Cho Ba Hoa isn’t just a place to find specialty foods; it’s also a space that evokes memories of a sunny and windy Central Vietnam. Here, you can easily discover various kinds of cakes, pickles, and traditional dishes. Especially, the food court in the market is a gathering place for familiar dishes with unforgettable flavors, helping to soothe the homesickness of many people.
Cho Ba Hoa: A Part of Historical Memory
Cho Ba Hoa was formed in the 1960s, on today’s Tran Mai Ninh street. Initially, it was just a small market serving the trading needs of people from Duy Xuyen and Dien Ban (Quang Nam) who migrated to Saigon. Those Quang Nam people brought their homeland culture to this area, especially the Bay Hien weaving profession, contributing to the soul of Central Vietnam in the heart of the city.
The name “Cho Ba Hoa” was given to honor Ms. Hoa, who founded the market. She was originally from Northern Vietnam and migrated to Saigon in 1954. Because of her love for Central Vietnam’s culture, she established this market, creating a place not only for trading but also for preserving the essence of Central Vietnam within the city.
How to Get to Cho Ba Hoa
The market is conveniently located on the main road of Tan Binh District, making it easily accessible. You can choose to travel by motorbike, car, taxi, or bus.
Suggested route: Start from Cach Mang Thang Tam street → Bay Hien Intersection → Ly Thuong Kiet → Pham Phu Thu → Tran Mai Ninh. After about 200m, you will see the market on your right.
A Taste of Central Vietnam in the Heart of Saigon
Although not too large in size, Cho Ba Hoa is a place that concentrates a variety of specialties and agricultural products from Central Vietnam, offering countless choices for diners. As you walk through the market, you will see large and small stalls with signboards introducing the characteristic dishes of Central Vietnam, making it easier to search and shop.
Cho Ba Hoa is famous for selling specialties from Central Vietnam. When visiting, you will be overwhelmed by the diversity of the displayed products. Some notable specialties at the market include:
– Dried foods: Tra River gobies, Ly Son black garlic, fermented fish, fermented shrimp, and fermented rice.
– Cakes and pastries: Grilled rice crackers, Banh Thuan (a type of sponge cake), printed cake, and popped rice cake.
– Fresh agricultural products: Fresh fish such as tuna, saury, and mackerel, which are very popular among housewives due to their freshness and quality.
In the morning, the market mainly displays specialty and fresh agricultural products. But in the afternoon, Cho Ba Hoa takes on a new look, transforming into a “Central Vietnam food paradise.” The food stalls start bustling with a series of attractive dishes such as:
– Green jackfruit salad: A hearty dish from Central Vietnam, served with grilled rice crackers.
– Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake): Crispy and fragrant, served with fresh vegetables and sweet and sour fish sauce.
– Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes): Small and cute rice cakes topped with shrimp, fried onions, and scallions.
– Turmeric stir-fried intestines: Aromatic and flavorful, served with spicy fish sauce.
Cho Ba Hoa is not only a shopping destination but also an ideal place to enjoy the flavors of home and experience the culture of Central Vietnam in the heart of Saigon.
What to Indulge in When Visiting Cho Ba Hoa
The cuisine at Cho Ba Hoa is a miniature of Central Vietnam’s culture, with countless delicious dishes from Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Danang, Quang Ngai, and many other provinces. Here are some characteristic dishes that you should definitely try:
Turmeric Stir-Fried Intestines
This dish carries the hearty flavor of Central Vietnam. The intestines are carefully cleaned and marinated with spices, then stir-fried with fresh turmeric on high heat, creating an irresistible aroma. Each serving of intestines is generous, and when paired with a spicy chili fish sauce, it leaves a lasting impression.
Banh Dap (Rice Cracker with Wet Rice Paper)
A specialty from Hoi An that you shouldn’t miss. The crispy grilled rice cracker combines with soft wet rice paper, dipped in a savory mắm nêm (fermented fish sauce). When eating, you just need to gently tap the rice cracker to break it into pieces, then wrap it with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Oc Hut (Sucked Snails)
A unique dish from Quang Ngai, the snails are cleaned and then stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, creating a spicy and fragrant flavor. The snail meat is crunchy and nutty, served with fresh herbs and crispy fried shallots. To enjoy, diners use their mouths to suck the snail meat out, providing a novel experience.
Mi Quang (Quang-style Noodles)
The Mi Quang here stands out with its golden noodles and sweet broth made from simmered bones, accompanied by chicken, shrimp, and quail eggs. This dish is usually served with fresh herbs, a bit of spicy fish sauce, and crunchy peanuts. In addition to the traditional version, you can also try variations such as vegetarian Mi Quang, Mi Quang with chicken hearts, or Mi Quang with snakehead fish.
Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Savory Pancake)
The Banh Xeo from Central Vietnam is small and compact, filled with beansprouts, shrimp, and pork belly. When eating, wrap the Banh Xeo with rice paper and fresh herbs, and dip it into the mắm nêm for the perfect taste. The combination of the crispiness of the pancake, the fattiness of the filling, and the sweet and salty taste of the sauce makes this dish always popular.
Hen Tron (Spicy Stir-fried Clams)
The clams are stir-fried with spices and then mixed with fresh herbs, lemongrass, and chili, served with crispy rice crackers. This dish embodies the flavors of Central Vietnam, with its spicy, crispy, and hearty taste that’s hard to resist.
Banh Beo (Steamed Rice Cakes)
The thin and soft Banh Beo is topped with a layer of shrimp, fried onions, and scallions, creating an appealing presentation. When eating, just pour a little sweet and salty fish sauce, and the flavor will leave a lasting impression.
When visiting Cho Ba Hoa, you will not only find the flavors of your homeland but also feel the cultural connection through each dish. Every meal has its own story, waiting for you to discover!
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