Travel

The Underground Food Market in Hanoi: A Culinary Adventure for Just 50,000 VND

The food court within the market is a bustling hub during lunchtime, attracting a steady stream of diners with its tantalizing array of affordable delights. From the classic Vietnamese duo of bún đậu mắm tôm and nộm bò khô to comforting bowls of phở and cháo, this culinary hotspot has something to satisfy every craving.

Administrator

7 December, 2024

The market used to be located at the southern gateway of the ancient Thang Long capital, and it was held in sessions. There were six sessions a month on the 2nd, 12th, 22nd, and 7th, 17th, and 27th of the lunar calendar.

The food court is located at the entrance to the basement of Cho Mo

Since 2014, the Cho Mo Trade Center has been built, located right at the intersection of Bach Mai and Minh Khai streets (Hai Ba Trung district).

The market area is arranged in the basement of the Center. That’s why this market is jokingly called the “underground” market in the capital.

Like many other traditional markets, Cho Mo also offers a wide range of products, divided into different sections such as dried goods, clothing, and fabrics.

The food court is a favorite among diners, especially during lunchtime.

There are many different stalls here, selling many delicious specialties of Hanoi such as bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste), pho (beef or chicken noodle soup), and bun rieu (vermicelli with crab and tomato soup) at reasonable prices.

In the summer, many workers, students, and schoolchildren from the surrounding areas often come to the food court in Cho Mo to enjoy cool and refreshing dishes and drinks such as che (sweet pudding), hoa qua dam (fruit salad), and tau pho (soybean pudding).

In the winter, hot dishes such as banh duc nong (hot rice cake), che troi tau (glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup), banh tom (shrimp cake), and banh goi (fried dumpling) are always popular.

The rice counter with many traditional dishes such as fried tofu, braised fish, boiled meat, and stir-fried vegetables is a popular choice for many diners.

A large portion of bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste) for two people costs VND 70,000.

The refreshing and crispy beef salad costs VND 25,000.

Diners who have visited Cho Mo commented that the food here is not only diverse but also affordable, ranging from VND 10,000 to VND 40,000 per dish, suitable for everyone’s budget, and even cheaper than many other places.

For example, bun dau mam tom costs VND 35,000 per set, beef salad costs VND 25,000 per set, goi cuon (spring rolls) cost VND 15,000 for two rolls, and tau pho costs VND 10,000 per cup.

Photos: Thao Trinh