Cháo Gõ Ứng Hòa boasts an unusual preparation method, evoking childhood memories for many suburban Hanoians and intriguing numerous diners in Hanoi.
Discovering the Distinctive Cháo Gõ Ứng Hòa in Hanoi
Cháo Gõ Ứng Hòa – one of the unique dishes of Hanoi. Ứng Hòa district is known as the suburban area of the capital, a purely agricultural land with agricultural products such as fish, vegetables, rice, livestock, especially famous for Vân Đình duck and Cháo Gõ Ứng Hòa associated with the childhood of many locals here.

Rice Porridge Harmony
Crafted from the harmonious blend of rice and freshwater fish, rice porridge harmony exudes simplicity yet sophistication. To prepare this dish, chefs meticulously select evenly sized grains of rice, soaking them in water for approximately 30 minutes until they plump up, ready to shine.

Diners indulging in rice porridge harmony at the Hanoi Autumn Festival 2023. Photo by Quynh Mai.
To elevate the flavor of rice porridge harmony, fresh and clean freshwater fish is essential. It is gently poached in boiling water with a few slices of ginger to awaken its essence. Once cooked, the fish is carefully cleaned, its meat separated, and the bones crushed and strained through a sieve. The resulting shimmering golden broth is brought to a boil. The soaked rice is then added gradually into the boiling fish broth. The chef meticulously stirs the porridge while simultaneously tapping it against a woven bamboo sieve. This rhythmic cooking technique gives the dish its name, rice porridge harmony.

Wild Carp Meat

Gõ Porridge from Ung Hoa enjoyed with bánh khúc.
Every grain of gõ porridge harmoniously blends with the freshwater fish broth, undergoes the rhythmic tapping process to create a soft, sticky, and smooth porridge. A bowl of carp porridge with fragrant freshwater fish and soft, chewy grains is a delightful treat. Enjoyed alongside gõ porridge is bánh khúc, a common dish in the Red River Delta region. Bánh khúc is cut into bite-sized pieces and placed on top of the gõ porridge, presenting an enticing sight. Gõ Porridge from Ung Hoa, though a rustic dish, holds the childhood memories of many people in this suburban area of Hanoi.
To savor this unique gõ porridge, travelers can visit Cau Bau hamlet, Quang Phu Cau commune, Ung Hoa district, Hanoi, about 40 km from the center of Hanoi city.
Posted by: Duck Gate Si Warrior
Keywords: Gõ Porridge from Ung Hoa - a unique dish that arouses curiosity in Hanoi
