Purchasing Tosa Food at the Gairo-ichi Market!

Fresh food that you don’t normally see at the supermarket!

   We went to buy food at the “Thursday Market”, which is held every Thursday. It takes place around 270m away from the streetcar/tram stop opposite the Kochi Prefectural Office (Kencho-mae) and consists of about 77 stalls. This market is full of local customers, as opposed to tourists from outside the prefecture, and gives an impression of being deeply rooted in the local community. As well as juicy fruit and vegetables in an array of colors, the market offers a range of seasonal Tosa flavors, including seafood, side dishes such as sushi rolls, and homemade bread and mochi. It’s also fun to ask stall owners for advice about which food to choose! They kindly told us what was in season, and how to use it when cooking.

 

   In addition, the “Sunday Market”, has been representative of the city dweller’s kitchen for over 300 years. It spans approximately 1300m starting from the foot of Kochi Castle, has around 420 stalls, and is bustling with both locals and tourists.