Thalad Muang Mai (The New City Market) in Chiang Mai Thailand



These giant bowls are filled with fresh Thai Curry Paste.
Look at the varieties, and colors. I would bring these curries
back home if customs wouldn't take them away.

     The vibrant local market along the Ping River in Chiang Mai Thailand is called Thalad Muang Mai. The exact translation is "The New City Market." Touching the river bank, this market is only open at night, and it's vendors begin to show up and set up from about 7-8 PM. The stay until 4-5 AM.
This is the market where Thai restaurant owners come to shop for their produce. Its prices are low, its produce is fresh, and its competition is fierce.

Take a look at these pictures if you haven't been for yourself. This post will give you a good idea of what it feels like to walk and shop in the market itself.
 

Cucumbers, tomatoes, chilies, peppers, carrots, potatoes, mini egg plants,
and cherry tomatoes are among the vegetable this vendor is selling.



Rambutans anyone?



Here are some HOT Chili peppers. Look at the size of these bags.
One bite, and you would be screaming "FIRE!"

These are called Rat Ear Mushrooms.

White Chinese Carrots

I am sorry, I do not know what these are called.
Please comment below if you know their name.



These are in the EGG plant family.
There a number of varieties in Thailand.





Here are the Chili Peppers from another vendor.
Even standing near these bags, I could feel the spice heating up my throat.

 


These are Thai Ocra.





This is Galangal Root.
Personally I don't like it in my food very much,
but it adds a unique flavor to Soup.



Logan Fruit (or Lynchee) is very common in Thailand, and it very inexpensive.
When it is canned, it is easy to eat, and very sweet, but when you have to peel it yourself,
it is usually more bitter, and very sticky.



Dragon Fruit of course.  They are usually good. In Thailand, there are two varieties,
and you can not tell by looking at the outside. The inside of one variety is white, with tiny dark seeds,
while the other is red on the inside, sweeter, and has many tiny black seeds.



I do not know what these are, but their skin is prickly, and must be very laborious to remove.



Bananas of all sizes are available. The small ones are usually very sweet, but the long
ones have such a good taste.

 

Pineapples are prolific in Thailand. It is an art to cut them properly,
 so you do not have husk still attached to each bite.



Watermelon are in season this month and their prices are about $1 for a large melon.

 

Yellow Watermelons are also available. Thew are so juicy and sweet.



Giant Grapefruit is very delicious in Chiang Mai. When tapped lightly on the side,
like hitting a bongo drum, if there is a thud, then they are ripe, and very valuable.
If there is no thud, then they are less than have the price, and all you have to do is
tap them on the side every day until they are ripe!

 

Here are baskets of Giant Grapefruit. They are sold anywhere from 15 cents to $2 dollars,
depending on their size, and sound when they are tapped.



Lastly, I want to show you this Butcher's truck. He must slaughter a few pigs every day outside of town,
and then drive them in to the market to sell each night.

Markets like this in Thailand, and South East Asia are always lively, bustling, and friendly places.
It is wonderful to meet the vendors and look for that exact piece of fruit you are looking for. Or to just to go for an invigorating night time stroll, and get your shopping done at the same time.

Thanks for looking at my post.
Check out my Cook Book as well.