Hanoi cuisine is not only a cultural connection but also an indispensable part of the daily lives of locals and tourists. Hanoi, with a history spanning hundreds of years, has developed a diverse, rich, and unique cuisine, from old town-style dishes to modern dishes that meet the needs of the new era. Let’s explore together the unique features of Hanoi cuisine through typical, delicious dishes and vivid images of street kitchens.
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1.Young rice flakes in Hanoi cuisine
When it comes to Hanoi cuisine, young rice flakes are well known. They are a sophisticated yet rustic snack that has been enjoyed for thousands of years in Thang Long, Hanoi. Young rice flakes, the green pearls of heaven and earth that are revered as a timeless gift, have progressively grown to be a lovely cultural element that Hanoians enjoy every autumn.
The distinct golden-green hue of Hanoi’s young rice flakes is derived from the color of the young rice leaves that comprise the green rice grains. Because young rice flakes are frequently wrapped in lotus leaves, the subtle aroma of the lotus leaves combines with the powerful aroma of the rice grains to create a subtle smell.
As the name implies, the essence of young sticky rice must go through numerous stages in order to be able to transform young rice flakes into grains. People need to utilize yellow flower sticky rice grains, a well-known variety of rice that is soft, sticky, and flavorful, to manufacture young rice flakes.
To make green rice, the rice must then be harvested while it is still young and still contains milk. In order to make young rice flakes, the rice needs to be threshed and then roasted, rather than crushed or threshed. Pinch the young rice flakes carefully while they’re still hot. Pound until the husk comes off; discard and continue poking.
Almost every tourist who visits Hanoi wants to buy young rice flakes as a gift. This dish has become one of the symbols of Hanoi cuisine in the hearts of tourists because of its rusticity, simplicity and country fragrance.
2. Pho Hanoi
In Hanoi cuisine, Pho Hanoi has existed for hundreds of years. This is a long-standing, traditional dish that has a distinct Northern flavor. Although you can find it anywhere in Vietnam, this meal is best enjoyed in Hanoi.
Hanoi pho is a delicate concoction of flavorful beef or chicken, cold herbs, rich broth, and several additional ingredients. The biggest and flattest distinction between Hanoi pho and pho in the South is the pho noodles; also, some establishments pair their pho with fried noodles. Hanoi is well-known for its rolling pho, pho with wine sauce, and rolled rare pho in addition to the traditional rare-cooked pho.
3. Bun Thang in Hanoi cuisine
The ancient Hanoi people had Bun Thang on significant days, like holidays. Bun Thang in Hanoi cuisine is referred to as “the most sophisticated” due to the fact that a tasty bowl of vermicelli can require up to 20 ingredients. The primary components combine to make a gorgeous and delectable bowl of vermicelli, including thinly chopped fried eggs, shredded chicken breast, thinly sliced pork sausage, shrimp, squid, laksa leaves, etc.
Since bun thang is a rustic and well-liked meal, most diners find it to be fairly popular. Bun thang, which is simple to prepare and enjoy, has emerged as a quintessential Hanoi cuisine.
4. Bun cha in Hanoi cuisine
There is no exact date to record the history of the birth of bun cha, nor is it known who created this dish. We only know that, for a long time, generation after generation of Hanoians are still familiar with bun cha and consider it an indispensable dish in daily culinary life.
A bowl of sweet and sour dipping sauce with a few slices of kohlrabi and pickled carrots, some aromatic grilled patties seasoned with pepper, the golden brown hue of the charcoal fire, and a platter of fresh raw veggies are all included in a serving of bun cha. The cleverness of Hanoi cuisine lies not so much in its intricate preparation as it does in its flavorful, suitable, and hearty spice.
Any visitor who tries bun cha for the first time must say, “Wow!” because of the explosion of flavor that this dish brings. It will make you want to eat more, even when you are full. Many people cannot even give up this dish for many consecutive days. That’s why you will always see bun cha at the top of the list of the most delicious dishes in Hanoi.
5. Noodles with tofu and shrimp paste
Noodles with tofu and shrimp paste are a delicious dish that “caused a storm” of Hanoi cuisine for a while with very rustic ingredients. In a portion of vermicelli noodles that meets the requirements for “flavor” and “color,” there must be all the following ingredients: fresh vermicelli, crispy fried tofu, green rice balls, pork sausage, pork intestines, pork leg meat, raw vegetables,… and a bowl of Thanh Hoa traditional shrimp paste, mixed with sweet and sour kumquat juice, spicy and spicy.
It is this perfect combination that creates the irresistible appeal of noodles with tofu and shrimp paste. Although not everyone can stand the taste of fish sauce, especially international tourists, once you taste it, you will definitely be addicted.
6. Thanh Tri rice rolls
Thanh Tri rice rolls originated in Thanh Tri ward, Hoang Mai district, Hanoi, with a natural flavor that has been passed down for generations and has become an indispensable part of the lives of people in the capital.
Unlike the usual banh cuon that you often eat out, Thanh Tri rice rolls are prepared in a special way and enjoyed very differently. Thanh Tri rice rolls are famous for their thinness and chewiness. The filling is rolled with fried onions and a little minced meat. The cake is dipped in light fish sauce and served with delicious pork rolls, and the flavor is heart-stopping.
Thanh Tri rice rolls deserves a place in the top 10 unique flavors of Hanoi cuisine because of the difference in flavor experience and enjoyment that it brings to diners.
7. La Vong grilled fish
La Vong grilled fish is a traditional delicacy with long-standing origins and is very popular in Hanoi cuisine. An American television program once said, “You should try this delicious dish once before leaving the world.”
La Vong grilled fish is made from lentil fish, a type of fish rich in nutrients, sweet meat, and few bones. The unique combination of fish cakes creates an unforgettable taste. The fish meat is carefully deboned, sweet, fragrant, and soaked in spices. Dill and spring onions are cut into pieces and mixed into the hot fish pan.
When eaten combined with grilled rice paper, vermicelli, and shrimp paste, they are indispensable ingredients that help create a rich flavor. The sweet, fragrant taste of fish, vegetables, and spices combined with the characteristic aroma of shrimp paste makes diners eat forever without stopping. The sound of grease in the pan is very pleasing to the ears. When serving fish and vegetables, just stir it a little; don’t stir for too long, otherwise the fish will fall apart or the onions and leaves will be overcooked and not delicious again.
8. Egg coffee
A cup of aromatic and creamy egg coffee is a great way to start a new day in Hanoi. Although tens of thousands of cups of egg coffee are sold in Hanoi every day, the most memorable is still the egg coffee at Giang Cafe, located at Lane 39, Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. If you want to enjoy Hanoi’s standard egg coffee, choose the hot type. However, even if this dish is served cold, it must be called a masterpiece.
9. West Lake Shrimp Cake
Shrimp cakes were a popular street food item in Hanoi cuisine throughout the 1970s and 1980s, especially around Thanh Nien Street and the Truc Bach quay in the West Lake neighborhood. The distinctive quality of West Lake shrimp cakes is in the sort of shrimp that are used in them: small, firm, meaty shrimp with a soft shell that are extremely sweet to taste. Thus, the best is simply the west lake shrimp cake in Hanoi!
The best time to eat ho-tach shrimp cakes is right out of the pan, letting the fat drain, and then cutting right away onto a dish. All year long, shrimp cakes are available, although the busiest times are during the early winter and Lunar New Year. Everyone who visits wants to eat this dish at least once because of its mouthwatering flavor, which appeals to a wide range of diners, and its incredibly low cost. There is no more perfect afternoon than indulging in hot, crispy, sweet-smelling shrimp cakes while gazing out over West Lake’s serene, tranquil waters.
10. Banh mi (Bread) in Hanoi Cuisine
If you’re looking for the most delicious street food in Hanoi cuisine, head to the nearest banh mi stand. These fresh and crispy baguettes are filled with meat, vegetables, and a fragrant sauce. Many tourists rave about how Hanoi’s banh mi is a million times tastier than what they’ve heard about it.
Vietnamese banh mi in general, and specifically Hanoi’s banh mi, have been praised by the world’s food connoisseurs as the “best food in the world.”
Despite its simplicity, the traditional Hanoi banh mi is rich and incredibly delicious. The perfectly crispy crust combines with the distinctive flavor of the meat and spices. Each component of the filling is delicately combined. Shredded pork helps absorb the chili sauce, while pate adds moisture and just the right amount of softness. The crispy crust doesn’t get soggy even in humid weather, keeping the banh mi crunchy and delicious.
