Gloucester Green Market: The Shortlist

Gloucester Green Market in Oxford exemplifies the French saying, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose: the more things change, the more they stay the same.

I’ve been visiting Gloucester Green Market on and off for 12 years (Admittedly, that might reveal my age a bit). While some stalls have come and gone over the years, the format of the market has remained remarkably similar. Here are some of their best current offerings.

Tibet Stove

I remember the days when devoted fans of Taste Tibet, the former Tibetan food stall, would queue halfway across the market for their famous chicken curry and momos (dumplings filled with beef or vegetables). Thanks to its success, Taste Tibet has since moved on to a popular restaurant just off Iffley Road near The Magdalen Arms. In its place at the market, Tibet Stove now serves a hearty combination of chicken or meat-free curry, daal, and rice, which can also be paired with a beef or vegetable momo for an extra £1. Be sure to try their chai – ideal for chilly afternoons – which is more bitter than sweet, with a warming kick of ginger. And don’t forget to ask for the student discount; several stalls offer one, though it’s not always clearly advertised. Expect around £7.50 for a main.

Go Greek Souvlaki and Gyros

The souvlaki wraps here rival any I’ve had in Greece. The regulars know it too, as the queue here now resembles the one Taste Tibet once drew. Arrive early to avoid missing out: they use authentic Greek pita (not repurposed Lebanese flatbreads or Cypriot pita pockets), making this an over-the-top lunch. My top pick? The wrap with village sausage (horiátiko loukániko) – ask for it ap’óla (with everything), and make sure they add paprika. If you speak a bit of Greek to them… Well, who knows! You can’t miss this stall owing to its mammoth queue, but if you do, just listen out for the pulsing dance music and classic Greek hits. Extra points (and other goodies) if you can sing along! Expect £8/9 for a gyros wrap, and £13 for a mixed grill platter.

Mannayo Korean

This stall is located near Thirsty Meeples, the board game café, and offers a great selection of dishes, including bibimbap and bulgogi. My favourite is the dosirak, which allows you to sample their meat dishes with a number of sides. Once, a friend and I had to shelter under their tent during a sudden rainstorm, just as our food arrived. Although we missed out on our planned al fresco meal, the food was still more than worth it. Mains are around £8-10. 

Special Mentions

Gyoza Oxford, The dumpling stall near the Old Fire Station, provides a public service: all its dumplings and meal options are remarkably affordable and very hearty (£1.50 for a bao, £5 for chicken katsu don, £3.50 for 6 gyoza). It’s also often the last stall to close, sometimes staying open well after the others have packed up. When I need a quick lunch after a busy day, I often dash over to find it open and ready to revive me. 

Also worth a mention is the Hungarian Goulash Hut opposite, offering comforting beef goulash (£8), chicken crêpes with sour cream known as hortobagyi (£7), and a thick, deep-fried cheesy bread to go with them called langos (£5). The carb overload might cause some startling after-effects (especially with the generous dollops of cream), but it’s undeniably satisfying in colder weather.

Non-Food Highlight: Dorothy Megaw at Ohtobee

One weekend, in need of a treat after a long week, I found myself at Ohtobee, Dorothy Megaw’s brilliant stall. Dorothy, a local artist, sells prints of her paintings of Oxford’s buildings, in both colour and black and white. She focuses on lesser-known gems rather than just the usual tourist spots—though I admit I did buy a print of the Radcliffe Camera. I also picked up a framed print of the Taylorian Library (my library), showing its facade from a nighttime perspective. The print, now hanging above the decommissioned fireplace in my room, not only gives me a fresh view of my workplace but reminds me to appreciate being here in Oxford. Dorothy’s display is organised by area, so you can quickly find a building with personal significance, making it an ideal gift. Plus, Dorothy herself is incredibly kind and patient, always making customers feel welcome. Make sure to give her a visit!

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Hopefully, these recommendations will help you navigate Gloucester Green Market if you’re still getting your bearings. During term time, try to get there early (around noon, if possible) or just after the main lunch rush, as it can get quite busy. Remember to bring a reusable container to reduce waste, and don’t hesitate to explore other stalls—you might just find a new favourite!

Wednesday-Thursday: 9am-4pm. Friday-Saturday: 9-5pm.