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01.02.24

Top 10 Must-Try Winter Delicacies in Hanoi: Indulge in the Best Flavors of the Season

Ann
In the heart of Vietnam, Hanoi welcomes winter with a myriad of delightful culinary creations that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. As the temperatures drop and the festive spirit fills the air, the streets of this captivating city come alive with an array of winter delicacies that are simply irresistible. From piping hot bowls of pho to fragrant sticky rice, Hanoi's culinary scene offers a tantalizing journey through the best flavors of the season. Join us as we explore the top 10 must-try winter delicacies in Hanoi, and prepare to indulge in the rich and comforting tastes that define this enchanting time of year.

Get ready to be swept away by the irresistible flavors of Hanoi's winter gastronomic delights. As the city's chill sets in, the locals turn to their favorite comfort dishes to warm their hearts and satisfy their cravings. Here's the list of 10 best Hanoi food that fill your soul in the winter:

1. Hot Plain Rice Flan (Banh Duc Nong):

Banh Duc Nong stands out as one of Hanoi's traditional and straightforward cakes. Diverging from the conventional Banh Duc, this variation incorporates both plain rice flour and tapioca starch. Served in bowls, each portion features a soft, smooth white cake accompanied by minced meat stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms, herbs, fried onions, and a meticulously seasoned sweet and salty fish sauce. This budget-friendly dish, priced at around 15,000 to 25,000 VND per bowl, makes for a perfect and affordable afternoon meal during the chilly winter in Hanoi.

Bánh đúc nóng - Hot Plain Rice Flan
Bánh đúc nóng - Hot Plain Rice Flan

2. Rib Porridge (Chao Suon):

Chao Suon, a beloved dish among Hanoi locals, takes a distinctive approach to porridge. The rice is ground before being cooked with tender pork ribs to achieve a smooth consistency. The ribs are stewed until tender and garnished with green onions, coriander, and pepper. Often paired with crispy fried noodles, this delectable porridge offers a satisfying warmth without being too filling. Notable vendors in Hanoi include Chao suon Huyen Anh (Dong Xuan night market, Hoan Kiem district), Chao suon Miss Hong (71 Hang Giay, Hoan Kiem district), and Chao suon Ngo Huyen (43 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem district).

Cháo sườn - Rib Porridge.jpg
Cháo sườn - Rib Porridge.jpg

3. Roasted Corn and Potatoes:

During a winter visit to Hanoi, one is likely to encounter sidewalk stalls offering fragrant roasted corn and potatoes on street corners. These dishes, enhanced with sauces like spicy, cheese, or onion, provide a cozy experience. Grilled over charcoal, the sweet corn, sticky corn, and honey-glazed potatoes are simple yet evoke a warm feeling. The lively streets of Hanoi see these stalls attracting groups of young people for evening gatherings and casual conversations.

Roasted corn and sweet potatoes.jpg
Roasted corn and sweet potatoes.jpg

4. Vietnamese Fried Balls (Banh Ran):

A sought-after winter treat in Hanoi, Vietnamese Fried Balls come in two varieties: Salty Fried Balls and Sweet Fried Balls. The former is filled with meat, vermicelli, and wood ear mushrooms, often served with sweet fish sauce. The latter contains green bean filling and is coated with sugar or molasses. The satisfying crunch of these crispy delights, combined with the hot filling, is sure to chase away the winter chill. Famous spots for Vietnamese Fried Balls in Hanoi include 52 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem District, and Lane 16A Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem District.

Vietnamese Fried Balls (Banh Ran).webp
Vietnamese Fried Balls (Banh Ran).webp

5. Hot Steamed Rice Roll:

Hot steamed rice roll stands as an ideal choice for combating the cold Hanoi winter. These thin-coated rolls are filled with minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, and served with aromatic cinnamon rolls. The dish reaches its pinnacle of flavor when dipped in a sauce made from fish sauce diluted with sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili.

Hot steamed rice roll - Bánh cuốn.jpg
Hot steamed rice roll - Bánh cuốn.jpg

6. Hot Sweet Gruel Varieties (Banh Troi Tau, Che San):

These warm sweet soups are typically available from late afternoon to evening, providing a perfect solution to combat the winter chill. Banh Troi Tau includes lumps with various fillings like green beans and black sesame. Che San features pieces of yellow cassava tubers in a mix of coconut milk, grated coconut, and a sweet and spicy broth with fresh ginger, creating an unforgettable flavor.

Bánh trôi tàu.jpg
Bánh trôi tàu.jpg

7. Hot Pot:

In Hanoi's winter, hot pot becomes an indispensable dish, offering both deliciousness and nutrition to ward off the cold. Enjoyed with raw vegetables such as water spinach, mustard greens, and marjoram, hot pot comes in various popular types in Hanoi, including Crab Hot Pot, Spicy Bamboo Shoot Frog Hot Pot, Beef Hot Pot dipped in vinegar, and Chicken Mushroom Hot Pot. Gather around a warm hot pot with close friends for a delightful winter experience.

Hot pot - best food for winter in Vietnam.jpg
Hot pot - best food for winter in Vietnam.jpg

8. Pho (Beef Noodle Soup):

No culinary exploration of Hanoi is complete without savoring a bowl of Pho. This iconic Vietnamese dish features flavorful broth, rice noodles, and slices of beef, creating a harmonious and comforting symphony of taste. Garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime, Pho is a staple winter warmer that captivates locals and visitors alike.

Phở - Beef noodle soup.jpg
Phở - Beef noodle soup.jpg

9. Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup):

Bun Rieu adds a delightful twist to noodle soup, incorporating a savory broth made from crab and tomatoes. This unique soup is complemented by vermicelli noodles and a variety of ingredients such as crab meat, tofu, and herbs. The medley of flavors in Bun Rieu is both satisfying and invigorating, making it a sought-after choice during Hanoi's colder months.

Bún riêu - Crab noodle soup.jpeg
Bún riêu - Crab noodle soup.jpeg

10. Snail:

Hanoi's street food scene comes alive in winter with the aroma of various snail dishes. From grilled snails to snail noodles and hot pots, the options are diverse. These savory and aromatic snail delicacies, often seasoned with herbs, garlic, and chili, provide a delightful and adventurous eating experience, perfectly suited for the season.

Best snail in Hanoi for winter days.jpg
Best snail in Hanoi for winter days.jpg

Hanoi offers a delectable array of winter delicacies that are not to be missed. From steaming bowls of pho and hearty banh cuon to warm egg coffee and sweet sticky rice, the city's culinary scene truly comes alive during the winter season. Whether you're a local or a traveler, indulging in these top 10 must-try dishes will allow you to experience the best flavors of the season and create unforgettable culinary memories. So go ahead, bundle up and treat yourself to these winter delights in Hanoi.

To truly immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hanoi's food culture, consider enhancing your adventure with Tubudd—an innovative app connecting travelers with genuine local experiences.
Tubudd offers the opportunity to go beyond the tourist hotspots and delve into the heart of Hanoi's culinary scene with the guidance of knowledgeable local buddies. These experienced guides can lead you to hidden gems, introducing you to not only the best street food stalls but also the stories and traditions woven into each dish.

So, as you explore the diverse flavors of Hanoi, consider enriching your journey by immersing yourself in the city's unique cultural tapestry through Tubudd—a gateway to authentic and unforgettable local experiences.

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