Discovering a market

Whenever I have asked anyone who has been here for longer than me, which is most people, where they do their fruit, vege and meat shopping. The reply is the same. Tekka markets in Little India.

Now, my experience of markets hasn't always been favourable. In NZ I find that the fruit and vege markets are cheaper, but that the goods don't last as long as the more expensive produce from the supermarket. Here in Singapore, I have trawled through many a wet market with my son excitedly trying to touch the live frogs or search for Nemo. To be honest I find the markets overwhelming and feel rather out of my depth.

Today was a revelation and confidence builder for me. Tuesday and Saturday are the days that the fresh produce is bought in. The best days to go, as I am reliably informed.

I have been struggling to find good chicken, and have been repeatedly told to go visit the Tekka markets. So, today I bit the bullet.

The first thing I saw when I arrived was the food court, hawker stalls. I took note for a later date. I was on a mission today.

Then there was row upon row of fresh fruit and veges. I couldn't identify most of them, but was totally intrigued.

My theory is look around before buying. Get a sense of what is there and what looks good.

After my circuit of fruit and vege, I moved onto the meat and chicken. This is when I got rather overwhelmed. There was butcher after butcher selling beef, lamb and goat. The same for the chicken stalls.

My fear with these places is that if I get the wrong stall then the food is not good and I'll give us all a bad tummy. But hey, you don't know until you try. So try I did.

I found a nice man who talked me through the chicken's.  I was told if they have their heads and feet on and a tag around their necks, then they are fresh and haven't been frozen. I have probably been had and need to research this a bit more, but I feel for his chatter and bought chicken breasts from him. The best thing is that he boned and skinned them for me. How can that be bad.

So, with fresh chicken breasts, fresh stir fry veges I headed home feeling happy with my adventure and proud that I have overcome a silly hang up about markets.

I haven't cooked the food yet, but if it is good as it promises to be you'll find me at this market every Tuesday.