Buzz
Continuous social media sharing vividly illustrates the 'hotness' of these dishes. When in Hanoi, make sure to savor these culinary delights!
Hanoi Travel: Indulging in the Food Sensations of 2014
Seafood Vermicelli with Soft-Shell Turtles
Mid-2014 witnessed a viral sensation on social media that truly ignited the popularity of seafood vermicelli in Hanoi. Although not a newcomer to the Hanoi food scene, this dish gained widespread attention when a restaurant in Ngu Xa introduced vermicelli with soft-shell turtles accompanied by a spicy Thai-style broth.
The vermicelli bowl boasts a variety of accompaniments such as shrimp, squid, fish, soft-shell turtles, tofu, vegetables... not only pleasing to the eye but also incredibly palatable. Moreover, the prices are quite reasonable, starting from just 30,000 VND per serving. The seafood vermicelli craze in Hanoi has yet to cool down, evident in many eateries adding soft-shell turtle vermicelli to their menus to delight their customers.
Salted Egg Sponge Cake
The salted egg sponge cake once caused a sensation in Saigon for a long time before making its debut in Hanoi recently. This sweet and fluffy cake, combined with the slightly salty and savory taste of salted egg and shredded meat, quickly won the hearts of the younger generation, especially the ladies.
Salted egg sponge cakes come in two varieties: the larger one with a round cake base resembling a birthday gateau, topped with salted egg and shredded meat. When sliced for consumption, it reveals layers of delight. The other type is the 'cute and small' version, similar to a cupcake, often presented in attractive paper cups. This type of cake is priced at around 80,000 VND per box of 6 pieces.
Thai Milk Tea
Thai milk tea entered our country quite some time ago but was primarily found in Thai food stalls and sold at relatively high prices. It wasn't until the summer of 2014, when Thai milk tea ingredients were 'imported' into Vietnam, and many online food stores began selling it at more affordable prices, that this beverage became widely known, creating a craze among the youth.
Thai milk tea in Vietnam comes in two flavors: green and red, a delightful blend of the bitterness of black tea with the creamy richness of milk, along with the gentle fragrance of tea powder or the distinctive spices of the Thai people. It creates a familiar yet unique and addictive drink for customers. The price of a Thai tea varies, ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 VND at budget-friendly spots and from 25,000 to 40,000 VND at upscale cafes.
Durian Ice Cream-filled Crepe Cake
The durian ice cream-filled crepe cake, with the creamy richness of fresh ice cream, the fragrant aroma of ripe durian, and the soft, chewy crepe layer, was the dessert that drove many ladies crazy in 2014. In addition to the shiny golden layer made from durian-infused batter, some online bakeries also served it with a refreshing green pandan leaf covering. To cater to those who couldn't eat durian, bakery owners also introduced new fillings like avocado and kiwi. This delightful treat was priced from 75,000 to 120,000 VND for a box of 5 to 6 cakes.
Thai Coconut Ice Cream
This was the reigning refreshing dessert of the summer-fall season in 2014. Thai coconut ice cream features a concoction made from eggs, milk, and young coconut, served in half a small coconut with the thin layer of young coconut husk intact. It is then topped with peanuts, dried coconut, fresh coconut, and coconut flesh, finished off with an irresistibly tempting piece of cinnamon cake. Some places even offer alternative ice cream flavors such as vanilla and durian. The accompaniments are also diverse, including sticky rice, jelly, and corn, adding a delightful twist to the experience.
A serving of coconut ice cream doesn't come cheap, with an average price of around 40,000 VND. However, on hot days, passing through streets with vendors selling this treat like Lo Duc and Nha Chung, one can still see a bustling crowd eagerly waiting to indulge. Perhaps its novelty is the reason why Thai coconut ice cream became such a hot snack in Hanoi.
Fried Ice Cream Sandwich
The petite bread, dressed in a crispy fried coating and generously filled with rich ice cream, at an incredibly affordable price, swiftly won the hearts of many, from office ladies to students, ever since its debut. Initially, this fried ice cream sandwich was only available at select online bakeries, but now it's widely sold at pastry shops for around 5,000 VND per piece. The crunchy and fragrant exterior, paired with the soft and chewy interior, truly makes it a delightful snack on chilly early winter days.
Fried Fresh Milk
Originating from Spain, this dish quickly gained popularity in Vietnam due to its intriguing name. With its golden crispy outer layer resembling fried cheese sticks, the inside reveals a soft and sweet layer of milk, though it can be a bit heavy. Initially found only in online stores, the social media effect quickly brought fried fresh milk to snack shops for the younger generation. Fried fresh milk is typically sold on a plate with 6-8 pieces, priced around 20,000 VND.
According to Youth Knowledge
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourDecember 26, 2014
