Buzz
Opening in the middle of the night, this place is always crowded, with customers waiting for up to half an hour.
Midnight Pho Cart: Queueing Experience in Hanoi
On chilly nights in Hanoi, many simply want to hold a bowl of pho, enjoying both the food and sipping the broth to feel the warmth in their throats. For those who adore Hanoi pho, trying it at the nighttime establishments is a must.
For over two decades, the iconic Hàng Chiếu street pho cart has become the epitome of nighttime dining in Hanoi, not for revelry but for savoring the flavors of nocturnal pho, delighting the taste buds.
In the early morning scene, around 14 tables are arranged along Hàng Đường and Hàng Chiếu. It's first come, first served. Some customers have to wait for 30 minutes before they can enjoy their meal.
The fragrance from the simmering wine sauce on the gas stove captivates waiting customers. Occasionally, the owner uses salt to flip evenly the golden-brown beef pieces in the wine sauce. Sometimes, she calmly and slowly selects meat pieces as per the customer's request. Once the pho bowl is ready, a sprinkle of fragrant northern pepper completes the dish.
The seller is highly accommodating, providing tendons or ample meat as desired. At times, when customers request three or four types of meat for their wine sauce pho, she willingly rearranges the entire pot, using salt to find the perfect piece that satisfies the customer.
A considerable number of people at this street pho stall are long-time regulars. This is perhaps a characteristic feature of Hanoi that people want to experience, not just to fill their stomachs and go to sleep. They feel the atmosphere of the stall, hearing conversations in the silent night, with the distinctive aroma found only at the nighttime pho stall.
Despite the sidewalk setting, with pho sold from a stall and a bustling crowd, everything is neatly arranged. There's a familiarity between the stall owner and customers. Therefore, some set an alarm for 3 AM for one purpose - to visit the street pho stall, not just to eat but to savor the pho.
Source: Viet Nguyen/ Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 21, 2018
