witchazel

You’ve just gotta try the 永和豆浆 (Yong He Soya Bean Milk) at the fringe of Ximending. If you’re not into soya bean, not all is lost. It serves absolutely lip smacking 饭团 (glutinous rice rolls), 蛋饼(egg crusted rolls) and mantou. My favourite is the cheese and bacon glutinous rice roll, which is, well, melted cheese and bacon AND sweet preserved vegetables (菜卜）AND pork floss AND omelette wrapped in sticky, satisfying glutinous rice. It’s a gorgeous burst of flavours, and makes a wonder-licious breakfast.

To get there, just walk down the walkway that leads to Watsons. You’ll see a row of food hawkers on the left and Watsons on the right. Keep walking until you’ve reached the end of the walkway, and make a left turn. And there you’d find that humble little stall selling extraordinary food.

Enjoy!

Amazing people, amazing food, amazing sights, amazing hangouts. The traffic’s crazy and the streets are one big maze. But that’s what makes Hanoi so exciting! (I’m now a seasoned jay-walker.) The way to enjoy Hanoi is to take a step back and simply watch the chaos unfold. You’ll realise that amidst all the apparent lack of order, there actually IS order, and there IS tranquility. Shopping isn’t the greatest draw, but it’s cheap, and fun to boot (especially when it comes to bargaining using calculators and sign language).

I’ll always remember Hanoi as a smiling face, because her people are all so good natured (service is great, such that even after I realised I’ve been ripped off, I hardly mind it at all).

Note to summer visitors though: Move around in berms or shorts. You’re SO gonna melt in jeans.

Love the food, love the people, love the chaos. Ho Chih Minh City’s next!