A Four-Course Meal at the Princeton University Farmers Market

My trip to the Princeton University Farmers Market, situated in the walkway between East Pyne and Firestone, welcomed me into a world of delectable foods and stunning flower displays. Whether you are a hustling student, an off-duty professor, or a curious resident, the farmers market allows you to take the pause you didn’t even know you needed, which for me, happened to be on a particularly slow Wednesday. 

The farmers market is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday until Oct. 28. If you’re looking for a light snack before or after classes, you might pick up a salmon onigiri or chicken empanada. Beyond fresh food, the market also features a variety of more unexpected items, like flower pots shaped like Albert Einstein’s head and pumpkin spice peanut butter. 

Carlito’s Taco Wagon

My first stop was Carlito’s Taco Wagon, a small food truck selling a selection of tacos and arepas, flatbreads made from cornmeal. At 12 p.m., the line was long and curving towards Nassau Street. Although initially daunting, the line moved quickly; the excursion lasted only ten minutes. I decided to go with the beef brisket taco, which seemed to be a popular choice with the people in front of me. 

The taco was made to order with an even amount of shredded cheddar, pico de gallo, chopped lettuce, and beef chunks — everything you would expect in a taco. Upon taking my first bite, I was met with a kick of spice followed by a subtle tang, which eagerly left me wanting more. Though fresh and savory, I’m not sure if the tacos are worth the $6 price tag. As far as bang-for-buck, Carlito’s Taco Wagon pales in comparison to Tacoria, a cult classic on Nassau that offers something more filling for the same price.

Giuliano & Dorina

My next stop was Guiliano & Dorina, which drew me in with its bright checkered tabletop and the huge, inviting logo of the owner, Giuliano. Specializing in plant-based, sustainable desserts from Italy, Giuliano carries on the legacy of his grandmother, Dorina. Her cherished recipes lie at the heart of the business. The assortment of cakes, cookies, and pies displayed on the table was a colorful feast for my eyes, and their charming descriptions below embodied the care that Giuliano puts into his craft.

Per Giuliano’s recommendation, I tried the pear ricotta pie for $7, beautifully layered with a decadent pillow of white ricotta cream, which dominated more than half the slice. If you have ever wondered what it would feel like to sink into an endless, fluffy cloud, look no further than this pie. Although I was initially taken aback by the grainy texture of the ricotta, it was complemented by the thin layer of pear filling. However, the pear to cream ratio felt a bit stingy, and the pear itself was underwhelming. The golden brown flaky crust had just the right amount of crunch and neutralized the sweetness of the cream. It was too much of a sugar explosion for my liking, but if you have a sweet tooth, this will definitely hit the spot. 

Ooika

As a diehard and perhaps semi-performative matcha lover, I knew I would find myself at the matcha stand one way or another. Easily garnering the longest line at the market, Ooika pays homage to the traditional preparation of Japanese matcha by stone-milling their green tea leaves daily, ensuring that the matcha you drink is fresh and authentic. If you brave the incredibly long line, you will eventually be met with another jumpscare: nearly $10 for one iced strawberry matcha latte — or whichever drink of your choosing. Reluctantly, I paid the hefty figure, raising my expectations accordingly. 

Their process was extremely meticulous: I watched as they delicately whisked the matcha before carefully pouring it on top of the milk, using a scale to measure the exact amount being added to the drink. When I took my first sip, I was deeply impressed. The strawberry syrup counteracted the bitterness of the matcha, and the oat milk tied it all together like a precisely executed bow, producing the perfect blend of nutty and sweet. As much as the quality of the matcha brought me back to my trip to Japan this past summer, the price was a sharp reminder that I was most definitely on American soil. Still, I will likely find myself back at Ooika whenever I’m feeling self-indulgent, especially since their upcoming location on Nassau Street cuts travel time in half. 

Terhune Orchards

Nothing screams fall more than apple cider and a trip to the orchard. Luckily, Terhune Orchards delivers a slice of fall right to your hands. I was easily lured in by the baskets filled with apples and the warm scent of baked goods in the air. The apple cider donuts also appeared to be a fan favorite as I saw several students snacking on them en route to the market.

Inspired by the other students, I bought a pack of 6 for $7.50, and indulged immediately. The donuts were a decent medium size, coated with sugar and cinnamon, and the taste was equally dominated by the two. I was disappointed that these elements masked the taste of apple cider that I had been looking forward to. On the bright side, they were airy and soft, and weren’t too sweet, making them the perfect snack for demanding study sessions. If I ever have an itch for fall, these donuts would be the ideal remedy. 

Wandering around the farmers market was a calming escape from the intense orange bubble. At a time when classes have begun picking up pace and to-do lists are starting to feel never-ending , the farmers market serves as a comforting reminder  that there’s more to student life than problem sets and essays. Having the opportunity to hear stories from vendors and getting glimpses into their lives also provides a breath of fresh air from your typical textbook readings. 

If you happen to be in front of Firestone Library, about to isolate yourself in a cubicle for the next few hours, consider taking a stroll through the different vendors and see what catches your eye. You never know what you might find. 

Joanna Wang is a contributing writer for The Prospect and a member of the Class of 2030. 

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