Sticky Rice with Mung Bean Topping (Xôi Xéo)
Hanoi’s Sticky Rice with Mung Bean Topping is a traditional dish made from fragrant golden glutinous rice, topped with mashed mung beans, crispy fried shallots, and rich chicken fat. Occasionally, it’s served with minced pork or shredded chicken. The name “xéo” comes from the way the mung beans are sliced into thin layers and spread over the rice, creating a simple yet refined breakfast dish that’s incredibly popular in Hanoi.
Delicious Hanoi-style Sticky Rice with Mung Bean Topping
Among various sticky rice dishes, the process of making Sticky Rice with Mung Bean Topping is quite intricate. The glutinous rice must be carefully selected, washed, and soaked in turmeric water to achieve a golden hue. After draining, it’s seasoned with salt before steaming. The mung beans are split, soaked, and steamed until tender, then pounded into a smooth paste and shaped into rounds. This meticulous preparation ensures the dish’s signature texture and flavor.
Sticky Rice with Mugwort (Xôi Khúc)
Hanoi’s Sticky Rice with Mugwort is a rustic, traditional dish from the Northern Delta, made from glutinous rice, mugwort leaves, mung beans, and fatty pork. It’s renowned for its fragrant mugwort-infused exterior and soft, sticky interior, complemented by the rich pork and earthy mung beans. This dish evokes nostalgic childhood memories for many Hanoians.
Sticky Rice with Mugwort, a Hanoi specialty
This is a must-try dish when visiting Hanoi. While fewer vendors sell it today, Sticky Rice with Mugwort retains its round shape and distinctive flavor. Enjoy it any time of day, and listen for the iconic street vendor call: “Ai bánh khúc xôi lạc đây” (Who wants mugwort sticky rice and peanuts?).
Young Green Rice Sticky Rice (Xôi Cốm)
Hanoi’s Young Green Rice Sticky Rice is an autumn specialty made from fresh green rice flakes, glutinous rice, lotus seeds, grated coconut, and mung beans. This combination creates a fragrant, sweet, and earthy dish with a vibrant green color. Traditionally wrapped in lotus leaves, it’s a cultural symbol of Hanoi’s autumn, evoking cherished memories for locals.
Young Green Rice Sticky Rice, Hanoi’s autumn delicacy
On a cool Hanoi morning, grab a portion of Young Green Rice Sticky Rice from a street vendor and pair it with a cup of coffee at a local café. This combination has become a beloved ritual for many young Hanoians, embodying the essence of autumn in the city.
Fried Sticky Rice (Xôi Rán)
Among Hanoi’s diverse sticky rice dishes, Fried Sticky Rice stands out as a labor-intensive treat, often called “twice-cooked sticky rice.” After steaming, the glutinous rice is flattened into rounds and deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft inside. The dish is carefully prepared to avoid excess oiliness.
Fried Sticky Rice, a unique Hanoi delicacy
Fried Sticky Rice is served in slices, often paired with minced pork, braised meat, fried eggs, or sausages to balance its richness. It can also be stuffed with fillings for a convenient on-the-go meal, showcasing Hanoi’s culinary creativity.
