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Although Saigon has many supermarkets and shopping malls, its traditional markets still strangely attract food lovers. Perhaps it's because each market offers a unique experience for diners. Some are famous for their low prices, others for their delicious food, and some for regional specialties that can't be found anywhere else...
Among them, there is a place dubbed "a miniature Central Vietnam" in the heart of Saigon, and also one of the most unique markets in this land: Ba Hoa Market. Here, you can not only enjoy the rustic flavors of Central Vietnamese cuisine but also immerse yourself in the incredibly lively atmosphere in every corner of the market...
Banh Thuan
While bánh thuẫn or bánh thửng might be relatively unfamiliar to Saigon food lovers, for people in Central Vietnam, especially those from Quang Nam province, everyone knows this simple yet meaningful traditional cake.
Previously, this specialty dish was usually only available during the Lunar New Year because it was considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in the new year. But now, this cake has become more popular; it is prepared daily and sold right in the Central Vietnamese market in the heart of Saigon.
While similar in appearance to sponge cake, the "banh thuan" cake is richer and creamier. Its delicious flavor comes from the harmonious blend of the mild richness of eggs, the fluffy texture, and the delicate aroma. Each small, beautifully risen cake evokes a familiar taste that stirs the hearts of many who are far from home.
Authentic bánh thuẫn should puff up evenly like a plum blossom, without breaking, and have an attractive golden color. When you taste it, you'll feel the crispness of the crust, the soft and crumbly interior, and especially the distinctive aroma of tapioca flour and eggs.
The golden, fragrant, and slightly rich rice cakes are the most familiar taste at Ba Hoa Market. The small, golden-brown baked cakes, still warm from the oven, impress with their unique and rustic flavor.
Stir-fried pork intestines with turmeric
Another Central Vietnamese specialty at Ba Hoa Market that you can't miss is stir-fried pork intestines with turmeric. Just walking past the street food stalls at this corner of the market, no one can resist sitting down to savor the unique flavor of the chewy, fatty, and rich-tasting intestines. Slowly savoring each bite, you'll feel the aroma of turmeric spreading along with a hint of spiciness that enhances the dish's flavor.
The rustic stir-fried offal dish, with its vibrant yellow turmeric base and garnished with fresh green chives or bright red chili peppers, is mouthwatering just to look at. The most appealing part is breaking off a piece of grilled rice paper and scooping up a generous portion of the offal; chewing and savoring the harmonious blend of crispy, fragrant, and rich flavors awakens the taste buds.
Peanut cake
Peanut cake is a popular snack in Quang Nam province, made from four main ingredients: peanuts, molasses, sesame seeds, and rice paper. The cake has a glossy brown color from the sugar, interspersed with crispy golden roasted peanuts and sprinkled sesame seeds – a truly captivating sight.
Savoring it slowly, you'll feel the gentle sweetness melt in your mouth, blending with the rich, nutty flavor of peanuts, or perhaps enhanced by the crispy, fragrant rice paper. Such a simple, rustic flavor, yet it captivates countless diners.
Jackfruit salad
It's almost impossible to find an authentic Central Vietnamese jackfruit salad stall right in the heart of Saigon, so if you're at Ba Hoa Market, don't miss this unique snack. Young, ripe jackfruit strips are boiled until soft and then mixed with dried shrimp, coriander, fried onions, and other ingredients to create a tempting and delicious salad.
Adding a drizzle of fish sauce with garlic and chili creates a perfect blend of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors, complementing the rich, creamy, and fragrant mix. The crisp texture is sure to win over any palate. Though not overly elaborate in presentation, this jackfruit salad has captivated countless Saigonese who have explored Central Vietnamese cuisine at this small market.
Rice cake
Bánh tổ is a traditional cake enjoyed during festivals and holidays in Quang Nam province, and is now commonly found at Ba Hoa market. The cake has a dark brown color and is poured into a thick mold lined with banana leaves. The main ingredients include glutinous rice flour cooked with palm sugar, a familiar type of sugar in Quang Nam cuisine. Ginger and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top to enhance the flavor, creating an incredibly appealing aroma.
The longer the rice cake is left to sit, the more flavorful it becomes, which is why many vendors at the market prepare it in advance to sell gradually. The puffed, soft, and chewy cake offers a rustic, sweet and savory taste. Those who want something more elaborate can add a piece of grilled rice paper for extra crispiness and aroma, making it even more enjoyable with every bite.
Rice cakes
Anyone who has been to Hoi An has surely heard of "banh dap" (cracked rice cake). A thin layer of steamed rice cake is spread over a crispy grilled rice cracker, then pounded together by hand. To enhance its appeal, banh dap is best enjoyed with a drizzle of scallion oil and a bowl of flavorful fermented fish sauce.
It sounds simple, but once you try it, you'll be impressed by its unique and distinctive flavor. When you eat it, the crispy, fragrant rice paper wrapper blends perfectly with the soft, moist steamed rice cake, refreshing your throat with its appealing sweet and cool taste. Dipping it into the spicy, pungent fish sauce, you'll surely remember this rich, savory flavor forever.
Salads
Many believe that to fully enjoy the unique salads of Central Vietnam, one should visit Ba Hoa Market. Just one stall alone will overwhelm you with countless tempting options such as veal skin salad, pig tongue and lotus root salad, steamed beef tripe with ginger, and marinated beef tongue... Each dish captivates with its own distinct layers of flavor.
While pig's ears offer a chewy texture infused with a subtle tang, beef tongue and tripe provide a delightful crunch with every bite. What could be more ideal than stopping by on a leisurely afternoon to savor the delicate sweet and crispy flavors of these salads?
Hoi An-style clam salad
Unlike the rich and flavorful clam dishes in Saigon, Hoi An's clam salad captivates with its sweet and chewy texture blended with a subtle spiciness from lemongrass and chili. Tiny clams are boiled and then stir-fried with various spices, onions, and vegetables... it looks simple but is surprisingly appealing.
This dish is best enjoyed with grilled rice paper, scooping up the clams and drizzling some fish sauce over them. As you chew, you'll savor the harmonious blend of flavors. The clams are tender and sweeter with each bite, and the crispness of the rice paper adds a delicate touch that awakens all your senses.
