The renowned British travel magazine praised xoi (rice) as the “culinary essence of Vietnam,” listing it among the top 10 vegetarian highlights in Hanoi.
Xoi is a dish for vegetarians
London-based Condé Nast Traveller, known for its travel insights, noted that Hanoi’s cuisine can be intriguing for vegetarians, offering diverse flavors through the use of various herbs, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Below is a list of 10 dishes for those who prefer a vegetarian diet, based on criteria such as ease of consumption, popularity, diverse flavors, and availability in various eateries, as suggested by culinary experts and diners.
Sticky rice, vegetarian bún chả (grilled pork with vermicelli), and vegetarian bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) are among the main dishes for vegetarian enthusiasts visiting Hanoi. Sticky rice is a local breakfast staple, available at street-side stalls everywhere. According to Condé Nast Traveller, whether enjoyed in a compact form, taken away in a bag, or savored at upscale restaurants, sticky rice remains the “embodiment of Vietnamese culinary excellence.” There are various types of sticky rice, including white, peanuts, slanted, gấc (a type of fruit), corn, coconut, and khúc. Besides being served with sesame seeds for vegetarians, Vietnamese people often enjoy it with savory options such as sausage, eggs, braised meat, shredded pork, and pate.
Vegetarian bún chả is described as having a “seductive and visually appealing” aroma, being “equally delicious as its meat counterpart,” and being “suitable for the vegetarian palate.” Bánh xèo leaves a lasting impression with its vibrant colors, crispy crust, and a filling made of soft, sweet vegetables and flavorful spices.
Other vegetarian dishes mentioned include tofu in tomato sauce, described as “evoking childhood memories for most Vietnamese people.” Crispy fried tofu served with tomato sauce, scallions, and eaten with white rice. Water spinach stir-fried with garlic ranks second on the recommended list, described as a “simple yet appealing and delicious dish.” Water spinach can be enjoyed alone or paired with main dishes.
Two types of salads mentioned are banana flower and green papaya. Both salads consist of finely sliced banana flower or green papaya, mixed with sweet and sour fish sauce, aromatic herbs, and carrots, creating a refreshing and pleasant taste.
Regarding desserts and beverages, Condé Nast Traveller suggests trying banana tea, floating dumplings, and iced coffee with condensed milk. These are all famous Vietnamese specialties beloved by the locals.
Vietnamese sticky rice – the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine
Xoi, or steamed glutinous rice, is an essential dish in Vietnamese cuisine. Every Vietnamese person has likely eaten plenty of xoi wrapped in banana leaves. There are various types of xoi, with ingredients that can vary greatly but often include natural coloring and flavoring agents like pandan leaves, gac fruit, and magenta leaves. Xoi can also be combined with different types of beans such as green beans, black beans, and peanuts.
A more nutritious version of xoi is known as xoi man, which features toppings such as pork floss, dried baby shrimp, Vietnamese sausage, salted white carrot, fried onions, quail eggs, and smashed peanuts on a bed of jasmine-scented sticky rice. Xoi is sold from large steaming pots on the sides of streets, and the sight of scented smoke rising from colorful steamers is not to be missed.
For a unique experience, it is recommended to eat xoi wrapped in banana leaves, which imparts a special flavor to the dish and complements the natural flavor of xoi.
