What’s So Special About Hanoi Cuisine After Midnight?
If I have to say, Hanoi is definitely not a night-owl like sleepless Bangkok or 24/7 Hongkong. But, this ancient city does satisfy starving late-nighters with several street stalls offering so delicious food. At the time when most of the locals and expats have fallen asleep, the taste and the scent of Vietnamese suppers harmonize with the serenity, creating a super exotic culinary experience.
Why To Take An Overnight Food Tour In Hanoi?
Basically, Hanoi is a fast-developing city. With a population of almost 4 million people, it’s easy to think of Hanoi as a hectic and bustling city all day long. But things can change entirely after midnight. There is no shopping mall to open after 10PM. Most of the stores will even close before that. However, some food stalls are still active until midnight, and even after twilight to serve the locals. Joining a culinary trip after dark is to experience the life of the native.
An overnight food tour is ideal for night owls to enjoy the local cuisine in a wholly different atmosphere. No more high pitch horning, no more crowded streets, no more turbulence of a modern capital. Hanoi after dark, turns back to a quiet and ancient city of thousand years of history. Under the moonlight, the elegant curves of tilted houses become more attractive. The sound of street food vendors is more notable. And the savory smell of late night dishes becomes irresistible to foreign visitors.
Besides the reticent streets, there are some sleepless alleys where the Hanoian relish a youthful life. Though it’s also busy and noisy, the vibe is certainly distinctive. It has the feel of a lively society full of positive energy. Overnight parties of the young generation in Hanoi will breathe a new life into your soul, showing you another aspect of Hanoi and Hanoian.
The time from late-night to the early morning is also the operating time of the wholesales market. After getting full with delightful night dishes, you can stop by these vibrant markets to purchase some souvenirs for friends at a more affordable price. Or else, a handful bunch of stunning flowers at Quang Ba night market is a great way to start you colorful day in Hanoi.
Amazing Dishes You Can Try After Midnight In Hanoi
Banh Mi Dan To
You may be familiar with Vietnamese sandwiches which features the well-known French baguette. But, Banh Mi Dan To is a completely new wine in an old bottle. The food stall is located at a junction near Dong Xuan market, guests no matter locals or expats have to find a seat on the pavement or the threshold of the nearby houses on their own. The main chef of this stall hits up her pan at around 3 AM, but it’s already a long queue in front. The unique feature of this bread is the filling. The filling of Banh Mi Dan To includes pate, sliced sausage, and dried beef mixed together with fried eggs. All in one pan. It sounds messy at first, but when it is added to bread, the texture and the seasoning harmonize with the crunch of hot baguette, creating such a distinctive culinary experience.
Pho Ganh On Hang Chieu Street
Pho is undoubtedly a must-try dishes in Vietnam cuisine. Having Pho that late at night, you can’t expect a luxury restaurant with full service. It’s not the point of an overnight food tour either. After midnight, only street vendors still offer a hot bowl of Pho, and the one on Hang Chieu Street is the most prestigious. Pho Ganh Hang Chieu has made a section of the sidewalk between Hang Duong and Hang Chieu a bit noisy at the 3 AM when most of the others are still asleep. Not the taste but it is the feeling that appeals people to Pho Ganh Hang Chieu. Just imagine the slurping sound when having Pho while a late-night breeze wanders around the dense foliage, the street is as quiet as a mouse. It’s the most beautiful moment in my life.
Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice is a popular dishes for late-night owls in Hanoi. The rice can be cooked many hours before and keep warm in a heat lock containers. When serving, the chef will get some rice to a bowl, add toppings of your choices above. You have various options such as omelet, sausage, pork, chicken, fermented cucumber. A big bonus of sticky rice is the affordable price. With less than one bucks, you can ease your appetite and fill your stomach until lunch.
Some Important Notes For An Ideal Night-out In Hanoi
As you will be staying up very late, there are a few things to note down so that the overnight food trip will successfully finish. The very first thing is not to have too much at dinner. There is an array of delicious food, waiting to fill your stomach. If you have a feast for dinner, the food tour right after that will no longer be tempting as it is. So remember to eat less for the overnight food trip afterward.
Second, because your routines will be messed up a bit, you should drink coffee or tea to ease the nerve and make you less sleepy when it’s late. Going out with a dull face and a misty mind will lead you nowhere. It is advisable to take a nap in the afternoon so that you can be conscious at midnight.
Last but not least, although Hanoi is a pretty safe city, you shouldn’t go outside alone that late at night. It’s easy to get lost after dark, especially when you know little to no Vietnamese. It’s better off having a local guide with you. He or she may give you useful suggestions for the food tour.