Geoff’s Culinary Adventure in Hanoi

Geoff, a travel enthusiast from Canada, has explored numerous countries, including Vietnam where he visited several charming cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Ninh Binh, and Hanoi. His journey included immersing himself in local cultures and cuisines.

While in Hanoi, Geoff had a memorable early morning experience at a local wholesale market, getting a taste of traditional foods at 4 am alongside local residents.

Accompanying him was Duyen, a culinary expert in the tourism industry. Their destination was the bustling Long Bien Market, located beneath the Long Bien Bridge in the Ba Dinh district. Long Bien and Dong Xuan markets are Hanoi’s two biggest wholesale hubs, merely a kilometer away from the Old Quarter.

The market operates from late night until early morning, with the busiest hours occurring between 2 and 4 am, making this an ideal time for visitors to experience its vibrant atmosphere.

Due to its nighttime activities, Long Bien Market has earned the nickname “the sleepless market” of Hanoi.

Long Bien Market has gained recognition as one of Southeast Asia’s top five markets by Go Backpacking and is also listed among the seven most attractive flea markets by Conde Nast Traveler.

Arriving close to 4 am, Geoff was captivated by the lively environment. He was greeted by friendly local vendors offering free samples of sugarcane, plums, and oranges.

Duyen relished the hot grilled squid and fried fish from one of the stalls, and Geoff was pleasantly surprised by the fresh flavors and vibrant presentation of the dishes.

Initially skeptical about the fried fish, Geoff found it to be a delightful surprise. Following their market visit, they stopped at a nearby eatery to enjoy fried eggs with mugwort leaves, which Duyen mentioned have medicinal properties.

Geoff found the mugwort leaves slightly bitter but noted a pleasant orange peel aroma, and he also tried some steamed sticky rice with braised pork.