A vibrant atmosphere, great food and a wholesome community. What more could you ask for? Did you ask? Well, regardless of whether or not you did, a large swath of Denverites do. And if you’ve ever been to the South Pearl Farmers’ Market, you’d know that there couldn’t be a better example of just that.
Local artisans of wide-ranging disciplines faithfully open shop every Sunday from May through mid-November, selling their wares, sharing their lives and weaving the threads of a communal savepoint. The food scene is arguably the linchpin of the market. Between cheese bread, samosas, kimchi and more, we have no shortage of unique vendors bearing their life stories, intimate cultural narratives and passions through their products and services. Here’s a glimpse into five South Pearl foodie staples loved by many, myself included, from my unique vantage point of being a customer and behind the table– but we’ll get to that later.
KREAM Kimchi
Seeded from the traditional Kimchi that owner Virgil’s mother prepared for his family throughout his upbringing, KREAM has blossomed into a one-stop shop for both Korean staples and inspired products. From their traditional to cilantro/cucumber kimchis, kimchi dip, marinades and more, they’ve innovated and iterated unique products powered by a deepening
connection to their roots. KREAM occasionally holds cooking classes for a myriad of traditional and fusion dishes, creating a positive space for motivated individuals who are aspirational to any and all people.
Must-Have: Chili Crunch (I run through one weekly)
kreamkimchi.com
Bruna's Brazilian Cheese Bread
Inspired by her favorite cheese bread, known as Pão De Queijo, from her upbringing in Bauru Brazil, Bruna launched her very own cheese bread business after moving to the States and missing her favorite childhood treats. Bruna’s style is bright and infectious, as can be seen and felt at any market graced by her vibrant yellow booth. The amazing texture of their products always leaves you scratching your head, wondering how it’s also gluten-free. Stopping by and trying out one of their many flavors is a market must.
Must-Have: Garlic & Onion Cheese Bread
brunasbread.com
Samosa Shop Denver
You’re simply slacking if you haven’t tried one of Chef Dave Hadley’s mind-bendingly comforting samosas. Running on a base of Indian flavors funneled and expanded through Western techniques, Samosa Shop creates products where every bite is the perfect bite. Walking the market with a few golden brown triangular flavor bombs is a ritual for many at the market and is sure to leave you just as happy as bantering with the fired-up staff manning the booth every week.
Must-Have: OG Samosa
samosashopco.com
New Friends Breakfast Sandwiches
I kid you not, come Sunday morning I’m always munching on one of New Friends' breakfast sandwiches. All components of the sandwich are noticeably fresh, spiced to perfection, and harmonized by their signature Friends Sauce (if they bottled it, I’d be first in line). Jacob and Mari have created a fun and lively presence in the community felt by all who patronize, and is noticed by anyone within a 1000-mile radius who can surely see the line of hyped and hungry customers, stretching from the register to the moon. Using locally sourced eggs, produce and meat from local butchers, they aim not to take over the world, but to tend to their local environment, and be your new Best Friends.
Must-Have: Single or Double
Diamond Doughnuts
At last, yours truly! We’re a West African bakery catalyzed by (similarly to our ensemble of passionate vending homies) the love for sharing food and culture we learned at home. Translating the experience of waking up to the smell of spices emanating from my mother’s kitchen kicked us off and getting to offer that feeling and taste to the South Pearl community is why
we do what we do. Whether you’re crunching into our doughnuts or chin-chin or savoring ourgluten-free banana bread balls (Rice Akara) we aim to storytell a feeling of home and celebration through our food.
Must-Have: Everything! Okay, if I had to pick, The Traditional. But I’m biased, what can I say?
diamonddoughnuts.shop