Frying pan of Zakynthos People's Market

H People's Market of Zakynthos or else the Farmers Zante Market, the pride of Zakynthos, is a place where one can not only find what is produced on the island, but also taste it.

And this is because the local producers thought of reviving an original idea, which started fifteen years ago, in order for visitors to get to know the products of the place, try them there, and immediately appreciate their deliciousness. This idea starts from a long time ago, when in the country's public markets there were so-called "Fry Shop", a kiosk where, after shopping, someone would give their goods (fish, vegetables) to be fried on the spot. Except that here in Zakynthos the appetizers at the expense of the organized producers of the Farmers Zante Market, are offered free of charge to visitors.

Ο George Gasparis and his wife, Peace, retired years, found a way to utilize their abundant time and prepare appetizers with all the good that the producers from the surrounding stalls will give them every time!

And there are many: potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, peppers of all kinds, cucumbers, herbs. And they make a bunch of goodies that they give to the customers, locals and foreigners, free of course.

The shop's "menu" is seasonal, but the most common one starts with cool village salads, with plenty of Zakynthos oil and afrala (raw pure sea salt that is collected in rock cavities and is not subjected to any chemical process and for this reason gives special taste in food). The main menu is whatever the pan produces.

The first and best recipe is fried potatoes. Coarsely cut potatoes from Belousi or "Belousiotikas" - known for their blond color when fried, their crunchy and at the same time fluffy taste on the inside - are accompanied by afrala and oregano. The same can be done depending on the season with eggplants, zucchini, pumpkin flowers, mushrooms, etc.

Many times the fishermen bring from their boats, which are moored nearby, small fish (anchovies, sardines, sardines or even perches) that become elusive.

And if the traditional cuisine of Zakynthos has as a basic ingredient skordostubi (generous doses of garlic with vinegar) that accompany most dishes, such as eggplant skordostubi, sartsa (Zakynthian recipe), red meat, here at Teganitzidiko of the People's Market the ultimate "sauce" is garlic lemon a mixture of oil, lemon, oregano and garlic. The recipe for this great mixture, as Mr. Giorgos described it to us, is one dose of vinegar, three doses of oil, oregano and garlic "stumpiseno", i.e. pounded.

At the counter of Mr. George, whose face radiates joy, kindness and satisfaction, after seeing the acceptance of his cooking, there is always a small loss, especially from foreigners who try the simple but unprecedented flavors.

And as you nibble, you learn from which producer each product comes, and thus you have the opportunity to get to know the products as well as the joy and humor of the Zakynthian peddlers.

For me personally, the experience at the Frying Pan in the People's Market of Zakynthos is probably the most authentic thing you can find on the island.