There are two main markets within Manta City that in paticular cater to your every culinary need. La Baviera Market is an upscale market, this is a good place to get lunch meat, fresh bread and produce, which you can take for a picnic on the beach. You’ll also find a range of imported meats and cheese, and treats like saukraut and pickled onions and olives. It is located on 16th Street and 6th Ave.

Early risers should head to the massive Mercado Municipal in the center of town, where you can watch Manta inhabitants prepare for the day. Grab some fresh bread from the Colombian bakery, which will also provide Nescafé coffee if you ask. The market opens at 05:00 and by 05:15 it has dropped its sluggish, sleepy pace and swung into full gear; grab a seat and observe people scurrying from stand to stand with factory-like precision, arms full of fresh produce, bread, or bags of rice. Energy like this doesn’t last long, though, and by noon this place has pretty much exhausted itself and returned to the quiet, relatively empty sector of town that it was before dawn. This is an excellent spot for cheap eats, especially if you’re feeling adventurous and go for a set meal ($1.00). For even cheaper produce head to Tarqui Market at the east end of town, open every Monday and Thursday, Calle 12 and Av. 16.

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