Grocery shopping in Vietnam.

Author Kim Rockman

There are so many markets and supermarkets across Vietnam, and each can give you a unique and cultural experience.

I, however, usually go shopping at the supermarket because the prices are fixed, and you can find imported products. The supermarkets predominantly sell things in bulk, which is perfect for me because I usually do my grocery shopping once a month. Most supermarkets here have a free delivery option if you buy in bulk which is convenient. Most supermarkets are like the stores back home but, there are a few differences like the seafood section has live fish in tanks swimming, the chickens are packed with their heads still on. The chocolates are expensive here with a limited variety of options but have healthier snacks since most of the products are made from seaweed or rice. The fruits and vegetables in the supermarkets are mainly imported and cost more than what you would usually pay at the markets.

My monthly grocery bill would come to about 4 million Vietnamese Dong and converted is 2,496.25 South African Rand. The total is estimated by 1 full trolley of groceries with everyday food items, toiletries, and cleaning products. It's affordable and, money goes a long way. My standard of living is comfortable and allows me to save as well.

There are a wide variety of local markets you can find in Vietnam. Markets have a cultural background that dates many years back. Haggling is part of the whole local experience.

Here are the different markets you can find in Vietnam.

1. Day markets usually sell fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and spices.

2. The Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Vietnam and, you find anything and everything from traditional food to clothes and shoes.

3. A floating market is a market situated on a river and, the locals sell their products from their boats. It can be a wide variety of fresh seafood or fruits and vegetables.

4. The night market is a market that starts at 6 pm until 12 am-midnight and sells everything and anything imaginable.

5. Flower markets are popular around holidays or occasions. Florists are crowded and busy during the Vietnamese Tet holiday as it is tradition to decorate their homes with flowers during the lunar new year period.

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