Hanoi (VNA) – Nikkei Asia has highlighted the vibrant charm of Hanoi in an article titled "Footloose in Hanoi: Celebrate city's charm, street food and relics from past" by Zinara Rathnayake, published on March 1.
The article vividly captures Hanoi’s allure, from its bustling Old Quarter and renowned street food to its unique coffee culture, rich history, and dynamic youth.
The author paints a lively picture of a winter morning in the capital, where street vendors pedal bicycles laden with colorful flowers, elder women dance around Hoan Kiem Lake, and office workers enjoy steaming bowls of pho (rice noodle soup with bone broth, meat and herbs) on sidewalk stools.
The Old Quarter comes to life through scenes of silversmiths crafting jewelry on Hang Bac street and festive decorations transforming Hang Ma street into a Christmas wonderland.
According to Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, the city welcomed 4 million foreign visitors in 2023, many drawn to the vibrant 36 streets of the Old Quarter.
Hanoi’s cuisine is a key attraction, featuring dishes like pho, banh xeo (crispy stuffed rice pancakes), cha ca lang (turmeric grilled catfish), bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), banh mi, and banh khuc (sticky rice cake with mugwort). The article praises the balance of sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy flavors in Vietnamese cuisine.
The city’s famous coffee culture also stands out, with specialties like egg coffee, salted coffee, and yogurt coffee found throughout Hanoi.
Hanoi’s historical and cultural significance is reflected in sites like the Hoa Lo Prison Museum and Kham Thien street.
Through conversations with young Hanoians, the author explores Vietnam’s resilience and the nation’s forward-looking spirit.
The article concludes with “10 must-do things when visiting Hanoi,” including historical tours, visits to cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and experiences like street food tours, egg coffee tastings, and strolls around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Through vivid storytelling, the article presents Hanoi as a city of friendly people, rich culture, and heroic history, making it an irresistible destination./.
