Tsukiji Fish Market
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Old Bunder Fish Market

4.2
·5k reviews·Mangaluru, India

Mangalore's vibrant Old Bunder Fish Market: a bustling hub for the freshest seafood straight from the Arabian Sea. Experience local life and incredibl...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

4 AM - 7 AM

Freshest catch & peak activity

CrowdHigh
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Tsukiji Fish Market

Old Bunder Fish Market

Best Time

4 AM - 7 AM

Freshest catch & peak activity

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mangalore's vibrant Old Bunder Fish Market: a bustling hub for the freshest seafood straight from the Arabian Sea. Experience local life and incredible variety.

4.2
(5k reviews)

"The freshest catch you'll find, straight from the boats! A must-visit for seafood lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before Dawn

For the absolute freshest seafood and to see the market at its liveliest, aim for a 4-5 AM arrival. :sunriseovermountains:

👃 Brace for the Smell

It's a fish market! Embrace the strong, authentic aroma of fresh seafood. :nose:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Morning Auction

The Morning Auction

Dhakke Port

Witness the vibrant chaos as fishermen unload their daily catch. A true spectacle of local commerce.

Reddit
Unbeatable Freshness

Unbeatable Freshness

Market Stalls

Discover an incredible variety of seafood, from Anjal to prawns, straight from the Arabian Sea.

Reddit
Fish Cleaning Services

Fish Cleaning Services

Designated Cleaning Stalls

Convenient and affordable fish cleaning services available for a small fee, making your purchase hassle-free.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Early Bird

Arrive before 6 AM for the freshest catch and to witness the full market buzz. Boats unload around 4 AM, so the earlier, the better for prime selection and potentially better prices. Reddit

Prepare for the Senses

This is a working fish market, so expect a strong seafood aroma and a bustling, sometimes congested environment. Come prepared for the sensory experience! Reddit

Best Times

When
4 AM - 7 AM
Why
Freshest catch & peak activity
Crowd
High
When
7 AM - 9 AM
Why
Still good selection, less rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Arrive Before Dawn

For the absolute freshest seafood and to see the market at its liveliest, aim for a 4-5 AM arrival. Reddit :sunriseovermountains:

👃 Brace for the Smell

It's a fish market! Embrace the strong, authentic aroma of fresh seafood. Reddit :nose:

💰 Bargain Smart

Prices are competitive, but a little friendly bargaining can go a long way. Know your prices! Reddit :moneywithwings:

🧽 Bring a Bucket

A lidded bucket is handy for transporting your fish, especially after cleaning. Reddit :bucket:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before Dawn

For the absolute freshest seafood and to see the market at its liveliest, aim for a 4-5 AM arrival. Reddit :sunriseovermountains:

👃 Brace for the Smell

It's a fish market! Embrace the strong, authentic aroma of fresh seafood. Reddit :nose:

💰 Bargain Smart

Prices are competitive, but a little friendly bargaining can go a long way. Know your prices! Reddit :moneywithwings:

🧽 Bring a Bucket

A lidded bucket is handy for transporting your fish, especially after cleaning. Reddit :bucket:

🧼 Cleaning Service

Utilize the affordable fish cleaning stalls for a hassle-free experience. Reddit :broom:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Old Bunder Fish Market for its incredible variety and unparalleled freshness, offering a true taste of Mangalore's coastal life. While the strong seafood aroma and bustling crowds are part of the authentic experience, many find the early morning visit highly rewarding. The convenience of fish cleaning services and the competitive prices make it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

"Visited morning,
Dhakke Fish Market is one of the best places in Mangalore for fresh seafood straight from the boats! The variety is excellent—Anjal, Pomfret, Prawns, Crabs, Bangude (Mackerel), and many more at reasonable prices. If you go early in the morning, you’ll get the freshest catch.

The market is quite busy, and as expected, it has a strong seafood smell, so be prepared. Bargaining is common, and it's best to have an idea of prices beforehand. If you're looking for fresh fish at wholesale rates, this is the place to be!"

Bhuvan B

"It's the largest market for sea food, hundreds of varieties Dhakke Port Fish Market, also known as the Old Port or Bunder in Mangalore, is a bustling spot where fresh fish is brought in daily by local fishermen. The market is known for its vibrant and chaotic atmosphere, where a wide variety of fish can be found at competitive prices. It's best visited early in the morning, around 5 AM, to experience the full activity and to get the freshest catch"

Shariff

"Visiting ealry morning is very good
4 AM where the boats reaches the dakke and unloading of the fishes takes place
U can visit around 6 am also
There are variety of fishes available both in large and small quantity in less price
For cleaning the fishes separate stalls are available where they clean the fishes for 20/-"

Sudarshan. DJ

What People Like

Unmatched freshness
Wide variety of seafood
Authentic market atmosphere

What People Dislike

Strong seafood smell
Crowded conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Bunder Fish Market, also known as Dhakke Fish Market, is located near the Old Port in Mangalore. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in the city. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way. Reddit

Parking can be challenging due to the market's busy nature and narrow lanes. It's best to arrive early or consider using ride-sharing services or auto-rickshaws. Reddit

The market is bustling and can be crowded. Move with the flow of people and be mindful of your surroundings. If you're looking for specific fish, ask the local vendors for guidance. Reddit

After your market visit, you can explore other parts of Mangalore like Panambur Beach or Kadri Manjunath Temple, which are relatively close by. Reddit

Yes, the market is very active and generally safe during its peak hours. However, always be aware of your belongings in crowded areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee to visit the Old Bunder Fish Market. It's a public market, and you can freely walk around and observe the activities. Reddit

The market is most active from 4 AM to 9 AM. While some activity might continue later, the prime time for fresh catch and auctions is in the early morning. Reddit

No advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during the operating hours. Reddit

Yes, you can buy fish in both large and small quantities. While wholesale rates are available, vendors also cater to individual buyers. Reddit

To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting between 7 AM and 9 AM, though the freshest catch is usually gone by then. The peak rush is between 4 AM and 6 AM. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find an incredible variety, including Anjal (Kingfish), Pomfret, Prawns, Crabs, Bangude (Mackerel), Squid, Octopus, and various other local sea fish. Reddit

Yes, there are separate stalls where women offer fish cleaning services for a nominal fee, typically around ₹20 per kg. Reddit

Absolutely! Ice is readily available around the market, often sold by vendors who can also help you fill your bucket. Reddit

Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear that you don't mind getting wet or dirty. Light, breathable clothing is also recommended due to the humidity and activity. Reddit

It's a fantastic place for vibrant, candid photography capturing the essence of local life and commerce. Be respectful of vendors and ask permission before taking close-up shots. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the market itself is focused on selling raw fish, there are local eateries and restaurants in the vicinity of the Old Port area where you can get fresh seafood prepared. Reddit

Typically, the market is for purchasing raw fish. You'll need to take your cleaned fish to a nearby restaurant or cook it yourself if you have facilities. Reddit

Prices vary based on the type of fish, size, and season. Generally, you can find them at reasonable, often wholesale, rates, especially if buying in bulk. Reddit

Mangalore is known for its coastal cuisine. Look for dishes featuring the fresh catch from the market, like fish curry, fried fish, or seafood preparations. Reddit

While the market itself is a working environment, many local eateries in Mangalore maintain good hygiene standards. It's always wise to choose busy, reputable places. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The early morning hustle, the colorful boats, the variety of fish on display, the interactions between vendors and buyers, and the fish cleaning process all offer great photographic moments. Reddit

It's always best practice to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors. Many are happy to oblige if asked politely. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wider scenes and details. A fast prime lens can be good for low-light conditions. Consider a weather-sealed camera if possible. TikTok

The golden hour just after sunrise offers beautiful light. The peak activity between 4 AM and 7 AM provides the most dynamic scenes, though it can be challenging with crowds and lighting. Reddit

Avoid intrusive photography, be mindful of the strong smells and wet surfaces, and don't block the flow of traffic. Focus on capturing the authentic atmosphere. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Bunder Fish Market can be an exciting, albeit sensory, experience for families. It's a fantastic opportunity for children to see where their food comes from and witness a bustling local trade. Arrive early to experience the most activity, but be mindful that the strong smell might be overwhelming for very young children. Consider bringing a small spray bottle of water or a mild scent to help mask any strong odors if needed. Reddit

Focus on the visual spectacle: the colorful boats, the variety of fish, and the energetic vendors. The fish cleaning service can be a point of interest for kids, showing them a practical aspect of the market. Ensure children wear closed-toe shoes as the ground can be wet and slippery. It's a great educational outing, offering a real-world lesson in commerce and local culture. Reddit

🎣 Seafood Enthusiasts & Foodies

For true seafood lovers, the Old Bunder Fish Market is a paradise. The unmatched freshness of the catch is the main draw, offering a quality you won't find in many other places. Explore the incredible variety, from common favorites to more unusual catches, and learn about different species from the knowledgeable vendors. Reddit

This is the perfect place to buy fish for a home-cooked meal. Utilize the cleaning services and then take your fresh catch to a local restaurant that offers cooking services, or prepare it yourself if you have the means. The experience of selecting and purchasing your own seafood directly from the source is incredibly rewarding for any foodie. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Old Bunder Fish Market is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of candid moments and vibrant scenes. The early morning light provides a beautiful, soft glow, perfect for capturing the atmosphere. Focus on the textures of the fish, the expressions of the vendors, the dynamic action of the unloading and auction, and the overall organized chaos. Reddit

Use a versatile lens to capture both wide shots of the market and close-ups of the details. Be prepared for wet conditions and potentially low light in some areas. Respectful interaction is key; always ask permission before photographing individuals. The market offers a unique opportunity to document local life and a vital industry. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heartbeat of Mangalore's Fishing Community

The Old Bunder Fish Market, also known as Dhakke Fish Market, is more than just a place to buy seafood; it's the pulsating heart of Mangalore's fishing industry. Every morning, hundreds of local fishermen bring their catch from the Arabian Sea to this bustling port. The market comes alive in the pre-dawn hours, with boats unloading their bounty and a lively auction process kicking off. This is where the freshest fish is available, offering a true glimpse into the daily lives of the community.

Visitors can witness an incredible array of marine life, from popular varieties like Anjal and Pomfret to more exotic catches such as octopus and squid. The sheer volume and diversity are astounding. The atmosphere is energetic, a symphony of calls, bargaining, and the distinct aroma of the sea. It’s an experience that engages all senses and provides a deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into bringing seafood to our tables. Reddit+1

Beyond the commerce, the market offers a unique cultural immersion. Observing the interactions between fishermen, vendors, and buyers, and understanding the rhythm of this ancient trade, is a highlight for many visitors. The availability of fish cleaning services adds a layer of convenience, making it easier for shoppers to take their purchases home. The market also serves as a vital hub for ice supply, crucial for preserving the freshness of the catch. Reddit

Navigating the Market: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Visiting the Old Bunder Fish Market requires a bit of preparation to ensure a pleasant experience. The most crucial tip is to arrive early, ideally between 4 AM and 6 AM, to catch the peak activity and the widest selection of fish. Be prepared for a strong seafood smell and a crowded, sometimes chaotic environment. Wearing sturdy, waterproof footwear and comfortable clothing is highly recommended. Reddit

Bargaining is a common practice, so having an idea of fish prices beforehand can be helpful. Don't be afraid to negotiate respectfully. For those planning to cook their catch, the fish cleaning services available for a small fee are a lifesaver. Bringing a lidded bucket is also a practical suggestion, especially for transporting cleaned fish. Reddit Ice is readily available, so you can easily purchase some to keep your fish fresh on the way home. Reddit

While photography is encouraged to capture the vibrant scenes, always be respectful of the vendors and their work. Ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals. The market is a working space, so be mindful of the flow of people and avoid obstructing pathways. Reddit

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