Xoi xeo Hanoi is a beloved culinary treat that has been woven into the fabric of the city’s daily life. It is a simple yet satisfying dish that offers a taste of home for locals and a must-eat for visitors.

1. Why is xoi xeo a must-eat in Hanoi?

Xoi xeo has been a favorite breakfast dish in Hanoi for as long as anyone can remember, though its exact origins are a bit of a mystery. It is deeply woven into the city's culinary culture, with vendors selling it on the streets for generations.

Visual appeal: Xoi xeo Hanoi is a visual delight with its golden layers of crispy shallots, sticky rice, and mashed mung beans. Wrapped in green banana leaves, xoi xeo is as beautiful as it is appetizing.
Irresistible flavor: The moment you unwrap xoi xeo Hanoi, you are greeted with the enticing aroma of fried shallots. The dish combines sticky rice, mung beans, shallots, and fat in a way that is incredibly flavorful.
Year-round availability: Xoi xeo is a dish you can enjoy throughout the year. Regardless of the season, this comforting sticky rice dish is always readily available in Hanoi, making it a dependable choice for everyone.
Reasonable price: Xoi xeo Hanoi is budget-friendly, with prices typically ranging from 10,000 to 35,000 VND per portion. The cost might go up a bit if you add toppings like shredded pork, sausage, boiled chicken, stir-fried chicken, or fried pate.

2. Traditional way of making xoi xeo Hanoi

The process of making xoi xeo Hanoi might seem simple, but it is actually quite intricate. The key to making a perfect xoi xeo lies in selecting the right type of glutinous rice. It should be sticky but not mushy when hot, and remains tender even when cooled. The rice is carefully washed and soaked in turmeric water to absorb a golden hue. Once steamed, the rice grains emerge tender, chewy, and beautifully golden.

To achieve the perfect texture, xoi xeo is steamed twice. First, the rice is steamed until partially cooked, then spread out to cool. After it has cooled, the rice is steamed again, with a bit of fat added to enhance its flavor and texture. This two-step process ensures that the sticky rice is perfectly tender, chewy, and flavorful.

The mung beans are steamed until soft, then mashed and molded into a ball about the size of a grapefruit. When serving xoi xeo Hanoi, the vendor slices thin layers of this mung bean ball and places them on top of the sticky rice. This action of slicing, or "xeo" in Vietnamese, is believed to be the origin of the dish's name.

The crispy fried shallots are another indispensable element, adding a fragrant crunch to the dish. The vendor will typically drizzle a spoonful of rendered fat over the sticky rice after adding the mung bean slices, and, if desired, some shredded pork floss. Finally, the fried shallots are sprinkled generously on top, completing the dish with their crunch.

The mung bean paste adds a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the savory taste of the fried shallots. The combination of these elements results in a dish that is deeply rooted in Hanoi's culinary culture.

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3. Best places to eat xoi xeo Hanoi

Name	Address
Xoi Yen	35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District
Xoi Xeo Co May	35 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District
Xoi Xeo Chi Huong	Opposite Hoang Van Thu Park, Hoang Mai District
Xoi Xeo Oanh Oanh	573 De La Thanh Street, Dong Da District
Xoi Xeo Co Tuyet	Cu Loc Street, Thanh Xuan District
Xoi Xeo Loc	68 Ta Quang Buu Street, Hai Ba Trung District

3.1. Xoi Yen

Xoi Yen is known for its creative take on the traditional dish. Here, xoi xeo Hanoi is served with a variety of toppings such as braised pork, stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, and braised eggs. While these toppings may not be part of the traditional recipe, they add a delicious twist to the dish. The xoi itself is fragrant and flavorful, maintaining the classic essence while offering something new for those looking to try a different version of this beloved dish.

3.2. Xoi Xeo Co May

With a history spanning over 25 years, Xoi Xeo Co May is a popular spot known for its affordability and quality. Priced between 10,000 and 20,000 VND, it is a budget-friendly option without compromising on the taste. This place is a favorite among locals, offering a simple yet satisfying version of xoi xeo Hanoi that has stood the test of time.

3.3. Xoi Xeo Chi Huong

The xoi xeo Hanoi at Xoi Xeo Chi Huong has been a staple in Hanoi for over 16 years. While Ms. Huong also sells other types of sticky rice, such as xoi ngo, xoi lac, and xoi do den, it is her xoi xeo that has made her famous. Every step of the preparation, from frying the shallots to steaming the sticky rice and cooking the mung beans, is meticulously handled by Ms. Huong’s family members, ensuring that the dish retains its authentic flavor.

3.4. Xoi Xeo Oanh Oanh

Xoi Xeo Oanh Oanh is a great choice if you enjoy variety in your toppings. This eatery offers a wide range of add-ons like braised pork, stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, braised eggs, and sausage. These ingredients, combined with the traditional sticky rice and mung beans, create a hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

3.5. Xoi Xeo Co Tuyet

With a legacy of over 30 years, Xoi Xeo Co Tuyet is a classic spot that has remained true to its roots. Despite the changes that have swept through the city over the years, this stall continues to serve xoi xeo that captures the authentic flavors of Hanoi’s past. If you are looking for a truly traditional xoi xeo Hanoi, this is the place to go.

3.6. Xoi Xeo Loc

Though Xoi Xeo Loc is a small stall, it is incredibly popular and always bustling with customers. One of the highlights here is the crispy fried shallots which are made entirely by the owner. These fragrant, golden shallots add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to the sticky rice, making Xoi Xeo Loc a must-visit for xoi lovers in Hanoi.

Xoi xeo Hanoi is a symbol of the city's culinary heritage. Its unique blend of flavors and textures, combined with its deep-rooted presence in the daily life of the locals, makes it a must-eat for anyone exploring the city. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, enjoying a warm, fragrant serving of xoi xeo Hanoi is a must-have experience.

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