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Hanoi Ô mai is the beloved tangy, spicy, salty, and sweet snack that many women adore. In Hanoi, there are nearly a hundred varieties of ô mai. Wondering which ones are the tastiest? Check out the top 5 ô mai specialties in Hanoi for 2019 below.
Hanoi Ô mai - The daily indulgence of the people of the Capital
Gone are the days when only pregnant women craved ô mai; now, it has become an irresistible treat for everyone in Hanoi. Moreover, ô mai is no longer limited to Tet holidays; it is sought after by Hanoi residents and tourists alike on regular days. Some beloved Hanoi ô mai brands include: Hồng Lam Ô mai, Hàng Đường Ô mai, Vạn Lợi Ô mai, Tiến Thịnh Ô mai, Phương Mai Ô mai…
Not just a Hanoi specialty gift, Hanoians often indulge in ô mai on a daily basis, pairing it with a cup of tea or serving it to guests. Hanoi's ô mai comes in dozens, even hundreds of flavors, each with a distinct and unique taste of the Hanoi specialty. In this article, PasGo suggests 5 delicious and popular types of Hanoi ô mai, each one soft, fragrant, and uniquely flavorful, not to be confused with specialties from other regions. Let's explore right away.
Hanoi's Specialty Ô Mai
5 Most Popular Hanoi Specialty Ô Mai that Women Often Purchase
1. Tamarind Ô Mai – Hanoi's Specialty in Autumn
When it comes to Hanoi's ô mai, everyone knows about this specialty, especially the tamarind ô mai. Hanoi's tamarind ô mai is not only famous in Vietnam but also internationally recognized. Made from tamarind fruit, available only from May to September each year, this ô mai is beloved for its crispy texture and a perfect balance of natural sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. It holds a special place in the hearts of many Vietnamese, intertwined with childhood memories.
Hanoi's tamarind ô mai comes in various types, from young tamarind ô mai (with seeds), crispy tamarind ô mai, to ginger-fried tamarind ô mai. Sitting by the Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the evening breeze, and savoring this delightful Hanoi treat is truly wonderful.
Tamarind Ô Mai is one of the first choices for tourists when it comes to Hanoi specialties
2. Apricot Ô Mai – A delicious and highly nutritious Hanoi treat
Mango ô mai is a well-known specialty gift from Hanoi, deeply ingrained in the lives of its residents. Beyond its delicious taste, according to traditional medicine, mango ô mai is considered a precious remedy, helping to treat coughs, clear phlegm, reduce stress, and effectively improve digestion. The flavor profile of mango is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. Hanoi's mango ô mai comes in various types, including spicy mango ô mai, savory and sweet mango ô mai, and tangy-sweet mango ô mai. Particularly, salty mango ô mai is a favorite snack for students and expectant mothers during pregnancy.
Salty Mango Ô Mai is the number one choice as a gift for expectant mothers
3. Tamarind Ô Mai – Hanoi's Specialty for Students
While mango ô mai caters to those who enjoy a salty-sweet taste, tamarind ô mai is for those who love the sweet and tangy flavor. Tamarind ô mai is a favorite snack for many students and university students due to its incredibly stimulating sour taste. As a specialty gift from Hanoi, it is also beneficial for health, with properties to relieve coughs, settle the stomach, and provide warmth. Moreover, Hanoi's tamarind ô mai is good for the elderly with high blood pressure, those with anemia, and helps strengthen bones.
Sour Plum Ô Mai is also an excellent gift from Hanoi for the elderly
4. Preserved Plums – A delicious Hanoi ô mai that appeals to all ages
Preserved plums are typically made from fruits like apricots and plums. After being salted, they are sun-dried and coated with preserved plum powder. Preserved plum ô mai is a beloved specialty in Hanoi, admired for the salty taste of sea salt, the sweetness of sugar, and the tartness of various fruits, providing a perfect blend that can be enjoyed at any age.
When you bite into preserved plums, you'll first taste the saltiness, but the longer you savor, the sweeter it becomes.
5. Hanoi's Apricot Ô Mai
If tamarind, mango, and sour plum ô mai boast a tangy flavor, apricot ô mai delights in its sweeter notes. Apricot ô mai is often chewy, enjoyed bit by bit by Hanoi residents. It makes for a meaningful gift for friends and family. There are various types of apricot ô mai, such as Five-Flavor Apricot Ô Mai, Spicy Stir-Fried Soft Apricot Ô Mai, and Spicy Stir-Fried Seedless Apricot Ô Mai.
Hanoi's Apricot Ô Mai is beloved for its sweet chewiness
So, where to enjoy delicious Hanoi ô mai? How much does Hanoi ô mai cost? Check out the best places to buy tasty Hanoi ô mai and the prices of Hanoi ô mai below.
Where to buy delicious Hanoi ô mai.
Ô Mai Hang Duong
Hang Duong is a renowned street offering a variety of incredibly tasty Hanoi ô mai. Notable brands on Hang Duong include Hong Lam Ô Mai and Tien Thinh Ô Mai.
Hong Lam Ô Mai – 11 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Hong Lam Ô Mai is one of the prominent Hanoi ô mai brands widely available in supermarkets and exported abroad.
Price of Hong Lam Ô Mai:
- Regular Hong Lam Ô Mai: Approximately 35,000 – 50,000 VND per pound.
- If you are buying Hanoi ô mai as a gift, Hong Lam Ô Mai offers beautifully packaged boxes at around 350,000 – 500,000 VND per box.
Tien Thinh Ô Mai – 21 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Equally renowned as Hong Lam Ô Mai, Tiến Thịnh Ô Mai is another distinguished Hanoi ô mai brand. Tiến Thịnh offers a variety of ô mai, with the most delicious ones being single-flavor options such as sour plum ô mai, salty ô mai, and ginger-flavored mango ô mai.
Price of Tiến Thịnh Ô Mai: Approximately 25,000 – 40,000 VND per pound depending on the type.
Van Loi Ô Mai – 24 Hang Da, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Also, a longstanding Hanoi ô mai brand, Van Loi is known for its variety of ô mai that are not only beloved but also considered indulgent. Some favorite choices at Van Loi include stir-fried apricot ô mai, ginger-fried mango ô mai, and preserved fruit ô mai.
Price of Van Loi Ô Mai: 75,000 VND per 350-gram box.
Hong Lam Ô Mai Box – A renowned and delicious Hanoi ô mai brand
Apart from being a daily treat for Hanoi residents, ô mai is also a popular Hanoi specialty gift chosen by many tourists. When in Hanoi, don't just savor the delicious local dishes like Hanoi pho, Hanoi bun cha, Lã Vọng grilled fish, or Thanh Tri rolled cake; don't miss out on this both delicious and meaningful gift.
To explore more of Hanoi's culinary delights or regional specialties of Vietnam, visit the PasGo Blog!
_Minh Phuong_
