Sapa market in Libuš, Prague 4, is the centre of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. Locals call it “Little Hanoi”. It was built on the site of a former meat processing plant and today it is full of wholesalers, grocery stores and hairdressers, but above all dozens of Vietnamese restaurants and bistros. For lovers of Vietnamese food, it is the best place in Prague to eat dishes the way Vietnamese people eat them.
How to get to Sapa
The market is on Libušská street in the south of Prague. The easiest way is metro line C and then a city bus towards Libuš, or by car, as there is parking on site. Most bistros open in the morning and close between 6 and 8 pm, so Sapa is better for lunch than dinner.
What to eat at Sapa
- Phở: the soup people cross the city for. Several places focus only on phở, for example Phở Lan, Phở Tùng and Phở Sơn Râu (U Sonyho). Read more in Phở: Vietnam’s noodle soup.
- Bún chả: Hanoi-style grilled pork. See our bún chả article.
- Bánh cuốn: delicate steamed rice rolls with pork and mushrooms, hard to find in central Prague.
- Bánh mì: the Vietnamese baguette, for example from the popular Bánh Mì Má Lùm. More in Bánh mì.
- Bún bò Huế and bún riêu: bold soups you won’t find in most restaurants.
- Sweets and drinks: chè, coconut water and Vietnamese coffee.
Tips for your first visit
- Order what other guests are eating, not from the photos. Every bistro has its specialities.
- Menus are often in Vietnamese, sometimes with Czech translations. Useful words: bò = beef, gà = chicken, heo = pork, tôm = prawns, chay = vegetarian.
- Cards are widely accepted, but small stalls may take cash only.
- After lunch, visit the grocery stores for fish sauce, rice paper, rice noodles and fresh Vietnamese herbs.
Why Sapa is different from restaurants in the centre
Bistros at Sapa cook mainly for Vietnamese customers, so flavours are not adjusted for local tastes. Broths are richer, there are more herbs and menus follow regional specialities from the north and south of Vietnam. If you prefer a restaurant in the city centre, see Vietnamese restaurants in Prague.
FAQ
Is Sapa market open at weekends?
Yes, most bistros at Sapa are open at weekends too. Opening hours vary from place to place.
Why is it called Sapa?
It is named after Sa Pa, a mountain town in northern Vietnam.
Is Sapa safe to visit?
Yes. Families and tourists visit regularly, especially at lunchtime.