Xôi Xéo: A Hanoi Breakfast Delight
Hanoi’s Xôi Xéo is a traditional sticky rice dish, crafted from fragrant yellow glutinous rice, topped with mashed green beans, crispy fried shallots, and savory chicken fat. Occasionally, it’s garnished with shredded chicken or pork floss. The name “xéo” originates from the technique of slicing green beans into thin layers to adorn the rice, creating a simple yet refined breakfast staple beloved in Hanoi.
The aromatic allure of Hanoi’s Xôi Xéo
Among various sticky rice dishes, Xôi Xéo boasts a meticulous preparation process. Premium long-grain glutinous rice is meticulously selected, cleaned, and soaked in turmeric water for a golden hue. After draining, it’s seasoned with salt before steaming. Green beans are carefully chosen, halved, soaked, and peeled before steaming and pounding into a smooth paste, then shaped into tight balls.
Xôi Khúc: Hanoi’s Nostalgic Treat
Hanoi’s Xôi Khúc is a rustic, traditional dish from the Northern Delta, made from glutinous rice, rau khúc leaves, green beans, and fatty pork. This dish is renowned for its rau khúc-infused outer layer, enclosing a soft, fragrant rice core blended with rich pork and earthy green beans. It evokes cherished childhood memories for many Hanoians.
Xôi Khúc: Hanoi’s signature delicacy
A must-try when visiting Hanoi, Xôi Khúc remains a cherished specialty despite fewer vendors. Its round shape and distinctive flavor endure. Enjoy it anytime, accompanied by the iconic street vendor’s call: “Ai bánh khúc xôi lạc đây”.
Xôi Cốm: Hanoi’s Autumnal Specialty
Hanoi’s Xôi Cốm is an autumnal delicacy, blending fresh green rice flakes, glutinous rice, lotus seeds, grated coconut, and green beans. This fragrant, sweet dish, wrapped in lotus leaves, embodies Hanoi’s culinary culture and autumnal nostalgia.
Xôi Cốm: Hanoi’s autumn essence
On cool Hanoi mornings, await the street vendor’s arrival, purchase a packet of Xôi Cốm, and savor it at a café. This ritual, pairing Xôi Cốm with coffee while admiring Hanoi’s streets, has become a cherished experience for locals and visitors alike.
Xôi Rán: Hanoi’s Twice-Cooked Delight
Among Hanoi’s diverse sticky rice offerings, Xôi Rán stands out as a labor-intensive “twice-cooked” specialty. Steamed glutinous rice is flattened into rounds, then deep-fried until golden and crispy outside while remaining soft within. Care is taken to prevent oil absorption or hardening.
Xôi Rán: Hanoi’s unique culinary creation
Hanoi’s Xôi Rán features a crispy exterior encasing tender, fragrant rice. Served in slices, it pairs well with shredded pork, braised meat, fried eggs, sausages, or pickled vegetables. For convenience, Xôi Rán can be stuffed with fillings, ideal for on-the-go enjoyment.
