People visit the market held at Wat Mongkolratanaram, a Buddhist temple, on Sunday, May 19, 2019 in Tampa. On Sundays, the temple holds a market for people of all religions and backgrounds to visit. Credit: Allie Goulding/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Wire/Alamy Live News

Alamy Stock Photo

Wat Mongkolratanaram

Tampa


Why is there a Buddhist Thai temple in the middle of Tampa? Who cares, the noodle soup is amazing. On Sundays hundreds of people show up for the food and flower markets, lining up Busch Gardens–style for the beloved beef soup with fish balls. Visitors can also enter the temple barefoot and enjoy traditional music.

Orchids and bonsai trees are for sale, as are Thai iced teas, egg rolls and a variety of strange and wonderful desserts (go for the pumpkin cake).


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