This review is for the general public. Ever feel like this place is a bit elusive AND exclusive for UCSD students & faculty? Well it is. I don't know if I'd take the time to come to such a small market, let alone have to pay for parking, at that. Other patrons are people who work/reside in near by buildings or condos that might be able to utilize the transit system. UCSD Farmers Market is great if you just happen to be in the area, in my opinion.
It isn't really a big, and it's more for small food vendors than artisian items or produce. The most "artisian" thing you'll find are allergen friendly desserts (vegan) from Olive Oil, fancy cakes in a jar from Caked Up, and seasoned roasted nuts from Smit's Farm. Theres also a man selling fresh orange juice, and a woman selling flowers.
Now the food:
I'm vegan, so I generally stick with the first 4-5 stalls, as they're all vegan/vegetarian friendly.
But there are about 20 food and 5 miscellaneous stalls + a Mexican food truck. Featured at the food stands are tamales, burritos, tacos, vegan/veggie gourmet food, crepes, sabusas, fresh fruits (cut in a cup), paninis, bbq, meat bowls, salads, eggs benedict, acai bowls, sushi etc. Most of them can be found at other farmers markets too
Cuisine types include: Mexican, French, New American, West African, Cajun, Brazillian, Mediterranean, Filipino, and Japanese.
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Vegan Review:
I usually get the sambusas from the Red Sambusa stall (ironically, the stall is black, and the line is always long). You can find them at Ocean Beach Farmer's Market too.
My favorite vegan ones are the lentils (4/5), but the spinach and potatoes are so decent (3.5/5) They're not as flavorful as samosas, but it does the job. Their $2 fruity tea are good too. Good, portable, and cheap - perfect for students.
I've tried Green Door Cafe, Tamale Kitchen, the fruit guy, the nuts guy, and Olive oil, as they offer vegan options, but aren't my go to, as it's just okay, or I don't crave it very often.
Green Door Cafe - 3.5/5
It's too oily for me, and their flavor palette isn't for me. It's also very heavy without being flavorful enough to have it make sense. (Imagine bland Indian or Ethiopian) The best thing I tried was the roasted sweet potatoes w/ brussels and the savory pancake. The side salad was fresh but was unseasoned and doust with oil as a dressing, which made it unappetizing for me. (All vegan)
Tamale Kitchen - 2.5/5
The masa is very mushy and and the filling is bland. At least they had vegan options.
Fruit Cup Stall - 3.5/5
Fruits are a hit or miss, in terms of sweetness, but the man there is always nice. Standards fruit in a cup. They also have chamango, which I will have to try one of these days.
Olive Oil - 4/5
I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt here, that it's really good, because most people like them, vegan or not. I don't like American desserts. It's too dense and sweet. I like Taiwanese and Japanese desserts more, but what can you do. I've tried their raspberry bar (the best one), as well as the matcha cake, the half baked cookie bar, and the smores fudge bar. The raspberry is the best as the tartness helps with the piercing confection sweetness, the matcha cake has zero matcha flavors, and the chocolate bars are good but still too sweet for me. Hits the spot when aunty flow visits, though.
Smit's nuts - 4/5
Their nuts are a bit pricey at $7+ a lb, but the chili lime pistachios are pretty good. I'll get them from time to time. read more