We have visited Hanoi many times throughout the year. There were trips in summer, when the city felt hot and noisy, with a fast and crowded rhythm of life. There were also visits in autumn, when the streets were busier, filled with activities and countless options to explore and experience. However, this business trip to Hanoi at the end of the year brought a very different feeling. The weather was colder, rain appeared more often, the sky was frequently gray, and the atmosphere of the city seemed noticeably calmer and more subdued.
On cold, rainy days, Hanoi sees fewer people out on the streets, with most daily activities moving indoors to stay warm
As a result, the roads feel quieter than at other times of the year, and the pace of life slows down. Even so, walking around West Lake remains a hard habit to give up for many Hanoians, especially on drizzly days, when the lake lies still, cold winds blow steadily, and the city takes on a more subdued and calm character.
In cold weather with prolonged rain, Hanoi cuisine reveals its inherent character more clearly. Familiar dishes with simple preparation and a focus on warmth become common choices for both locals and travelers during the final days of the year.
Hot coffee
Hot coffee is a fitting way to start the day in chilly weather. On rainy days, people tend to linger longer in cafés, sip more slowly, and take time to talk or watch the streets through the glass windows.
A cup of hot brewed coffee, with a thin layer of foam on top that helps retain heat, a clear coffee aroma, and a moderately rich taste.
Vong Village green rice flakes
When the rain eases, walking around West Lake feels more pleasant. The cold wind blows steadily, the surface of the lake grows calm, and more people begin to walk compared to the morning. We stopped briefly to buy a small packet of green rice flakes to eat as we walked. In the end of year weather, green rice flakes no longer carry the lively feeling of the early harvest season, but become a simple treat that suits the subdued atmosphere and slower pace of Hanoi at this time.
Soft green rice flakes with flattened grains and a light, delicate aroma of young rice.
Mung bean sticky rice
Mung bean sticky rice is commonly found in the morning or early afternoon, sold by familiar street vendors along the roads. On cold and rainy days, it becomes a convenient choice for people who move around a lot, while also clearly reflecting the simple, everyday eating habits of Hanoians.
Long Bien Market fruit carts
Around Long Bien Market, fruit carts continue to operate steadily. The fruit is neatly displayed, with some sold whole and others pre cut for quick purchases. Even outside peak hours, these fruit carts in the rain reflect the familiar rhythm of the market, where buying and selling go on almost without interruption, regardless of the weather. For many people, they offer a light option for a simple meal or a modest dessert on cold, rainy days.
Plain rice porridge
A bowl of plain rice porridge is cooked thick and served piping hot, accompanied by crispy fried dough sticks, topped with pork floss and a light sprinkle of pepper. As you eat, you blow gently and sip spoon by spoon, letting the warmth slowly spread through your body and ease the chill outside. On cold, rainy days, enjoying such a simple bowl of rice porridge feels comforting, light on the stomach, warming, and perfectly suited to the end of year rains in Hanoi.
Conclusion
Hanoi leaves its mark in every season, yet the city in the final days of the year evokes a distinctly different feeling. People remember Hanoi not only for its scenery or its people, but also for its familiar dishes that suit the cold, rainy weather. As a year comes to a close, it is these flavors of Hanoi cuisine that linger in the minds of many when they leave the city.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Vy Vy
- Design: Trung Huynh
