Hai Phong

Welcome back to the heart of Hai Phong's local culture, specifically the vibrant district surrounding the Cat Bi Market. While we have previously touched upon the city's architectural and maritime identity, this location allows…

We begin our deeper dive in the seafood section of Cat Bi Market, a row of stalls that showcases the bounty of the Gulf of Tonkin. The central figure here is the Con Gia Be, a creature that is iconic to the Hai Phong palate. …

Tucked into a corner of the market, you might find a stall that specializes in nothing but local condiments, most importantly the legendary Huy Chuong chili sauce. As we have discussed, this sauce is the soul of Hai Phong…

As the afternoon sun hits the market, the Thach Gang stalls become the most popular destinations. This cooling green jelly, as we've noted, is made from wild-foraged gang leaves. …

Next, we explore a stall specializing in Nom Chan Ga, or chicken feet salad. While this dish might seem unusual to some international visitors, it is a highly regarded specialty in Hai Phong, prized for its unique texture and the…

As we walk through the aisles, take a moment to listen not just to the sounds of cooking, but to the voices of the people. The Hai Phong dialect is distinct from the more melodic tones of Hanoi or the soft accents of the south. …

Our final stop in Cat Bi Market is at a stall that offers a dazzling array of 'Che,' or sweet soups and desserts. Beyond the Thach Gang, you will find bowls filled with vibrant colors: yellow mung beans, white coconut milk,…

As we exit Cat Bi Market and step back into the wider streets of Hai Phong, the echoes of the market remain with us. We have journeyed through the savory, the spicy, and the sweet, experiencing the city's culture through its most…