Coffee shops seem to cater many lots of our needs these days, turning themselves into a much more lovely destination as a relaxing spot, a working space rather than just a place of drinking coffee. Having sifted through loads of cafes in Hanoi, here we suggest to you the best 7 ones that should suit for your need.

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Hoa 10 giờ - Floral & Book

On taking your first steps into this wonderful store, you will definitely be astonished by the pretty colorful flowers on sale. Orderly laid on the shelf to the left, these delightful flowers make up a small floral shop on the first floor. Buy yourself a bouquet or head to the bar on the right of the room to order a drink then have a seat, watch the fresh flowers and take a few photos at will. Another choice is to mount the staircases to the second floor where you will find a little library with many literary novels, comics, and even economic books. To mention, you can’t use the large glass door upstairs but take the small route beside just like the Diagon Alley in Harry Porter instead to get into the second floor’s interior, which is of much excitement, isn’t it?

Address: 26 Hàng Vôi, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open – close: 7.30 am – 22.30 pm
Price: 20.00VND – 50.000VND

Le peti

Le peti - "small" in French - is a little cozy coffee shop located in Hạ Hồi street. Decorated in a Paris style, Le peti is an ideal place for anyone who wants to get away from the bustle, crowded streets of Hanoi, an escape from the noise.

Address: 25 Hạ Hồi, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open – close: 7.30 am – 22.30 pm
Price: 30.00VND – 70.000VND

Work Cafe Hanoi (UPDATED: PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

Book ceiling is what Work Cafe Hanoi will impress you the most. Just look up, you will see dozens of books right above your head, giving a delightful feel. Housed in B tower of Vincom Centre, it is such a large but also quiet coffee shop with many plants, a somewhat suitable place for a group meeting.

Address: 4th floor, B tower of Vincom Centre, 119 Ba Triey St, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Open – close: 9.30 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 35.00VND – 55.000VND
You always need to prepare some games when going to cafes in groups, don’t you? Knowing that it does confuse you times and times, we recommend you 2 most popular coffee shops that treasure trove of the board game to play. It’s time to have the most fun. Bring it on!

The Cube Cafe

This is the largest boardgame cafe in Hanoi, well-known for its wide range of games with more than 400 boardgame US. All such games are free while only a few ones ask for 5.000-10.000VND to hire and such money is completely used for importing more games. Come and order drinks at the bar on the first floor and then find yourself a place on the other 3 stories to start the games.

Address: 168A Tran Vu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Open – close: 8.30 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 20.00VND – 50.000VND

The Nest – Boardgame cafe

“We are the little Board Game Cafe from Ha Noi. Let’s laugh and play our hearts together.”

Located in the centre of Hanoi, The Nest is an easily reached cafe if you’re staying around Hoan Kiem Lake area. Sitting on the upstairs of an old house, The Nest has a lovely interior with the bright white wall, offering a pleasant atmosphere.

Address: 2nd floor 4A Tràng Thi, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Open – close: 9.00 am – 22.30 pm
Price: 30.00VND – 80.000VND
The love for pets is never enough. Drop by these 2 pet cafes to meet such friendly, cute dogs and cats while having a cup of coffee or juices.
Bear in mind that you can also buy foods at these cafes to feed the lovely pets.

Ailu cat house club

It is probably the oldest pet cafe in Hanoi which opened in 2010. After 3 years contemporarily out of business, Aliu has come back in 2015 and remained a popular spot for Hanoi pet lovers. Situated on the second floor of a small house, although Aliu isn’t spacious itself, it still spares quite a big part of the cafe to be the playground for cats. The range of cats here are somewhat variable but the cutest ones, according to many guests, are those with short legs who look so funny as running.

Address: 2nd floor 114 Trấn Vũ, Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Open – close:8.00 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 20.00VND – 60.000VND

Luffy cafe

Although it has been opened recently, Luffy cafe has been well known among young Hanoians as a nice pet cafe. Here they offer care services like spa, grooming for pets and it is reviewed as a quite clean coffee shop, which is plus. Luffy has three stories: the first floor sells coffee, pet accessories and is the playground for guests and pets; the second floor is the playground belongs to the pets only; and the third one is pets spa. 

Address: 25, Lane no 81, Láng Hạ street, Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Open – close: 9.30 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 25.00VND – 50.000VND

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“Do you believe in the Otherworld?”

“Yes, definitely”, which is the answer you will get from almost all the 4.5 billion and more people in Asia-Pacific region, and in Oriental countries including Vietnam in particular. Out of such religious belief, the need for offerings to send to the dead spirits in the other world appeared, causing dozens of villages specializing in making trumpery paper stuffs to form.

1872 saw the invasion of the French into Hanoi, followed by the renames of all the streets and stores. Hàng Mã, living up to its meaning in Vietnamese – the street of trumpery paper goods – paper votive offerings, was called Rue du Cuivre then.

It has been a crowded, bustling and narrow street with all the houses built in the distinct old architecture of Hanoi – 2-storey very narrow block with windows and doors open to the street, tile roof and a porch expanding over the frontage – which was somehow used properly as both homes and working places.

Hàng Mã would be really busy from August, which is July in the lunar calendar, preparing for lots of ritual days such as Mid-Autumn Festival preceding our traditional Lunar New year. Since 1986 so far, there has been a decrease in the number of families running this business, partly due to the government’s policies against superstitions but also because of competitive Chinese goods. They, instead of making goods on their own, hire premises in the suburb and craftsmen there to produce goods as ordered.

The colorful street we find today has been blended with tons of children’s favorites such as lion heads, lanterns of all designs from the old-fashioned five-star ones to those printed with cartoon characters, masks, bubble guns, disguise clothes and so on. People often joke that this business will never cease going up as goods can be stored for variable sale seasons from Vietnamese Mid-autumn festival and Tết to western holiday like Halloween and Christmas, which is thanked the cross-culture.

To enjoy the atmosphere to its fullest, just visit Hàng Mã on the above occasions when stores are open all day until midnight. If you do not find the overcrowded streets a good idea, however, come by at any time, but before 7 to 8 pm to make sure that the close side of the board has not been switched on. Suppose you are wondering how to get to this lovely destination, here is the probably easiest and most familiar route for you. Just follow Đinh Tiên Hoàng St. until you meet Hàng Ngang – Hàng Đào St.(which faces the fountain at the end of the walking street curving around Sword lake); be patient and keep walking ahead before taking the forth on the left. Well done, now welcome to one of our busiest ancient streets.

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

The post Hang Ma Street – One of Vietnam’s Most Colorful Urban Streets appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

The 19/12 book street as it is known today has a much more thrilling mysterious long history to learn than you might imagine. Formerly used as a public graveyard burying dead people of the National Resistance War against French colonialists, which occurred in Hanoi in 1946, this cemetery turned into a flea market by 1986 as all the corpses were brought to another place. Although the market was then named 19/12, hardly did any merchants and the locals use that one. They, instead, called it Chợ Âm Phủ – Hell market!

Considered as one of the most popular streets in Hanoi, 19/12, also once known as Rue Simoni St, cannot be home to any Trade centres, which is due to the very Oriental belief of the “Otherworld” that all the dead spirits of the war still rest in peace here, making it a wise thing to follow – do not disturb them under any circumstances! Scary and gloomy as it might seem, Chợ Âm Phủ was on the other hand just like a supermarket with all variety of goods that normal customers will look for – vegetable, seafood, poultry, herbs, haberdashery and so on. The most interesting feature was, however, the main good sold here was nothing other than Dogmeat – Thịt chó. People believe that the very dish along with shrimp paste and white wine would avoid dark spirits entering the market.

Sadly, 2008 saw the closing of the market to make room for a park in memory of the war victims. And on May 1, 2017, the park was one more time reconstructed into a book street, welcoming all the locals and foreigners. Tuoi Tre Newspaper reports that the opening caught so much public attention since thousands of people came to celebrate. However, after six months, the street started to see a decrease in visitors. The bookstores used to earn more than 100 million dongs in the first few months, but recently they gained less than 50 million dongs. They are now trying hard to survive in 19/12 street.

19/12 book street opens daily from 8:00 am to 22:00 pm. It is equipped with electronic information boards introducing Vietnam’s history. There is also a lovely flower store on the left and a Nhã Nam bookstore on the right at the street-door; many benches are situated along the path for visitors to rest or take a selfie. 

Fun fact: If you go to 19/12 Street, you will find it as a photoshoot area rather than a book area. 

Come by and enjoy the city’s fresh outdoor destination! And now, check out our vibrant photo album!

Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Words by Thao Mai
Photos by Phuong Hoang

The post Hanoi’s 19/12 Book Street – How’s it going? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Incredible, amazing, authentic, wonderful etc. are all the words you must exclaim once you visit these following destinations which no tour guide brochures will tell you! Here are the 10 hidden secret destinations in Hanoi that you should not miss. They are the 10 places that bring you the most authentic travel experience.

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1. Tràng Tiền Lane

The gorgeous Sword Lake and the beauty of the old quarter seem to overwhelm almost all the locals and tourists that they hardly notice a small lovely lane hidden inside the quarter. Many of us – young girls and boys love to call this lane the supermarket one, as it offers you nearly all the must-try street foods in Hanoi, with such a well-known stand serving Bún đậu mắm tôm - tofu & shrimp paste noodles and a sweet bakery shop just as its name “Floating butter cake” – “Bánh bơ bồng bềnh” at the end of the lane. Abandoning itself from the noisy, crowded streets outside, “Tràng Tiền Lane” is not only an escape from the bustle Hanoi but also a paradise for food lovers. The lane is busiest at noon when the well-dressed employees of all modern offices nearby swarm here, sit on cheap plastic chairs, let their hair down after hard working hours.

Address: Tràng Tiền Lane, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

2. Hang Dau’s Water tower

You may mistake this construction for a prison, which is built in the form of a closed cylinder with worn out and tall wall giving people a feeling of sorrow. It is, however, one of the oldest water towers of Hanoi, officially out of order in 1960 after 66 years providing fresh water for the city. Constructed in 1894, even before Long Bien bridge, the 1.250 m3 water tower is popular with Hanoians for many generations, becomes a beholder of all the capital’s changes. In 2010, Hang Dau’s Water tower experienced a reformation but remains its outlook and most of the internal systems till today.

Address: Hàng Đậu St, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

3. Đinh Cafe

Housed in an ancient French villa, this coffee shop is a time machine taking you back to the old days of Hanoi!

If you are a coffee lover and want to visit Hanoi's Oldest coffee shops like Dinh Cafe, you should read our previous article:

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2017/07/06/hanois-oldest-coffee-houses/ 

Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng St, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

4. Long Biên Market

Bustle, crowded, hurried – it is what you will find in the early morning shift of Long Bien market. As almost all the people of the city are sleeping soundly, merchants from different regions arrive in the market, start a day by loading cartons of fruits and seafood, bargaining, selling and packaging goods. In the usual cold misty weather of Hanoi from midnight to about 4 am, the market is always wet, the paths are slippery, and the atmosphere is the blend of many smells also noises. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you wear boots and not stop for too long at any stands or take photos without permission as you will get scolded by the Vietnamese that you hardly make sense!

Address: Hồng Hà, Phúc Xá, Ba Đình, Hanoi

5. Railway village

The most vibrant but odd way to understand how part of the Hanoi people lives! This railway starts all the way from Hanoi Railway Station to a lot of streets in Hanoi. If you are in the Old Quarter, you can see a part of the railway village above Gam Cau Street, Phung Hung. To learn more about this village, visit our previous article here

6. Bird Cafe

Raising pet birds is quite popular in Vietnam – you come across cages everywhere, beautiful, old, vintage-looking bird cages, with gorgeous little-feathered creatures sitting inside. Enjoying the enchanting voice of such lovely birds while sipping a cup of dark coffee or a condensed milk iced one is the perfect way to start a day for many lots of bird lovers. Lying by Thiền Quang lake, which was once called Halais lake, this bird cafe needs no signboard but serves dozens of drinkers each day. People come here, bring along their birds, turn the cafe into a meeting spot for all bird lovers and somehow an amazing concert every morning! All kinds of birds but mainly the white-eye ones with beautiful voices seem to sing a blended melody, just like a natural masterpiece standing out in the bustle, crowded city life. The cafe opens daily but is busiest on weekends between 8 am to 10 am. Do come by to experience the two most local habits of Hanoi people which you could hardly find elsewhere!

Address: T-section Trần Bình Trọng – Thiền Quang St, Hai Bà Trưng district, Hanoi

7. Red River Rock – Nhật Tân Flower Garden

Wet tropical climate gives Hanoi a unique biodiversity with dozens of kinds of flowers that blossom all year round regarding four distinct seasons. About 30 minutes driving from downtown Hanoi, the Red river rock, and Nhật Tân flower garden are the best spots to experience the natural beauty of the city. From November to the end of the year, the rapeseed garden of “Bai da song Hong” turns itself into a spectacular sea of bright yellow. Depending on the time of year, you can also enjoy a wide variety of seasonal flowers such as roses, cosmos, sunflowers or Cortaderia Selloana flower with fresh color of white. Well-known for its tradition of growing peach blossoms, Nhật Tân flower garden transfers into a sea of punch and magenta by the early January in the lunar month, with all the flowers bloom fully to greet a happy new year!

Address: 264 Lane, Âu Cơ St, Tây Hồ district, Hanoi

Price: 40.000 – 50.000 VND/adult, 30.000VND/child

8. Lệ Mật Village

8 kilometers to the Northeast, “Lệ Mật” is an old village that took its name from a legend passed down for about 9 centuries up to now. In the dynasty of king “Lý Nhân Tông” (1128), there was a strong and brave man with extraordinary skills in catching snakes and aquatic monsters. The legend told that one day, as the princess was cruising on Thiên Đức river (part of Đuống river today), an ogre in the shape of snake attacked her and disappeared. Grieving for his daughter’s death, the king announced to award whoever bringing back her body to him. After fighting bravely against the monster, the young man defeated it. He, however, asked for nothing but a land for his people to settle up. Since then, the village was set up and keeps the tradition of raising snakes till nowadays. Moreover, “Lệ Mật” has many unique constructions such as pagodas, temples, gates and lots of grand trees; delicacies all from the snake, varying from stirred, fried to grilled. The village’s festival is held annually on 23/3 in the lunar month, which is April in the solar month.

Address: Lệ Mật village, Việt Hưng, Long Biên District, Hanoi

9. Al Noor Mosque

Situated on a quiet street of the old quarter, Al Noor Mosque-the Enlightening is just like a marble castle in the city’s heart! Built in 1885 by the Indian community from Bombay (now Mumbai, India), the masjid was designed in the typical Islamic style, with a dome, the curved doors, and the pinnacle, and officially put into use 5 years later as the only place for believers in northern Vietnam. There are 5 prayer times a day: Fajr: 04:55 AM; Sunrise: 06:12 AM; Dhuhr: 11:44 AM; Asr: 2:52 PM; Maghrib: 5:14 PM; Isha: 6:27 PM and a holy Friday. Muslims can pray anywhere providing that it is a clean place rather than at the mosque, but on Friday, they do come here to perform their holy pray. Although the grids of the masjid can be closed between prayers hours, you can enter into the premises by the small door located at the left of the main entrance and bear in mind some rules and tips to have a lovely visit without disrespecting the etiquette.

A few things to remember when you come here:

- Remove your shoes before you enter the mosque. The children should remove their shoes too.

- Don’t wear short or sleeveless clothes; women should wear a headscarf or if you do not have one, just ask for it.

- After entering the mosque, wait silently outside until the prayer hours end or go to sit quickly at the back of the mosque, behind the group. Just remember that men cannot sit behind women. And women should sit with the other women.

There are some few more rules but don’t worry, just follow all the above, be quiet and keep the place tidy that you will break no rules!

Address:12 Hàng Lược St, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

10. Binh Minh Jazz Club

Binh Minh Jazz Club's owner is a well-known Vietnamese saxophonist Quyen Van Minh. He opened up this place for people who love jazz or simply want to learn more about jazz. It is located behind Hanoi Opera House, so it might not be too difficult for you to find. It offers local and international live jazz, good foods, and drinks.

Address: No.1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Website: http://minhjazzvietnam.com/

If you find any other secret spots in Hanoi, please feel free to share with us via comment below or email to mazevietnam.info@gmail.com! Big love! 

The post Secret Hanoi – Lesser Known Attractions – Here’s Everything You Could Be Missing Out appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

1. Chợ Đêm Hàng Đào – Đồng Xuân Night Market

According to the oriental culture, there is no better way of understanding a city rather than visiting its markets which is called “Chợ” in Vietnamese. “Chợ” is where people from all walks of life go shopping and earn a living. There are hundreds of things that are sold in the markets: from household things, clothes, foods to toys, and souvenirs. They even have some activities like making traditional paper pictures or listening to folk music performances. If traditional markets are often daylight ones, “Chợ đêm”- night market, lives up to its name. Dong Xuan – Hang Dao Night Market long set and opened at weekends from Fridays to Sundays between 18 pm and 23 pm. There are quite lots of night markets in Hanoi but Cho dem Hang Dao – Dong Xuan is one of the oldest and busiest. This 14-year-old market takes its name after “Hàng Đào” street, also where it is held. The word “Đào” in “Hàng Đào” means red in Vietnamese” and this street has this name because it was once where cloths dyed with red tone color were sold. Although nowadays they no longer sell cloth here, clothes in general instead, still keep this calling. Our night market starts at “Hàng Đào”, stretches over “Hàng Ngang – Hàng Đường” before finally ends at Đồng Xuân street. The market is most crowded and bustling from about 20:00 PM so do not come too early, just take your time!

2. Gam Cau Roast Food Street

“Gầm Cầu” is somewhat a quiet street running beneath the foot of Long Biên bridge for a century. It is such a narrow one that is just about 1.5 meters wide and has no pavement. The locals lay goods, mainly sets of cups, dishes and bowls, right on the street for selling in the morning, and when the night falls, it turns into a bustling alley with lots of street roast stores. This tiny street is divided into 3 parts and what I am mentioning here is the one facing Hàng Lược and Hàng Giấy. They start selling from about 6 pm but the busiest time is at 8 pm when dozens of groups of young people or families come and have dinner. Here you can order beef or cow’s organs, but if you do not feel like eating the organs, just have the roast beef which I highly recommend.

3. Phùng Hưng Hotpot Street

You definitely cannot miss this spot. Considered one of the oldest hotpot streets of Hanoi, Phung Hung hotpot street is always crowded, especially at weekends and in the winter. Running along this street are dozens of hotpot stores, offering all kinds of hotpot from Thai, beef, chicken to mixed ones. There are also some restaurants here but I personally prefer street stores with plastic tables and chairs laid outdoors. Enjoy the hotpot with friends in the bitter cold of Hanoi’s winter is such an amazing experience.

4. Milk Tea Shops

Bubble milk tea has become so popular in the past few years in Hanoi that you can almost spot one milk tea house every few blocks. Imported into Vietnam through franchised chains, the number of milk tea brands is so large that it makes even a local like me confused. As it is an easy beverage with a reasonable price while the stores are well decorated and equipped with air conditioners, they are an ideal place for a big young crowd in Hanoi. Such pearl tea houses are busy all day but the high time is in the evening, especially at weekend. You will hardly find any spare seats and have to queue in line even up to 30 minutes. My favorite makes are Gongcha and Heekcaa, which are both in Lý Thường Kiệt street and near the Sword Lake. Come by and try Alisan tea and Cheese foam in these 2 stores respectively. Oh, do not forget to order white pearl as topping for your drink (which charges between 5000 and 10.000VND more) as well as the level of ice and sugar at will.

Address:

1. Gongcha – 56 Lý Thường Kiệt street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
2. HEEKCAA – 42C Lý Thường Kiệt street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi (there are quite many “fake” stores so just come to this address and check the brand name carefully)

Open – close:
1. 8:00 – 22:00
2. 09:30 – 22:30
Phone number:
1. 024 3756 8989
2. 0994.359.436

Link:

5. Hoàn Kiếm Walking street

Newly opened to Hanoians since September last year, this walking street is of no less bustle and crowded than the old one in Cho dem Hang Dao – Dong Xuan. Attracting a big number of locals, it is a perfect spot for walking while enjoying cool gusts of wind and the lovely scenery of Hoan Kiem lake. Moreover, there are also many entertaining games along with traditional music shows. After walking for hours, you can make your way to Trang Tien street, buy yourself a sticky rice ice cream or come over the book street nearby, in Nguyen Xi St. Or another choice is, if you are around Dinh Tien Hoang section, and you drop by the old small Thủy Tạ ice cream shop which faces the Nine West store, try a mint lime ice cream and feel its amazing cool taste.

This “street” (covering Dinh Tien Hoang, Dinh Le, Nguyen Xi, Hang Dau, Trang Tien, Bao Khan st., etc) is opened from 19.00 on Friday to Sunday every week. Fasten your shoelaces and let’s go!

6. Bình Minh Jazz Club

It was once considered to be insane to open a jazz club in Hanoi during the early 21st century, but it is not the case of musician Quyền Văn Minh. Making it his dream work, the originator and maestro of Vietnamese Jazz opened the former of Bình Minh jazz club – Hanoi jazz club in Lương Văn Can St in 2004, hoping to spread the love of jazz to the dynamic young of Hanoi at the time that Pop started to lose its heat. After changing locations for a few times, the club is finally housed in no 1, Tràng Tiền St since 2014 as a cafeteria serving breakfast and lunch in daytime (until 4 pm); and a club for the jazz lovers every evening from 9 pm. The music is focused mainly on standard and traditional jazz, which is performed by a band including 3 – 4 saxophone players, 1 pianist, 1 drum and 1 bass player. A special performance that you should not miss is the duo of the Quyền’s father and son, both of whom are one of the finest jazz players. The show is always overcrowded, so do come early and save a seat!

Address: no 1, Tràng Tiền St, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open – close: 7.00 – 23.30
Price: 100.000 VND – 200.000 VND

7. Water puppet show ( Múa rối nước)

Water puppetry, a traditional art of Vietnam, dates back to over 1000 years ago in the Red River delta, together with the formation of the wet rice cultivation during the Ly dynasty. This art has been passed down through generations and soon became a formal but also a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. It is performed as an inevitable, charming part of almost all the festivals of the Viet people, telling the legends, folk tales or just the very ordinary life of villagers. In the fast-paced lifestyle these days, spending a night watching water puppet show in such old theaters is not only a way of entertaining but also a way of preserving the country’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Address: Thăng Long water puppet theatre, 57b Đinh Tiên Hoàng St, Hoàn Kiếm district, Hanoi
Peforming hours: 15.00, 16.10, 17.20, 18.30, 20.00 (whole week)
Price: 100.000 VND/adult – 60.000 VND/children(under 1.2m)

8. Toilet Bar & Club ( formerly Bank club)

“If the music is too loud, you’re too old”.

Situated in one of the best spots of Hanoi with modern, large interior, one-of-a-kind music, finest DJs, good services, the Bank-now renamed the Toilet Bar & Club is definitely on top of your must-visit lists. On every Wednesday night, the club offers a lady night – buffet and free entrance for all girls, which is a well-preferred activity of the night goers. Toilet bar now adds to its soundtrack more Hip-hop music besides EDM, making the club hotter than ever before. Just in case, if you somehow cannot stand the vibe, move to the balcony for a cool gust of wind or only to admire the beauty of Hoan Kiem lake and downtown of Hanoi, then come back, well.

Address: 6th floor, Capital building, 41 Hai Bà Trưng St, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open – close: 20.00 – 3.00
Price: 200.000 VND – 550.000 VND

9. Cafes with live music

As claimed in a blog post of CNN: “In Hanoi, it’s all about egg coffee”; well, to be frank, it is not only egg coffee but coffee, in general, is beloved by Hanoi people just like the way the English adore their tea. Having a cup of this amazing, enchanting beverage while listening to live music is one of the most favorite habits we, the Hanoians, take ourselves for over 2 centuries since the day the French stepped onto our country from the Son Tra coast. Why coffee is so preferred like that, how or where to have a true cup of coffee, all lies in my previous article especially writing for Hanoi coffee. To find out which coffee shops offering live music, click to read this article

The Best Places with Live Music in Hanoi

10. The West Lake

Hanoi is of favour to have many natural lakes, one of which is the West Lake. This lovely reservoir does not just put its name on the map for its amazing scenery during sunset or delicacy like ice cream or shrimp cake but for the ideal path curving around itself, an ideal spot for walking with your love by night. Holding hands tightly, crossing fingers, having a romantic but peaceful night is all West lake will offer you! Or else, hide a matt blanket, order some beer and grilled cuttlefish, enjoy the last few hours of the day by the pavement!

Here is an album of the West Lake we captured:

Sunset at West Lake

The post Hanoi Nightlife Guide | All About Hanoi appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

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As Hanoi gets its fame mainly for these three tourist attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake(Sword Lake), the Notre Cathedral Church and West Lake, today’s guide is focusing on coffee shops that own the view of them.

 Hoan Kiem Lake View

If the locals are rather familiar with winding the way up several narrow staircases and/or coming into the signless dark lane before reaching the café, it may quite confuse foreigners to find the route up to almost all coffee shops surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake. But the spectacular view from such cafés is worth experiencing for once, so what to hesitate?

1. Avalon café and Lounge

Considered the symbol of the capital city, Avalon is always the top preferred café in Sword Lake area. It attracts people for the ideal broad view from which both ancient street and Hoan Kiem Lake, as well as The Huc Bridge, can be seen without being hindered by trees. Avalon is located from the 4^th floor to 7^th floor of a building with differently decorated style for each story. The 4^th floor is a restaurant that serves a variety of Vietnamese, Asian and Western cuisines. The 5^th and 6^th story is accordingly lounge bar and semi lounge. The rooftop on the 7^th floor where you can have the best view is sky-garden decorated, giving you such a relaxing feel.

Address: 73 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.00 am – 23.00 pm
Price: 40.000VND – 165.000VND

2. Highland coffee

Just a few blocks from the building where Avalon is situated is Hàm Cá Mập – Shark Jaw building, in which Highland coffee is located on the third floor. It is such a popular place with Hanoians whenever they go to Ho Guom; Highland is crowded all the time, especially with tables at the balcony. According to many drinkers, Peach Jelly tea and Yellow Lotus tea are the best choices here. Give it a try and admire the view.

3. City View Cafe

 2-story up from Highland coffee is City view cafe. Located on the highest floors of Hàm Cá Mập(the 5^th-6^th floor), City view cafe is absolutely an ideal coffee shop for lake viewing just as its name. The café serves a wide range of beverage, soft meals along with both Asian and Western dishes, and of course Vietnamese specialties. 

Address: 1-3-5 Đinh Tiên Hoàng street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.00 am – 23.00 pm
Price: http://cityviewcafe.com.vn/cityview/thuc-don (check out here)

4. Cộng

Newly opened in April this year, Cộng’s branch in Cầu Gỗ adds to the list of Hoan Kiem Lake view cafés another lovely destination. Easily spot from the street, the coffee shop can be reached at once instead of taking a short journey through loads of stairs as those mentioned above.

Address: 116 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.00 am – 23.30 pm
Price: 20.000VND – 100.000VND

5. Cà Phê Phố Cổ

Many travel webs and blogs have recommended this coffee shop to drop by in Hanoi. Famous for its egg coffee, Ca Phe Pho Co also attracts foreigners by the way leading to it. Once you arrive at 11 Hàng Gai, don’t hesitate to go straight into the small lane between the souvenir shop and then take your time mounting the old residential stairs here, watch out as the pet cat may suddenly appear and take you back. Views across the lake are great-especially from the fourth floor- and make for a lovely spot for watching the endless stream of overloaded scooters, cyclos and honking taxis.

Address: 11 Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.00 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 20.000VND – 55.000VND

6. Hanoi Time 

Standing out among many other cafés with its bright orange tone, Hanoi Time is a place for whoever wants to find back the old days of Hanoi. The coffee shop is plainly decorated in an old-fashioned way giving people a cozy atmosphere. To reach the coffee shop, you have to pass through a small lane and do take time to look around as winding up the staircase where they put many delicate paintings of Hanoi. The large balcony looks out The Huc Bridge, which is a spectacular view.

Address: 39 Đinh Tiên Hoàng street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.00 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 20.000VND – 50.000VND

7. L’etage Cafe

This is my favorite coffee shop whenever I wanna spend time admiring the city’s heart beauty. Located in Hàng Khay, a less crowded and busy street, L’etage cafe makes me fall for it at once by the lovely view from balcony to the street panoramic view but also Hoan Kiem Lake. L’etage café means “café on the second floor” in French, and it is on the upstair of an old house in reality. Coming here on a cold day, enjoying a cup of hot egg coffee is definitely an unforgettable experience for you.

Address: 9A Hàng Khay, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.00 am – 22.30 pm
Price: 30.000VND – 55.000VND

St. Joseph’s Cathedral Church View

 The charming, splendid, ancient beauty of “Nhà thờ lớn” makes it a must-visit destination in Hanoi. Accordingly, loads of coffee shops are opened in this area to cater the need of admiring the church scene, ranging from street cafés with plastic chairs and wooden tables to rooftop ones which are complicatedly decorated.

1. Street cafés

If Vietnamese street food is so well-known to the world, street coffee is of no less popularity. Such cafés don’t need to decorate their interior at all, what they do is just sparing some space and laying sets of chairs and tables. Why are they so popular? It is the lovely feel, wonderful view and delicious but also cheap beverage that attracts drinkers. Spending15.000 VND – less than 1$ for an iced lime tea, a specialty here- then you have a seat to admire the delightful church for hours. There are many street cafes along Nhà Thờ Street but the most recommended one is that at 2 Nhà Chung- right on the way to the church square-which has been in business since 2000.

Address:2 Nhà Chung Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
26 Nhà Thờ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.00 am
Price: 15.000VND – 50.000VND

2. (Another) Cộng

This is one of the busiest branches of Cộng while it’s not quite spacious, so set off early to get a good seat outdoor or near the window to have the best view of the church.

Address: 27 Nhà Thờ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.00 am – 23.30 pm
Price: 20.000VND – 100.000VND

3. Runam Cafe

Ranked among the most luxurious coffee shops in Hanoi, Runam cafe impresses you by a charming interior and pure coffee that is hardly served anywhere else. It has two stories and a balcony which is my favorite place overlooking quiet Nhà Thờ Street and the church as well. Another choice is taking a seat on small folded chairs put right in front of the shop door-there is, however, only enough space for 2 to 3 people so do come early.

Address: 13 Nhà Thờ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.00 am – 23.00 pm
Price: 80.000VND – 400.000VND

4. Eden

 Eden puts its name on the map as the only Bohemia coffee shop in Vietnam. This cafe has 3 areas and a rooftop which is all delicately decorated with many plants. While the 4^th floor offers the best view of Notre Cathedral Church, every window table on the other floor brings lovely view too. Eden is located in the church square to the left and may confuse you a bit to find the way but feel free to ask young drinkers(as they are better at English) at any coffee shops nearby and they will show you the way immediately.

Address: 2 Nhà Thờ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.00 am – 23.00 pm
Price: 30.000VND – 65.000VND

5. Hanoi House

A second-floor cafe again that you have to pass through a small lane to reach. The balcony looking down Nhà Thờ Street is the position of most preference.

Address: 47A Lý Quốc Sư Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.00 am – 22.30 pm
Price: 30.000VND – 55.000VND

6. Vpresso Coffee

Using the best coffee beans grown in Vietnam and offering a lovely atmosphere for group meeting and a wonderful view over the St.Joseph’s Church, Vpresso Coffee will please even the most punctilious customers. The coffee shop has 4 areas the highest one is a small lounge where you will get the most stunning view.

Address: 45 Lý Quốc Sư Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.00 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 25.000VND – 80.000VND

7. La Place

The combination of Paris and Hanoi style in a small cozy coffee shop. A perfect place to relax with a beer or coffee and watch people around. An amazing little cafe!

Address: 6 Ấu Triệu Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.00 am – 23.00 pm
Price: 30.000VND – 110.000VND

West Lake View

 Far from the crowded, busy, narrow streets in the Old quarter, head your way to the Northwest of the downtown where you will meet West Lake, the largest natural lake in Hanoi. Regarded as the inspiration for many lots of writers and composers, the beauty of West Lake enchants people in such a pleasant way. Watching the sunset on Hồ Tây is not to mention the utmost delightful thing to do which make sure you try at least for once.

1. Eureka Coffee and Fastfood

Run by an architecture with the direct view to Hồ Tây, the two- floor Eureka is considered as one of the best view cafes and hugely popular to a young crowd in Hanoi. Having a modern, charming design with the main tones are white, black and red, Eureka is a perfect stop by for you after hours of wandering around the city.

There are both indoor and outdoor seats to be offered with the amazing scene of sunset, especially in summer afternoons. On the first floor, you can relax on soft sofas or big wooden beds, whereas, the upstairs offer you an open air space with bamboo chairs and lots of red umbrellas.

 

Address: 4 Floating House West Lakeside Street , Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.15 am – 22.00 pm
Price: 40.000VND – 220.000VND

2. Kaffeine Cafe

Kaffeine or Kaffeine Retro Style cafe is the one that lives its name through the design but also the ambiance. Owning the interior with deep tone backing to the 1960s, Kaffeine is where you could find many lots of old-fashioned things: tables remade from such old sewing machines, rare bronze fans or ranges of radios, telephones, motorbike models. Designed separately regarding the two stories, Kaffeine offers private space on the first floor with stumpy wooden tables and soft floor mats apart from common sets; a long wooden table available for 15 people as a noticeable mark, turning it into a perfect spot for small parties or group meetings.

Winding your way up the delicately designed staircase in the middle of the coffee house, you keep yourself deep in the Retro style but more modern atmosphere of the second floor with a bar serving wonderful cocktails and beers. And if you wish for an open air space and cool gusts of wind, move to floor seats in the balcony which outlooks ranges of coconut trees and the West Lake Water park.

Address: No 7 128 Lane, Thụy Khuê Street , Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Open-close: 8.00 am – 23.00 pm

3. The Summit Lounge

Renown for its amazing view, The summit lounge is a must-visit for tourists. Housing in the 20^th floor of Pan Pacific Hotel with full height windows spanning three sides of the Lounge, as well as both indoor and outdoor seats, this rooftop lounge and bar offers guests the ideal spot to take in the stunning views over West lake. To say, it is the combination of luxury and delicacy.

Address: 20^th floor-Pan Pacific Hotel, 1 Thanh Niên Street , Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Open-close: 16.00 pm
Price: 65.000VND – 330.000VND

4. Bảo Oanh Cafe & Kem dừa

Situated on a street between Trúc Bạch Lake and West Lake, the over 20-year-old coffee house is a popular destination for the locals but also foreigners. It is a bigger coffee spot in the area with five large stories and a great view across the lake. What has made the very brand name is nothing but its well-known delicacy- “Kem trái dừa”. Scoops of coconut ice cream are put into a fresh small coconut, served with dried and grated coconut, and a tiny cherry. Take a spoonful of the ice cream but also coconut flesh to enjoy this wonderful dessert the most!

Address: 7 Thanh Niên Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Open-close: 7.30 am – 23.30 pm
Price: 70.000VND – 165.000VND

The post The Best 18 Coffee Shops with Scenic View in Hanoi appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

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The answer to why we have such unmapped places hidden in every single corner of Hanoi lies in a city’s own distinct feature. Many lots of Hanoi houses, especially in the old quarter, now still keep the old-fashioned architecture – the tube houses. They are usually three small blocks sharing a centre yard, with each block being built up to two or three floors, making them look narrow in width but tall in height. To reach these residences, you can go through tiny lanes and mounting winding staircases, and sometimes it’s quite an adventure. But, don’t worry, the quaint aroma of street food will help you well!

Pho

As you all know, you can’t say you’ve been to Hanoi without trying “Pho”. There are, however, loads of Pho stores in Hanoi today that make you confused in choosing the best one. Personally, I really really love the one in Hàng Đồng called “Tiệm ăn Việt Hòa”, an over 30-year-old family Pho store. Situated in the intersection of Hàng Đồng and Hàng Vải, it is a quite small store with about 3 big and 2 small tables, specializes in beef only. What makes I prefer it more than any others is its broth and the beef itself. “Tiệm ăn Việt Hòa”’s broth is not too condensed (maybe because here they don’t overuse beef bones) which makes people feel oily; the beef is perfectly cooked: if “bò chín” including “nạm bò” – the greasy meat - are amazingly thin beef slices that seem to melt in your mouth, “bò tái” or “gân bò” – the part of meat with many muscles – is tender but creates a small sound of explosion as eating. Another choice for Pho bo is Thìn store in Đinh Tiên Hoàng St, facing the Sword Lake. This store is somewhat more popular than the one mentioned above. And for chicken noodle if you feel like, I highly recommend Lâm in Nam Ngư St, a small and quiet spot. Give yourself an absolutely fresh experience by ordering “tiết” for a perfect bowl of Phở gà by the way!

Nem chua

The traditional Nem chua is the mixture of ground pork, pork skin, “thính gạo” – the roasted ground rice, seasonings like salt, pepper, sugar, garlic... It is wrapped in the banana leaf together with guava leaf or fig leaf to culture in between 3 and 5 days to be served. You can eat Nem chua directly with red paste and garlic or green mango, guava and a cup of beer will do it well!

Almost all Nem chua distributed in Hanoi comes from this nearly 30-year-old family home-made store, situated in a long quiet street of Hanoi. Come by and give it a try.

Address: 8 Trần Xuân Soạn, Hai Bà Trưng district, Hanoi
Open – close: 6.00 - 22.00
Price: 20.000 - 25.000 VND

The 2 kinds of Nem chua mentioned are still not all, though, as Vietnamese people find one more way to serve Nem chua- Nem chua nướng. Instead of frying, the locals grill Nem chua over charcoal and serve it with mango, lime tea. The best place to try this dish is the tiny Ấu Triệu lane, facing the St Joseph’s Cathedral. Sitting on small plastic chairs in a lane of just about 1 metre wide, enjoying the hot delicious Nem chua nướng while admiring the beauty of the church is one-of-a-kind experience.

Hu tieu – My van than

This Chinese dish has been one of my favourite since I was a small child. If you are so familiar with Dimsum or black noodles, here is a perfect change to make. Frankly, there isn’t much to talk about this cuisine itself; and the only reason I mention it is that Hanoi serves you Hu tieu – My van than in a very special place: a hidden store in the middle of the old quarter. Situated on Hàng Điếu, this store is housed in a small lane leading to a small yard of the very owner’s house. You can choose to sit along the tiny lane or in the yard inside. Watch out if a pet cat suddenly appears and takes you aback!

Address: 21 Hàng Điếu , Hoàn Kiếm district, Hanoi
Open – close: 16.00 - 22:30
Price: 5.000VND/nem

Thit xien nuong

Another lovely food in Hanoi, Thit xien nuong is what you can’t miss. It is quite usual to find along almost all the alleys or traditional markets or street stands the picture of Vietnamese women quickly turn dozens sticks of meat over hot coals while flapping a piece of card or a hand fan to maintain the fire. Their sweat falls, their faces seem to fade behind the dense smoke, and the perfectly seasoned meat on sticks gradually turn golden, ready to be served and topped with a bit of chili sauce. A baguette will also go well with it!

Address: 31 Quang Trung street , Hoàn Kiếm district, Hanoi
Open – close: 11.00 - 21:00
Price: 10.000 – 30.000VND

Quay nong

A soft snack for you on the way! Drop by the small counter on the pavement of Hàng Bông, you’ll find crullers being deep fried on pan. To make cruller which is quite similar to doughnut, you need to roll dough out on a floured surface, then cut into sticks. Let stand for about 10 minutes and fry. Quay is served on its own or dumped in the sweet sauce of fish sauce, sugar, vinegar and sliced carrots and kohlrabi.  Don’t eat too many as it can make you feel really full!

Address: 73 Hàng Bông , Hoàn Kiếm district, Hanoi
Open – close: 17.00 - 21:30
Price: 2.000 – 20.00VND

Trung chen nuong

How many ways of making eggs can you think of at once? Fried– scrambled– poached – boiled or maybe salted? The young crowd of Hanoi has added to the list a whole new recipe: the roasted egg. But it’s still to be talked about. It is not the oven but the hot coals, it is not any other kinds but the quail eggs, and it is nothing other than the tiny porcelain dishes that are used to make this lovely specialty. Each dish includes about 4 quail eggs together with sausages, scallions, fried shallots and “ruốc”; and it is grilled for about 10-15 minutes, which is quite a long time for us hungry guys. But before adding all the ingredients, a slice of butter is put in the dish to make sure that the eggs won’t get stuck. You can order a cup of lime or peach tea and about 2 or 4 servings for a light but full dinner.

Address: 24 Nguyễn Quang Bích St, Hoàn Kiếm district, Hanoi
Open – close: 16.00 – 22.00
Price: 10.000 – 50.00VND

Tao pho

“Phớ đâyyyyy, ai tào phớ đâyyy” /fɜː dei/ /ai tao fɜː dei/ is a familiar street cry to many Hanoians for generations. The traditional silky tofu pudding with sugar syrup, tender small white and black jelly, and of course lots of crushed ice stands firmly no 1 in any list of summer deserts. Thanks to many creations in the cooking field, the bean curd now is served with more toppings than ever, such as white and black pearls, red beans, lotus seeds, taro...; while the sugar syrup is replaced by chocolate or coffee one. But if you’re looking for the old-fashioned value of the very old city like Hanoi, it’s best to walk all around the streets and happen to catch sight of a vendor riding a bike, selling tofu in a sunny noon, stop by, watch him quickly slice the tofu pudding with a big shell or the very lid of a canned milk, pour sugar syrup seasoned with jasmine (which is a tradition not many sellers keep today) and finally add jelly but also ice. It’s hard to say for sure where you can find such vendors, but I do come across them quite often along Hàng Bông and Đường Thành – mostly by hearing the loud distinct cry; or if you fail to meet them, well, turn to the last resort that come to chains of tofu stores, and order the very traditional serving!

Banh ran

The round golden fried cake called “Banh ran” is just a small full moon in the world of food. Made of glutinous rice, stuffed with an array of ingredients from green bean, sugar and shredded coconut for the sweet version to minced pork, dried woodear mushroom, and glass noodle for the other. The cake is perfectly shaped by hand, topped with sesame before being deep fried in a large pan. If the former version is severed on its own, the other has a sauce to go with, just like the one of “Quay nong” mentioned above. “Banh ran” enchants people by the lovely aroma, by the crispy coat, by the tender taste of the cake itself. An amazing delicacy but costs almost for next to nothing, just 2.000 VND for the sweet cake and 3.000 VND for the meat one. So, hurry up, head to the following address immediately as it sells like hot cakes!

Address: 5 Lương Ngọc Quyến St, Hoàn Kiếm district, Hanoi
Open – close: 7.00 – 22.00
Price: 2.000 – 20.00VND

The post The Best Places for Light Bites in Hanoi appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

DAY 1: HÀ NỘI – NGHĨA LỘ

5.00 am: Set off from Hanoi, follow Nội Bài – Lào Cai Highway to Yên Bái Province. Have a light meal with “bánh mỳ” or a small serve of steamed sticky rice to get ready for an energetic trip day.

9.30 am: Visit Thác Bà Dydroelectric Power Plant, then head to Lục Yên District, shop at Lục Yên Jewel Market.

12.00 pm: Arrive in Yên Bái City, take a short rest with a small lunch break. Don’t forget to order “cuốn sủi”- a speciality only available in Yên Bái and Lào Cai that you must give it a go.

4.00 pm: Make way to Nghĩa Lộ, visit Giàng Spring Village where you can try Shan Tuyết green tea and get to find some souvenirs made of stones here. Then drop by the Mông Pang Cáng village before spending time observing the spectacular view of Mường Lò valley.

Evening: Have dinner at Nghĩa Lộ and enjoy all the specialities of the ethnic minority.

DAY 2: NGHĨA LỘ- MÙ CANG CHẢI

7.00 am: On the way to Mù Cang Chải, drop by Tú Lệ and try its sticky rice – one of the most well-known specialities in the Northwest; experience the rural beauty of the local villages.

10.00 am: Head to Khau Phạ mountain pass from which you’ll get an amazing view of Cao Phạ valley, Lìm Mông hamlet, Khau Phạ terrace field. Then come to La Pán Tẩn village to observe the “Golden Raspberries”. Don’t miss Bà Nhà bridge, which is another ideal spot for your great shots.

From 18.00 pm to late night: Visit Thái Hamlet in Dế Xu Phình and learn more their native custom.

DAY 3: MÙ CANG CHẢI- HÀ NỘI:

6.30 am: Take a morning look in Mù Cang Chải market and enjoy the culinary culture here with dozens of specialities cooked by the very locals. Bring home some “táo mèo”, considered as one of the best fruits in the country.

8.00 am: Visit Chế Cu Nha.

8.30 am Mountain trekking.

11.30 am: Lunchtime at Tú Lệ restaurant and come find some more souvenirs if you had not found from your first day.

14.30 pm: Back to Hanoi.

The post Yen Bai Province Itinerary appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Cars and motorbikes

From the metropolis of Hanoi, follow Thăng Long bridge until you catch sight of a roundabout, take the left turn and keep moving till you make your way into Nội Bài – Lào Cai Highway. Go straight ahead, across Vĩnh Phúc and Việt Trì (Phú Thọ province) and you will reach Yên Bái after a 135- kilometer trip. One point to keep in mind is that this route is for cars only.

Another way longer is about 145 kilometres. Setting off from Hanoi, passing through Hòa Lạc then following Thăng Long Highway then you can make your way by turning right at Highway 21. From here, head to Sơn Tây province by following Trung Hà and Phong Châu bridge. As you reach Đoan Hùng town, drive along Street 70 and you will reach the destination. This route is for both cars and motorbikes.

Bus and trains

Reaching Mỹ Đình bus station, you can pick one of the trustworthy brands such as Sao Việt, Duy Long, Hà Sơn, etc. with the prices fluctuating from VND 100.000 to 200.000 depending on each kind.

Reaching Hà Nội or Long Biên train station if you find trains suit you best. Its price range is from VND 130.000 to 260.000.

The post How to get to Yen Bai from Hanoi? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Making way to Yên Bái, besides observing all the breathtaking natural sceneries, you will also have a chance to experience such wonderful foods. And below is the list of the top nine must-try dishes highly recommended.  It offers an insight into Yen Bai culinary culture.

Lục Yên banana cake ( Bánh chuối Lục Yên)

Banana has long been a familiar fruit to Tày* people in Lục Yên – a rural District of Y, becoming an inspiration for them to make distinct sweet cake. Unlike the commonly known “Bánh chuối”, which is made of banana covered in wet wheat flour and deep fried in boiled oil until it turns golden brown each side, Lục Yên version requires more time and skills.

Ripe bananas are peeled and dried before being kept in pots. When it’s time, they are soaked in hot water, ground and mixed with rice powder to coat and finally stuffed with the concoction of sugar, pounded steamed mung bean and peanuts inside. The cake is wrapped by banana leaves and steamed for 25 – 30 minutes.

The cake is usually served on full moon day or during traditional events. And if you remember, “Xôi chè”, a sweeten pudding in Hanoi I talked about in my previous article, is also served on such occasions with the main ingredients: mung bean, glutinous rice and sugar as well. It is an interesting coincidence, isn’t it?

Grilled buffalo meat (Thịt trâu gác bếp)

It is definitely a shame if you come to the northern mountainous area without trying its grilled foods. The one I’d like to mention today is “Thịt trâu gác bếp”- a speciality of the black Thái (người Thái đen), which is made from buffalo thighs as the main ingredient. When being grilled over charcoal, the smoky smell of the buffalo may be quite unpleasant to some people so they often add seasoned with chilies, ginger and “mắc khén” – a special forest pepper of the ethnic minorities in the Northwest before cooking. Afterward, the beef is hung over a shelf in the kitchen to get dried. It will take about 8 months up to a year until the beef is ready to be served.

To eat, shred the beef into small pieces and enjoy it with a small cup of “rượu ngô”- corn wine, an ideal cuisine for the winter!

Mường Lò fried muồm muỗm (Muồm muỗm rang Mường Lò)

“Muồm muỗm”, similar to a grasshopper, is a kind of insects easily caught sight of in fields during harvest seasons. There are many dishes made from “muồm muỗm”. However, according to the locals, fried muồm muỗm is the best. When ready to be served, it turns golden brown and has a delicate aroma while its taste is infinitely crispy and greasy.

Lạp xưởng Yên Bái

“Lạp xưởng”, or Asian sausage, is made of chopped bacon, pepper, honey, sugar, etc. What makes “lạp xưởng” in Yên Bái special is the way it is seasoned. One thing to be kept in mind are the order and duration in which its ingredients are mixed up. And when it comes to drying the sausage, nothing but charcoal, bagasse, chaff and bay leaf must be used. As a result, you will feel the pleasant smoky scent of the cane when eating.

Coming to Yên Bái, you should not miss out Tú Lệ village, which is not only well-known for the breathtaking terrace rice fields but also for its food – glutinous rice. People even say that as being cooked, the aroma of the glutinous rice can be scented from hundreds of meters away. Accordingly, local citizens have created the following 3 must-try cuisines from the rice in Tu Le Village:

Food made from rice

Tú Lệ green rice ( Cốm Tú Lệ)

If Hanoi is frequently given reputation by Cốm Làng Vòng, Tú Lệ Village puts its name on the map with Cốm Tú Lệ. The land has been rewarded with its one-of-a-kind rice whose kernel is roasted over low heat then pounded in a mortar with a pestle until flattened. That one special point I want to insist is that the green of Cốm is definitely natural, not served with any chemical constituent.

Xôi ngũ sắc

Given that you do not seem to prefer steamed sticky rice owning one single colour only, then we are so glad to let you meet our “Xôi ngũ sắc”, a special version featured five different colours – blue, red, purple, yellow and white, all of which are dyed by natural pigments of forest leaves. This dish can be found in Tu Le Village.

Bánh chưng đen Mường Lò

“Bánh chưng” is a Vietnamese traditional dish, usually served in Lunar New Year or sometimes on full moon day. “Bánh chưng đen” – black square sticky rice cake, is made similarly to the original edition, but the Thái people make it in a little bit different way by mixing ground “núc nác” tree’s coat with glutinous rice to cover their cakes with black coats.

Rêu suối Mường Lò

Have you ever thought that fungus can be used to make a dish? It appears to be impossible but in Thái*’s culinary culture, it isn’t. Fungus is wrapped in banana leaves and then grilled until the fat and green liquid come out from the fresh fungus. As good fungus is hard to find while its season is pretty short, the locals here highly appreciate it. This dish is served in dinner when family gathers or special guests come over.

Cá sỉnh

“Cá sỉnh” is considered by the Thái in Văn Chấn town in such a pride because this kind of fish only habitats here.

“Cá sỉnh” is quite small, about four human fingers in width while its meat is tender and bones are quite soft.

If you are now wondering where to go to try these dishes, just head forward until you come across a street food shop on the way or somehow you are invited to the locals’ houses for a meal, who knows? The locals in Yen Bai are very friendly.

But if you want a specific guide for where to eat, drop by some following listed restaurants in the city. They are suggested by the Vietnamese backpackers.

Thùy Vân floating restaurant

Address: Đồng Tâm ward, Yên Bái city
Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:30
Phone number: (02) 93 852 099

Sâm Hiệp restaurant

Address: 302 Thanh Niên, Hồng Hà ward, Yên Bái city
Opening hours: 09:00 AM – 09:30 PM

Tây Bắc restaurant

Address: Village 6, Hợp Minh ward, Yên Bái city
Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:30
Phone number: 0216 3712 719

Sơn Thủy restaurant

Address: 600 Điện Biên Street, Yên Bái city
Opening hours: 8.00 – 23.00
Phone number: 070 385 2695

Minh Đức restaurant

Address: 381 Lê Hồng Phong Street, Yên Bái city
Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:30

Thanh Hà restaurant

Address: 182 Đinh Tiên Hoàng street, Đồng Tâm ward, Yên Bái city
Opening time: 08:00 – 22:30

Thuyền Chài restaurant

Address:Group 6, Hợp Minh ward, Yên Bái city
Opening hours: 09:00 – 23:00

* Some information about the Vietnamese ethnic groups:

• The Tày: famous for the Yale blue of their traditional costume, is one of the most populated ethnic minorities in Vietnam. They inhabit mostly in Lạng Sơn, Cao Bằng, Hà Giang, Bắc Cạn, Yên Bái
• The Thái: having inhabited in the Northwest Vietnam for over 1200 years since their ancestors first migrated to Vietnam from Yunnan, China. They are most widely known as the Black Thai and the White Thai who live mainly in Điện Biên, Lai Châu, Sơn La, Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Hòa Bình.

The post Best cheap foods Yen Bai Province has to offer appeared first on Maze Vietnam.