Winter in Hanoi brings a chill to the air, but it also brings a warm feeling to your stomach as you indulge in the city’s delicious winter cuisine. “Winter is the time to enjoy the warmth of good food and company,” as the saying goes. Here’s a look at some of the must-try dishes that will make your winter trip to Hanoi truly unforgettable.
Warm up with a Bowl of Pho
Pho, the national dish of Vietnam, is a must-try any time of year, but it’s especially comforting on a chilly winter day. The steaming broth, made from slow-cooked beef bones, is infused with a complex blend of spices, including cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. This warm, comforting broth is then topped with thin slices of tender beef, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime. The aroma alone will instantly warm you up, and the first sip will leave you wanting more.
**The perfect pho should be light and flavorful, with a balance of sweetness and saltiness. The meat should be tender and juicy, and the herbs should be fresh and fragrant. When it comes to pho, the key is to find a place that has been in business for generations, like Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District, where their recipes have been passed down through families for years. This place is known for its rich broth and flavorful beef, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
Enjoy a steaming bowl of Pho in the winter in Hanoi
Fill Your Stomach with Bun Cha
Bun cha, another Hanoi staple, is a dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. It consists of grilled pork patties, served over a bed of rice vermicelli noodles with a tangy dipping sauce. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and spices, then grilled to perfection. This results in a smoky and flavorful dish that is simply irresistible. You can find bun cha stands and restaurants all over Hanoi, but it’s best to sample the dish at a place like Bun Cha Ta in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung District, where their family-run stall has been serving up this delicious meal for over 50 years.
Bun cha is a popular winter dish in Hanoi
Indulge in Banh Cuon
Banh cuon, Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, are a versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of day. The thin, translucent rice rolls are filled with savory ingredients like minced pork, mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms. They’re often served with a side of dipping sauce, made from fish sauce, sugar, and chili peppers, and fresh herbs, which add a burst of flavor.
**The fillings in banh cuon can vary depending on the region, but in Hanoi, the most common fillings are minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. You can find many street vendors selling banh cuon throughout the city, but one of the most popular places is Banh Cuon Nguyen Huu Can in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District. They’ve been making this famous dish for almost a century. One of the things that makes their banh cuon so special is that they steam the rolls over a bed of charcoal, giving them a unique smoky flavor. This is a delicious and affordable option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Enjoy a delicious and affordable plate of banh cuon in the winter in Hanoi
Enjoy the Sweet Taste of Hanoi
No trip to Hanoi would be complete without sampling the city’s sweet treats. Many traditional Vietnamese desserts are perfect for enjoying on a cold winter day. “Sweet treats are a reminder that life is meant to be savored, just like the flavors of Hanoi,” as the saying goes.
Che (Sweet Soup)
Che, a type of Vietnamese sweet soup, is a popular dessert that’s perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. The sweet soups are made with a variety of ingredients, including mung beans, tapioca pearls, sweet potatoes, and red beans. They’re often flavored with coconut milk, sugar, and pandan leaves. “Che is a reminder that even the smallest things in life can bring a great deal of joy, like the simple pleasure of a warm bowl of sweet soup on a cold day,” as the saying goes.
Kem (Ice Cream)
Despite the cold weather, Hanoi residents enjoy a variety of ice cream flavors year-round. Kem is a popular Vietnamese ice cream, available in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and durian. This is a must-try for adventurous eaters, because durian has a very strong and pungent flavor, with a creamy texture that some liken to cheese.
**Kem is often served with a scoop of ice cream, a topping like fruit, peanuts, or condensed milk. You can find kem carts and shops throughout the city. One of the most popular places is Kem Trang Tien in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District. This place has been making ice cream for over 50 years, and their kem is known for being smooth and creamy.
Explore Hanoi’s Hidden Culinary Gems with TRAVELCAR
“There is no better way to experience the true taste of Hanoi than by exploring its hidden culinary gems,” as the saying goes.
To discover these gems, you need a reliable mode of transportation that will take you to the city’s nooks and crannies. TRAVELCAR offers a variety of transportation options, including:
- 16-seater vans: Perfect for small groups and families.
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“TRAVELCAR is your trusted partner in exploring the culinary wonders of Hanoi. We’ll help you get from point A to point B safely and comfortably, so you can focus on savoring the flavors of the city,” as the saying goes.
Need a ride to your next culinary adventure? Don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us at 0372960696 or email us at [email protected]. We’d be happy to help you plan your journey and discover the hidden gems of Hanoi.