Reason #39 to Love Memphis: The Winchester Farmer's Market

Reason #39 to Love Memphis: The Winchester Farmer's Market

The first thing that you need to know about the Winchester Farmer's Market is that it's not actually a farmer's market. It's a sprawling former Schnucks filled with all manner of international cuisine.

In most grocery stores, imported food is relegated to the "ethnic" aisle where a limited selection of Mexican, Italian and Asian foods compete for shelf space.  At the Winchester Farmer's Market, it's like the ethnic aisle exploded.

Peppers, Winchester Farmer's Market, Memphis, Tenn.

The produce section is bigger than most Easy Way stores, and much more interesting. They've got all sorts of obscure fruits and veggies. I was impressed by their serious commitment to peppers - there were 20 different kinds of fresh peppers (and an entire aisle of dried and canned peppers).

The meat section is a must-see, too. The Winchester Farmer's Market has an in-house butcher, so all of the meat is super fresh. Every kind, type, and part of the meat is represented. Cut fish and chicken shares freezer space with whole cow heads. It can be a little shocking at first.

Fish in Distress, Winchester Farmer's Market, Memphis, Tenn.

The store has a unique geography. The aisles are labeled by country, but not in the order that they occur on a globe. Shopping there is sort of like shopping at a Kroger where the food is just slightly off - the packaging is similar, but the brands are different, and most of the text isn't in English.

Before you head out to Hickory Hill, ready to experience the wonder of the Winchester Farmer's Market, know this: Your first trip might be a little overwhelming. I spent nearly an hour there on my first trip and only bought a container of spicy cheese dip and two Mexican Cokes.

Go There:

Winchester Farmer's Market

6616 Winchester Road
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 795-1525

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david
This is my absolute favorite place to shop. Well worth the trip from Mud Island. Pick a cuisine, find some recipes, stock up, and cook like you're in a foreign country for a week.
August 26, 2010 3:46pm
Andy
Looks pretty cool. I wonder if they could do the same thing with the Schnuck's being abandoned in Cordova.
August 27, 2010 12:04pm
susie
I love this store, but you're right, it is overwhelming the first time. The fish smell is not for the faint of heart, but I felt like I was in Europe. I now take the Food Lover's Companion with me so I can figure out what some of that crazy stuff is. And the produce is ridiculously cheap!
August 30, 2010 11:36am
eat
Also there is a really great Mexican ice cream store across the street, just east of the statute of liberty church. Excellent ice cream and popsicles in unusual flavors.
August 30, 2010 1:11pm
Free Pakistan Calls
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here
January 16, 2011 3:36am
David
BUYER BEWARE - SALMONELLA, BOTULISM AND E COLI POSSIBLE AT THE WINCHESTER FARMERS MARKET AT 6616 WINCHESTER IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. The meat is from "UNKNOWN" sources, and does not have any of the USDA markings on it. I bought a package of pork-chops that had a chemical "smell" and taste to them. I took them back, and the manager refused to refund. I hope the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department can do an inspection on this low level market. BUYER BEWARE - SALMONELLA, BOTULISM AND E COLI POSSIBLE AT THE WINCHESTER FARMERS MARKET AT 6616 WINCHESTER IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. Avoid at all costs..!!!
March 6, 2011 1:41pm
Bob
I have shopped at the Winchester Farmer's Market for the past year and have never once gotten sick from the food.
March 10, 2011 1:28pm
Angela Curtiss
I moved to the area in oct 2011 and have been shopping at  WINCHESTER FARMERS MARKET for 4mos now and I nor my family has gotten sick from anything from this store ! I have seen the same complaint from David or who ever this person is on many sites complaining with the same message . I love the different kinds of food as well as the prices . The employees on the other hand are a little rude and really dont want to go out of their way to help you ,so you better at least know what foods you are buying or looking for if shopping here. .
January 27, 2012 10:26pm
joe san
It is a good asian and hispanic market.  But about two block south, now there is VH Food market.  It is on Riverdale and Hwy 385.  i think VH Food has larger asian, hispanic, Fillipino, Thai and other ethnic selections.   Their prices are competitive - probably better at VH Foods for seafoods and Chinese/japanese/hispanic stuff.
May 27, 2012 2:57pm
Russ
This place is crazy.  It's HUGE and filled with the most unusual foods.  You can buy five pound alligator steaks for instance.  Only a guy like me could do ALL the grocery shopping here, so be prepared to have to go to Kroger if you need a cold cereal aisle, but if you like to cook, juice or just try new foods this place is great.  It's also the closest thing to a true fish market I know of in Memphis.  They actually have a pile of sharks on the top of the meat counter along with whole mackerels and just about anything you want from a butcher / fish monger.
September 3, 2012 10:31pm
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