Manhattan might have Chelsea Market, but Brooklyn has its own food market, DeKalb Market Hall, a large space with over 35 different food vendors. DeKalb Market Hall is located in bustling Downtown Brooklyn, only a few blocks away from the courts and civic buildings in Cadman Plaza. There’s something for everyone at the market, with cuisine ranging from Polish to Pakistani, from Chinese to American. Just walking around the can be fun, as you can get a sense for the many different foods available and the sights and smells that go along with the various cuisines. As with other market halls, the emphasis is on fast service, but also on quality ingredients with an unusual or artisan flair. We have tried two different vendors in DeKalb Market Hall and found both to offer excellent food.

Pierogi Boys specializes in Polish dumplings known as, of course, pierogi. Visitors can order several different kinds of pierogi, or sample a variety of them, and enjoy a beer (either a Polish beer or a local tap) with their meal. The fun cartoon characters colorfully decorating the stand will grab your attention, but be sure to watch behind the counter, where you can watch the cooks cut the dumpling shapes out of dough, stuff the pierogi, and fold them into crescents before placing them into boiling water. The cooks have it down to a science–you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly they make the pierogi. You won’t have to wait long for your own dumplings, served with sautéed onions, sour cream, and chives. We recommend getting a bit of onions and sour cream along with each bite of pierogi, which are warm and well-balanced between the dough and the filling. We’ve never left Pierogi Boys without wishing we had a few more pierogi, so be sure to check out these Polish dumplings.

BK Jani is a Pakistani eatery, with several different options that emphasize meat, fresh grains and veggies, and spice. We tried the kebab roll, which was similar to a gyro, with warm pita at the bottom filled with veggies and seekh kabab. Our meal was excellent, bursting with flavor, and well-balanced between the soft, warm pita, the freshness of the veggies, and the spicy meat. This was our first time trying Pakistani cuisine, but we both agreed that it wouldn’t be our last. BK Jane was very good, although it was quite spicy, so if you don’t like spicy foods, be sure to check for milder options.

DeKalb Market Hall is a fun place to go to try a couple different foods, or when no one can agree on what sounds good. With such a diverse menu, the hardest part will be narrowing down your options to a manageable number.