Hanoi's Delectable Morning Delight – Xôi xéo, the National Breakfast Dish

When it comes to Hanoi's cuisine, names like bun cha, cha ca La Vong, pho, etc., are inevitable. Among them, xôi xéo stands out, a culinary highlight renowned among locals and food enthusiasts alike.

Xôi xéo Hanoi – The Quintessential National Breakfast of the Capital City

Hanoi's Xôi xéo in its traditional form consists of glutinous rice, mung beans, fried shallots, and fat—a unique blend of simple ingredients crafting a perfect dish with diverse flavors. The aromatic and slightly fatty essence of xôi xéo will make you crave this delicacy from the first glance.

The Making of Hanoi's Xôi xéo

To prepare xôi, one must choose plump, sticky, and fragrant rice grains. Following tradition, the rice needs to be steamed twice to achieve the desired texture—soft and sticky. After the first steaming, drain excess water, mix in a bit of salt and fat, then steam again. Once the xôi is cooked, spread it evenly on a plate, let it cool, and repeat the process for the second steaming. When the xôi reaches the desired consistency, drizzle with a tablespoon of fat, mix thoroughly, and turn off the heat.

Soak the beans overnight, then cook them similarly to making sticky rice until the beans are tender and sticky. Crush the cooked beans in a mortar, adding a bit of fat to keep them moist. Grind until the beans become smooth, shape them into tight, round patties.

Xôi xéo, fragrant and soft, paired with mung beans, offers a delightful blend of textures. The slight chewiness, along with the creamy richness of fatty pork, makes this dish irresistibly appealing to diners.

Best Xôi xéo Spots in Hanoi

Xôi xéo Hanoi - Oanh Oanh

While being a renowned spot in Hanoi, the influence of xôi xéo at Oanh Oanh is immense. Despite a slightly higher price compared to other Hanoi xôi xéo places, you'll be rewarded with a bowl overflowing with toppings, including eggs, pate, sausage, pork, cucumber, and more. The sticky and fragrant xôi, paired with the accompanying items, creates a perfect dish. Try it once, and you'll be addicted to this iconic xôi xéo here.

Address: 573 La Thanh, Thanh Cong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

Xôi xéo at Mrs. May's Hang Bai

With over 20 years of existence, Mrs. May's xôi xéo is no stranger to locals and enthusiasts. Mrs. May's xôi has its own secrets and a distinct flavor. The harmonious blend of glutinous rice, mung beans, shallots, and fat creates a simple yet indescribably delicious morning gift.

Address: 31 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Xôi Cat Lam

Operating for many years, this place consistently maintains the quality of its dishes, leaving everyone marveling at Hanoi's specialty. Offering three types of xôi—xôi xéo, xôi ngô, and xôi trắng—the legendary xôi xéo is the most beloved. Soft, fragrant, and sweet, indulging in Cat Lam's xôi xéo is pure bliss. For an authentic taste of xôi xéo Hanoi, Cat Lam is the perfect destination for xôi xéo enthusiasts.

Address: 24B Thanh Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Xôi xéo at Mrs. Tuyet's

Trying the xôi xéo in Hanoi from Mrs. Tuyet's stall reveals the distinct richness of beans and fat blending with the softness of glutinous rice, the crispiness of shallots, creating an irresistibly delicious combination. Xôi xéo enthusiasts should not miss this spot. The aromatic and fatty flavor combined with the sticky rice will elevate your dining experience.

Address: Cu Loc Alley, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour