![\"Dunhuang](\"http:\/\/www.stormysweitzer.com\/recipes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/D-Dunhuang-markets-Spices.jpg\")
That\u2019s why I love markets and local street food vendors so much. \u00a0You are always likely to find many different things in one place, most vendors \u2013 at least produce and dried fruit and nut vendors \u2013 are willing to give you a sample in order to gain your business, and, most importantly, you get to see what the locals eat. \u00a0And if you are cautious of ingredients \u2013 you can at least see what is going into a dish as it\u2019s made in front of you and gesture to exclude things you don\u2019t want.<\/p>\n
Plus, it is a bit of a challenge. \u00a0Not only do you have to be open to trying things that you may not recognize and give up on the idea of tidily-packaged foods prepared in sterile environments, it forces you to interact with people using basic words or hand gestures to get your question, or your bottom line, across. \u00a0In other words, it can take a sense of adventure, a strong stomach, and a willingness to be uncomfortable at times.<\/p>\n
Challenge aside, visiting food markets is \u00a0one of the best ways I know of to experience a place. \u00a0Here are some of the food finds we ran across along the Silk Road:<\/p>\n
![\"Shanghai](\"http:\/\/www.stormysweitzer.com\/recipes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/J6-Shanghai-watermelon.jpg\" "\\"J6")
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![](\"http:\/\/www.stormysweitzer.com\/recipes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/D-Dunhuang-markets-Tea.jpg\"){kind=link}