Buzz
Chilled snail noodles, also known as dipping snail noodles, have become a part of Hanoians' lives. Sometimes, when far away, all you crave is a bowl of this delight.
Exploring Hanoi - Indulging in the Charm of Chilled Snail Noodles
Hanoians love eating snail noodles, but having steaming hot snail noodles in the thick smoke during the summer noon is quite challenging. Perhaps that's why chilled snail noodles were born. The origin of chilled snail noodles in Hanoi is not well-known, and it's hard to pinpoint when or who came up with this dish. All we know is that street vendors selling chilled snail noodles have long been ingrained in the consciousness of Hanoians. Even those who venture far away, when returning to Hanoi, first seek out and savor a bowl of dipping snail noodles.
Chilled snail noodles are simple, humble yet refined, much like the old Hanoian way of life. This snack is modest in ingredients but sophisticated in selection and preparation. Not every type of snail is suitable for making chilled snail noodles. Snails must be the type that grazes on moss attached to rocks to ensure the meat is not fishy or smelly when eaten chilled. The snails need to be thoroughly cleaned, then steamed with vinegar from the Vân village to maintain their sweet, fatty taste. The special touch, the elegance of this rustic dish lies in the Vân village vinegar and the plump, white snails combined with the small, delicate vermicelli from the Phú Đô village.
When eating, dip a handful of vermicelli into the slightly chilled, mildly tangy broth, accompanied by some fresh herbs or slices of fresh chili. The rich, creamy snail blends with the sour, spicy taste of the broth, the refreshing taste of vermicelli, and the crispiness of raw vegetables, erasing the summer heat of Hanoi.
Nowadays, to enjoy chilled snail noodles, one can head to Ms. Xuan's snail noodle stall in Ô Quan Chưởng, or the snail noodle cart at the intersection of Bùi Thị Xuân. Alternatively, the renowned Ms. Giang's snail noodle cart on Lương Ngọc Quyến Street is also an excellent choice; they all excel in flavor. The price for each bowl usually ranges from 30,000 to 40,000 VND.
Chilled snail noodles in Ô Quan Chưởng have long been famous. The small, simple stall is always crowded due to its perfectly flavored dipping sauce and the delightfully crispy, white snails, evoking memories of childhood for generations raised in the old quarter of Hanoi. Meanwhile, the snail noodle cart at the intersection of Bùi Thị Xuân and Trần Nhân Tông, despite having only a few seats and a small stall, attracts customers with its plump, flavorful snails. Many people like to visit this spot because of the meticulous and harmonious presentation of bowls, ladles, and scoops, which look very appealing and eye-catching. The snail noodle cart on Lương Ngọc Quyến Street, on the other hand, seems like a gem amidst the vibrant street with its bars and pubs, offering a nostalgic sense of the soul and sophistication of old Hanoi amid the hustle and bustle of today's life.
According to Ngôi Sao
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourAugust 16, 2016
