Xoi xeo Hanoi: A favorite food for breakfast of the local

Contents

Xoi xeo Hanoi is a popular breakfast delight for locals (Source: Collected)

1. The essentials to know about xoi xeo Hanoi

1.1. A simple breakfast dish in Hanoi

Besides famous dishes such as pho, steamed rice rolls, and banh mi, xoi xeo Hanoi remains a delightful option for a hearty breakfast. Despite being a simple Hanoi street food with a cheap price of around 10,000–20,000 VND per serving, xoi xeo Hanoi ensures to provide enough nutrition and energy for the new day. This dish is suitable for serving in every season, whether to bring some warmth in cold winters or as a frugal meal on sunny summer days.

Phu Thuong, Tan Mai, and Tuong Mai are some old wards of Hanoi that are renowned for traditional xoi xeo cooking methods. Every morning, batches of mung bean sticky rice are transported downtown to be sold throughout the streets and alleys of Hanoi, and those will soon be sold out after breakfast time.

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1.2. The unique blend of simple yet superb ingredients

The simplicity and harmonious blend of ingredients are what make xoi xeo Hanoi such a beloved dish. Also known as mung bean glutinous rice cake, the key components of xoi xeo are sticky rice with mung bean paste, topped with fried shallots for a tempting aroma. Additional toppings can elevate the dish further; the most popular options are pork floss, shredded chicken, Chinese sausages, or even a fried egg. These toppings, though simple and rustic, are the protein elements that add richness, savoriness, and texture to the dish.

Xoi xeo Hanoi can be found throughout city streets and valleys (Source: Collected)

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2. How do local people cook xoi xeo Hanoi?

The traditional method of cooking xoi xeo Hanoi involves several steps, from selecting the prime ingredients to preparing and cooking toppings for assembly. First of all, glutinous rice grains must be long, even ones, and thoroughly cleaned before dyeing in turmeric water for several hours to get their yellow color. Once it becomes soft, drain the rice, mix with some salt to taste, and then pour into a steamer for cooking.

The selected mung beans must be strained and ground in half, soaked in water for several hours to easily remove shells, and then cooked until they become soft and mushy. After that, mash the cooked mung beans into a paste-like consistency, add sugar to sweeten if desired, and form into hand-sized balls.

A dish of xoi xeo Hanoi could only be finished when topped with fried shallots, which are peeled and thinly sliced, then fried in hot cooking oil until golden brown and crispy. Traditionally, xoi xeo are wrapped in fresh lotus leaves, which deliver a scent of freshness into the combination of sticky, creamy, and crunchy textures, resulting in a satisfying culinary experience of Vietnamese comfort food.

Xoi xeo Hanoi is a combination of sticky, creamy, and crunchy textures (Source: Collected)

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3. The best places to eat xoi xeo Hanoi on your trip

In Hanoi, you can find xoi xeo being sold by street vendors, in local markets, or at small eateries throughout the city. It’s not only a beloved breakfast option for many locals, but it’s also a delightful snack at any time of the day. Here is a list of our recommendations to consider for your next Hanoi itinerary.

3.1. Xoi xeo Co May Hang Bai

• Address: No. 31 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Cua Nam Ward

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 01:00 PM (or earlier if sold out)

• Average prices: 15,000 VND to 30,000 VND

Located on one of the most bustling and famous culinary streets in the capital city, Xoi xeo Co May is renowned for its authentic flavor of xoi xeo Hanoi. With more than 20 years in business, Xoi xeo Co May remains to attract customers thanks to its unique flavor coming from home-made ingredients, speedy cutting technique, and friendly services. Here, tourists are not only able to savor delicious food but also get the opportunity to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi’s street life.

Xoi xeo is a famous traditional dish of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

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3.2. Xoi xeo Oanh Oanh

• Address: No. 31 La Thanh Street, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi

• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 00:00 AM

• Average prices: 15,000 VND – 45.000 VND

Another famous xoi xeo address in Hanoi is a small restaurant on De La Thanh Street named Oanh Oanh. With an average price, this restaurant offers customers a full bowl of xoi xeo Hanoi with various optional toppings such as eggs, braised pork, Vietnamese and Chinese sausages, and a side dish of cucumber. A serving of xoi xeo here will ensure you get your stomach filled and provide enough energy, no matter what meal of the day it is.

3.3. Xoi xeo Yen

• Address: No. 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi

• Opening hours: 06:00 AM – 00:00 AM

• Average prices: 20,000 VND – 50,000 VND

Situated in the heart of the city, Xoi Yen has long been a beloved culinary destination for locals and visitors alike. What sets this restaurant apart is not only its delicious xoi xeo Hanoi made from high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes, but also its professional service and welcoming environment where guests can enjoy their meals in comfort. If you are in the Hanoi Old Quarter, Xoi Yen is a must-visit destination, especially for those who seek to explore the culinary scene of Vietnam’s capital city.

Xoi xeo Yen offers one of the best sticky rice Hanoi (Source: Collected)

3.4. Xoi xeo Cat Lam

• Address: No. 24B Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi

• Opening hours: 06:30 AM – 11:30 PM

• Average prices: 27,000 VND – 57,000 VND

Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, a quick snack, or a satisfying meal on the go, Xoi xeo Cat Lam on Duong Thanh Street is a fantastic choice. Here, the sticky rice is surprisingly delicious with a unique aromatic flavor, especially the mung bean sticky rice known as xoi xeo Hanoi. Each grain of sticky rice still retains its shape after cooking yet is soft when eaten, combined with fried shallots and pickles, creating a harmonious taste that leaves you craving more.

3.5. Xoi xeo Co Tuyet

• Address: Cu Loc Alley, Thanh Xuan Ward Hanoi

• Opening hours: 06:00 AM – 8:30 AM

• Average prices: 10,000 VND – 20,000 VND

As a long-standing sticky rice restaurant in Hanoi, Xoi xeo Co Tuyet is one of the eateries that still retains the traditional flavor of Tuong Mai sticky rice village. No need for sophisticated toppings; xoi xeo here offers a rustic yet delicious approach to traditional xoi xeo Hanoi which is wrapped in green banana leaves or lotus leaves. Thanks to its flavorful tastes and cheap price, Xoi xeo Co Tuyet is usually sold out soon before 8:30 AM, so if you want to get a taste, be there early in the morning.

Traditional sticky rice is wrapped in green lotus leaves (Source: Collected)

*The details in this article are for reference purposes only and may change over time. If you are planning to visit these establishments, it is recommended that you contact them for the most up-to-date information.

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The beauty of xoi xeo Hanoi lies in its simplicity and versatility. Despite being made from just a few basic ingredients, the dish offers a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a humble breakfast or a satisfying snack, xoi xeo captures the essence of Vietnamese comfort food at its best.

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