Explore Hanoi's latest exotic dish, a remarkably creative and intriguing fusion wrapped up in the humble red jellyfish salad, a unique culinary delight.

Crafting the red jellyfish salad is no easy feat, even for a sidewalk dish. Finding this dish on the menu of any restaurant in Hanoi is a challenge in itself.
The red jellyfish season is short, around March-April in the lunar calendar each year. The red jellyfish, sourced from Hai Phong, is boiled with fragrant leaves and bird's nest shells, then soaked in a basin with a few slices of lime.
Not only is the jellyfish not rubbery, but it also exudes a subtle fragrance, with its gentle red hue being visually soothing. On a bright summer morning, sitting in a bustling alley, ordering a plate of red jellyfish salad is not just a meal but also a delightful morning experience.


Even without tasting it, the vibrant colors of the red jellyfish salad are visually appealing. The deep red of finely cut jellyfish, the golden brown of neatly grilled square tofu, the pristine white of thinly sliced young coconut, along with the lush green of basil leaves, perilla, and a bowl of shrimp paste dipping sauce adorned with a few slices of fresh red chili, together create a stunning palette.
Wondering how to eat it? Connoisseurs of this dish will carefully wrap a mix of jellyfish, tofu, and coconut in basil and perilla leaves, then enjoy it with tangy and spicy shrimp sauce, creating an enticing aroma.


Jellyfish, a creature of the sea, is anything but fishy; instead, it's cool, refreshing, and sweet, akin to agar jelly. Soft tofu, crunchy coconut, pungent perilla leaves—all blend together in a savory and fragrant delight. Those familiar with it are likely to become devoted fans of jellyfish salad.
Not only delicious and exotic, but red jellyfish also boasts high nutritional value, offering a cooling effect, lowering high blood pressure, and relieving coughs—especially beneficial on hot summer days.
In Hanoi, you can discover excellent red jellyfish vendors in the alley at 105 Bach Mai Street, near the intersection of Duong Thanh and Hang Bong, where Thanh Ha Street meets Dao Duy Tu Street.
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Source: Travel guide on Mytour – By: iHay.
MytourJune 27, 2013