Uncommon Coconut Sticky Rice Haven in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Intricate Cooking Process Makes This Delicious Sticky Rice a Rare Find on Hanoi Streets.

Unique Coconut Sticky Rice Spot in Hanoi's Historic Quarter

Coconut sticky rice has graced Hanoi for decades. However, with time, the vendors offering this unique and tasty breakfast dish have become scarce. Finding a truly delicious and authentic place is a rarity.

This morning delight paints a serene picture with the flavor of fresh rice blending with sesame seeds and coconut, presenting a distinctive light brown color. Unlike other sticky rice dishes, it won't leave you feeling overly full, offering an unforgettable fragrant and nutty taste.

Nevertheless, the labor-intensive preparation hinders the widespread availability of this dish. The chef has to go through the meticulous process of steaming the glutinous rice twice. In the first round, sticky rice is mixed evenly with a pinch of salt and placed in a steamer. When the steam rises, carrying the rich fragrance of cooked rice, the pot is opened, and the rice is vigorously stirred to cool.

White coconut fibers finely grated, intertwining with the scent of freshly steamed glutinous rice. Evenly toast sesame seeds by hand, crackling and releasing a fragrant aroma on the pan. Keep the fire just right; a tad too much, and it masks the aroma of coconut and sticky rice.

Craftsmen meticulously mix every grain of glutinous rice with coconut fibers, adding a dash of coconut essence for a creamy flavor. Seal the rice pot, placing it on a small flame for the second round. When you sense the delightful fragrance of coconut and sticky rice, it signifies the dish has evenly cooked. At this point, take the pre-toasted sesame seeds, crush them, add a hint of apricot blossom sugar, and blend into the sticky rice.

The finished sticky rice boasts round grains, shining in a brown hue, covering the coconut fibers like silk threads, enticing diners with eager anticipation. The mild sweetness of the sticky rice melts in the mouth, while the scents of coconut, sesame, and glutinous rice quickly permeate the taste buds, hitting the spot of hunger.

In the capital, there are two villages renowned for their expertise in sticky rice: Tương Mai offers corn and zigzag sticky rice, while Phú Thượng Xôi specializes in coconut, gac fruit, and black bean sticky rice. Street vendors selling sticky rice have deeply ingrained themselves in the memories of many generations in Hanoi. Those who enjoy coconut sticky rice often head to Sister Hoa's stall on the sidewalk of Ngô Văn Sở street.

Sister Hoa, a woman from Kẻ Gạ village, Phú Gia, Phú Thượng, has been selling sticky rice in the old quarter for numerous years. She starts her sales early in the morning, offering a variety of sticky rice colors like coconut, gac fruit, black beans, green beans, and peanuts. Regular customers affectionately call her Sister Hoa “Five Sticky Rice.”

Sister Hoa shares, “In the process of making sticky rice, shaking the rice is the most challenging; shaking the rice thoroughly ensures delicious sticky rice. Don't forget to add salt while mixing, ensuring even distribution by hand.” Thanks to this, the glutinous rice grains are moist, chewy, neither sticky nor loose. Even when searching through the entire pot of sticky rice, you won't find a damaged grain. Whenever customers inquire about purchases, Sister Hoa diligently asks each person if they'd like to add sesame seeds or shredded pork, leaving no one overlooked.

According to Viet Nguyen/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour