Women's Market — Attraction in Sofia City

The only thing it retained from its glorious past is its name.

It is predominantly a fruit and vegetable market where you are guaranteed to never find good quality let alone organic produce of any kind.

In the five cold months (November - March) 90% of the produce is from Turkey (you can see them unloading the crates).

The quality of even citrus fruit in January is so low you wouldn't eat it had it even been offered for free.

The clients are mainly pensioners who live in the center of Sofia and enjoy interacting with other shoppers and vendors.

Most of the rest are people like you reading my review right now - clueless tourists that are about to step into a tourist trap.

All stalls employ most (some all) of the following dishonest tactics ;

1. They sell batches of greens, leaves, lettuce, green onions etc. cheaper if you buy two or three.

Singles and couples typically can't consume even a single batch so unless you are a restaurant it turns out more expensive than buying the same at high quality fruit and vegetable shops.

2. They stand behind a tower of produce so they pick the fruits and vegetables that are less desirable and put it in a bag plus they often stack more produce than you asked for (no receipts are issued).

On the single occasion I visited I was given three batches of parsley instead of the one batch I asked for but as I bought other greens and vegetables from the dishonest woman I only noticed when I reached home.

3. Some vendors are rude and condescending because they made a fortune scamming shoppers throughout the years.

After buying some silly shallot onions and garlic for a price similar to what I pay in Luxembourg at this time of year I asked for 100 grams of green chilli that costs 1 BGN.

Alas, I had only 95 cents of a Leva (0.95 BGN) and a thousand BGN in 100 BGN notes.

To my surprise the vendor refused to sell me 95 grams stating the minimum is 100 grams.

I said fine - take 100 BGN and return 99 BGN which he said he can't because he has not enough change.

I was hence forced to make a detour carrying heavy bags, go to a shop and buy something so I have change to buy the chilli (I can't cook without chilli).

The lack of compassion and common sense is...

The Sofia Women's Market, located in Sofia, Bulgaria, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the early 20th century. Originally a small open-air market where women sold homemade goods, it gradually grew into a bustling hub for female entrepreneurs. Over the years, it has served as a platform for women to showcase and sell their crafts, food, and clothing. Today, it continues to thrive as a symbol of women's economic empowerment and creativity.

In Sofia's market, vibrant and alive, As vegetables, we thrive, we strive. From fertile soil, we sprout and grow, Nurtured by the sun's warm glow.

We bask in colors, a vibrant sight, A rainbow's palette, pure delight. Tomatoes red, like fiery sunsets, Crisp cucumbers, nature's duets.

Carrots orange, a touch of gold, Leafy greens, stories untold. Eggplants deep, with velvety skin, Radishes, a burst of flavor within.

With every farmer's tender care, We flourish, bloom, a harvest fair. Picked with love, ripe and sweet, We're destined for eager mouths to meet.

Within the market's bustling scene, A symphony of aromas, fresh and keen. Women gather, hands skilled and swift, Transforming us with passion and gift.

In their skilled hands, we find our purpose, A canvas for their culinary prowess. From hearty stews to vibrant salads, They create nourishment, no bounds or limits.

In Sofia's market, a timeless dance, We grace their tables, a vibrant chance. Nutrition, sustenance, life's embrace, We bring health and joy to every place.

We are the vegetables, humble and true, In Sofia's market, where dreams come through. A testament to nature's bountiful might, And women's hands, crafting pure delight.

So, come partake in this fertile realm, Where vegetables thrive, and stories overwhelm. Savor the flavors, taste the love, In Sofia's Women's Market,...

The Women’s Market in Sofia is one of our favourite finds in the city. It’s an outdoor market that stretches along a pedestrian street, and the atmosphere is full of life. Stalls are piled high with fruit and vegetables – tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, apples, peaches – all looking incredibly fresh and sold at prices that make you wonder why anyone shops at supermarkets. The one thing to watch is the minimum weights you have to buy - we ended up with a kilo of tomatoes, but luckily we were there for 4 days and the tomatoes were probably the best we'd ever tasted! It’s not just about the shopping though. The market has a buzz to it – locals chatting with the stallholders, families buying their week’s supplies, the occasional street musician in the background. It feels authentic, not polished up for tourists, and that’s what makes it so special. Around the edge you’ll find small shops that are well worth a stop. I tried some local white cheese and kefir from one, and both were excellent – creamy, tangy, and very different to what I’d usually buy at home. The butchers’ shops also looked great, with a wide selection of fresh meat. If you want a real slice of Sofia life, plus some of the freshest food at unbeatable prices, the Women’s Market should be at the top...