Enjoy famous 'snacks' in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Thưởng thức những món ‘ăn chơi’ nổi tiếng ở phố cổ Hà Nội

Hanoi 36 streets with its extremely rich culinary culture is a dining destination that you cannot miss when traveling to the capital.

Hang Chieu fried cakes

Located right at the beginning of Hang Chieu, at the intersection with Dao Duy Tu, Hang Chieu shaken donuts or O Quan Chuong shaken donuts is a name that Hanoi food lovers pass on to each other. The shop is tiny, has no name, and doesn't need a brand, the pot of golden oil is always full, but for many years now, whenever people in the capital mention shaken donuts, they can't help but mention this address.

You can try putting the whole thing in your mouth and chewing to feel the crispness and aroma of the donuts here. (Photo: Kim Hue)

Grilled sour sausage on Au Trieu street and Nha Tho lemon tea

Grilled nem chua on Au Trieu street and Nha Tho lemon tea are a familiar “couple”. The small alley has two different rows of “green chairs” and “red chairs”. Depending on the seller’s luck, you can choose your favorite one. But the quality is the same. Unlike fried nem chua, grilled nem chua still retains the pink color of the meat, has a slightly sweet taste when eaten, and is not dry. Nem dipped in chili sauce makes it even more attractive.

Grilled fermented pork rolls and lemon tea are a "couple" near the Cathedral. (Source: Hanoi)

Dong Xuan market cartilage rib porridge

Only sold in the afternoon from 5-6pm and until late at night, Dong Xuan market's cartilage rib porridge is one of the best porridge shops in Hanoi with many compliments. The porridge here, in addition to the bone broth, also has real cartilage ribs, crunchy and crunchy, this is also the main feature that attracts customers to the shop. The porridge here is ground very finely, there are absolutely no rice grains, not even a little bit of broken rice grains, but instead is a soft and smooth porridge like baby powder.

There is nothing better than enjoying a bowl of hot rib porridge in the cool autumn weather of Hanoi. (Source: gurutto-vietnam)

Boiled snails on Dinh Liet street

Loved by many picky customers because the snails are very fresh, boiled crispy and delicious. The feeling of sitting among the hustle and bustle of Hanoi's Old Quarter, sipping a bowl of dipping sauce known as the best in the capital, occasionally nibbling on a fat snail also satisfies the "craving". The snail dipping sauce has a fragrant smell of lemon, lemongrass, chili, and is characteristically rich. Many people like this boiled snail restaurant not only because they enjoy the food but also because they enjoy the atmosphere of the street.

The snail restaurant on Dinh Liet Street is still popular all year round despite its simple menu: only two types of snails: jackfruit snails, boiled snails, and steamed clams. (Source: Labor)

Hoa Nhai dumplings

Although not as crowded as other shops, Hoe Nhai dumplings always create a place for culinary enthusiasts. Many people often tell each other that if you want to eat delicious dumplings, you must definitely go to Hoe Nhai street. The cakes here do not need to be decorated with special spices, but the combination of simple ingredients according to a special recipe creates an unforgettable rich flavor.

The fried dumplings are golden brown and crispy, mixed with minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, and delicious shiitake mushrooms, creating an irresistible appeal. (Source: FB Hien Hao)

Dried beef salad at Bo Ho (connecting Cau Go to Dinh Tien Hoang)

Wandering around the walking street, then stopping to eat a plate of dried beef salad with full ingredients of herbs, papaya salad, roasted peanuts. Especially the dried beef has a completely different flavor, fragrant, spicy, not sweet like the ready-made dried beef. The dipping sauce is seasoned with just enough sour and spicy to enhance the taste of the salad here. In addition, the shop also sells banh bot loc and nem cuon.

Dried beef salad has become a snack and a part of Hanoi's memories. (Source: aFamily)

Thuy Khue rice cake

Although not located in the old town, Thuy Khue rice cake is an afternoon snack for many students in particular and all ages in general. Every afternoon from rush hour to evening, Thuy Khue rice cake shop is always full of customers sitting to eat.

It can be said that Thuy Khue Banh Gio is the biggest Banh Gio shop in Hanoi, both literally and figuratively. Because the cakes here are usually one and a half times bigger than other shops. In terms of the number of cakes sold, the number of customers is also among the top in the capital.