What to Expect in Tan Hiep Market on Cham Island?

Tan Hiep Market or Cham Island Market is the biggest market on Cham Island, Hoi An Vietnam. It’s a must see attraction in Bai Lang, the main fishing village and in the itinerary of daily tours.

Blue swimmer crab, flower crab, stone crab, painted spiny lobster, ornate rock lobster, mantis shrimp, tiger prawn, king prawn, white leg shrimp, bigfin reef squid, cuttlefish, octopus, baby squid, moon snail, sweet snail, spotted babylon snail, garlic snail, finger snail, razor clam, blood cockle, scallop, green mussel, oyster, pearl oyster, giant clam, abalone, sea urchin, sea cucumber, horseshoe crab, grouper, red snapper, cobia, barramundi, stingray, moray eel, sea eel, rabbitfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, silver pomfret, mackerel, tuna, sardine, anchovy, mullet, goby, flying fish, ribbonfish, leatherjacket fish, and boxfish are all edible seafood species found at Cham Islands in Hoi An.

Here are famous seafood on Cham Island that visitors should buy at Tan Hiep Market:

+ The cellana shell, locally known as oc vu nang, is a rare and iconic specialty of the Cham Islands that is prized for its sweet, firm, and crunchy meat. These conical-shaped limpets are typically harvested from the jagged sea cliffs and are best enjoyed simply steamed or grilled with scallion oil to preserve their natural oceanic flavor.

+ Half-dried squid, locally known as muc mot nang, is a premium specialty of the Cham Islands made by sun-drying fresh squid for exactly one day until the exterior is firm while the inside remains tender and juicy. When grilled over charcoal, it develops a fragrant aroma and a perfectly balanced chewy texture that is best enjoyed with a side of spicy chili sauce and a cold local beer.

+ Sea urchins, locally known as nhim bien or cau gai, are a nutritious delicacy harvested from the coral reefs of the Cham Islands and are celebrated for their rich, buttery, and briny flavor. They are most commonly prepared by being grilled over charcoal with a dash of scallion oil and a creamy quail egg, or enjoyed raw with a touch of lime and mustard to highlight their natural sweetness.

+ Abalone, known locally as bao ngu, is a highly prized and nutritious treasure of the Cham Islands that is hand-harvested from the deep rocky crevices surrounding the archipelago. These luxury mollusks are celebrated for their firm, chewy texture and are typically simmered in a savory silky porridge or sautéed with ginger and scallions to showcase their delicate, earthy flavor.