Situated near the eastern corner of the Citadel where the Dong Ba Canal merges with the Perfume River is one of the largest markets in Hue’s province Thua Thien-Hue called the Dong Ba Market. Originally located outside the citadel’s Chanh Dong gate where today stands a park at the end of Phan Dang Luu street. In 1885 the market was completely burned down. Two years later Emperor Dong Khanh rebuilt the market and named it Dong Ba. Four years later in 1889 King Thanh Thai had it moved to its present site. In 1987 it underwent a large restoration where it was enlarged to an area of 47.614 square meters. The Dong Ba market attracts 5,000 to 7,000 people everyday.
I love wandering around the markets of Southeast Asia and looking at all the fresh produce. I envy the ability to go to a open-air market and pick up fresh veggies on the daily. At home, I can’t get produce this fresh at home unless I go to the farmers market which unfortunately is only on the weekends. In these markets, you can see, smell, and taste the freshness of the produce. It is truly amazing.
While wandering around the markets of Southeast Asia, you come across vegetables and fruits you never even knew existed. Take for example the custard apple, which is apparently is common in Australia. Custard apples contain anti-oxidants like Vitamin C, which helps to fight free radicals in our body.
Gac fruit is a Southeast Asian fruit rich in the antioxidants beta-carotene, lycopene (seventy times more than in tomatoes), and zeaxanthin. It contains the highest concentration of beta carotene of any known fruit or vegetable (ten times as much as carrots).
Durian – the world’s stinkiest fruit – are naturally rich in potassium, dietary fibre, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex. However, durian is very high in calories so consume in moderation.
The market also has loads of fresh fish which can be found alone the riverside. The fishy smell is a bit overwhelming and I’d suggest paying attention to where you step, you may wind up with fish guts between your toes if you’re in sandals. Yuck!
The Dong Ba market is a day market that starts at 3am. At this time, some sellers, especially food vendors, arrive to set up show. Locals come early in the morning to purchase the freshest foods at the lowest price. The market is open all day until 8:30pm.
