La Cigale French markets – a gorgeously Gallic gourmet treat in the heart of Auckland.
I recently found myself in Auckland for a few days. This was only my second visit to New Zealand, although I don’t know why I can’t seem to get there a little more often – it is a breathtakingly lovely country. Even though I had very limited time on this last trip, I was keen to check out some of the markets in Auckland so had nagged my hosts into a quick Saturday morning shopping excursion to La Cigale French markets.
The canned food available in La Cigale shop is a step up from that available from my local.
Situated in Parnell and inspired by the traditional markets of France, La Cigale markets are the brain-child of Elizabeth and Mike Lind, the owners of La Cigale Bistro and shop. This popular market has been voted Auckland’s Best Food Market by Metro Magazine for the last 8 years running and is open on both Saturday and Sunday mornings every weekend (except for the break between Christmas and new year).
Smoked local fish, La Cigale French Market, Auckland
Fresh Manuka honey.
Le Fromages at La Cigale French Markets, Auckland
Parking is tight and it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular – it’s all about the food here and this place is a true haven for the hungry. There is a large selection of fresh produce stalls, featuring seasonal fruit and vegetables from local growers, a huge range of artisanal food products, cheeses – local and imported, meats, fresh and smoked local seafoods, locally grown teas, manuka honey, olives – in fact, all the stuff that makes any food blogger’s heart beat that little bit faster.
A little wit with your banh mi at La Cigale French markets.
Plenty of paella to go round at La Cigale French market
Lots of the customers wandering around have clearly come to do the weekend food shopping, but just as many seem to be here for the wonderful prepared food which is available to eat at the long, communal tables or to take home. If I lived anywhere near here this is clearly where I would be found every weekend, gradually working my way through the selections of banh mi’s, crepes, Croque Monsieurs, paellas and a breathtaking array of baked goods and sweet treats – just as one would expect to find in, well, a French market!
Check out this range of raw cakes – raw food lovers don’t miss out at La Cigale French markets, Auckland.
Once our shopping bags were stuffed with more calories than we could possibly justify (and a generous selection of healthy, fresh vegetables to assuage any guilt) we headed for the car, passing one last stall on the way out. Miss Maggie’s sells a range of home made dog treats and has brilliantly recruited the most charming and perfectly appropriate marketing assistant!
Yes, you really must venture beyond Auckland – Amanda – if you want to be bowled over my fresh food be sure to include Hawke’s Bay – look forward to seeing you:-)
I really like Auckland but I’ve never been to that market. I’ll make sure I don’t miss it on my next trip over.
Oh, I am drooling. Would love to get some fish roe like that locally 🙂
I haven’t been to NZ in years and years – like you said, it is so close to home but you sort of ‘forget’ about it as a holiday destination. This post is making me desperate to get back – all that food! Ooh la la 🙂
Aww that little dog is so cute! And all of the food looks wonderful 🙂
Wow this market looks incredible. That manuka smoked fish roe sounds amazing!
Oh wow! This looks so fantastic, you lucky thing 🙂
What a great market. I would love a trip to Auckland right now. Gorgeous pictures Amanda
I love how Miss Maggie is able to take her dog to work with her. What a beautiful market – the produce looks incredible and it’s very well presented xx