Must-try culinary delights when the cold sets in Hanoi

As the first chills touch the air, Hanoi’s streets come alive with the captivating aroma of comforting dishes that awaken the senses. Between a long list of sweet treats and steaming street food, these dishes are perfect companions for the season, ideal for discovering the winter charms of the capital.

Pan-fried Banh Chung 

As the cool breeze arrives in Hanoi, the streets are filled with the enticing aroma of bánh chưng rán that evokes warmth and comfort. Different from the thick, compact, traditional version prepared for the Lunar New Year, the street food version of Banh Chung is thinner. After being fried, these Vietnamese sticky rice cakes develop a crispy texture, lightly golden on the outside, while the inside remains soft and moist, exuding a subtle scent of rice.

The pleasure of this dish lies in the balance of flavors. Soy sauce is drizzled before serving, adding a salty touch that enhances the natural sweetness of the rice. Pickled vegetables, often radish or carrot, are added for a contrast of flavors and textures, offering a light acidity that refreshes the palate without overwhelming it. This dish is easy to enjoy on the go, whether wandering through the city’s alleys or sitting on a small stool by the sidewalk.

This light yet flavorful dish is integral to Hanoi’s winter rituals, bringing simple and authentic comfort.

Bánh đúc nóng: The smooth delight of Hanoi

Many Hanoians choose bánh đúc nóng, or Vietnamese savory rice pudding, for warmth and comfort in wintertime. Unlike the traditional bánh đúc, which is dense and firm, this version is made with a mixture of rice flour until a smooth, velvety consistency is achieved. Each spoon reveals a silky smooth texture that nearly melts in your mouth, exuding the aroma of freshly cooked rice.

Minced pork, black mushrooms, crispy fried shallots, and green onions top the rice flour pudding, adding textures and earthy notes that perfectly contrast the rice's sweetness. Warm, rich broth delicately infused with chives and aromatic herbs is poured in as a final touch, and the dish is ready to be served, warming the heart and body.

Bánh đúc nóng is typically enjoyed in the evening, often on a small stool on the sidewalks, which is frequently seen in Hanoi. This humble yet deeply comforting staple is an essential part of Hanoi, embodying the city’s spirit.

Quẩy nóng: Hanoi-style crispy fried breadstick

Widely known as a perfect companion with Pho, fried breadsticks can actually be enjoyed in a different style, perfect for a breezy day in Hanoi.

Made from flour, eggs, yeast, and a pinch of salt, these breadsticks are prepared to order in order to ensure freshness and crispiness. Once ready, the dough for the quay is divided into elongated sticks and bathed in hot oil. The sticks merely take a few seconds to rise bigger and turn golden, crispy outside while soft and fluffy inside.

Quẩy nóng is a dish in which hot, freshly made fried breadsticks are served with a slightly sweet and sour nuoc mam dipping sauce, accompanied by pickled vegetables like green papaya and carrots. This combination adds a tangy flavor that perfectly balances the fried dough. Mostly served in street eateries, within just a few bites, you are guaranteed to feel not only the deliciousness of the dish but also the vibrant rhythm of the Vietnamese capital.

Grilled corn and grilled sweet potatoes

As the temperatures drop, you will easily notice Hanoi’s sidewalks filled with charcoal braziers roasting tender corn and sweet potatoes. These little street fires release an irresistible smoky, sweet aroma that beckons passersby. Vendors prepare the corncobs and sweet potatoes in advance, grilling them slowly to enhance their flavors, then warming them up at the time of sale to ensure perfect texture.

The young, soft, and sweet corn cobs are ideal for warming up during an evening walk, while the sweet potatoes offer a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness balanced by a subtle caramelized flavor. This simple yet authentic duo is cherished by both locals and visitors seeking a comforting culinary experience typical of Hanoi’s autumn or winter evenings.

Chè nóng: The warm and comforting desserts of Hanoi’s winter 

Chè nóng—hot sweet soups—are a winter staple that warms the hearts of any dessert lovers. Among the most popular varieties of hot sweet soups are chè sắn (cassava sweet soup), chè đậu đen (black bean sweet soup), and chè bà cốt (sweet soup made of glutinous rice, ginger, and sugar). These variations are winter adaptations of the cold sweet soups that are usually enjoyed in summer, reinvented to bring warmth and sweetness during the colder months.

The star of the season, chè sắn, is made with tender cassava cooked in a thick and creamy sauce of caramelized sugar and starch, giving it a velvety texture and sweet flavor. Topped with freshly grated coconut or a drizzle of coconut milk, this dessert offers a delightful and exotic finishing touch.

Bánh trôi nóng: A warm dessert for a sweet tooth

Bánh trôi nóng is an iconic dessert of Hanoi, both comforting and rich in flavors. A bowl of this traditional sweet soup consists of glutinous rice balls, carefully filled with black sesame paste or mung bean paste, and bathed in a slightly spicy syrup made from cane sugar and fresh ginger. As one strolls through the streets, the enticing aroma of ginger mingles with the other scents of the city, awakening the senses.

Served in a small bowl, bánh trôi nóng is generously topped with shredded coconut, black sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts, allowing diners to experience soft, chewy, crispy textures in one go. This dessert, with its contrast of sweetness and spiciness, is perfect for warming up at the end of the day. Hanoians particularly appreciate its comforting warmth and taste, each bite evoking the authentic taste of Vietnamese winter.

Cháo sườn: The pork rib porridge

When winter settles in Hanoi, cháo sườn—a smooth porridge made from ground rice simmered in a rich bone broth over long hours—is a comforting go-to dish for many Hanoians. Its velvety, thick texture makes it the perfect dish to warm up. The taste of each bowl of cháo sườn is carefully enhanced with a variety of toppings: crispy quay, shredded pork, crunchy fried shallots, and a generous pinch of pepper. Chili powder is often added by those who want more heat. 

A beloved dish among Hanoians, cháo sườn is often enjoyed as a breakfast or afternoon treat. This dish, both simple and refined, embodies the authenticity of the Vietnamese spirit and showcases the city’s culinary traits.

Vietnamese hot pot, perfect for convivial gatherings

In a pot filled with bubbling boiled broth, meats, vegetables, and seafood are dipped, and each lẩu pot can be customized to suit different tastes. Popular varieties include lẩu bò (beef hot pot), lẩu gà (chicken hot pot), lẩu hải sản (seafood hot pot), and lẩu mắm, known for its distinctive fermented fish flavor.

These hot pots are more than just a meal; they embody the spirit of sharing and warmth among people. Sitting around a table on the sidewalk, diners come together to enjoy the central pot, savoring the blend of ginger, herbs, and spices in the broth. Typically enjoyed in the evening with friends or family, this dish fosters a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

For travelers seeking authenticity, lẩu pots offer a deep dive into Hanoi’s daily life, revealing the subtle and bold flavors of Vietnamese winter cuisine.

TOLUNHA

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