Diverse activities commemorate Hung Kings

Thursday, 29 March 2012 14:15

Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Cultural Festival

Thursday, 29 March 2012 13:49

This event aims to celebrate 65th anniversary of the day President Ho Chi Minh sent his letter to the Congress of Southern Ethnic Minority Groups at Pleiku (1947-2012); honour the culture of Vietnamese ethnic groups; boost cultural exchanges and strengthen national unity of Vietnamese ethnic groups.

CNN introduce Hanoi's 10 greatest street food

Thursday, 29 March 2012 12:05

Hanoi and its environs are the birthplace of many quintessential Vietnamese dishes, such as pho and bun cha, and the city is often cited as one of the world's great food capitals. It is also a street-eater's paradise, with a plethora of options for those who want to eat like a local. In fact, many swear that the best food in Hanoi is found on the sidewalk, with dishes that often feature fish sauce, lemongrass, chilies, and cilantro and other fresh herbs.

The city, which celebrated its 1,000th birthday last year, has put those centuries to good use perfecting its curbside nibbles. Although vendors often cook in small shop fronts, they serve their wares on the sidewalk, on small plastic tables and chairs that can seem woefully inadequate for overgrown foreigners.

1. Bun cha

Possibly the most delicious food available to man, bun cha is the lunch of choice all over Hanoi. Pork patties and slices of pork belly are grilled over hot coals and served with fish sauce, tangy vinegar, sugar and lime, which, when combined, creates a sort of barbecue soup that is eaten with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. Accompanied by deep-fried spring rolls, this calorically rich dish is served with garlic and chilies on the side for an extra kick.

Try it at: Bun Cha, 34 Hang Than, Hanoi

A true world traveler, born in Hanoi.

2. Pho

As the birthplace of pho, Hanoi is ground zero for the fragrant rice noodle soup served with fresh herbs that has become popular all over the world. It's no surprise, then, that Hanoi's pho is outstanding. Two variations are most popular: pho ga (with chicken) and pho bo (with beef). Pho is traditionally served as a breakfast food, so you'll find pho sellers all over town from before dawn to mid-morning.

Try it at: Pho 112, 112 Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Even without the purple shrimp paste (really) it’s delicious.

3. Bun rieu cua

Freshwater crabs flavor this tangy tomato soup that's made with round rice vermicelli and topped with pounded crabmeat, deep-fried tofu and, often, congealed blood. An odoriferous purple shrimp paste is offered on the side, but don't be afraid -- it tastes delicious. Chilies and fresh herbs are the finishing touches for a complete one-dish meal.

Try it at: 11 Hang Bac St, Old Quarter, Hanoi

In Hanoi, where there’s smoke, there’s flavor.

4. Barbecue chicken

Ly Van Phuc is its official name, but the place is colloquially known as "Chicken Street" in honor of the tasty poultry being barbecued up and down this crowded alley. Grilled chicken wings and feet, sweet potatoes and bread that's been brushed with honey before being grilled are served with chili sauce and pickled cucumbers in sweet vinegar. The simple, enticing menu is nearly identical for all the vendors on the street.

Try it at: Pho Ly Van Phuc, Hanoi

Rib-sticking breakfast to go.

5. Sticky rice

In the morning you'll find the sticky rice vendors out hawking their wares. Sticky rice is a hugely popular carb-rich breakfast food that comes wrapped in a banana leaf. There are dozens of variations on the dish. One is served with crushed peanuts and sesame salt, another involves white corn and deep-fried shallots.

Try it at: Street Xoi, 6 Hang Bac St, Old Quarter, Hanoi

So good, they drank it before we could take a picture.