Establishing a culinary street in the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi

Hoan Kiem District is actively promoting the implementation of a culinary street in the Grade I conservation area of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, including Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Giay, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien, Dao Duy Tu.

The culinary streets will be located in the expanded pedestrian space to serve tourists and Hanoi residents exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi, discovering the cultural and culinary values of the ancient capital.

To implement effectively, Dong Xuan Joint Stock Company, the implementing unit of the project, is actively mobilizing households to trade traditional Hanoi dishes such as Bun Thang, Bun Oc, Pho, Rolled Pho, Thanh Tri Steamed Rice Rolls, West Lake Shrimp Cake, various traditional desserts... and organizing the arrangement of shops and stalls to ensure aesthetics, environmental hygiene, and food safety. In particular, the practice of cooking in the middle of the street will be strictly prohibited.

After implementation, the unit will regularly inspect food hygiene with relevant authorities. In addition, the company also organizes numerous training sessions to enhance the skills of vendors, avoiding overcharging and scams against tourists. Dong Xuan Joint Stock Company also develops plans for the placement of checkpoints, arrangement of static traffic points, maintaining public order, and environmental hygiene...

Through the survey of businesses on Hang Buom, Hang Giay, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ma May, Ta Hien streets, out of a total of 159 shops, 47 are food and beverage establishments, accounting for 30%. On the sidewalks of these streets, there are 50 food vendors in the evening. The establishment of spontaneous eateries on these streets with a diverse range has somewhat met the demands of tourists, especially foreign tourists. However, due to lack of planning, these food and beverage establishments are arranged arbitrarily, attracting customers through aggressive marketing, compromising food safety and environmental hygiene...

Therefore, planning the culinary area towards civilization and elegance based on preserving the long-standing traditional culinary culture of the old quarter is essential. The company has held numerous meetings, discussions, and surveys to gather the opinions of local residents in the expanded pedestrian street area, and almost 100% of households support the restoration and promotion of traditional culinary values to serve tourists.

After exploring and shopping on Hang Dao – Dong Xuan pedestrian street or visiting, staying in the ancient Hanoi area, tourists can indulge in traditional cuisine on the expanded streets. Mr. Do Xuan Thuy, CEO of Dong Xuan Joint Stock Company, stated that these streets feature many famous traditional dishes of Hanoi, bearing the mark of Vietnamese and Chinese people. These dishes reflect the exquisite talent of Hanoians, becoming famous brands of the streets and leaving a positive impression on friends at home and abroad. The area also preserves structures built in the 18th-19th centuries with ancient architectural styles, forming a unique architectural ensemble, highlighted by historical relics such as Bach Ma Temple, Quan De Pagoda, 87 Ma May Old House, Huong Tuong Temple, and more. All contribute to creating a distinctive identity for the expanded pedestrian space.

Previously, many people were concerned about the construction of a culinary street in the level I conservation area due to the failure of the Tong Duy Tan culinary area. However, the lack of attraction in the Tong Duy Tan area is due to its isolation from the old quarter and the absence of traditional cultural spaces in Hanoi. In contrast, the majority of international tourists coming to Hanoi enjoy exploring the vibrant and bustling life in the old quarter.

According to Mr. Mai Tien Dung, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism: 'The expanded pedestrian space in the old quarter needs to connect with the culinary street of Tong Duy Tan or explore cuisine on some streets with famous dishes like Hang Buom, Ta Hien, Dao Duy Tu... to serve tourists' dining and resting needs after exploring and shopping here. The harmonious combination of pedestrian space, shopping, and cuisine is necessary, and the organization should be synchronized and attractive.

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide – By: Baotintuc