One Of California's Oldest Farmers Markets Is A Downtown Stockton Gem With Tasty Eats And Cultural Flair

California isn't always kind to the traveler's wallet, especially when it comes to food and travel. Many of the hot spots influencers rave about on social media end up costing a small fortune, from $20 smoothies to high-end specialty restaurants. But while splurging on a nice meal or experience can be worth it when you're on vacation, some of the best stops are also the most affordable. For those willing to wake up early, there's a wallet-friendly place to explore roughly 80 miles east of the Bay Area with good food and a cultural flair. That place is Golden Villa Farmers' Market.

The market's vendors have set up under Stockton's Highway 4 in the early hours of Saturday morning since 1979, making it "one of California's oldest and most successful markets," according to Visit Stockton. While its almost 50-year history is no doubt impressive, what truly sets Golden Villa Farmers' Market apart is its variety of produce used in Asian cooking, covering the whole continent.

The selection of ingredients sold by each vendor goes beyond what travelers might expect at a typical farmers' market, including bitter melon, yardlong beans, chili peppers, and bok choy. One Google Maps reviewer said the market was well worth the visit for the produce, writing, "The quality of veggies is unlike what you will find anywhere else at great prices." Vendors at Golden Villa sell more than vegetables. Some of them also offer fresh seafood, meats, herbs, and baked goods. And shoppers who arrive hungry most definitely won't leave hungry.

Nancy's Chinese American Food has been a regular fixture at Golden Villa Farmers' Market for more than 25 years. Its menu includes well-known American Chinese favorites like chow mein, fried rice, fried chicken, and egg rolls, and there are also combo plates for market-goers who want a little bit of everything. If you're craving more Chinese food in California, head to San Francisco and America's oldest Chinatown for some authentic dim sum.

There are plenty of other dishes to try around the market if you're not in the mood for Chinese food. Visitors may come across Filipino and other Southeast Asian dishes like Ilocos empanadas and silog breakfast plates, along with regional snacks like fried opo squash. For something sweet, try leche flan or suman na kamoteng kahoy, a Filipino cassava dessert often eaten with coffee. Try even more Filipino food by heading to Daly City's "Little Manila," located near San Francisco Bay.

Waking up early to get to the market is worth it if there's something specific you'd like to try. Golden Villa is only open for four hours every Saturday, starting at 5:30 a.m., and past visitors say the inventory is limited. On Google Maps, one reviewer wrote, "Usually after 9 a.m., a lot of the vendors have already run out of produce or food to sell." Also, be sure to bring cash, as vendors often prefer it to credit cards. If you're up for visiting more farmers' markets, nearby Sacramento has several you can add to your Northern California itinerary.