Buzz
Experience an up-close view of the Night Market nestled in the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, boasting over 70 street food options starting at just 10k. Have you visited this hidden gem?
Love strolling through the old quarters to discover the sidewalk culinary culture in Hanoi but dislike the crowded and dusty streets? Ever heard of the 'Night Market in the Royal City' – situated in the largest underground shopping mall in Asia?
The Royal City Night Market dazzles with a myriad of twinkling star lights
Get up close to the enchanting Ancient Street Night Market within Royal City
As per tradition, the Ancient Street Night Market takes place regularly from Thursday to Sunday every week, from morning till pitch dark on B2 floor, Vincom Mega Mall Royal City. This market showcases extravagant and captivating displays of over 70 authentic Vietnamese street food items, beloved for representing the street culinary culture.
Crowded but without the hustle and bustle of the lakeside night market, just without the noise and dust
Savor the aromatic and richly flavorful boiled snails, dipped in a zesty ginger-chili fish sauce until the very last drop! The chewy and crispy pork skin spring rolls are a delight to chew on, while Trang Bang rice paper rolls with pork and fresh greens are refreshingly delightful. Southern-style crispy pancakes, golden and crispy… and many more unique flavors from various regions across Vietnam! Familiar yet diverse, the Ancient Street Night Market in Royal City is like a miniature food market with a variety that allows everyone to choose their favorite dish.
In this culinary haven of Royal City, dishes are presented in each plate so abundantly that you'll be tempted to savor every bit at once
The enticing street food items are stacked on top of each other as a challenge, trying just a bit of each will make you feel like you're in a culinary showdown with Master Chef Lao Tru!!!
Spotlight on some classic dishes at the Royal City Ancient Street Night Market
Taking a stroll around, it's true, this market doesn't miss anything on the list of distinctive criteria for an Ancient Street Night Market! If anything, it's just the honking of motorbikes and the sweltering atmosphere due to the bodies squeezed amidst the bustling crowd.
A bun dau eatery with patrons leisurely enjoying their meal, no worries about crowding or vehicle smoke
Zoom in on the components of the 35k bun dau plate
The finished 35k bun dau plate
Grilled duck for 135k/1 plate, duck in tamarind soup for 200k/1 pot
Right from the start of the street, you'll easily spot rows of green and red plastic chairs lined up on both sides. The variety of dishes on display is extensive, flaunting themselves shamelessly for the public to discuss and choose freely. Hot spots, akin to ancient taverns, range from hotpot places at just 68k – 98k/pot to mobile stalls teeming with all sorts of pastries. Whether it's a few or a handful, they all attract groups of people buzzing around like bees around honey pots.
If you're wondering what to eat in Royal City, why not start with a 68k/pot hotpot...
Hue-style steamed rice cakes, 10k each
Banh xeo, Vietnamese sizzling pancake, 65k
Venturing a bit further in, a common scene is glimpsing office ladies joyfully rendezvousing after the 8-hour brain-folding session, relieving stress by unfolding the wrinkles on their minds. In no time, the skewered chicken, shrimp balls, and squid skewers priced at 25k are making a raucous, entertaining the heavens and the seas. In the distance, at the grassy beer joint, tables reminiscent of the international crossroads like Ta Hien have gathered numerous heroes, in high spirits, sipping a gulp of beer while engaging in lively conversations about worldly affairs.
Street music performance right in front of the grassy beer joint
A variety of entertainment activities such as hip-hop dancing, virtual magic shows, spirit channeling drawing, kite flying, ca tru singing... attract many young people to join in the fun
Indeed, if blindfolded and led here, you'd hardly believe you're in an underground shopping mall instead of the lively Ancient Street Night Market near the lake.
The eateries in Royal City truly know how to captivate people's hearts
Dumplings for 40k/1 plate
Beautifully arranged spring rolls, resembling a peacock spreading its feathers
After an energy recharge, it's time for... the serene phase 2. Surely, you'll be dazzled once again with familiar choices like: refreshing iced tea for 5k/cup, streetside lemon tea for 15k/big hearty cup, vibrant mixed fruit bowls bursting with sweetness, and bags of mixed mango, coconut, and guava for just 15k, tempting the ladies to indulge!
Lemon tea with casual banter
Fruit buffet for 30k
Three-region sweet soup for 20k/cup
Snacks: grassy beer for 10k/cup, sour fermented pork roll for 5k/piece, peanuts for 8k/pack, Phung-style fermented pork for 30k/pack
Mango mixed fruit for 15k
After a quirky stroll in the 'unique' Ancient Street Night Market at Royal City, I've concluded: we Vietnamese are truly creative and adept at making money by bringing an entire sidewalk culture with many unique features as an attraction right within the expansive shopping mall. A fusion of traditional culture with modern entertainment technology will be an interesting choice for this weekend's evenings. Why not take a little detour and check it out?
- BimBim –
A compilation of other delicious and budget-friendly eating spots to save you from bothering Google for more:
• Top-notch Hanoi eateries specializing in renowned Japanese cuisine
• Top-rated Hanoi restaurants specializing in famous Korean dishes
• Top-notch Hanoi restaurants specializing in popular Thai cuisine
