Buzz
If the Northern cuisine leans towards mild and subtle flavors, and the Central region embraces salty and spicy dishes, mentioning the distinctive taste of Southern cuisine will evoke memories of the bountiful products from the Mekong Delta, such as river prawns, freshwater fish, exotic fruits, wild vegetables... characterized by sweetness, richness, freshness, and coolness.
Southern cuisine is diverse and abundant, uncomplicated in presentation yet highly enticing due to the freshness and abundance of the ingredients, embodying a unique cultural culinary identity in the Southern region. You don't necessarily have to go to Saigon or other Southern provinces to savor dishes like mixed salads, savory pancakes, snakehead fish hotpot, fluffy fried sticky rice, or the renowned grilled chicken. These delicious dishes are now available in Hanoi.
1. Five-color Salad
Southern salads offer a rich variety, often featuring a mix of shrimp, meat, and pig's ears, such as the flavorful shrimp and meat salad, beef compressed salad, chicken and jackfruit salad, dried mango salad, and banana flower clam salad. These dishes use raw or simply boiled ingredients, mixed with spices, to achieve a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. Five-color salad, not only delicious but also visually appealing, harmoniously combines various types of salads, making it an ideal appetizer to stimulate the taste buds with a blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy tastes. This salad incorporates protein from ingredients like clams, meat, fish, shrimp, squid, while also providing ample vitamins and minerals from assorted vegetables. It's a sophisticated and exquisite dish with five types of salads, each offering a unique taste and vibrant colors, meticulously decorated to create a delightful and festive atmosphere, as locals would say: 'That's the way it should be.'
2. Durian Sweet Soup
Known as the tropical dessert, Durian Sweet Soup primarily features fruits from the lush orchards of the Mekong Delta. To craft the perfect bowl of Durian Sweet Soup, chefs pay meticulous attention to both processing and presentation. Fruits like jackfruit, longan, and durian are carefully selected to ensure freshness and sweetness. The precise preparation of seeds and jelly distinguishes this dish—no store-bought items here, only handcrafted delicacies. Served in a wide-mouthed porcelain bowl, each component is elegantly displayed. Diners will relish the smooth texture of green and red jelly, the chewiness of chestnuts, the refreshing taste of Mekong Delta fruits, and the rich creaminess of fragrant durian immersed in sweet coconut milk.
3. Southern Grilled Beef
Southern Grilled Beef encompasses five dishes crafted from tender beef, richly infused with the flavors of the South: Bamboo-tube grilled beef, skewered beef, betel leaf-wrapped beef rolls, lemongrass-stalk wrapped beef rolls, and grilled beef with rice vermicelli. The main ingredient is soft beef marinated with distinctive Southern spices such as green pepper, peppercorn, chili, rice vermicelli, sour kiwi... then quickly grilled over moderate charcoal heat to retain its moisture. The standout spice in Southern Grilled Beef is pepper; not only spicy but also sweet, enhancing the richness and sweetness of the dish.
4. Snakehead Fish Hotpot
While Hanoi is known for young rice, Saigon for fruits, and various teas, the Mekong Delta often evokes memories of a culturally rich region with vast rivers and characteristic dishes such as snakehead fish hotpot. The main ingredients include snakehead fish and various types of blossoms and fresh greens. If you encounter this dish for the first time, the array of blossoms like crazyweed, so-duoc flower, curly parsley, bitter melon, sesame leaves, pumpkin flower, and water lily might overwhelm you. Alongside the mixed plate of greens, a fresh bowl of snakehead fish is added to the hot pot, enhancing the depth of flavor when dipped into the simmering broth. Snakehead fish hotpot captivates diners with its vibrant colors, tantalizing aroma, and the refreshing taste of the broth.
5. Saigon Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is an undeniable delicacy when discussing the Southern land. The chicken is marinated and grilled for just the right amount of time, resulting in tender meat and a crispy, golden-brown skin that is irresistibly enticing. It's not as simple as just grilling the chicken; a dash of spices is needed, and of course, a touch of finesse. The balance among various spices is crucial, as even a slight deviation can alter the intended flavor. Once you've savored the renowned Saigon-style grilled chicken, its aromatic and flavorful essence will linger in your memory.
These Southern specialties are currently featured on the menu at Món Ngon Sài Thành restaurant, located at: 59A Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Đống Đa District, Hanoi. Reserve a table now through PasGo to enjoy a 15% discount on the total bill.
Reservation hotline and direct advice: 19006005
