Hanoi street food has been a unique cultural feature of Hanoi for a long time. Wherever you go, it is always a hard impression in the heart of Hanoi people as well as international visitors when they visit the city.

Street food – “soul” of Hanoi

The characteristic of street food in Hanoi is that the processing of food is very fast, not decoratively and eaters can enjoy while it is still hot. Now, pavement night diner s are places to meet friends, entertaining after stressful working hours or family gatherings. Each person has a purpose so that there are always crowded in the night, everyone is shady talk. This is the reason why there are many Vietnam food tours.

Uncle Nguyen Van Mai, a native of Hanoi, said: “The pavement restaurant is always the place that I and my friends choose when meeting each other. Not only because of this delicious food, but we also can both eat and talk very comfortably without fear of influencing or scaring anyone. The price at the sidewalk diner compared to the restaurant with clean and beautiful space is not much difference. However, many people still choose street foods, because they like the feeling of eating while looking the bustle of Hanoi streets. Street food has become a part of the soul of Hanoi. And even if people leave Hanoi, they will never forget that street food.

Street food in Hanoi in the view of international tourists.

Hanoi street food is increasingly popular and affirms its attractiveness in the eyes of international visitors. Come to Hanoi, visitors can not miss the famous street specialties such as beef noodle, pancakes, rolls, bread …

Mike Tatarski, a two-year-old visitor in Vietnam, said, “I like street food in Hanoi. Because it tastes very unique, there are many green vegetables and spice combinations are very harmonious. Especially, I was impressed with the street vendors sitting on the sidewalk because they are very friendly and humorous. It helps me feel a lot better. ” Hanoi street cuisine is richer with dishes from many regions now that make the cuisine of Kinh Ky area become more and more interesting and special.

Visitors are not only attracted by the delicious food, but they also are very interested in eating while watching the local people ‘s lifestyle. Just a few plastic chairs and a folding table, even without a roof, it can become a street restaurant. Blacke Robertson, a US traveler said: “The street food of Hanoi made me very excited. It is not only very tasty, but I also found a new feeling as I sat on the small plastic chairs, sipping coffee or iced tea, watching the bustling line on the street and listening to the stories of those around me. ”

Thanks to the unique flavor and special features of street foods, many visitors also open street-style restaurants and sell Vietnamese food in their home country after they enjoyed Vietnam street food. For example, Paul Hopper, a British guy after a trip to Vietnam opened a restaurant called “Box” in London. He said: “When I came to Vietnam, I immediately” fell in love “with fresh, tasty dishes of street vendors. I am especially impressed with the popular restaurants here because of quickly and conveniently serving. Besides, it is really suitable for office staffs and worker lunches. And I decided to open chophouse in London, serving fast food but still fresh for office workers. ”

It can be said that street food has become a unique cultural feature of Hanoi, the “soul” of the land of the thousand years of civilization. Not only has a special meaning with the local people, but also has the unforgettable impression with international friends. As a result, it contributes to enriching the quintessence culinary culture of Vietnam.

Source: vietnam-travelnews

The Beauty Of Hanoi Street Food Tours
Nguyen Thanh Van

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City is famous for abundant, affordable and diverse street foods. Saigon is indeed a city for food lovers all over the world.
Here are some of the best spots to check out:

Bun Mam (Noodle Soup with Fermented Fish Sauce Broth)

Bun Mam can be challenging because of its strong smell. It’s a noodle soup with fermented fish broth, seafood and pork belly. It sounds smelly but once tasted it, you might be addicted to its thick rice noodles and savory fish and meat.

– Bun Mam Dac San: 22 Phan Boi Chau, Dist. 1

– Bun Mam 444: 369 Le Quang Dinh Str., Binh Thanh Dist.

Banh Beo (Water Fern Cake)

A very familiar street food dish among Vietnamese, as well as Saigonese. You dip the small round rice-flour cakes, topped with pork rinds and toasted shrimp powder, into a dipping bowl of fish sauce. One serving often comes with 8-10 cakes.

– Nam Giao: 136 Le Thanh Ton Street, Dist. 1

Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Banh Cuon is a favorite breakfast dish for Vietnamese people – it’s cheap, simple yet delicious. The thin steamed rice papers are rolled with or without ground pork and wood ear mushrooms, topped with fried onions. Dip one roll into a bowl of fish sauce, you’ll know why this dish is loved widely by Vietnamese people.

– Banh Cuon Hai Nam: 11A Cao Thang, HCMC

– Banh Cuon Tay Ho 1: 127 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, District 1

Banh Trang Tron

Banh Trang Tron was invented by Southerners, the most popular street snack in Ho Chi Minh city. You can easily find the stalls selling this dish on almost every corner of the city. The dish is composed of rice paper threats, mixed with all kinds of toppings and spices. The taste is sour and lightly spicy which is so addicted and makes you crave it for more.

– Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, Ward 5, Dist. 3

– Banh Trang Tron Hoa Hao: Hoa Hao Street, Dest. 10

Com Tam (Broken Rice)

Common dish of not only Ho Chi Minh City but all the South Vietnam. People can eat Com Tam (Broken Rice) for all meals. The dish is simple yet can make you full for half of the day, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. The name came from the fact that after the drying and milling process, the farmer used the leftover grains which are usually broken but cheaper than whole grain.

– Com Tam Cali: 32 Nguyen Trai Street, Dist. 1

– Com Tam Moc: 85 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist. 1

Source: asianwaytravel

5 Foods you won’t miss when in Sai Gon
Nguyen Thanh Van

Ask anyone who’s been to Vietnam what the best things about it were and I’ll bet that somewhere in their list is the food. Vietnam is renowned for it’s distinguished range of tasty delights: pho noodles, banh mi, bun cha, vietnamese spring rolls, banh xeo and oh so much more, all hail from Vietnam. With its unique combination of French combined with South East Asian influences, it’s no wonder Vietnam serves up some of the world’s most delicious dishes. Whilst the whole nation consistently delivers delectable fare, you’ll find that the interpretation of dishes does vary from north to south when local flavours start getting involved.

Hanoi is particularly renowned for its local foodie scene. Turn any corner in the city and you’ll find locals hunkered over a steaming bowl of pho, perched on the miniature plastic stools that are so iconic in Vietnam. Sure, you can turn up at most venues selling food and chances are, you’re in for a tasty meal. But to source the city’s best offerings, enlist the help of a local. We met our guide at the lobby of the Silk Path Hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter right on time at 5:30pm, just as the day’s light was beginning to fade, to begin the Hanoi Evening Street Eats guided food tour. We were joined by a family of four from Australia, bringing the group number up to nine, plus our local foodie tour guide.

Departing from the hotel, we navigated the streets, narrowly avoiding the speeding motorbikes and cars as is always the case in Hanoi (and which our guide was diligently trying to keep us safe from) to the first of seven Vietnamese food stops on our tour of Hanoi.

Walking Night Street Food In Hanoi Old Quarter
Nguyen Thanh Van

If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, spend the day eating. Vietnam’s most dynamic city is filled to the brim with good food. People from all over Vietnam come to Ho Chi Minh City to work, bringing with them recipes from their hometowns that over time make up the metropolis’ exciting culinary scene. Here’s our insider guide to three dishes you don’t want to miss.

Broken rice equals a wholesome breakfast

Ask anyone in Ho Chi Minh City and they will tell you the go-to breakfast here is Cơm Tam (broken rice). Cơm tấm is one of the few dishes that originated in Ho Chi Minh City. In the old days, these special broken rice grains were not fit for sale, so farmers would save and eat them. In fact, the tấm rice grains are so symbolic of humble beauty and grace that in the Vietnamese version of Cinderella, she was named Tấm whereas the evil stepsister was called Cám, after a different kind of rice byproduct.

Cơm tấm has all the right stuff to kickstart your day: honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, sunny-side-up eggs, spring onions, and pickled papaya on a bed of rice. Of course, these days you can have cơm tấm for any meal. Everyone in Ho Chi Minh City has his or her favourite cơm tấm spot, but don’t be afraid to try out the one closest to you. It will likely be just as good. Pour a generous amount of sweet fish sauce on top of everything on your plate, and dig in.

Snails, skewers, and seafood

The area of District 4 is known for its many sidewalk BBQ seafood and snail joints. The small street of Vĩnh Khánh (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) comes to life just after dark. Around 6pm, it transforms into a bustling neighbourhood, filled with diners gathering for a beer over some snails and seafood skewers, weekdays and weekends alike. For foodies who want to immerse in the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, head to the restaurants along Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè Canal (bờ kè area), a branch of the Saigon River that runs through the city.

While snails may sound foreign to some, they are one of the city’s most famous specialties. Snail restaurants lay out fresh catches of the day in baskets or trays for you to choose from. They can go up to twenty different kinds. From stir-fried with butter and garlic, grilled with sea salt and chilli, to stewed in coconut milk, each way of cooking snails pairs perfectly with each type of snail. Sweet snails, cockles, and razor clams are some local favourites. Overwhelmed by these selections? Simply ask what the other diners are eating and they will be happy to help you.

The many faces of hủ tiếu

Because of its culturally diverse population, countless versions of a single dish are a common theme in the local food scene. Few dishes are as representative of this city as Hu Tieu . It has multiple origins (Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese), and has seen many changes and adaptations, yet it’s embraced by Vietnamese everywhere. You can easily find a hearty bowl of hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodles) with thin strings of rice noodles submerged in boiling hot bone broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fried garlic on small carts all over the city.

An alternative you don’t want to miss is hủ tiếu Sa Đéc, originated from the former Sa Đéc province in the Mekong Delta. This flavourful noodle dish comes with a special sweet sauce, a taste signature to the Delta region. As you bite into the rice noodle strings, you will notice the difference in their chewy texture. A plate of mung bean sprout and lettuce adds a cheerful crunch to every bite.

A bánh mì like no other 

You can find bánh mì anywhere in Vietnam, but each region puts its own twist on the classic sandwich. In Ho Chi Minh City, a typical bánh mì comes with char siu pork, homemade paté, soft butter, pickled papaya, and hot chili peppers. Some cooks make their own special sauce that magically ties everything together.

Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa is a firm favourite among locals. Known for their generous fillings and spectacular flavours, the small shop always has a line of dedicated diners waiting in front, no matter what time of day. Each one sets you back 42,000 VNĐ, and is almost twice as big as your average bánh mì. But size is not the only thing that sets Huỳnh Hoa apart. Every wonderful bite contains equal measures of all the fantastic tastes and textures. In the words of the Huỳnh Hoa’s owner: “This is no ordinary bánh mì!”

Summertime spring rolls

For Vietnamese who grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) are the food of childhood. Many of us would have these spring rolls on the sidewalks as an after-school snack. You can easily get a taste of this wrap at street food vendors around the city. Pull up a plastic stool, order a plate of gỏi cuốn, and see for yourself what makes this simple dish so special.

Freshness is at the heart of gỏi cuốn. Green lettuce and herbs are wrapped around rice noodles, steamed pork, and a single prawn. The simplicity highlights each ingredient’s pure flavours. However, the difference between a great gỏi cuốn and a mediocre one lies in its dipping sauce. The thick fermented sauce can be an acquired taste, but give it a try and you will see where gỏi cuốn gets its boldness. After hours of exploring the city, some gỏi cuốn and iced tea is perfect for a break. Not to mention, these beautiful rolls will definitely spice up your Instagram feed.

Eating like a local in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Thanh Van

If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, spend the day eating. Vietnam’s most dynamic city is filled to the brim with good food. People from all over Vietnam come to Ho Chi Minh City to work, bringing with them recipes from their hometowns that over time make up the metropolis’ exciting culinary scene. Here’s our insider guide to three dishes you don’t want to miss.

1.Snails, skewers, and seafood

The area of District 4 is known for its many sidewalk BBQ seafood and snail joints. The small street of Vĩnh Khánh (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) comes to life just after dark. Around 6pm, it transforms into a bustling neighbourhood, filled with diners gathering for a beer over some snails and seafood skewers, weekdays and weekends alike. For foodies who want to immerse in the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, head to the restaurants along Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè Canal (bờ kè area), a branch of the Saigon River that runs through the city.

While snails may sound foreign to some, they are one of the city’s most famous specialties. Snail restaurants lay out fresh catches of the day in baskets or trays for you to choose from. They can go up to twenty different kinds. From stir-fried with butter and garlic, grilled with sea salt and chilli, to stewed in coconut milk, each way of cooking snails pairs perfectly with each type of snail. Sweet snails, cockles, and razor clams are some local favourites. Overwhelmed by these selections? Simply ask what the other diners are eating and they will be happy to help you.

2. Broken rice equals a wholesome breakfast

Ask anyone in Ho Chi Minh City and they will tell you the go-to breakfast here is cơm tấm (broken rice). Cơm tấm is one of the few dishes that originated in Ho Chi Minh City. In the old days, these special broken rice grains were not fit for sale, so farmers would save and eat them. In fact, the tấm rice grains are so symbolic of humble beauty and grace that in the Vietnamese version of Cinderella, she was named Tấm whereas the evil stepsister was called Cám, after a different kind of rice byproduct.

Cơm tấm has all the right stuff to kickstart your day: honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, sunny-side-up eggs, spring onions, and pickled papaya on a bed of rice. Of course, these days you can have cơm tấm for any meal. Everyone in Ho Chi Minh City has his or her favourite cơm tấm spot, but don’t be afraid to try out the one closest to you. It will likely be just as good. Pour a generous amount of sweet fish sauce on top of everything on your plate, and dig in.

3. The many faces of Hu Tieu

Because of its culturally diverse population, countless versions of a single dish are a common theme in the local food scene. Few dishes are as representative of this city as Hu Tieu. It has multiple origins (Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese), and has seen many changes and adaptations, yet it’s embraced by Vietnamese everywhere. You can easily find a hearty bowl of hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodles) with thin strings of rice noodles submerged in boiling hot bone broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fried garlic on small carts all over the city.

An alternative you don’t want to miss is Hu Tieu Sa Đéc, originated from the former Sa Đéc province in the Mekong Delta. This flavourful noodle dish comes with a special sweet sauce, a taste signature to the Delta region. As you bite into the rice noodle strings, you will notice the difference in their chewy texture. A plate of mung bean sprout and lettuce adds a cheerful crunch to every bite.

4. A bánh mì like no other

You can find bánh mì anywhere in Vietnam, but each region puts its own twist on the classic sandwich. In Ho Chi Minh City, a typical bánh mì comes with char siu pork, homemade paté, soft butter, pickled papaya, and hot chili peppers. Some cooks make their own special sauce that magically ties everything together.

EATING LIKE A LOCAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa is a firm favourite among locals. Known for their generous fillings and spectacular flavours, the small shop always has a line of dedicated diners waiting in front, no matter what time of day. Each one sets you back 42,000 VNĐ, and is almost twice as big as your average bánh mì. But size is not the only thing that sets Huỳnh Hoa apart. Every wonderful bite contains equal measures of all the fantastic tastes and textures. In the words of the Huỳnh Hoa’s owner: “This is no ordinary bánh mì!”

5. Summertime spring rolls

For Vietnamese who grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, gỏi cuon (fresh spring rolls) are the food of childhood. Many of us would have these spring rolls on the sidewalks as an after-school snack. You can easily get a taste of this wrap at street food vendors around the city. Pull up a plastic stool, order a plate of gỏi cuon, and see for yourself what makes this simple dish so special.

Freshness is at the heart of gỏi cuon. Green lettuce and herbs are wrapped around rice noodles, steamed pork, and a single prawn. The simplicity highlights each ingredient’s pure flavours. However, the difference between a great gỏi cuon and a mediocre one lies in its dipping sauce. The thick fermented sauce can be an acquired taste, but give it a try and you will see where gỏi cuon gets its boldness. After hours of exploring the city, some gỏi cuon and iced tea is perfect for a break. Not to mention, these beautiful rolls will definitely spice up your Instagram feed.

Source: Vietnam.travel

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Nguyen Thanh Van