Explore Hanoi’s culinary treasures with these essential summer dishes. Cold snail vermicelli is a standout choice, offering a refreshing, oil-free experience. Unlike modern twists, this traditional dish features a simple bowl of snails, vermicelli noodles, and a broth infused with annatto oil and chili, creating a distinctive flavor profile.
Hanoi’s summer favorite: Cold snail vermicelli
The key to its unique taste is the vinegar made from yellow flower sticky rice, which varies in flavor based on its origin. Sautéed chili adds depth, enhancing both color and complexity while balancing spiciness with the broth’s tangy notes. Enjoy this delicacy on streets like Tay Son, Hang Chieu, Bui Thi Xuan, and Nguyen Sieu, priced between 30,000 and 50,000 VND per bowl.
Steamed Rice Pancake Salad
Steamed rice pancake salad is a masterpiece made from rice flour, cooked to a creamy consistency, resulting in translucent pancakes. The dish’s success relies on the chef’s expertise in ingredient selection and precise cooking time, with pancakes ideally prepared the night before to retain their softness.
A culinary masterpiece: Steamed rice pancake salad
The heart of the dish is its broth, crafted from peanut and sesame essence, generously poured over the pancakes. Despite its richness, the broth remains non-greasy, perfectly complementing the pancakes’ softness and the freshness of vegetables. This harmonious blend appeals to all ages, especially young adults, and is available for as low as 25,000 VND per bowl.
Sticky Rice Ice Cream
Hanoi’s sticky rice ice cream combines the sweetness of ice cream with the aromatic chewiness of sticky rice. Renowned shops offer a variety of flavors, from creamy milk to coffee and durian, each providing a unique experience.
A sweet delight: Assorted sticky rice ice cream
The dish’s charm lies in its preparation: perfectly cooked sticky rice combined with coconut milk, layered with ice cream and fruits. This sensory treat, priced around 25,000 VND, is ideal for an afternoon indulgence.
Tofu Pudding
Hanoi’s tofu pudding offers a unique twist on a classic, featuring soybean curd with mai flower syrup, without ginger or coconut milk. The ivory-colored curd, made from high-quality soybeans, is paired with a jasmine-infused syrup, offering a refreshing aroma.
A Hanoi specialty: Tofu pudding
Modern variations include toppings like jelly and fruits, but the traditional version remains a favorite, starting at 15,000 VND per bowl.
Gang Grass Jelly
Gang grass jelly, a beloved Hanoi snack, is made from gang leaves, transformed into a refreshing jelly. Traditionally served with palm sugar syrup, it has evolved to include toppings like tapioca pearls and cheese pudding, making it a versatile and affordable summer treat, starting at 15,000 VND.
Summer refreshment: Gang grass jelly
Each variation offers a delightful experience, perfect for cooling off in Hanoi’s heat.
