Xôi xéo

There is nowhere in Vietnam that so many types of sticky rice- or “xoi” present like they do in Hanoi. But standing out among the various kinds, “xoi xeo” is not only creative art with a sophisticated combination of ingredients and color but the sophistication even leaks out to its odd name.

Amazingly attractive with its bright yellow color, “xoi xeo” is sold in every wet market or may even be right on the street corner early in the morning. The seller keeps “xoi xeo” warm in a bamboo basket which is carried on the shoulder or fastened behind the bicycle. “Xoi xeo” is a special dish for breakfast, especially with students and manual laborers thanks to its rather low price, its fulfillment and palatability.

Nobody knows where “xoi xeo” came from and why it has such a weird name “xeo”; as in Vietnamese, “xeo” is used as an impolite way when telling people to go away. Abnormal as it is, “xoi xeo” is still a unique part of Hanoi’s cuisine that is loved by many people, both locals and foreigners.

Where to try:

Xôi Yến at 35B Nguyen Huu Huan is one of the most famous sticky rice restaurant in Hanoi which not only serve the original “Xoi Xeo” but also the fusion version of Sticky rice.

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