Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its vibrant street food vendors scene. From savory rice rolls to sweet dessert soups, the city’s talented street vendors offer a tantalizing array of local specialties that no visitor should miss. In this blog, we’ll explore five must-try street food delights that capture the essence of Hanoi’s rich culinary traditions.
Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Banh Cuon is a delicate and delicious dish made from steamed rice rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and herbs. This dish is a Vietnamese traditional food as well as a popular breakfast item in Hanoi and is commonly served at street food stalls and small restaurants.
Steamed Rice Rolls
The key to a great Banh Cuon is the thin and tender rice roll, which is made from rice flour, water, and a bit of salt, then steamed into thin, delicate sheets. The filling is seasoned with a variety of spices, including fish sauce, garlic, and black pepper, and is cooked until it is tender and juicy. Steamed Rice Rolls is often served with a savory dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chilies, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Banh Cuon Ba Xuan: 16 Doc Hoe Nhai, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Banh Cuon Nong Thuy Khue: 29 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Banh Gio (Pyramidal Rice Dumpling)
Banh Gio is a beloved street food dish in Hanoi, featuring a distinctive pyramidal shape. The rice dough is wrapped around a savory filling of ground pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles.
Banh Gio with special Pyramid shape
The mixture is wrapped in a distinctive pyramid shape. Steaming is the traditional cooking method, which ensures the dumplings have a soft, sticky exterior and flavorful interior. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick snack or a light meal.
- Banh Gio Doc Hang Than: 2 Doc Hang Than, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Banh Gio Cot Den: 58 Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
- Banh Gio Co Beo: 3 Thuy Khue, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya with Beef Jerky Salad)
Nom Bo Kho is a delicious and refreshing salad made from shredded green papaya, tender beef jerky, and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. The dressing is a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, chilies, garlic, and sugar, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The result is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that is both delicious and satisfying. It’s a refreshing, versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a starter, side, or even a light main course.
Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya with Beef Jerky Salad)
- Nom Bo Gia: 1 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Van Nom: 16B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Nom Bo Kho Co Cuc: 71 Lo Duc, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Nem Chua Ran (Fried Fermented Pork Roll)
Nem Chua Ran is a popular street food dish in Hanoi that is made from fermented pork that is coated in a crunchy batter and deep-fried until it is golden brown. The savory and tangy flavor of the pork is enhanced by the crispy and crunchy texture of the batter. This dish is a popular snack food in Hanoi and is commonly served at street food stalls and small restaurants.
Nem Chua Ran
- Nem Chua Ran Tam Thuong: 36 Tam Thuong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Nem Chua Ran Chi Hanh: 465 Doi Can, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Nem Chua Ran Thuy Khue: 29/21/30 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Che (Sweet soup)
Famous Vietnamese dessert
Che is a broad category of Vietnamese dessert soups and puddings made with a variety of ingredients, including different beans, glutinous rice, tapioca pearls, fresh tropical fruits, and sweetened condensed milk or sugar. These sweet soups are popular throughout Vietnam, often served as a snack or light dessert. They can be enjoyed hot, cold, or at room temperature.
- Quan Che Tu Nhien: 22b Ngo Van So, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Che Go: 9 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Che 4 Mua: 4 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious food experience, be sure to check out these five street vendors in Hanoi when you travel to North Vietnam. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to taste the best street food that Hanoi has to offer!
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