Small traders at An Lac iron market opened on the first day of the new year.
An Lac Iron Market is located on Dien Bien Phu Street, Ninh Kieu Ward. Along the market are rows of shops displaying all kinds of machinery, iron, steel, and components. In the early days of the year, many small traders are busy with opening ceremonies, expressing their hopes for a prosperous year. Mr. Tu Bi, who has been involved in the business of selling bearings and conveyor belts for many years, shared: "I've been trading here almost my whole life, and in the new year, I just hope for good luck and brisk sales."
Unlike traditional markets that start bustling at dawn, An Lac Iron Market begins to liven up after the sun has risen. Most customers are mechanics, transport workers, or farmers , so transactions are quick and efficient. Buyers understand what they need, and sellers are knowledgeable about their products. This market has been described in various ways, such as the "heaviest" market in Can Tho, or a market exclusively for men…
According to local traders, after April 30, 1975, this area was initially just a place where people brought scrap metal to sell on the roadside, from hammers and knives to old machinery. Gradually, the trading activity stabilized, forming a "flea market" specializing in spare parts. Over time, it developed into the An Lac Iron Market, attracting customers from many provinces in the Mekong Delta.
A unique feature of this market is that each shop usually specializes in a particular field: some sell bolts, others agricultural machinery, some marine engines, transport equipment, or components for cranes and barges. Many establishments also offer mechanical processing services, from turning shafts and assembling bushings to making gears and manufacturing machines according to blueprints. Most vendors in this market are family-run businesses, accumulating experience over many generations.
One impressive aspect of An Lac Iron Market is the surrounding area, which offers a variety of delicious food, gradually establishing itself as a signature street food spot in Can Tho. Most famous is Aunt Ut's grilled pork vermicelli with "kim tien" sauce, known as the "iron market grilled pork vermicelli." "Iron market fermented fish vermicelli" is also a popular dish. There's also banh tam bi chan suc cot dua (rice noodles with pork skin and coconut milk), and hot pateso cakes... Particularly noteworthy is Tu Diec's traditional filter coffee shop, which, despite its minimalist design, attracts a steady stream of customers, not only for its delicious coffee but also for the nostalgic charm of "Can Tho of yesteryear."
Having existed and developed for nearly half a century, An Lac Iron Market is not only a place for buying and selling machinery and spare parts, but also a space preserving the memories of Tay Do market street. The market continues to exist, as a silent witness of time, preserving the soul of the street.
Text and photos: DUY KHÔI
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/net-xua-pho-thi-o-cho-sat-an-lac-a199192.html
Comment (0)