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Sep 23, 2014 / 15:50

Enjoying a favorite dish of Hanoians

“Banh gio” - Vietnamese pyramidal rice dumpling sold in country markets has become a favorite breakfast of many Hanoians.

This white and smooth dumpling is wrapped in green banana leaf, which is regarded as the quintessence of heaven and earth.
 
 
The dumpling is made from a few ingredients including plain rice flour, minced lean meat, cat’s ear and mushroom.
The process of stirring and kneading flour is the most important, which decides the deliciousness of the dumpling. Processing the dumpling flour is a secret handed from generation to generation. 
After soaking in water, this flour is continously dissolved in water when being cooked.
After 45 minutes, the flour turns pure white and viscid, which means it is well-cooked.
Then the flour is placed on phrynium leaf and wrapped with meat. 
These rice dumplings are then put into the boiling water for 20 minutes.
Finally, dumplings are picked up.
 
 
Hanoi diners can feel the fragrance of the filling, rice flour and the special smell of phrynium or banana leaf.
It is so great to serve this dish with sour vegetable pickles, which makes good taste; therefore, some people can eat two or three dumplings at a time. 
People can find this dish in small stands on any street in Hanoi, especially on Nguyen Sieu Street or in Hom Market.
The stands are always packed with customers of all ages. 
 
 
Hanoians can enjoy this dish at any time, at breakfast, lunch or post-lunch.
The pyramidal rice dumpling is not only delicious but also healthy. Moreover, its appealling fragrance always attracts  diners to stop in any street shop and enjoy.