Beyond the Tourist Spots: A Foodies Tour of Pike Place Market and the Best Seattle Food Stalls
Seattle was not the top of my list of cities to visit in the US, but I had an executive board meeting there. As per usual, I arranged to stay a few days and spend some time exploring Seattle.
My friends who lived there seemed to spend a lot of time salmon fishing, especially King Salmon. They had freezers full of this fish. They lived on a houseboat (like in When Harry Met Sally) and had a very laid-back lifestyle. They suggested that I meet them at Wild Ginger, which at the time was in Pike Place Market. This Asian restaurant now has several outlets around Seattle.
It was one of the places I had on my list to visit, after my stop in the original Starbucks shop to buy some coffee beans. Seattle itself is not that big. I spent just one afternoon walking around “downtown”. But since my visit, a lot has changed, and I met a lovely chef at a press event who told me that he harvested wild rice by canoe for his restaurant and worked with indigenous farmers for produce.
(Unfortunately, all my photos of Seattle were lost when my external hard drive died on me.)
Pike Place Market is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Seattle, known for its iconic fishmongers and chowder. When I was there, the food scene was not as buzzing as it is today.
A food lover’s tour of Pike Place Market
This is a foodie tour of the market, highlighting the best food stalls that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. If you’re visiting before your Seattle cruise, Pike Place is the perfect spot to experience the city’s true culinary scene. You can’t miss the massive neon sign that is now quite iconic.
Pike Place Market: A Culinary Legacy
Pike Place Market has been at the heart of Seattle’s food scene since 1907, making it one of the oldest public markets in the US. Its location on the city’s waterfront has made it a gathering place for local farmers, fishers, artisans, and food vendors for over a century.
As with a lot of food markets, it had humble beginnings as a place for farmers to sell fresh produce. Today, the market has grown into a vibrant hub of culinary diversity, with more than 200 vendors offering everything from fresh seafood to handcrafted cheeses, local wines, and unique international flavours.
The market offers a diverse food experience from classic butcher shops to innovative eateries. Pike Place remains a central hub for those who want to experience Seattle’s culinary offerings, and you will find the local salmon served in many different ways.
While Pike Place Market is famous for its iconic seafood and tourist-friendly stalls, there’s so much more to discover. Here are some of the market’s lesser-known gems that food lovers shouldn’t miss:
Fresh Seafood Finds
Pike Place is known for its seafood, but some vendors go beyond the typical offerings. Look out for local seafood stands that specialise in sustainable, wild-caught fish from the nearby waters. Pure Food Fish Market is one of these, known for its top-quality local fish, from wild salmon to oysters. They also offer unique options like smoked salmon and fresh crab, prepared right in front of you.
Authentic Regional Cuisine
Pike Place Market has also embraced the way people like to explore flavours today. They have a variety of international food stalls. You’ll find Ethiopian dishes at Addis Market or Mexican flavours at La Isla, known for its Cuban sandwiches. For a fresh and flavorful bite, Pike Place Thai serves Thai street food made with local ingredients.
Pastry and Dessert Stalls
Sweet cravings are easily satisfied at Pike Place, with bakeries offering unique takes on Pacific Northwest desserts. Pike Place Bakery is known for its cinnamon rolls and treats made with local berries.
At The Crumpet Shop, you can try crumpets topped with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings. The Blueberry Store offers blueberry-inspired desserts like pies and jams
Specialty Products
Pike Place is also home to a variety of artisan producers. Cheese lovers should head to Beecher’s Handmade Cheese where they hand make the cheese right in the market. Try their famous mac and cheese or take home some of their unique cheese blends.
For artisan charcuterie, The Salumi Shop has a vast selection of cured meats, made in the traditional Italian style. Stop at the Jam Stop where you can sample honey and locally made jams, sauces, and syrups that make great food gifts.
Seasonal Surprises: How Pike Place Evolves with the Seasons
Pike Place Market is a dynamic place that changes with the seasons. As the seasons shift, the market adapts by showcasing different produce, seafood, and speciality dishes that highlight the best of what each month of the year has to offer.
Spring and Summer: Berries, Fresh Greens, and Seafood
As spring turns into summer, the market bursts with fresh local produce. Vendors fill their stalls with vibrant fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, all from nearby farms. Chukar Cherries offers fresh and dried cherries, while Pike Place Fish Market showcases seasonal seafood such as Dungeness crab and spot prawns.
Summer is also a great time for those who enjoy lighter dishes. You can find stalls offering Pacific Northwest oysters, which are sweet and briny. There’s also an abundance of salad greens, herbs, and vegetables, making it the perfect time for fresh salads and other refreshing dishes.
Autumn: Harvest Flavours and Comfort Foods
When fall arrives, Pike Place Market embraces the harvest with seasonal vegetables, pumpkins, and squash. Local farmers bring in root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, while the market’s stalls start showcasing more hearty and warming dishes. The pumpkin pie at Pike Place Bakery is a particular favourite.
Seafood lovers can also look forward to the return of wild salmon runs, offering an extra-special catch. Pike Place Fish Market often has fresh Chinook and Coho salmon during this time, perfect for grilling or making into a rich, flavorful chowder.
Winter: Hearty, Warm Dishes and Holiday Delights
Winter in Seattle is cold, and the market switches gears and offers menus with more comfort foods. You’ll find seasonal ingredients like root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, and winter squash, perfect for warming stews and soups. Pike Place Chowder is a local favourite, serving up its famous clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls.
During the festive season, the market offers speciality gifts to festive foods like gingerbread cookies, mulled cider and locally made seasonal jams. Seasonal stalls also pop up, offering winter-themed gifts, decorations, and fresh holiday greenery.
Pike Place Market offers something different with each season, from fresh seafood to local produce and seasonal dishes. Each visit brings something new to discover, with a variety of food stalls and unique products that showcase Seattle’s local flavours. Every trip to Seattle demands a stop here for a taste of the Pacific Northwest.
