Neither winter nor fully summer, the slightly damp and cool air of the transitioning days becomes more enjoyable with a serving of warm rice cake.
Seize the opportunity to enjoy hot rice cake at these 5 spots in Hanoi amidst the damp weather before the onset of summer.
Among the myriad of famous winter snacks in Hanoi such as pork porridge, fried dough sticks, grilled corn, and floating rice cakes, hot rice cake also captures the hearts of food enthusiasts.

A bowl of quality hot rice cake should be sticky and stretchy, maintaining its cohesion even when scooped, appearing smooth and creamy white. Additionally, it should contain finely ground meat sautéed with fragrant wood ear mushrooms, topped with crispy golden fried tofu, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish. Some places even add crunchy fried beans, elevating the taste further. Lastly, all components blend harmoniously when drenched in lightly sweetened fish sauce.
To achieve a satisfying bowl of hot rice cake, meticulous attention is required from ingredient selection to batter stirring. The rice used for rice cake should be freshly harvested local rice, finely ground twice to ensure a smooth and elastic cake.

Choosing the right lime water is crucial as improper selection can result in a cake batter that's either too strong or bitter. The technique of mixing the cake is also crucial, and only experienced individuals can craft a batch of cake batter to the required specifications.
Typically, eateries store cast cakes in a small bowl, just enough for a warm, satisfying meal without feeling overly full. The price per bowl is also reasonable, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 VND. This affordability makes it an appealing choice for diners to include in their list of favorite dishes.

In Hanoi, make sure to visit these 5 cast cake vendors to indulge in a delightful treat before the arrival of summer!
1. Hot Cast Cake at Le Ngoc Han
Address: No. 08, Alley 8B, Le Ngoc Han Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Price: 15,000 VND per bowl
2. Hot Cast Cake at Trung Tu
Address: C2 Trung Tu collective exercise area, Dong Da, Hanoi.

Opening hours: 03:00 PM – 07:00 PM
Price: 15,000 VND
3. Hot Cast Cake at Minh Khai
Address: beginning of alley 296 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

Opening hours: 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Price: 8,000 VND
4. Hot Cast Cake at Thanh Cong
Address: 102A5 Thanh Cong, Dong Da, Hanoi.

Opening hours: 10:30 AM – 07:00 PM
Price: 15,000 VND
5. Hot Cast Cake at Truong Dinh
Address: 112 Truong Dinh, Hoang Mai, Hanoi.

Opening hours: 02:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Price: 20,000 VND
According to Afamily
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourApril 22, 2019