Established in 1730, the Lancaster Central Market continues to be a staple in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Inside the historic building, you’ll find more than local produce and global flavors. The market functions as a gathering place for a thriving community that returns each Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Vendors share not only their goods, but their time and energy with patrons, sustaining a tradition that has endured for over 290 years and continues to carry forward with each new generation.
With more than 60 stands, the market can feel overwhelming at first glance. I hope to highlight a few “hidden gems” within its well-worn walls, places that reveal a deeper appreciation for the stand holders, the products they offer, and the shared space that allows for this merger of lives to happen.
Callaloo
Start your adventure with a bold, exciting breakfast experience that will not dissapoint your taste buds. The first hidden gem is Callaloo’s own Aloo Sada Roti with Egg. This stuffed roti is a Trinidadian-inspired creation, made with a homemade roti filled with fresh, soft scrambled eggs, shug sauce, an herbaceous green blend of cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, jalapeno, and salt, along with piped seasoned mashed potatoes, and topped with Callaloo’s own homemade crispy chili flakes. This pocket of deliciousness can also be made egg-free. When you are in the mood for lunch, Callaloo has you covered, offering a wide selection of modern Caribbean cuisine that will expand any foodie’s palate.
Central Market Juice Company
After your roti experience, venture around the corner to the Central Market Juice Company. Chegg and Sally, along with their wonderful staff, are there to serve fresh smoothies, delicious bagels, wheatgrass, and fresh-pressed juice.A true hidden gem is their 16-oz fresh-pressed carrot, vegetable, and fruit juice. This nutrient-dense drink blends fresh carrots, oranges, beets, celery, and cucumbers. They also offer a wide range of smoothies that can be made dairy-free. For a fresh and easy way to get your daily fruits and vegetables, the Juice Company is well worth a visit.
Crowded Kitchen
When over 200 pounds of beef bones are simmered for 24 hours, the result is a golden elixir found at the Crowded Kitchen. Stop by for a fresh, hot cup of beef or chicken bone broth, available in 8 or 12-ounce servings. Perfect on an empty stomach, it is rich in collagen and essential amino acids that support gut health. The stand also offers a variety of stocks, broths, and soups that can elevate any dish.
Marley’s Country Goods
When you are in the mood for a sweet and salty treat, head over to Maryley’s Country Goods. The stand is home to some of the best peanut butter balls east of the Mississippi. These energizing bites are made with oatmeal, raisins, chocolate chips, coconut, oat bran, salt, peanut butter, and honey. Mary, the stand owner, prepares them fresh each week. In addition to these favorites, Mary and her mother offer homemade whoopie pies, fruit pies, and freshly canned fruits and vegetables.
Saife’s Middle Eastern Foods
Omar Al Saife is the owner of Saife’s Middle Eastern Foods. The stand is home to Middle Eastern cuisine such as hummus, falafel, fresh pita, zatar seasoning, and homemade baklava. The baklava consists of many layers of thin filo dough, which is a Mediterranean unleavened bread that is paper-thin. These layers become soaked with an infused simple syrup that adds richness and complexity. The middle is layered with a blend of walnuts and sugar that adds just the right amount of buttery texture to the sweet treat.
Additional Hidden Gems
Operating for over 100 years, Kauffman Fruit Farm continues to supply the community with fresh apples, berries, nuts, dry goods, cider, and most notably, nut butter. At the stand, you will find a wide selection of peanut, almond, and cashew butter. Their homemade apple cider is always available and can be enjoyed hot or chilled.
Next, swing by Nord, a stand serving up staple Scandinavian food. In the winter, it is home to some of the most decadent hot chocolate in Lancaster. Be sure to try their authentic Danish hot dog, served on a brioche bun with Danish mustard, ketchup, and remoulade, then topped with chopped raw onion, crispy fried onions, and pickles.
Right across the way, you will find Christina’s Criollo Authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine. Stop by for a friendly conversation and enjoy some of Central Market’s most authentic Puerto Rican food. Staples such as seasoned rice, beans, yuca, chicken, and pork can be mixed and matched to create your perfect meal. Be sure to try their homemade empanadas.
Del Grassi is the go to spot for homestyle Italian meals. Homemade meatball and sausage sandwiches will bring you as close as you can get to nonna’s kitchen. Enjoy a warm conversation with Jay and Sonja as you browse a large selection of olives, cheeses, and sandwiches.
For a globally inspired stop, visit HUBUB World Market. This vibrant stand offers a rotating selection of international foods that reflect flavors from around the world. It is a great place to discover something new and bring a taste of global cuisine into your own kitchen.