. This market has always been a treasure trove for me. With its close proximity to Pimpal Khata and its multiple entrances, the Margao market has so many different nooks and crannies to explore.
As a child we called the New market, the maze market. This was because the numerous gates that took you into the market lead you through a network of passages that at that time seemed like nothing short of a maze.
I used to think that if I did not hang on to the adults hand I would get lost. Over time and after numerous trips, I learned to know which gate took me to which section and where to go for what. That does not mean that I still do not get turned around.
So What Can You Buy In The Margao New Market?
Meat stalls in the Margao market
What can you buy in the Margao market is the question that most people ask me. My answer is that you can get almost everything. There is a section which sells local food and snacks like sannas, ladoos, pinaca, doce etc.
Fruits, Vegetables & Spices
There are people who sit with baskets selling fruit and vegetables at another gate. Want to get your fix of local spices? Follow your nose and you will find them. Just kidding. There is a whole section of ground spices. In fact, there is a section that sells pork and sausages too.
Rose Tea
What should you keep an eye open for? Well one of the things that I always buy and take from the market is the rose tea. You will find it packaged in yellow packets.
Pav Bhaji
Another place that you should think of visiting is a local café called Vasant Bhuvan. The place is always bustling, and you often have to wait for a place to sit.
The menu is mounted on the wall but what it is famous for is its pav (bread) bhaji. You can also choose to have poori bhaji but I rather prefer it with pav which is the local goan bread. You will be asked whether you want ‘sukha’ or dry bhaji which is a potato concoction or a patal bhaji which is made of a gram base and is more liquid.
You can also have the best of both worlds if you ask them for mixed bhaji which is what I always do. Don’t forget to pair it up with a glass of steaming hot chai!
Christmas Sweets
During the Christmas season, the Margao market gets flooded with all kinds of Christmas sweets. These are all made locally and it is a great opportunity to buy them if you are looking for some edible souvenirs from the state.
You will also find that the market is full of different kinds of Christmas decorations during Christmas time. This obviously means that the locals are also busy shopping here at this time of the year so be prepared for crowds.
Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts is another item that people head to the Margao market to buy and since they are produced locally, you usually get a good deal. Shops sell an assortment of flavours from plain to salted and spiced.
I could go on and on about the different things that you can buy in the Margao market and I can talk about all the smells and colours that you will find. The truth however is that the market is an experience.
From the narrow-crowded passages to the vendors calling out to you, you have to be there to truly experience it properly. No matter how old I grow, this particular market will always fascinate me and will always draw me back.
On a total side note, if you enjoyed this post and are headed to Goa, you should check out these cool captions and quotes about Goa. Not only do they inspire you to travel there, they are also super useful for Instagram.
Have you been to the Margao market? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below
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