Exploring Can Tho’s Unique Market: A 30-Year-Old Hub Buzzing with Shoppers Seeking a Single Specialty

According to long-time business households, An Lac Iron Market emerged in the early 1980s as a spontaneous scrap and used metal market. This period marked the transformation of the local economy after the war, with a rising demand for construction materials and production tools.

1990 was a turning point when the market was officially planned as a metal collection point with 117 business lots. Since then, An Lac Iron Market has become a crucial industrial supply center for not only Can Tho but also the entire Mekong Delta region.

The market’s development went hand in hand with Can Tho’s urbanization. From the initial temporary bamboo stalls, the market now boasts a system of solid kiosks along the two roads, forming a nearly 300-meter-long commercial complex. This transformation reflects the practical need for trading space and poses challenges in modern urban management.

A Tour of An Lac Market, Can Tho (Iron Market)

A Metal Paradise in the City

What sets An Lac Iron Market apart is its diverse metal ecosystem, focusing on three main product groups: construction materials (accounting for 45% of the stalls), mechanical components (30%), and household utensils (25%).

The market’s specialty lies in providing hard-to-find items that modern construction material supermarkets don’t carry. Here, customers can find unique products like small boat propellers, used agricultural machine ball bearings, and discontinued specialty screws.

A shop owner at the market shared, “Customers can find machine parts here that haven’t been manufactured for 20 years, something that no construction material supermarket can offer.”

Unlike traditional markets, pricing at An Lac Iron Market is based on three main factors: the rarity of the product, the technical condition (for used items), and long-term relationships with customers. Bargaining is still a characteristic cultural practice but is conducted with a “controlled transparency” approach – vendors usually display the original price and negotiate based on the purchase volume.

The diversity of products and flexible business model have allowed An Lac Iron Market to maintain its position amid fierce competition from modern shopping malls and online channels. This not only underscores the resilience of the traditional market model but also showcases the adaptability of the business households in the face of urbanization.

Cuisine – A Unique Cultural Aspect Amidst a Metal Landscape

Amidst the cold metal surroundings, An Lac Iron Market is also renowned for its unique culinary culture, with “bun mam” (fermented fish noodle soup) considered a must-try dish for both locals and tourists. A small “bun mam” stall in the market has become a culinary highlight, offering a delicious blend of mắm cá linh (fermented small fish) broth, pork belly, and dried shrimp. The distinctive feature lies in the use of nhút flowers (a type of aquatic herb) from the nearby canals instead of the traditional rau muống (water spinach), creating a mild bitterness that balances the sweetness of the broth.

In addition to “bun mam,” the market is also famous for its quick bites catering to mechanics and traders, such as sidewalk coffee brewed from hand-roasted beans priced at only 10,000 VND per cup, “banh mi que” (Vietnamese meat skewers wrapped in thin rice paper), and savory sticky rice with coconut milk and pork floss.

Notably, many eateries here maintain the tradition of using classic white ceramic bowls and plates instead of disposable plastic ones. This nostalgic cultural touch not only sets them apart from modern markets but also reflects the sustainability practices of the local community in their daily lives.

An Indelible Cultural Imprint

After more than three decades of establishment and development, An Lac Iron Market has become a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the unique aspects of urban life in the Western region. From the diverse metal products to the traditional “bun mam,” An Lac Iron Market blends classical and modern elements, reflecting the interplay between the past and the present.

The cultural value of An Lac Iron Market lies not only in its tangible products but also in its intangible aspects, such as craftsmanship skills, knowledge passed down from generation to generation, and a sense of community bonding. These elements contribute to the unique character of An Lac Iron Market and, more broadly, the urban culture of Can Tho.

In the context of rapid urbanization and modernization, preserving and promoting the cultural value of An Lac Iron Market is significant not only for the local community but also for enriching the cultural landscape of Can Tho – the economic and cultural center of the Mekong Delta region.