More market food - This time from Vietnam

Food continues to be a source of fascination for us on our trip. Best of all are the moments spent wandering through all the open air markets where people sell their wares. On Chloe's request, I thought I would add another entry on the food that can be seen locally.

Markets seem to be organized by category (much like a supermarket is in the west) - although at times the quantity of similar wares being sold by vendor upon vendor, makes one wander how they are able to survive, given the competition.

Something I have mentioned in previous blogs that really strikes one as a visitor, is how incredibly productive Vietnamese people are. When one drives through the country it seems like every bit of land is used to grow food in some way. Similarly, many families seem to grow food alongside their houses, and the variety is lovely to look at. There seems to be a real appreciation for a wide spectrum of greens and vegetables in the Vietnamese diet. Often when one is served a meal it comes with a potpourri of greens which often includes herbs, different lettuces and spinach. The two images below reflect some of that green variety I am talking about.

As a person who mostly eats vegetarian food (other than fish), I have really appreciated all the focus on variety in the local diet. There are always copious choices on the menus for vegetable meals and many include local tofu preparations. Very yummy!

I am always impressed with the fish to be found in the markets. When I look at the waterways I often think that fish habitation must be severly compromised - but then in the markets, fish abound. I don't think these small local markets are bringing fish from too far away - but I could be wrong on that count. There certainly is lots of evidence of local fishing in all the towns and countryside. One does wonder about the actual health and safety of the fish given the quality of the water -- the water we have seen looks pretty interesting!

The meat on markets is also something to observe. The main meats that seem to be consumed are pork, beef and chicken. Whenever one orders meat it comes in very moderate quantities (compared to the west) and it never seems to be the main focus of a meal. Last night, though, we just learned that we should not be ordering pork right now. According to a local food vendor, "In Hoi An the pork is sick right now." Up to now, Skye and the kids have been eating bacon so we hope everything is okay!

There are huge varieties of root vegetables to be seen in the markets. Some we recognize, while others are totally unknown to us. There are also Asian varieties of many vegetables that taste a little different and are often shaped differently.

There are an abundance of grains to be seen in the markets ,but the main staples that are eaten appear to be noodles and rice. The noodles are typically made from rice flour and are eaten in soups or get fried up with vegetables and meat.

This is some kind of berry that is sold around all the markets. It is very small and seems really popular. I am not sure what it is...

This needs no explanation. Bananas galore!

An elderly woman drying out yams in the sun. Many things are laid out in the sun for drying out and later consumption.

Enormous frogs that are quite expensive. They do not look particularly appetizing.

Well that is it for now. More pictures than words but I am sure it will be fun to take it all in.

Speak soon,

Ronato, Skye, Pippin and Kai

P.S. Don't forget to take in Pippin's account of My Son below...