A culinary labyrinth, the iconic Magdalena Market (free, 7am-6pm) buzzes with people, produce, specialty coffee, prepared dishes and cariño (affection) shared between loyal customers and longtime vendors. Most vendors do not speak English so you may want to consider hiring a guide if you want more in-depth information.
Fresh Juice
Peruse the produce stands just beyond the main entrance (facing Plaza Tupac) to sample earthy lucuma and slimy granadilla before having them in blended form.
Guanabana is turned into a refreshing juice from El Rey de los Jugos (starting at S6, at corner entrance 12), while maca root powder and beer are added to the powerful Super Especial smoothie at La Frescura de Mi Juguito (S12, stand 850).
Coffee-Tasting
Caffeine-seekers fill the aisle between specialty coffee stands El Buen Cafe D’Martin (stand 222) and El Máximo Placer (stand 256), near entrance 3. Order an Americano (S4.50) or a frozen version with limòn (S7), and eye the plethora of jars filled with high-quality beans from Puno, Amazonas and Cusco.
Huariques
Humble menús offer two-course lunches starting at S10, but that’s not what all the fuss is about.
Watch the legendary owner of Cevicheria Roberto crack open black clams for the onion-heavy ceviche de conchas negras (S20, stand 790). Don’t skimp on the ají when eating stuffed potatoes (papa rellena) from El Rey de Las Papas (S7, stand #89) or beef heart skewers from Doña Anto (S10, Jr Leoncio Prado).
