Tet of Kitchen Gods is one of the most important traditional holidays in Vietnam, closely associated with red carp, symbolizing prosperity and respect. This year, the price of red carp has surged fivefold compared to last year, making the market at Yen So Fish Market in Hanoi more bustling than ever.
The Red Carp Market at Yen So Market
Yen So Market buzzes with activity on the night of the 22nd and early morning of the 23rd of the lunar month.
Yen So Fish Market,号称首都最大的鱼市，见证了农历十二月二十二日的不眠之夜。凌晨三点，来自全市各大市场的数百名小商贩汇聚于此，采购红鲤鱼以满足市民的祭祀需求。这是全年交易最繁忙的时刻。
大部分红鲤鱼从临近省份如南定、富寿、清化和海阳运来。健康达标且充满活力的鱼会被放入大型水槽中供氧，以保持其活力直至分销到市场。
Prices of Red Carp Surge Fivefold
Red carp is carefully selected based on size and quality.
According to retailers at the market, the price of red carp this year ranges from 220,000 to 250,000 VND per kg, five times higher than last year. The primary cause is attributed to Super Typhoon Yagi in September, which wiped out many fish farms, significantly reducing supply and driving up prices.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, a long-time retailer at the market, shared: “This year, my family imported over one ton of carp but sold it all out. Red carp is always in high demand.” She noted that quality carp should have even red color, no fungal growth, and appropriate size for customer needs.
Tips for Selecting Quality Red Carp
Red carp is meticulously sorted to ensure quality.
To select quality red carp, retailers often rely on criteria such as strong swimming ability, deep diving, long tails, and bright eyes. Carp are also classified by size, commonly into small (30-35 per kg), medium (20-25 per kg), and larger sizes.
Ms. Phuong, a retailer at a southern wholesale market, said: “The carp I just bought for resale cost 210,000 VND per kg. Although the price is much higher than last year, the quality this year is quite good, attracting many customers.”
Bustling Atmosphere at the Fish Market
Bustling atmosphere at Yen So Fish Market during Tet of Kitchen Gods.
As dawn approaches, the atmosphere at Yen So Fish Market becomes even more hectic. Trucks continuously transport fish from breeding farms to the market, while retailers hurriedly carry bags of fish to meet the demands of the people. The sight of trucks lined up creates a unique scene of this traditional holiday.
Conclusion
Retailers carry red carp back after careful selection.
Tet of Kitchen Gods is not only a time for people to express their reverence to deities but also a significant business opportunity for retailers at Yen So Fish Market. Despite the high prices of red carp this year, the demand remains strong, reflecting the importance of this tradition in Vietnamese culture. Let’s welcome Tet of Kitchen Gods with hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year!
References: Dan Tri
