When the clouds gather and the rain begins to patter on Hanoi's streets, it's the perfect moment to indulge in the city's delicious comfort food. Travelers often find themselves hesitant to venture out during dreary weather, but Hanoi offers a culinary escape that beckons you to embrace the rainy ambiance. With each warm and hearty dish, you'll find a cozy refuge against the chill. From savory shellfish to rich porridge, Hanoi's rainy day menu is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. So, grab your umbrella and prepare your taste buds for a soothing culinary tour that will turn a gloomy day into a gastronomic adventure!
1. Shellfish (Ốc)
If you're in the mood for something exciting, look no further than Ốc, a popular Vietnamese shellfish dish. Typically enjoyed with friends on rainy days, it comes either boiled or stir-fried with a tantalizing tamarind sauce. The boiled version allows you to savor the sweet, crunchy goodness of the shellfish, complemented by a zesty dipping sauce made from fish sauce, pepper, lemongrass, and kumquat juice, transforming each bite into a burst of flavor.
For the adventurous foodie, the tamarind stir-fried Ốc offers a unique flavor experience, blending the sweetness of the shellfish with the tangy sharpness of tamarind and the heat from spices. As you dig into this dish, you’ll find that the social aspect of peeling the shellfish with friends adds to the warmth of the meal. On a rainy day, this dish provides not only sustenance but also a reason to gather and chat with good company.
- Recommended places include Oc Trang Dinh Liet, which operates from 3 PM to 10:30 PM, offering prices starting at 40,000 VND (~$2-3).
- Oc Tong Duy Tan is another must-try spot, with friendly staff and an inclusive atmosphere, open from 4 PM to 10 PM.
- For a touch of nostalgia, visit Oc Mr. Thu Hang Bac, who has been serving this savory delight for over 20 years from 6 PM to 10 PM.
2. Grilled Meat (Thịt Xiên Nướng)
Grilled meat skewers are a quintessential street food experience for rainy days in Hanoi. Unlike the larger skewers seen in restaurants, street-style grilled meat features smaller wooden skewers packed with flavor. The craftsmanship involved in marinating the meat with a mix of spices creates a delightful taste that goes perfectly with the chilly climate.
As the meat cooks over glowing charcoal, the rich aroma fills the air, enticing passersby to join in on the feast. A common ritual is to huddle under umbrellas at these stalls, enjoying the warmth of the skewers while the rain taps away around you. This simple yet mouthwatering dish is an essential part of Hanoian culture, especially on cool, drizzly days.
- Head to Hien Cuong Grilling Stall from 3 PM to 7 PM, where skewers start at 5,000 VND each.
- Hop tac xa thit xien, open from 11 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 7:30 PM, offers tasty options for 7,000 VND per skewer.
- For a unique experience, try the Anonymous Grilling Stall located opposite 53 Trinh Cong Son, where you can enjoy affordable options for just 5,000 VND.
3. Fried Square Rice Noodle “Pillows” (Phở Chiên Phồng)
No discussion of Hanoi's rainy day cuisine is complete without mentioning Phở Chiên Phồng, or fried pho pillows. This dish is a creative twist on traditional pho, where layers of rice are cut into squares and deep-fried until they puff up, creating a delightful crispy texture. The contrast between the crunchy dough and the tender filling makes this dish irresistible.
These pillows are usually served hot alongside stir-fried beef and an assortment of vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that warms the heart. As you bite into the crispy exterior, the savory flavors of the beef and veggies create a wholesome harmony. Nothing warms you quite like enjoying this delicious dish while raindrops dance against the window.
- Visit Pho chien phong Huong Mai, operating from 9 AM to 10 PM with prices ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 VND.
- Pho cuon Duy Map is another option, open from 9 AM to 9 PM, with delectable servings priced between 35,000 and 110,000 VND.
4. Plain Rice Flan (Bánh Đúc Nóng)
Bánh Đúc Nóng, or Vietnamese Plain Rice Flan, is the epitome of comfort food that's especially cherished on rainy days. This dish, made from rice, offers a soft texture and simple white appearance, yet it's full of flavor. With the introduction of various toppings like minced pork and mushrooms, Bánh Đúc has evolved into a hearty dish that captures the essence of comfort eating.
Served hot in a flavorful broth, this dish is often garnished with fried onions and fresh herbs, elevating its taste and aroma. There's something incredibly soothing about enjoying a warm bowl of Bánh Đúc while the world outside is drenched in rain. Each spoonful is a reminder of home, warmth, and the joy of good food.
- Check out Banh Duc 8B located at 8 Le Ngoc Han, open from 8:30 AM to 9 PM, offering this dish for around 15,000 VND.
- Another great choice is Banh Duc Nong Trung Tu at 116C2 Trung Tu, serving from noon until 7 PM for an affordable price.
5. Rib Cartilage Porridge (Cháo Sườn Sụn)
If you’re craving warmth and comfort, try Rib Cartilage Porridge, a beloved staple among Hanoians. This dish is perfect for chilly days, consisting of a nourishing broth enriched with tender rib cartilage, rice, and flavorful seasonings. The simplicity of its ingredients masks the complex flavors that emerge as you enjoy each bowl.
Preparing this porridge is straightforward yet requires care to achieve the perfect consistency. The comfort of rib cartilage porridge lies in its warmth and soothing qualities; it’s so good that it’s often served to those feeling under the weather. Enjoying a bowl on a rainy day feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket, making it a quintessential part of the Hanoi food scene.
- Stop by Chao suon Hang Bo at 32 Hang Bo, open from 6:30 AM to 10 PM for a delicious bowl.
- Chao suon Luong Su C, located at 37 Luong Su C, sells from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, making it a great breakfast option.
6. Cake Made of Glutinous Rice (Bánh Khúc)
Indulge in the unique flavors of Bánh Khúc, especially popular in February during the peak season for Khúc leaves. Historically, locals would gather fresh leaves to create this dish, but now it’s readily available year-round. Made from glutinous rice and pounded beans, Bánh Khúc is crafted with care and tradition.
The outer layer of Bánh Khúc, made from the aromatic Khúc leaves, envelops a savory filling of marinated pork and green beans. The process of making this dish is intricate, requiring skill and patience as it is steam-cooked to perfection. Enjoying a warm Bánh Khúc, especially in the early morning or late night, adds a touch of nostalgia and comfort to any rainy day in Hanoi.
- Try Banh Khuc Co Lan at Nguyen Cong Tru, open from 4 AM to 11 PM with prices around 12,000 VND.
- Don’t miss the anonymous vendor at 215 Tran Quoc Hoan Lane, serving from 6 PM to 10 PM.
- Banh Khuc Quan, located at 35 Cau Go, sells delightful options for 13,000 VND throughout the day.
Conclusion
Hanoi's culinary scene truly shines, especially on rainy days when comfort food becomes the star of the show. With these six delicious dishes to explore, you won’t find yourself stuck indoors when the weather turns gray. Instead, embrace the rain and enjoy each flavorful bite that Hanoi has to offer. Venture out, find warmth in the local cuisine, and create delightful memories amidst the drizzle!