Kaylie Wang is an English sophomore and assistant opinion editor for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
While Thursday evenings mark the beginning of a three-day bender for some students, I use them as an excuse to join San Luis Obispo’s fellow foodies and support local vendors at the weekly farmers’ market on Higuera Street.
Before the end of the school year or graduation, make sure to visit the farmers’ market from 6–9 p.m. in downtown San Luis Obispo, even if only for nostalgia’s sake. Experiencing San Luis Obispo’s community of residents, families and students coming together on Thursday evenings always feels wholesome and heartwarming. I feel more connected to the community by meeting vendors and locals from all walks of life.
The farmers’ market was one of my first memories at Cal Poly when I visited with my Quarter Plus group. I remember standing in line at the Performing Arts Center bus stop and fighting for a seat every week in my freshman year just so I could grab a meal downtown.
As someone who isn’t old enough to line up for the bars and prefers chill plans, the farmers’ market is a consistent, enjoyable outing. I love trying food from different cuisines, and I tried pupusas (griddle cakes with fillings from El Salvador) for the first time at the farmers’ market.
While farmers’ markets are mostly known for produce, I think the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market is best known for its fresh food, especially since it happens during dinnertime. Everything is delicious, so you really can’t go wrong, but here is my list of must-try recommendations to check out for your last farmers’ market of the year:
1. A-Town Humble Pies
I was never a pie lover, and I still don’t love most pies — but I always make a beeline for A-Town Humble Pie’s booth because they experiment with new, unique flavors each week. Their selection includes a few constant flavors and some rotating seasonal flavors.
Each pie slice costs $6. I always try a new flavor each time I visit. My favorites have been the sticky toffee pudding (warmed up at home), strawberry rhubarb and chocolate banana cream pie. My roommate once brought home an Okinawan sweet potato pie, and I’m still waiting for the day I can get my hands on a slice.
2. Shin’s Sushi
This booth is one of the most recognizable with its red booth and constant long line. Shin’s sells Asian-flavored rice bowls, such as Korean BBQ pork, galbi and chicken teriyaki. They also have lots of sauce bottles you can drizzle onto your bowl for free, including teriyaki, spicy teriyaki, mayo, spicy mayo and Sriracha. Remember, this is one of the few cash-only booths, so make sure to bring some bills if you want a bowl.
My go-to order is their $11 Korean BBQ pork and rice bowl with teriyaki and spicy mayo sauce. Their booth was a lifesaver last year to cure my homesickness and give me a break from dining hall food. Their portion of meat and white rice is very filling, and the bowl with sauces is flavorful.
3. California Tacos
California Tacos sells delicious al pastor, carne asada and chicken tacos for $5 each, and I love asking for all the toppings of lime, onion and cilantro, guacachile and green salsa. I always get two tacos, which fit perfectly on one plate, and leave me with enough room for a slice of pie for dessert.
The only downside is I need to sit at a table and eat my tacos, which is hard to find downtown on Thursday evenings. However, these have quickly become my new go-to at the farmers’ market because their meats are always tender, juicy and flavorful. Their sauces and toppings create a lovely mix of textures, freshness and brightness. I especially love when al pastor tacos include slices of pineapple.
4. Wxveschef pupusas
Before coming to Cal Poly, I had never tried pupusas. However, I was so intrigued when I stumbled upon the Wxveschef booth. I was pleasantly surprised: the freshly made, savory pupusas right off the griddle make a great dinner on a chilly evening.
They offer two versions: mixta (chicharron, cheese and beans) or queso con frijol (cheese and beans). I ordered the mixta, which came with two pupusas for $15, which were surprisingly filling. Customers can also choose one of each flavor for no additional charge, according to Wxveschef. I chose to add both toppings, the salsa and curtido, or pickled cabbage, which adds freshness to the hearty pupusas. Their farmers’ market booth is the only location to buy these pupusas, but they also offer catering.
