Đà Lạt's Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street Transforms Into Culinary Hub With Night Market Expansion
New Zones Add 50 Vendors to Popular Food Street
Đà Lạt's beloved night food scene along Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street has officially expanded with two new zones opening this week, adding over 50 vendors to what was already one of the city's most popular culinary destinations.
The expansion, which stretches from the original market area near the intersection with Phan Đình Phùng street down toward Hồ Xuân Hương Lake, represents a significant investment by the Lâm Đồng provincial government in supporting local food culture and tourism.
"We've been planning this for eighteen months," said Nguyễn Văn Thành, director of the Đà Lạt Department of Culture and Tourism. "The original night market was bursting at the seams. This expansion allows us to accommodate more local vendors while maintaining food safety standards and creating a better experience for visitors."
From Bánh Tráng Nướng to Artisan Coffee
The new zones feature a diverse mix of traditional Đà Lạt specialties and innovative fusion cuisine. Vendors offer everything from the city's famous bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper) and sữa đậu nành nóng (hot soy milk) to more contemporary offerings like strawberry pizza and avocado smoothie bowls made with locally-grown produce.
Trần Thị Mai, a 34-year-old vendor who previously operated a small cart near Đà Lạt Market, secured one of the coveted new stall spaces. "This is a dream come true," she said while preparing her specialty nem nướng (grilled pork skewers). "I've been selling street food for twelve years, and now I have a proper space with electricity and running water."
The expansion includes improved infrastructure: covered seating areas for 200 people, LED lighting, waste management stations, and designated parking for motorbikes along nearby Yersin street.
Tourist Numbers Drive Growth
Local business owners report that the night market now draws between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors nightly during peak season, with many tourists combining their visit with evening walks around Xuân Hương Lake.
Prices remain accessible, with most dishes ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 VND. The market operates from 5:00 PM to midnight daily.
However, some longtime residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion and noise in what was traditionally a quieter residential area. City officials say they're monitoring the situation and may adjust operating hours if necessary.
The expansion is part of Đà Lạt's broader strategy to enhance its reputation as a culinary tourism destination, complementing the city's existing attractions like Langbiang Mountain and the historic railway station.