Buzz
These alleys, this cluster of streets, short yet packed with eateries side by side, often have menus that mimic each other, usually specializing in a 'signature dish' like grilled chicken feet, fermented pork roll, fruit salad...
Tạm Thương fried fermented pork roll alley
Fermented pork rolls are marinated but not fully sour, fried in a pan immersed in sizzling oil until golden brown, served with spicy sweet chili sauce. For an even tastier experience, simply roll them in tempura flour before frying, guaranteeing a delightfully crunchy outer layer. Such a simple dish yet enticing for adults and youngsters alike. That's why fried fermented pork rolls are a must-have snack in any snack shop.
As for the most famous and delicious alley, most people would immediately say: “Mrs. Già's Alley at the beginning.” However, there will also be many shaking their heads: “It's overpriced and arrogant there!”. So based on experience, just drive straight into the alley, if you see a friendly owner and happy diners, then stop by. In reality, the quality of the eateries is now equivalent, it's just that customers should ask about the prices beforehand to avoid encountering unreasonably expensive shops.
Tô Tịch fruit salad street
In recent years, fruit shops, smoothie bars, and juice stalls have sprung up like mushrooms in Hanoi. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, when it comes to fruit salad, people still affirm: 'Number 1 is at Tô Tịch.' It's unclear exactly since when, but fruit salad has been closely associated with Tô Tịch street for decades. When summer arrives, this street is at its busiest, bustling with people coming and going, with diners overflowing onto the sidewalk in the evening.
Fruit salad is simply various fruits like apples, pears, dragon fruit, custard apples... sliced into small pieces, mixed together, blended with condensed milk, coconut water, then thoroughly mixed, finally topped with shaved ice. The recipe is simple but not every shop makes it delicious. Especially when Tô Tịch street is short and every corner has a sign saying 'Fruit salad', it's easy to confuse many people. Not to mention the competition that often leads to chaotic scenes.
But according to experienced foodies, the first shop, with its front facing Hàng Gai street, is the best, serving professionally and attracting more customers. The fruits here are always fresh, carefully selected for sweetness and quality, hence the dish is also of the highest quality.
Gầm Cầu grilled offal and beef grilled mushroom street
During the day specializing in wholesale sandals, bowls, plastic items... but by night, this street with a very 'rustic' name becomes a dining paradise for the young crowd. Around 7 pm onwards, passing by here, you'll be 'spellbound' by the fragrant aroma of grilled dishes wafting in the air. And the two main dishes here are grilled intestines and beef grilled mushrooms.
Grilled offal and beef grilled mushrooms are both enticing dishes but since both are smoky, enjoying them outdoors is most suitable. That's why the semi-street, semi-alley space like Gầm Cầu, located in the central ancient town, is truly ideal. Since then, Gầm Cầu street has truly become one of the busiest hubs for grilled intestines and beef grilled mushrooms in Hanoi.
Lý Văn Phức Grilled Chicken Feet Street
About a decade ago, the short street of Lý Văn Phúc branching off Nguyen Thai Hoc road was little known. But now, everyone remembers it with a familiar name: 'Grilled Chicken Feet Street.'
Chicken feet marinated skillfully with honey and various spices to ensure absorption, then grilled over charcoal until golden brown on the outside, crispy and fragrant. Besides the famous chicken feet, here you also find chicken wings, grilled sweet potatoes, bread... all favorites of young people. Moreover, the menu is affordable: chicken feet 8,000 VND/piece, chicken wings 20,000 VND/piece, so for about a hundred thousand, a couple can enjoy a variety of dishes for the whole evening.
Ngũ Xã Rolled Pho Street
Although belonging to the 'innovation' category and only born about a dozen years ago, rolled pho is also considered one of the interesting culinary cultures of Hanoians. And when it comes to rolled pho, people immediately think of the Ngũ Xã village next to Trúc Bạch lake.
Large pho noodles, filled with stir-fried beef and raw vegetables, rolled up and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce - thanks to this unique method of preparation and eating, rolled pho is much more delicious, refreshing, and interesting than traditional pho. Easy to eat and not difficult to make, so after a pioneering shop created it and received much enthusiasm from diners, rolled pho has become a trend spreading throughout Ngũ Xã street.
Compilation
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 25, 2015
