Food Markets � � � � � � � � � � � �

Hala Hoszyki (p.81) is Warsaw’s melting pot! | Photo by Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash

Food and drink markets are becoming ever popular in Poland, and especially so in the capital� Day time markets, night markets, street food festivals, beer festivals, indoors, outdoors, they’re all available in high and low season, spread out across Warsaw like a big cuddly safety blanket� Eat up, drink up, simply indulge by checking out some of Warsaw’s best food markets, which we’ve listed here for you�

Elektrownia Powiśle

From the outside, it’s obvious that this former power station has been given a new boost of energy following a major overhaul� What is essentially a classier-thanaverage shopping mall, in fact, also contains a whole host of gastro eateries, bars and event space! The central food court has the feel of a street food market, with 14 street food stalls and restaurants to choose from� But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for this as there are also fully functioning restaurants to choose from in the opposite office buildings too! Your spoilt for choice and can let your tastes or budget decide where you want to grab some grub� And once the food is done, check out the 3 bars: Kandela, Centrala and Elektryk� Awesome� Don’t forget to regularly check their events calendar for all manner of happenings, but specifically for foodies, their ‘Eko Targ’ (Eco Market) selling GMO-free locally grown produce! Everything under one roof! Kudos!QH-6, ul. Zajęcza 2B, MCentrum Nauki Kopernik, tel. (+48) 22 128 56 00, www.elektrowniapowisle.com. Open 11:00-24:00; Fri, Sat 11:00-02:00. TUBE6

Hala Gwardii

Hala Gwardii, the twin building of Hala Mirowska (D6), has returned to its pre-war roots and is once more a food market where you can peruse and buy speciality products or feast on local and imported foods from a big choice of stalls� After the war, it served as a bus depot until eventually becoming a sports hall used by the military Sports Guard Club (from where the name originates)� It’s an eclectic mix of things, being a market, a food hall, a place for events, and it is still in use for sports like boxing (the walls are adorned with legends of the Polish boxing scene), all in a grimier version of Hala Mirowska - the exterior of the building is not in great shape!� The choice of food is very much worth exploring!QE-6, Plac Żelaznej Bramy 1, MRondo ONZ, www.halagwardii.pl. Open Fri, Sat 09:00-01:00; Sun 10:00-23:00 only.

The main food hall in Elektrownia Powiśle

Hala Koszyki

From the outset Hala Koszyki has managed to raise the love and hate hackles of the city’s ‘out on the town’ set� How many world cuisine eateries of various sizes can you squeeze into one space? Actually, due to its popularity, fate may decide what you’ll eat as tables are packed most times of the day or night� Amazingly popular amongst the young and the beautiful, Hala K will probably remain THE place to be seen for some time to come - mainly because it’s easy to be seen due to its open plan layout� Top class little independent bistros sit next to some of Warsaw’s chain restaurants, like Tuk Tuk and the biggest restaurateurs including Mateusz Gessler’s gastronomic outpost - Port Royal� The main hall has some brilliant food on offer, with stalls offering flavours from all over the world� There are of course some shops here too, however, in reality, they’ll always play second fiddle to the top class dining area� Even if you can’t find a table at any of the cool eateries and bars, we urge you to spend some time taking in this stunning market hall� Don’t forget to look up, down, sideways etc� as beautiful hidden details abound!QF-10, ul. Koszykowa 63, MPolitechnika, www.koszyki.com. Open 08:00-01:00.

Nocny Market (Night Market)

Nocny Market is a unique idea now in its 6th year, bringing together many bars, cafes, restaurants and street food trucks into one location, Thu-Sun� If that wasn’t enough to tickle your interest, the location too is unique, being on the platform of a disused train station (Warszawa Główna)� Walk from stall to stall, truck to truck, with old train signs dotted around, and the platform adorned with neon lights and artwork�

Hala Gwardii, part of Hala Mirowska

A truly great place to eat, drink and chill out in good company� To get there, take a tram (no.s 7, 9, 22, 24 or 25) from the centre, stop ‘Centrum’; get off at Pl. Zawiszy and walk toward the long alley with ‘Warszawa Główna’ emblazoned on the building� Alternatively, get to metro Rondo Daszyńskiego and walk the short distance�QC-9, ul. Towarowa 3, MRondo Daszyńskiego. Open Thu 17:00-24:00; Fri, Sat 17:00-01:00; Sun 16:00-23:00; closed Mon, Tue, Wed.