Large marketplaces often feel to me like their own cities, separate states within a state, or even entirely different worlds. And the Vietnamese market in Brno, located on Olomoucká Street, is no exception.
Don’t be discouraged upon arrival. If you come by public transport (trolleybus 31 or 33) and get off at the “u školy” stop (which is actually opposite a technical high school), it may feel like you're in the middle of nowhere – surrounded by fields, low buildings, and shipping containers. If you arrive by car, you might miss the barrier at the entrance and end up at the very tight and crowded parking lot inside the market. But don’t worry – there’s always a spot for one more car.
Either way, I recommend coming here around lunchtime. Upstairs in the main building, you’ll find several restaurants with large windows overlooking the city – the perfect backdrop while you eat. Be prepared: representatives from each bistro stand at the entrance, trying to lure you in. So that you don’t end up unexpectedly seated at the first table before you even blink, be ready to politely decline, take your time to explore all options, and choose the place that feels right for you. Their menus are mostly similar, but with small differences – so choose carefully to ensure you're satisfied. After lunch, why not stop by one of the “gardens” for a cup of Vietnamese coffee? You can also grab an ice cream – usually something quite different from what you're used to. Last time, for instance, we tried matcha-flavored.
Besides restaurants, you’ll of course find grocery shops as well. If you assume, as I once did, that you'll find ingredients for Asian cooking here at lower prices, you might be wrong. Items like sushi rice, seaweed, rice noodles, or rice paper wraps are often cheaper in supermarkets or health food stores. However, you’ll find large packages of basic ingredients and various Vietnamese snacks.
The market also serves as a wholesale center, offering all kinds of goods, including loads of clothing. Nowadays, it’s also a good spot to buy respirators and masks in bulk.
One special feature worth mentioning is the local pagoda located in the heart of the market. Built as a symbol of good luck, it reflects the fact that the market is the center of Vietnamese life and culture in Brno. If you ever wanted to dive deeper into this world, you might be lucky enough to catch one of the rare guided tours occasionally held here.
To sum it up – I definitely recommend visiting Brno's Vinamo. Even if you're not interested in Vietnamese food or shopping, it’s worth a visit just to experience its unique atmosphere.
Photos are from the official Vinamo Facebook page.
Speaking of Vietnamese cuisine – why not explore other restaurants around the city? Here we've prepared some tips for places where you can take your partner for a special dinner.
