Hanoi markets
Hanoi really isn’t doing it for me. I’ve spoken about it a little bit here and there, there are many reasons why and none of them are new. Regardless of my current state of mind towards this place I am making the most of my time here and continuing to eat and explore.
Hanoi has an enviable food culture for someone from a sanitised and bland country riddled with all kinds of OH&S laws. There are roving vendors selling all manner of goods from shoulder poles and bicycles. Perfect pyramids of shining fruit, baskets of attractively arranged leafy greens, ruby tomatoes and bright limes. Fresh food markets materialise street side in the mornings and evenings and Hanoians seem to spend their free time in cafes and eateries snacking, drinking and talking. There is no once weekly fridge stocking up mega-shop here. Fresh produce is often purchased daily, or more often in this city that loves to eat.
Even in the old quarter, where conical hats are worn by tourists and xiclos abound, there is the oasis of a fresh food market. All manner of fruit and vegetables are on offer, as well as fresh coconut (milk, cream, water and meat), tofu, poultry, pork and prepared food to take away and cook. This is just a small selection of what is available even with diminished stock and stalls at midday.
There are so many things here that I am yet to taste and cook. I might be ready to leave in my head, but this spread makes me want to stay.
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5 Comments
Could you please elaborate on the big black cubes? I don’t even know what they are but I strongly feel they should get in my belly!
Oh, sorry! It is grass jelly. It tastes vaguely herbal and is eaten in drinks and desserts. I really like it!
Those massive squares of grass jelly!
.-= mademoiselle délicie´s last blog ..Citrus Café, 7 March 2010 =-.
I’ll never forget the first time I bought grass jelly. The picture on the can has a bowl of cubed jelly, but upon opening out slid a can shaped tube of jelly! I despaired of being able to use it all! Love the stuff.
Love your pics too.
.-= Reemski´s last blog ..A Quickie =-.
I love the old quarter. However, I don’t think I could live there.
Its frightening and thrilling to cross the street with the millions of bicycles and motorbikes zipping past.
.-= Amy @ cookbookmaniac´s last blog ..Soffritto in Newtown – Oh my! How good is this! =-.