Located on Luong Van Can Street, in May To Ward, Ngo Quyen District, this market attracts not only locals but also tourists. The diverse range of delicious and unique foods at affordable prices has made this place a true “culinary paradise.”
With three entrances conveniently located on Le Loi, Pham Minh Duc, and Da Nang streets, the market is easily accessible to all.
One of the signature dishes of this market is Co Binh’s black bean sticky rice. For almost four decades, Co Binh (55 years old) has been running a simple yet bustling sticky rice stall. Each warm package of sticky rice is a delicious blend of sticky rice, black beans, sesame salt, and crispy fried onions, all for just VND 10,000. This dish offers a unique culinary experience, setting it apart from common sticky rice dishes like peanut sticky rice or xeo sticky rice.
Additionally, the market offers a unique dish called ‘gia be xao’, which is a specialty rarely found outside of Hai Phong. ‘Gia be’, or sea clams, are small, dark green-shelled bivalves that resemble mussels but are only the size of a thumb. They live in the sandy beaches of famous Hai Phong beaches such as Trang Cat (Hai An District), Do Son, and Cat Ba. Because they live in the sand, preparing sea clams is quite laborious. The feet are separated, while the body is kept intact with its shell and stir-fried with onions, garlic, galangal, lemongrass, turmeric powder, vinegar, and various spices. Cornstarch or diluted tapioca starch is often used to make the dish smoother. A bowl of stir-fried sea clams, garnished with coriander, is sold at Luong Van Can market for VND 30,000. However, those with sensitive palates or allergies to bivalves like jellyfish should exercise caution when consuming this dish.
When visiting Luong Van Can market, don’t miss the opportunity to try Hai Phong-style steamed rice cakes. These cakes are a far cry from the famous Hue version. Wrapped in banana leaves, they resemble steamed pork cakes but have a denser and more compact texture. The rice cake dough is made from soaked glutinous rice, which is then ground and cooked into a thick, smooth paste. The filling consists of minced pork, fried onions, and wood ear mushrooms, which are mixed and stuffed into the cake before being steamed. The cakes are kept warm in a steamer, and served with a broth made from simmered bones, along with side dishes such as quế (cinnamon) sausage, meatball, fried onions, and coriander. A pair of these delicious cakes will only set you back VND 12,000.
Other notable dishes at Luong Van Can market include ‘bi bo’ (beef offal with rice crackers), ‘nem thinh’ (fermented pork sausage), and ‘nem tai’ (fermented pork ear sausage). ‘Bi bo’ is made from various parts of the cow, including the ears, snout, rind, and meat, which are boiled and then thinly sliced and mixed with rice crackers and lemongrass. It is commonly served with a sweet and sour fish sauce dip, and can also be accompanied by a paste made from fermented beans or shrimp, depending on the diner’s preference. The crunchy, savory texture of the ‘bi bo’ combined with the slightly spicy dip and the refreshing taste of the herbs is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Other popular dishes at the market include dried beef salad, chicken foot salad, and roasted quail, all of which can be found at Chi Phuong Dung’s stall, which has been serving customers for over a decade. The chicken foot salad (VND 40,000 per serving), dried beef salad (VND 25,000 per serving), and roasted quail (VND 27,000 per bird) are all highly recommended.
Visitors can also indulge in hot fried pillows, crispy shrimp cakes, or fresh spring rolls with shrimp and pork, priced between VND 10,000 and VND 15,000 each.
The best time to visit Luong Van Can market is between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm. In addition to this market, Hai Phong boasts other famous culinary destinations such as Cat Bi market, Chu Van An market, Lach Tray street food alley, and Co Dao market, where visitors can continue their exploration of the region’s vibrant and diverse cuisine.
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