Photo: Ngọc Hiền
Herbs and Spices See Sharp Price Hike
Vegetable prices in Hanoi continue to soar, particularly in traditional markets like Tam Đa, Cống Vị, and Làng Hồ. This surge has forced consumers to alter their shopping habits, while vendors lament losses due to unusually high wholesale prices.
Reporting from Thời báo VTV in late November, journalists noted that many vegetables still cost 50-100% more than before the prolonged rainy season. At Cống Vị market, Ms. Nguyễn Hường, a vendor with over five years of experience, said she’s never seen prices rise so quickly.
Pointing to her sparse stall, she said, “Water spinach is now 20,000-25,000 VND per bunch, while Vietnamese spinach goes for 22,000-25,000 VND. Morning glory and jute leaves are 15,000-18,000 VND per small bundle. Herbs are even pricier, with green onions reaching 120,000-150,000 VND/kg. Wholesale prices are so high I can’t stock much, and customers keep complaining.”
Vegetable prices remain high at local markets. Photo: Ngọc Hiền.
The situation at Tam Đa market is no better. Ms. Minh Thu, a vendor with nearly a decade of experience, said many large cooperatives in Đông Anh, Gia Lâm, and Mê Linh suffered severe flooding after heavy rains, reducing yields by 40-50%. “I used to buy 4-5 baskets of vegetables daily, but now it’s only half that. Continuous rain, early cold spells, and dew have stunted plant growth and caused root rot, drastically reducing supply,” she shared.
Consumers are also feeling the impact. Ms. Hà Phương from Tây Hồ district said each trip to the market now requires “careful meal planning.” Her family of five consumes a lot of vegetables. Previously, she’d buy two bunches of water spinach or a large bundle of bok choy, but now she only buys one small bunch of each. “Vegetables are pricier than pork belly, but we can’t skip them for the kids. This week, I’ve switched to pumpkin and chayote soup to save money,” she said.
Businesses Fear Losing Customers Due to High Vegetable Prices
Affordable eateries near Tam Đa are also affected by soaring vegetable prices. Mr. Hợp, owner of a restaurant near schools and offices, said he hasn’t raised prices despite the hike, fearing customer backlash. “I use 6-7kg of vegetables daily, and with prices doubling, ingredient costs have surged. But raising prices would drive customers away, so I’ve reduced vegetable portions or switched to cheaper options.”
Other local markets like Hoè Nhai and Hàng Bè also report high prices. Cucumbers are 35,000-40,000 VND/kg, snap beans 40,000-45,000 VND/kg, and cabbage 30,000-35,000 VND/kg.
One vendor noted that overall prices have risen by about 30%. However, prices for short-cycle vegetables like bok choy have dropped slightly, with Chinese chives at 13,000 VND/bunch, green and sweet bok choy at 15,000 VND/bunch, and cabbage at 20,000 VND/kg—all 2,000-3,000 VND less than last week.
Some short-cycle vegetables are cheaper at supermarkets. Photo: Ngọc Hiền.
The price surge is attributed to prolonged rain and high humidity, causing root rot, stunted growth, and crop losses. Rising transportation, labor, and fertilizer costs over several months have also contributed. A Mê Linh cooperative reported a 25-30% drop in warehouse output, while year-end demand at local markets keeps prices high in the short term.
At supermarkets like Fuji Mart on Thuỵ Khuê and Giảng Võ streets, prices include chives at 15,000 VND/300g, amaranth at 14,000 VND, chicken mushrooms at 33,000 VND/200g, and Da Lat beans at 17,000 VND/300g. Items like pumpkin range from 20,000 to 30,000 VND, cucumbers are 20,000 VND/500g, and Da Lat chayote is 17,000-20,000 VND depending on weight.
Supermarkets remain well-stocked with vegetables. Photo: Ngọc Hiền.
Experts predict prices will stabilize in 4-6 weeks if rains cease and temperatures remain steady. Short-cycle vegetables like water spinach, bok choy, and morning glory may recover sooner, while long-cycle produce like radish, carrots, and napa cabbage will take longer to return to normal prices.
While waiting for the market to cool, homemakers are advised to substitute leafy greens with root vegetables or buy from supermarkets for more stable prices. Though less diverse than traditional markets, supermarkets offer more consistent pricing during shortages. Photo: Ngọc Hiền.
Nutrition experts recommend adults consume 400-500g of vegetables, roots, and fruits daily, including a variety of leafy greens, roots, herbs, and ripe fruits.
Dr. Tuyết Nhung from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology suggests that despite high prices, people can still meet recommendations by adjusting their choices. Reduce expensive leafy greens like bok choy, water spinach, and lettuce, and increase stable-priced roots like pumpkin, carrots, chayote, sweet potatoes, turnips, and green papaya.
Changing cooking methods can also save costs: use leafy greens for soup instead of stir-frying, and cook just enough to ensure sufficient fiber. Adding 3-4 types of fruit daily provides vitamins, minerals, and meal diversity. Prioritize seasonal vegetables for affordability, safety, and nutrition, and combine various vegetables, roots, and fruits instead of relying on just a few types.
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