Hanoi cuisine refers to the culinary traditions and dishes that are native to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi is known for its rich and diverse food culture, influenced by both indigenous Vietnamese cuisine and external influences over centuries. Here are some popular dishes you can find in Hanoi:
- Pho: Pho is a staple dish in Vietnamese cuisine and Hanoi is famous for its delicious Pho. It’s a noodle soup made with beef or chicken, rice noodles, and a flavorful broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s typically served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili for added flavor.
- Bun Cha: Bun Cha is a quintessential Hanoi dish consisting of grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served over a plate of rice noodles. It’s accompanied by a bowl of sweet and tangy fish sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables.
- Cha Ca La Vong: Cha Ca La Vong is a specialty dish that originated in Hanoi. It features chunks of marinated fish (usually snakehead fish) sautéed with turmeric, dill, and spring onions. It’s typically served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, herbs, and shrimp paste.
- Banh Mi: Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has become popular worldwide. In Hanoi, you’ll find a variety of Banh Mi stalls offering different fillings such as grilled pork, pate, cold cuts, and fresh herbs. The bread is light and crispy on the outside, while the fillings create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Banh Cuon: Banh Cuon is a delicate and savory dish made of steamed rice flour rolls filled with seasoned ground pork, minced mushrooms, and shallots. It’s served with a side of dipping sauce, which is usually a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and garlic.
- Xoi Xeo: Xoi Xeo is a popular sticky rice dish in Hanoi. It’s made by steaming glutinous rice and mixing it with mung bean paste, fried shallots, and a spoonful of savory sauce. It’s often enjoyed as a breakfast or a snack.
- Nem Ran (Hanoi Spring Rolls): Hanoi-style spring rolls are smaller and have a lighter texture compared to their southern counterparts. They’re typically filled with minced pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and various herbs. They’re deep-fried until crispy and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Bun Thang: Bun Thang is a unique and visually appealing noodle dish in Hanoi. It features thin rice vermicelli noodles topped with shredded chicken, omelet strips, dried shrimp, mushrooms, and herbs. The dish is garnished with thinly sliced omelet strips, resulting in a beautifully layered presentation.
- Bun Bo Nam Bo: This is a popular noodle dish that combines vermicelli noodles, tender slices of beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, fried shallots, and peanuts. It’s typically dressed with a tangy fish sauce-based dressing that adds a burst of flavor.
- Com Rang (Fried Rice): Hanoi-style fried rice is known for its simplicity and subtle flavors. It usually includes fragrant jasmine rice stir-fried with a combination of ingredients such as eggs, diced vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as chicken, pork, or shrimp.
- Banh Goi: Banh Goi, also known as pillow cakes, are deep-fried pastries filled with a mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables. They have a crispy exterior and a savory, flavorful filling.
- Chao Suon (Rice Porridge with Pork Ribs): Chao Suon is a comforting and popular breakfast dish in Hanoi. It’s a rice porridge cooked with pork ribs, resulting in a creamy and flavorful base. It’s often garnished with fried shallots, ginger, and fresh herbs.
- Che (Sweet Desserts): Hanoi offers a variety of sweet desserts known as “che.” These desserts can be enjoyed throughout the day and come in different forms, such as Che Ba Mau (a colorful layered dessert with beans, jellies, and coconut milk), Che Troi Nuoc (glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup), and Che Xoi Nep Cam (sticky rice with mung beans and black-eyed peas).
- Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee): Hanoi is famous for its unique beverage called egg coffee. It’s made by whisking egg yolks with condensed milk and Vietnamese coffee, creating a creamy and frothy texture. It’s a must-try for coffee lovers and can be enjoyed hot or iced.
- Bia Hoi: While not a dish, Bia Hoi is worth mentioning as it’s an integral part of the Hanoi food scene. Bia Hoi refers to local draft beer that is brewed daily and served in small establishments throughout the city. It’s a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering a refreshing and affordable way to relax and socialize.
