Autumn arrives in Hanoi, bringing with it the captivating fragrance of green sticky rice, which lingers on the winding streets. Green sticky rice – a gift woven from the very essence of nature – is a rare seasonal treat that you should not miss when visiting Hanoi during this time.

Green sticky rice on the sidewalk – fragrant in the hands of a little one
When the weather in Hanoi begins to shift towards autumn, the green sticky rice season officially starts (typically from the 7th lunar month to the end of the 9th lunar month). During this time, if you happen to pass by the villages of Vong or Me Tri, you will experience the lively, bustling atmosphere of the green sticky rice harvest. The constant sound of pounding, laughter by the warm fire... and just by getting closer, you'll catch the rich aroma of green sticky rice filling the air.
To create a batch of delicious green sticky rice, it requires skillful and delicate hands, with many steps involved in the process. However, the key factor that determines its quality is the type of rice used. The best green sticky rice must be made from a specific variety of sticky rice called ‘nếp cái hoa vàng,’ which must be at the perfect ripeness — not too overripe, nor too green — to achieve the ideal texture and vibrant green color.
Once harvested, the rice is cleaned, with only the firm, plump grains selected. It is then roasted over low heat, stirred constantly to ensure it cooks evenly, developing the right texture and aroma. After roasting, the rice is allowed to cool, then placed in a mortar to be gently pounded. To ensure a clean batch of green sticky rice after each pounding, it is sifted and sorted with great care and precision.
The finished green sticky rice is wrapped in fresh lotus leaves, exuding a subtle fragrance that drifts through the streets of Hanoi, weaving through every alley to allow anyone to experience or savor the spirit of Hanoi’s autumn.
In the past, people from Hanoi used to pair green sticky rice with ripe bananas or red persimmons. This combination created a delicate, sweet, and incredibly alluring taste.
Today, however, the people of Hanoi have innovated, combining green sticky rice with various other ingredients to create a multitude of delicious dishes that anyone who tries them will remember forever.

Green sticky rice cake is a popular gift bought by many when visiting Hanoi.
One must-try treat is the green sticky rice cake – a gift many people choose to bring back for their friends and family whenever they visit Hanoi. The sweet, fragrant, chewy texture of these small green sticky rice cakes makes them irresistibly delightful to anyone who tries them.

Green sticky rice with sticky rice - a beloved breakfast treat
A popular breakfast dish many people love to enjoy during Hanoi's autumn is the fragrant green sticky rice with sticky rice. The sweet, tender green sticky rice combined with mung beans, lotus seeds, and grated coconut creates the distinct, simple, yet exquisite flavor of this autumn morning treat.

Savor the deep autumn flavor of green sticky rice fritters in Hanoi
Another savory dish, a bit more intricate but incredibly delicious, is the green sticky rice fritter. To make this delightful dish, the cook must be meticulous and skilled, from selecting fresh meat, seasoning, handcrafting, to frying it perfectly. You can enjoy green sticky rice fritters with hot rice or fresh noodles, and either way, it will satisfy your hunger without ever feeling tiresome.
To make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to savor delicious green sticky rice dishes in Hanoi’s charming autumn weather, start planning your trip now. Contact Mytour via the hotline 1900 2083 for advice and to secure the best flight tickets at great prices!
T.Hai, 05/09/2022 15:53
