Xoi Khuc, also known as Banh Khuc, is a beloved Vietnamese delicacy made from simple yet flavorful ingredients: sticky rice, khuc leaves, mung beans, and pork belly. Khuc leaves, a wild herb abundant in the Northern Delta region, are finely pounded and mixed with sticky rice flour, creating a unique pale green wrapper with a distinct aroma. The filling consists of mashed mung beans, minced pork belly, pepper, and shallots, all wrapped in a layer of sticky rice and steamed to perfection. As the cake cooks, the fragrant scent of sticky rice and khuc leaves fills the air, tantalizing the taste buds of anyone nearby.
The charm of Hanoi’s Xoi Khuc lies not in its complexity, but in its humble essence. Each warm, banana leaf-wrapped parcel encapsulates the essence of nature and the meticulous craftsmanship of its maker. Hanoians typically enjoy Xoi Khuc for breakfast, when the air is still cool and misty. Holding a warm, fragrant bundle and taking a bite reveals the rich, savory flavors of mung beans and pork, creating a moment of tranquility and warmth unique to the capital.
Today, Xoi Khuc has become a staple on Hanoi’s streets. However, finding authentic versions that preserve the traditional flavor is no easy feat. Below are renowned spots that every food enthusiast should visit when in Hanoi.
Hằng Nga Xoi Khuc
Located in the Nghia Tan collective (Cau Giay), Hằng Nga Xoi Khuc, also known as “25-Year Banh Khuc,” is a beloved, long-standing establishment. Starting as a small street vendor, it has maintained the authentic taste of traditional Xoi Khuc. The carefully crafted cakes feature perfectly cooked sticky rice, creamy mung beans, and savory pork belly, all enhanced by the subtle aroma of khuc leaves. At just 12,000 VND per cake, it’s a favorite that keeps customers returning. While the shop offers seating, its popularity often leads to early sell-outs. Many enjoy it with sesame salt or dried pork for added flavor. With over three decades of tradition, Hằng Nga’s Banh Khuc is a symbol of Hanoi’s classic taste.
Cô Lan Xoi Khuc
Starting as a small street stall on Nguyen Cong Tru, Cô Lan Xoi Khuc now has multiple locations across Hanoi, including Le Duan, Thuy Khue, and Nguyen Thai Hoc. Open from 5 AM to 11 PM, it caters to both breakfast and late-night diners. The standout feature is its rich, fatty pork belly and crispy fat blended with golden mung beans. The sticky rice is perfectly cooked, glossy, and fragrant, while the filling is seasoned to perfection with pepper and fried shallots. Served with cha (sausage), it enhances the dish’s appeal. Despite the years, Cô Lan’s Xoi Khuc retains its original flavor, making it a favorite among Hanoians.
Hải Ngân Xoi Khuc
Hải Ngân Xoi Khuc, a younger brand with multiple locations in Long Bien, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hoan Kiem, is renowned for its soft, flavorful cakes. The secret lies in using nhung sticky rice, known for its round grains, softness, and aroma. The filling combines creamy mung beans with lean pork and fat, seasoned just right. Customers often add sesame salt for extra flavor. Priced between 19,000 and 46,000 VND, Hải Ngân offers a modern, clean setting to enjoy this traditional dish.
Thu Hoài Xoi Khuc
Nestled in a small alley in Bat Khoi, Long Bien, Thu Hoài Xoi Khuc is celebrated for its attention to detail. The sticky rice is carefully selected and cooked to perfection, ensuring softness without mushiness. The traditional filling is rich yet not overwhelming. Each cake is delicately wrapped in dong leaves and placed in a clean paper bag, served warm and fragrant. Priced at 20,000–25,000 VND, it’s an ideal quick breakfast option.
Quân Xoi Khuc
For a blend of tradition and modernity, Quân Xoi Khuc is a must-visit. With central locations like Cau Go, Luong Dinh Cua, and Pham Ngoc Thach, it’s always bustling. The secret is using nhung sticky rice and te khuc leaves, creating a soft, non-dry wrapper. The filling is rich, with creamy mung beans and fatty pork seasoned with pepper. Toppings like cha, gio, and dried pork are available. Beyond Banh Khuc, the menu features Northern specialties like Banh Gio and Cha Com. Priced at 19,000–34,000 VND, it’s a top choice for exploring Hanoi’s cuisine.
Xoi Khuc is more than a breakfast dish; it’s a part of Hanoi’s memory and lifestyle. The image of street vendors carrying warm Banh Khuc on small streets at dawn or late night is a symbol of urban life. Despite modernization, the flavor of Xoi Khuc remains a cherished, humble symbol of Hanoi’s warmth and hospitality.
In today’s fast-paced world, enjoying a warm bundle of Xoi Khuc, savoring the fragrant sticky rice and rich mung bean-pork filling, is to reconnect with the soul of Hanoi. Perhaps that’s why this simple dish has been loved and preserved for generations.
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