When talking about Da Nang, aside from its beautiful beaches and famous tourist attractions, Con Market is a must-visit destination. This is not just an old traditional market but also an ideal spot for those who love to explore street food and local life.
A Glimpse of Con Market
Established in the 1940s, Con Market has grown into one of the most bustling shopping and culinary hubs in Da Nang. The name “Con Market” originates from its location on a higher piece of land compared to its surroundings. Located at the intersection of Quang Trung and Ong Ich Khiem streets, the market is easily accessible and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
A Street Food Paradise in Con Market
Con Market is famous for its diverse and rich food offerings, ranging from central Vietnamese specialties to popular street snacks. Below are some must-try dishes:
- Quang Noodles: A famous noodle dish from Central Vietnam with a flavorful broth, served with shrimp, chicken, or pork.
- Pork Belly Rice Paper Rolls: A simple but delicious dish made with rice paper rolls, fresh herbs, and pork, dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Vietnamese Sweet Soups (Che): The market is also known for various traditional Vietnamese sweet soups such as mung bean sweet soup and corn sweet soup. These refreshing desserts are perfect for hot summer days.
- Vietnamese Pancake (Banh Xeo): A crispy pancake filled with shrimp and pork, served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. This is a must-try dish at Con Market.
- Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Lui): Grilled meat skewers, often enjoyed with rice paper and fresh vegetables.
- Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon): Fresh spring rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, and herbs, served with a special dipping sauce.
- Vietnamese Baguette (Banh Mi): You can’t miss Banh Mi, a famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with various meats and vegetables.
- Vietnamese Mini Pancakes (Banh Can): Small, crispy pancakes filled with eggs or seafood, a beloved snack in Da Nang.
Souvenirs from Con Market
Aside from food, Con Market is also an ideal place to shop for Da Nang specialties as gifts:
- Tamarind-Glazed Squid (Muc Rim Me): A popular local snack with a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor, perfect as a gift for family and friends.
- Cam Le Sesame Crackers (Banh Kho Me): A famous Da Nang specialty, these crispy sesame crackers are sweet and nutty.
- Pineapple Jasmine Tea (Tra Sam Dua): A fragrant and refreshing herbal tea, ideal for gifting.
- Da Nang Beef Sausage (Cha Bo): A delicious local beef sausage, packed with flavors that represent Da Nang’s cuisine.
- Dried Seafood: Dried seafood like squid, shrimp, and fish is well-packaged and makes a great souvenir to take home.
A Few Tips for Visiting Con Market
- Opening Hours: The market is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, but the food court is busiest during the morning and midday.
- Getting There: It’s easy to reach Con Market by taxi or motorbike from the city center, taking only about 10-15 minutes.
- Prices: Con Market is known for its affordable prices, but it’s still a good idea to ask for prices and negotiate politely for the best shopping experience.
Con Market is more than just a market; it’s a place that embodies the full cultural and daily life of Da Nang’s people. With unique culinary experiences and the opportunity to shop for meaningful souvenirs, this is a destination not to be missed when visiting the city.