Vietnam – a poor vegan’s paradise

This is what 80,000 Đong (roughly $4.25) will get you in Produce Alley:

I usually browse around, buying potatoes from one lady, garlic, onions, and lemongrass from another – because not everyone has everything, and the quality varies, but I have found one man who consistently has beautiful produce and a huge variety. He even trimmed/peeled the lemongrass before giving it to me.

The carrots, cauliflower, bell pepper, onion, lemongrass, potatoes, garlic, and cilantro contributed to my second attempt at curry. Tomatoes and cucumbers with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ground pepper, sea salt, and sometimes basil or onion if I have it, have become a staple salad for us.

Doritos cost around $6. Ice cream can get up to $10 for a small container. It’s wonderful living somewhere where it is actually less expensive to eat healthy. I’m thankful that I’m married to a man who loves loves loves vegetables. Sometimes when he is eating he’ll pause and I already know what he’s going to say – “Vegetables are so good. I don’t know how anyone can not love vegetables.” And, all I can do is nod in agreement.