An Introduction to Hang Be Market
Hang Be Street stretches nearly 200 meters, from Hang Mam Street to Hang Dau Street. In the past, due to its proximity to the My Loc gate (where Hang Mam connects to present-day Hang Bac Street) and its location along the Red River, bamboo rafts were brought here for sale, creating a market known as Hang Be Market.
According to Hanoi scholar Nguyen Vinh Phuc, the market was originally located at the beginning of Hang Tre Street and later moved to what is now Hang Be Street, hence the name. Today, the market bears the name Hang Be, but it is located in Ngo Cau Go and connects to Gia Ngu Street. However, locals still affectionately refer to it as Hang Be Market.
The Unique Characteristics of the Market
Despite its modest length of a few hundred meters, tucked away in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hang Be Market encapsulates a miniature world, boasting a rich culinary and cultural heritage. Each stall and shop tells its own story, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of the daily lives of Hanoians.
Visiting Hang Be Market feels like stepping into a rural market in the midst of the city. From humble dishes like bánh cuốn (rice rolls) and phở cuốn (rice noodles rolls) to more elaborate fare such as chicken steamed with lime leaves and nem cuốn (spring rolls), the market offers a delightful array of culinary delights. Especially during the Tet holiday, Hang Be Market buzzes with excitement as locals flock to shop for the freshest ingredients to prepare their festive meals.
Hang Be Market is not just a place of commerce but also a social hub for the community. It plays an integral role in the spiritual life of Hanoians, beyond merely being a shopping destination.
Delicious Treats at Hang Be Market
Fish Stew
The fish stew at Hang Be Market is a dish that seems to captivate even the most discerning palates. Prepared with the freshest ingredients and slow-cooked from the early morning, the fish meat is tender and infused with a myriad of flavors. Although it may be priced higher than the market average, the culinary experience it offers is well worth the indulgence when visiting Hanoi.
Fermented Shrimp with Pork
While fermented shrimp with pork can be found in many places, the distinctive flavor of this dish when prepared at Hang Be Market is what food enthusiasts seek. The combination of fresh, carefully selected pork belly and premium fermented shrimp creates the soul of this delicacy. The perfect marriage of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods results in a truly special taste experience.
Fried Spring Rolls, Crab Spring Rolls, and Seafood Spring Rolls
In addition to fermented shrimp with pork, fried spring rolls are another specialty not to be missed at Hang Be Market. Whether it’s the traditional spring rolls with minced pork filling or the seafood variety with the sweet, delicate flavors of shrimp and crab, visitors are spoiled for choice. During peak times, a single spring roll stall in the market can sell over 2000 rolls a day, attesting to the popularity of this delicacy.