Top 10 must-try Vietnamese dishes in Hanoi for the cold weather
top, dishes, hanoi
Indulge in the irresistible allure of Hanoi’s top 10 must-try Vietnamese dishes, crafted to perfection for the chilly weather. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey, savoring the mouthwatering flavors and warming sensations of these iconic delicacies. Elevate your dining experience and embrace the essence of Vietnamese cuisine amidst the cold embrace of Hanoi.
10. Hotpot:
A boiling pot of broth, with meat and vegetables is enough to make hotpot a popular choice every time the cold sets in. There are countless types of hotpot to choose such as chicken, beef, seafood, mixed, or crab. Famous hotpot locations include Phung Hung, Pho Duc Chinh, Truc Bach… Shared dishes are priced evenly, making it suitable for groups, with each person spending about 100.000 – 150.000VND.
9. Grilled dishes:
Sitting around the red-hot charcoal stove, quickly skewering meat with your hand, and enjoying it while feeling the cold of the early season is the best moment of these days. The list of grilled dishes such as pork belly, beef, brisket, ribs, vegetables, seafood, and more. The deliciousness depends on the marinating and seasoning method of each restaurant. The most famous grilled dishes must be mentioned at Quan Su, Gam Cau Street, Bach Mai, Bich Cau, etc. The price for each grilled dish is around 40.000VND.
8. Beef dishes:
A hot beef dishes cooked medium-rare is a good choice when it’s cold. Most restaurants serve beef on cast iron skillet to keep it warm when serving. Besides beef, side dishes that cannot be missed include french fries, vegetables, and pâté, egg yolk, sausages, meatballs… The price for one serving is about 100.000 – 120.000VND. Some suggested addresses are Hoe Nhai, Hoa Ma, Hang Buom, Hang Bai…
7. Hot sticky rice cake:
Considered as a typical dish in Hanoi during cold weather, hot sticky rice cake dishes are often mentioned a lot in winter. It’s not just simple sticky rice cake served with fish sauce, but nowadays, this rustic dish also includes additional ingredients to increase its attractiveness such as minced meat, fried beans, quail eggs, fried onions, and broth. The famous address for this dish is located in the alley on Le Ngoc Han Street. The price for one serving is around 20.000VND.
6. Pork porridge:
This dish can be eaten all year round without getting bored, but only in cold weather can fully feel its pleasure. Rub your hands around the hot porridge bowl, the warm steam spreads and makes your body warm up gradually. The rich and greasy taste of the porridge mixed with the fragrant and crispy taste of the fried dough stick, the sweetness of the pork floss and the best texture of the broth. Ly Quoc Su are the most famous street for this dish. One bowl costs around 30.000 – 40.000VND.
5. Rice balls sweet soup:
The sweet taste of rice balls in ginger syrup is even more soothing in cold weather, so even those who are not fond of sweets will remember this dish in the winter. A bowl of rice balls usually includes 2 pieces with 2 different fillings, black sesame and green bean, sprinkled with a bit of fragrant roasted peanuts. This dish is also attractive in the hot and spicy ginger syrup. Some suggested addresses are Hang Can, Hang Dieu, Bach Mai, with a price of about 15.000VND per bowl.
4. Sweet soup:
Green bean and black bean sweet soups always cooked to a smooth texture, and always placed on a low heat stove and only served when requested by customers. Adding some shredded coconut makes it even more irresistible. In Hanoi, there is a famous type of sweet soup called “Che Ba Cot” in Bat Dan, made from glutinous rice, sugar, and ginger, and can be eaten with sticky rice. The price for a bowl is around 15.000VND.
3. Roasted chestnuts:
Although not a specialty of Hanoi, roasted chestnuts are sold on many streets during the cold season. They are roasted, not boiled, ensuring a nutty and fragrant taste. Some vendors even add honey for a richer flavour. The price for a pound of chestnuts is around 15,000VND.
2. Fried breadsticks:
Often served as a side dish, fried breadsticks dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce make a perfect snack during the cold season. Compared to the ones served with Pho, fried breadsticks eaten on their own are more flavorful and have a chewier texture. The secret lies in the dipping sauce, which contains pickled carrots and radishes. You can try the giant fried breadsticks at the vendor on Nguyen Khang street for 8.000VND.
1. Grilled corn and sweet potatoes:
Vendors usually sell grilled corn and sweet potatoes together, so that customers can switch between flavours and not get bored. With just a charcoal stove, the aroma of grilled corn and sweet potatoes quickly fills the air. Compared to boiling, roasted corn and sweet potatoes have a more nutty and best flavourful taste when served hot. The price for one corn or one sweet potato is around 15.000 – 20.000VND.
With this list of 10 must-try dishes in Hanoi for the cold weather, if you are traveling to Hanoi during this chilly season, make sure to take note!
