Huệ’s Snail Noodle Soup
Nestled in the bustling Old Quarter, Mrs. Bùi Thị Huệ’s snail noodle soup stall on Nguyễn Siêu Street (Hoan Kiem District) is a humble yet perpetually crowded gem. What began as a small street cart over three decades ago has now become a beloved “brand” among Hanoi locals.
The secret to its fame lies in the one-of-a-kind snail patties, a unique creation by Mrs. Huệ. This dish is praised by food connoisseurs for its bold flavor and the perfect blend of chewy, crispy snails with aromatic traditional spices. The stall offers both hot and cold snail noodle soup, catering to all tastes and seasons.
The snails come in two varieties: large mitre snails and smaller ones. The mitre snails, sourced fresh daily and as large as a fist, are the star ingredient that gives each bowl its signature flavor. The broth, made from tomatoes, fermented rice vinegar, and snail broth, is light, tangy, and quintessentially Hanoian. Serving between 1,000 and 2,000 bowls daily, the stall is busiest in the mornings and afternoons. Prices range from 40,000 to 100,000 VND per bowl. Open from 6 AM to 4 PM, with weekend hours extending into the evening.
Lượng’s Snail Noodle Soup
Tucked away in a narrow alley on Đào Tấn Street (Ba Dinh District), Lượng’s snail noodle soup stall has been a family legacy for three generations. Today, Ms. Bùi Thị Lượng carries on the tradition, personally overseeing the kitchen.
Patrons flock here not only for the authentic flavors but also for the plump, chewy mitre snails, carefully selected and prepared. The broth, simmered from bones and snail broth, is enriched with tomatoes and a touch of fermented rice vinegar, following a secret family recipe.
To cater to modern tastes, the stall has introduced additional toppings like beef, Vietnamese sausage, fried tofu, and century eggs, enhancing the dish while preserving its traditional essence. Bowls range from 25,000 to 65,000 VND, depending on the toppings. The stall serves an average of 500 bowls daily.
Tây Sơn Cold Snail Noodle Soup
For a taste of old Hanoi, visit Tây Sơn’s cold snail noodle soup stall in Dong Da District. With no signboard or fancy storefront, just a bamboo pole, plastic stools, and a loyal crowd, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Báu maintains the tradition of selecting the freshest snails daily, ensuring they’re never slimy or fishy.
After meticulous cleaning, the snails are blanched to perfection, retaining their crispness and natural sweetness. The broth, made from snail water, tomatoes, fermented rice vinegar, and secret spices, is clear, tangy, and fragrant. Uniquely, it’s served in earthenware jars, preserving heat and flavor longer.
Each bowl costs around 30,000 VND and comes with traditional Phú Đô rice noodles. This stall is a testament to Hanoi’s culinary heritage, offering a simple yet profound dining experience.
Mrs. Lương’s Banana and Tofu Snail Noodle Soup
Established in the 1970s, Mrs. Lương’s banana and tofu snail noodle soup is one of Hanoi’s oldest culinary treasures. Located near Trường Chinh Street (opposite Khương Thượng Market), it has preserved its traditional flavors for over half a century.
Unlike typical snail noodle soup, this version features a richer broth, thickened with green banana starch and tofu. The dish includes tangled rice noodles, banana, tofu, snails, and broth. Optional additions like beef or Vietnamese sausage cater to diverse palates.
Priced between 45,000 and 55,000 VND per bowl, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The stall also serves Khương Thượng specialties like snail patties, snail rolls with lolot leaves, and frog meat cakes, embodying the area’s rustic charm.
Mrs. Thủy’s Snail Noodle Soup
With over 25 years of history, Mrs. Thủy’s snail noodle soup is a cherished spot for Hanoians. Located in the Cửa Nam area, the small yet immaculate stall buzzes with activity.
Its consistent quality is a major draw. Customers can choose between poured or dipping snail noodle soup, two classic Hanoi styles. Each bowl includes snails, beef, Vietnamese sausage, fried dough sticks, and condiments like chili sauce, fermented shrimp paste, and fermented rice vinegar. The clear, mildly tangy broth balances flavors perfectly, ensuring a satisfying meal.
Beyond its local following, the stall attracts visitors eager to explore Hanoi’s culinary culture. Its simplicity and authenticity have made it a cherished memory for many in the capital.
From the Old Quarter’s hidden corners to deep alleyways, Hanoi’s snail noodle soup retains its traditional elegance and subtlety, mirroring the city’s character. Each stall offers a unique twist: Tây Sơn’s rustic cold soup, Mrs. Lương’s rich banana and tofu version, or the refined bowls from Mrs. Huệ and Mrs. Thủy.
More than a dish, snail noodle soup is a piece of Hanoi’s soul, a symbol of enduring culinary heritage amidst modern life. For visitors, savoring a hot bowl on a winter morning or a tangy cold one on a summer day is to truly experience the capital’s essence—simple yet profound, rustic yet refined.
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