Hanoi's Best Places to Eat: Vietnam Diaries | Part 1
Hanoi's Best Places to Eat: Vietnam Diaries | Part 1
Discover the delicious world of Hanoi street food on a unique culinary adventure. Explore the bustling streets, sample authentic dishes and immerse yourself in local culture.
Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia, known for its rich culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest. The capital city is Hanoi and the largest city is Ho Chi Minh City.
Its economy is rapidly growing and has transitioned from a planned economy to a market-oriented one.The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from highlands and forests to beaches and islands. The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was a significant event in the country's history and had a major impact on its people and culture.
In recent years, Vietnam has undergone significant economic and social transitions, with a shift from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one. This has led to rapid economic growth, but also to increasing income inequality and environmental challenges. Despite these challenges, Vietnam remains a dynamic and rapidly developing country, with a youthful population and a growing middle class.
Vietnam is known for its exceptional cuisine, beautiful landscape and mixed culture which is worth the mention and visiting. You have a lot of places which you can visit depending upon your interest ( right from adventures/wellness, food, beaches, city exploration etc).
Vietnam is divided into 3 parts — Northern, Central and Eastern Vietnam.
Our exploration started from North Vietnam. A tiny part of Vietnam that we tried to uncover and we want to come again
Hanoi — 3N4D
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and one of the country's most important cultural, political and economic centers. It is located in the Red River Delta and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, which is reflected in its many ancient temples, museums and historical landmarks.
One of Hanoi's most famous landmarks is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the embalmed body of the former Vietnamese leader. Other notable attractions include the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, a historic district of the city characterized by its narrow, tree-lined streets and colonial-era architecture.
Hanoi is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture and modernity, and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about Vietnam and its rich cultural heritage.
Documents needed
E visa
Air ticket (Of course!! )
Passport
Accommodation
Hanoi is famous for its street food culture, which offers a delicious and affordable way to experience the city's rich culinary heritage. Some of the most popular street foods in Hanoi includes Phoac, Banh Mi, Cha Cha, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon and lot more.
Every dish was unique in its own way and you will fall in love with the cuisine. These street foods are widely available in the city's bustling street food markets, as well as from street vendors and small, family-run restaurants. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Hanoi's street food scene has something to offer for everyone.
Banh Mi ( Sandwiches)- Sandwich which originates from French-colonial Vietnam and combines traditional Vietnamese ingredients with the classic French baguette. A crusty baguette which is has a soft and airy texture is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as marinated meat, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili peppers. You get variety and savoury meat including grilled pork, chicken, beef, and tofu, and the ingredients are typically seasoned with sauces such as hoisin and sriracha.
Today, Banh Mi is enjoyed around the world as a delicious and convenient food option.
Bún Chả- It is a traditional Vietnamese pork dish that’s a speciality of Hanoi (a must try !!) . Grilled fatty pork served over a plate of white rice noodles some herbs , pickled vegetables mostly green papaya or carrots, with a side dish of dipping sauce (typically fish sauce+sugar+chillies, lime juices , vinegar, stock). The grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly are marinated in a mixture of spices, giving them a rich, savory taste. The noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce provide a fresh and tangy contrast to the meat. This is served with fresh crisp spring rolls (Prawns , crab or meat). It is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its delicious and well-balanced flavours.
Bún Chả is typically served in small restaurants or street stalls and is a popular meal for both locals and tourists. The dish is quite often enjoyed with a side of crispy spring rolls or other small dishes. It is definitely a must-try dish for anyone who loves Vietnamese food and is looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes) - A crispy stuffed rice pancake popular in Vietnam. It is a savoury fried pancake or crepe made of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder and filled with various ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. It is topped with a heap of bean sprouts, folded in half, and served with salad leaves and fresh herbs and is meant to be wrapped up and eaten by hand. All you need is to dip it in nuoc cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and chilli peppers.. This dish is served either as a main course or as a snack.
Balut Egg- This is a street food delicacy in Vietnam. Balut is a fertilised developing egg embryo that is boiled and eaten from the shell (Yes, it will have some bones , eyes, brains which are forming). The embryo is often cooked until it is fully formed, and is eaten along with the yolk and white of the egg.
The taste of balut egg is often described as a combination of chicken soup and egg, with a slightly gamey flavor from the partially formed duck embryo. Balut eggs are also a rich source of protein and other nutrients, and are believed to have various health benefits.
Balut is often seasoned with salt and vinegar and is considered a delicacy in many cultures, prized for its rich flavor and nutritional value. The dish is often considered an acquired taste, as the texture and appearance can be off-putting to some people. Nevertheless, Balut remains a staple of street food culture in Southeast Asia and continues to be enjoyed by those who appreciate its unique flavor and texture.
Deep fried Prawns , Pho rolls- Pho rolls is a variation of the popular Vietnamese dish, Pho. They are very similar to spring rolls and are made by wrapping rice noodles, meats, and vegetables in rice paper. The rolls are then fried until crispy, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts with the soft and savory filling. Pho rolls are a popular snack in Vietnam and are often served as an appetizer or as a main dish. They are also a convenient and portable food option, making them a popular street food item. Again, these rolls can be served with dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or chili sauce, to add extra flavor and complexity to the dish.
Banh Tieu- a Vietnamese snack food which is similar to a doughnut, made from rice flour and served with sweet or savory toppings. The dough is deep-fried until crispy and golden brown, resulting in a light and airy texture. Banh Tieu can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as mung beans, meat, or cheese, and are often topped with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. A popular street food in Vietnam, often sold from street vendors and enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The dish can be sweet or savory, and its versatile flavor makes it a popular food item for people of all ages.
Banh Tieu can often served with dipping sauces, such as sweetened condensed milk, or sprinkled with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Crab spring roll - A typical Vietnemese snack which one must try when in Hanoi. This is crab fried spring roll. Obviously as the name suggests, it has crab meat, pork, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, mushrooms and other veggies and spice powders. Fill the mixture into the thin rice paper, roll it and deep fry until golden and crispy. This dish is combined with a dipping sauce usually made out of fish sauce, vinegar, chillies, salt and sugar. It also had chucks of papaya as well for the flavour.
Crab spring rolls are a tasty and convenient food option, and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Crab spring rolls are a unique and delicious way to experience the street food culture of Hanoi.
Egg Coffee - A popular drink originating from Hanoi, Vietnam. It is made with strong coffee, sugar, and a mixture of egg yolks, condensed milk, and cheese. The ingredients are beaten together until frothy and then poured over the coffee. The resulting drink is rich and creamy, with a smooth and velvety texture. Egg coffee is a popular alternative to traditional coffee and is often enjoyed as a dessert or a mid-day treat. The drink is widely available in coffee shops and cafes in Hanoi and is considered a local specialty. Egg coffee is a unique and delicious way to experience the coffee culture of Hanoi, and is a must-try for coffee lovers visiting the city.
Desserts- Vietnam has a rich culinary culture, and its street food scene offers a variety of sweet and delicious desserts.Some popular and authentic dessert options in Hanoi include
Che: a sweet pudding made from beans, fruits, and sticky rice
Banh Mi Hue: a sweet cake made from rice flour and served with a sweet syrup
Che Bap: a sweet corn pudding served with coconut milk
Chè Chuối: a dessert made from bananas and sweetened condensed milk
Bánh Flan: a caramel custard dessert (A must try !!)
Xôi Xéo: a sweet sticky rice dish made with coconut milk and various toppings, such as peanuts or mung beans.
You can also try their sticky black rice, Durian coconut ice-cream (served in tender coconut fruit itself), Chocolate Oreo coconut ice-cream as well.
During our own Hanoi Old Quarter exploration, there were few dishes which we recommend for new visitors and who would like to tingle their tastebuds
Pho A Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (Chicken, Pork , Beef). It is a popular food in Vietnam where it is served in every households, street stalls and restaurants countrywide. Pho is considered Vietnam’s national dish. People have this during lunch or dinner which keep one’s tummy full for good 4–5 hours.
Banh Cuon It is really light of your tummy. Banh Cuon made from a thin, wide sheet of fermented rice batter filled with a mixture of cooked seasoned ground pork, minced wood ear mushroom, and minced shallots. It is served with chillies , bean sprouts, Vietnamese herbs , fry shallots and Nuoc mam cham (mixed fish sauce).
Caramel Custard @ Kem Caramen I really don’t remember the exact count on how much did i hog. This was one of a kind !! The custard was wobbly, smooth and silky and it had a perfect vanilla and egg flavour. The caramel was balanced in terms of taste — neither too sweet nor bitter. These custards are usually served cold and i just truly loved it.
During our food exploration in Hanoi Old quarter, it is observed that you have these small stools and tables which you need to grab. Once you’re seated, someone will come over to take your order. Also, you usually do not have English menus. Hence, whatever you need or want to know, use a Google translator to help yourself and make it easy for stall/restaurant folks to get what you want.
This is for now on our food tour @Old Quarter,Hanoi … More to share on our experience on Vietnam.
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