Hanoi in the change of season: delicacies that magnetize diners
As spring begins to fade, Hanoi dazzles visitors with its timeless charm and exquisite dishes that reflect the soul of the city.
Hanoi in the early morning offers a unique sense of tranquility. The lingering fog covers the ancient rooftops, while the aroma of breakfast stalls wafts through the air like a gentle melody, awakening the senses. Hanoians are fussy about their food, so breakfast here is not just a meal, but also a delicate cultural feature.
A hot, crispy banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), a serving of fragrant bun cha (caramelized pork meatballs), or a steaming bowl of pho, each tells a story about the traditional culinary styles of the city. In March, when spring has yet to leave but the breath of summer has crept into every street, starting a new day with light dishes typical of Hanoi promises to be an unforgettable experience.
With a crunchy baguette with fat pate, char siu, pork bologna, sunny-side-up egg and cucumber, and a little bit of sauce, Hanoi’s banh mi is sure to make diners fall in love. Add a cup of soy milk or tofu pudding (tao pho) for a complete breakfast.
Bun cha, another culinary icon of Hanoi, is always irresistible. Aromatic grilled pork patties, served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce and smooth white vermicelli, create a unique taste that can’t be found elsewhere.
“I’ve eaten bun cha in many places, but the one in Hanoi still has a very distinctive, unmistakable flavor. In this season, having a bowl of bun cha in the morning is just reasonable,” said Dao Diep Huong, a 38-year-old traveler from Ho Chi Minh City.
After breakfast, nothing is more satisfying than relaxing with a cup of coffee and allowing your soul to follow the hustle and bustle of the throng. Sidewalk coffee culture has long become a hallmark of Hanoi.
A strong cup of coffee, whether classic black or rich egg white, is the perfect accompaniment to the simple yet poetic rhythm of life in the capital.
While a Hanoi-style breakfast is a leisurely way to start the day, lunch is a hectic experience.
“If you want to have tasty meals, find a small alley”, Hanoi gourmets often say. Hanoi certainly has no shortage of good restaurants, but the trick to finding authentic Hanoi flavors is sometimes to explore the narrow alleyways where time-honored shops have been keeping the same recipe for generations.
Cha ca, a rustic yet luxurious specialty, is the perfect choice for a wonderful evening. Small pieces of marinated and grilled Asian red-tail catfish are served with herbs, rice vermicelli, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste.
Mi ga tan is another dish worth trying. The noodle soup features chicken that is stewed with herbs such as mugwort leaves, jujube fruits, and wolfberries, creating a rich, nutritious broth.
“The first time I ate mi ga tan, it tasted quite odd. The broth smelled of herbs, the steamed chicken was firm, and the mugwort leaves were not too bitter. Overall, 10 out of 10!”, Nguyet Minh, a 16-year-old tourist.
