Megan S.
Yelp
So Kleinmarkthalle would be a 5/5 if I could afford to shop there. But yea....
I have been going to Kleinmarkthalle for years but never really took to going there to actually buy anything until maybe like 1.5 years ago. I only go there on weekdays typically as weekends are packed and I get very anxious being too closely surrounded by others.
Kleinmarkthalle literally has anything you could ever wish for. Spices, several butchers, bakers, fromageries galore, florists, produce, coffee... you name it, you can find it here. So what is the problem? The freaking prices. Holy hell.
So I went in here on a mission for serrano peppers, poblano peppers, cherimoyas, fresh oregano, and watercress one day... I came out with only the poblano because I couldn't afford anything else. One poblano pepper = 3,50 Euros. What the hell!??! Now I know this is an imported good, but geeeeeeez. I haven't seen serranos here ever, on the other hand, despite try to track them down one day. Despite prices, every time I see a tomatillo, I contemplate spending at least a fiver to buy one. But I resist temptation.
The spices here are insanely expensive too. But they have them all! Looking for ras el hanout? Got it. Looking for achiote? Got it. Looking for Murray River salt? Got it too... just expect to pay an arm and a leg for them.
One place I find semi-affordable is the Mexican stall. They sell La Costena products, mole sauce, tostadas, masa harina, etc. The price points are not cheap, but not as bad if compared to the price point for the rest of the stalls. Sometimes there is a man working behind the counter and he loves a good chat. But sometimes you will have no one there to assist and will have to check out behind at the Asian stall. No worries either way- but the guy working there is incredibly nice and helpful so it is nice to see him there.
Despite coming out empty handed nearly every visit, I always take the time to visit the market when in this area of the city. I love exploring and seeing all the products I miss from my travels around the world... and even the slight harassing to buy or try things makes me feel like I'm in another part of the world, even if just for a few minutes.
I highly recommend Kleinmarkthalle to visitors to Frankfurt and even the locals living here. Just because I can't afford to constantly shop here doesn't mean others can't... it is a great piece of Frankfurt and something I am proud to show tourists when they come to the city.