A Nostalgic Stroll Through Phu Nhuan Market, Ho Chi Minh City
It's been over five years since I last wandered through Phu Nhuan Market.
I recall a time when a certain bun rieu (crab noodle soup) stall, Bà Sang's, at the back of the market, was all the rage. Her simple yet masterfully seasoned broth, with its clean, refreshing sweetness, drew crowds even with just a few tables and chairs. It was a culinary phenomenon.
Today, driven by a desire to revisit those fond memories, I decided to take a leisurely walk around the market.
Phu Nhuan Market is a vibrant hub, brimming with a diverse array of goods. You can find just about anything here, creating a lively atmosphere of bustling shoppers and vendors. It's truly a place full of energy.
What I love about this market is that despite the abundance of items, the prices are wonderfully fair. There's no haggling or overcharging, making shopping a joy. I'm particularly fond of the lady who sells an incredible variety of traditional Vietnamese cakes, like bánh bò (rice flour cakes), grilled bánh khoai mì (cassava cakes), and bánh chuối (banana cakes). Honestly, I could get lost in their deliciousness!
The market vendors are consistently delightful. They're always pleasant, fostering a spirit of fair trade and never resorting to harsh words with customers. It's this easygoing nature, characteristic of many Saigonese people, that makes shopping here such a pleasant experience.
One thing to be mindful of, especially when entering the market, is its location on a main thoroughfare. Traffic can be quite intense, so do pay attention to the flow of vehicles.
