After the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, many people's markets in Hanoi have reopened, but the buying and selling atmosphere is still not really vibrant.
Reporters' records show that the number of customers coming to the market is less than during and during Tet, and purchasing power is maintained at a moderate level.
At some traditional markets, vegetable stalls are operating relatively fully again, but the supply is not completely abundant. Prices of some types of green vegetables have slightly increased compared to before Tet.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Van - a vegetable trader at a traditional market in Hanoi - said that the current price has slightly increased compared to before Tet because the supply from wholesalers is not stable.
Currently, mustard greens are about 20,000 VND/kg, water spinach is 15,000 VND/kg, water spinach fluctuates from 15,000 - 20,000 VND/kg, and Malabar spinach is about 10,000 VND/kg,... When vegetable suppliers operate more stably, prices may adjust," Ms. Van informed.
Reality at markets shows that consumption trends have also changed compared to the peak period before Tet.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa - a vegetable trader - said that after Tet, people tend to prioritize cool, easy-to-process vegetables such as mustard greens, Malabar spinach, zucchini, gourd,... to boil or cook soup, making family meals lighter after days of eating a lot of protein and greasy food.
According to Ms. Hoa, the supply of vegetables after Tet this year is quite stable, the amount of goods from growing areas to the market is regular, so prices do not fluctuate much.
Vegetables still come every day, not scarce. At this time, purchasing power has decreased compared to Tet, but goods are generally guaranteed, people have many choices," Ms. Hoa shared.
According to Ms. Nguyen Ha Linh (Hanoi), after holidays with a diet high in meat, her family adjusted meals to be lighter.
Currently, I prioritize soups, boiled vegetables, and limit fried and stir-fried foods. Buy moderately to ensure the food is always fresh," Ms. Linh shared.
Similarly, Mr. Tran Minh Hoang (Hanoi) said that the budget spending at the beginning of the year is calculated more carefully: "After Tet, there are still many expenses to worry about, so I rebalance my shopping. The family chooses basic foods, prioritizing green vegetables and fish instead of protein-rich dishes like before Tet.
In general, the food market at Hanoi's people's markets is gradually stabilizing again. Although vegetable prices have increased slightly, goods are still guaranteed to be diverse. As the pace of life gradually returns to normal, purchasing power is forecast to improve in the coming days.
