The Enthusiast: Modern Food Halls

 Mega Marts

From Mexico City to Copenhagen, New York City to Istanbul, these are glory days for the food hall. Working with top architectural firms, cities are transforming grand historic spaces, or creating striking new ones, to house a snapshot of the city’s food scene—and more. “There is a difference between a market and a store,” says Salomón Sacal, a developer of Mexico City’s Mercado Roma. “At a market, people walk, become friendly with the sellers and other shoppers, and sit at tables with other people. A market gives the community a different experience.” Here are six of the world’s most exciting new culinary experiences.