RoamingDuoz is a YouTube channel created by a Korean couple with a shared passion for travel and cuisine. In their most recent adventure, they embarked on a journey to Vietnam, with a particular focus on exploring the culinary delights of its capital city, Hanoi. Their video, titled “We Have To Go Back To Hanoi For This,” captures the essence of their gastronomic exploration.
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| Xoi May, the renowned sticky rice street vendor that has captivated Korean social media. Source: RoamingDuoz YouTube channel |
In their quest for authentic experiences, the couple opted to forego fine dining establishments and instead immerse themselves in the local food scene. They ventured into the bustling streets and hidden alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, seeking out the best local eateries. One such discovery was the Xoi May (May Sticky Rice) street vendor, nestled on the sidewalk of Ly Thuong Kiet Street, at its intersection with Hang Bai.
Prior to their visit, Xoi May had already gained recognition beyond Vietnam’s borders. In late 2019, this humble sidewalk vendor made their debut on Korean television through the show Street Food Fighter on the tvN channel. The renowned food expert Baek Jong Won, known for his culinary empire in Korea, praised the delectable Xoi dish of Vietnam, bringing further attention to this local gem.
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| The efficient preparation of Xoi, ensuring customers receive their food in under a minute. Source: RoamingDuoz YouTube channel |
The RoamingDuoz couple placed their order for two servings, each costing only 30,000 VND (approximately $1.17). The owner of Xoi May swiftly assembled the ingredients, showcasing their expertise. Sticky rice, green beans, fried onions, pork floss, spring rolls, and other components were skillfully cut and arranged in a plastic bowl, ready for immediate consumption. The highlight of the preparation process was the rapid chopping of green beans, a testament to the vendor’s efficiency.
The bloggers expressed their delight at arriving early, as they savored a delicious bowl of Xoi without having to endure a long wait. However, they noted that within an hour, a queue had formed, indicating the popularity of this street food destination.
“The fried onions on top elevate the dish to another level,” they remarked. “It’s like a burst of flavors in your mouth. This is undoubtedly one of the most memorable breakfasts we had during our time in Vietnam.”
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| The bloggers relished the opportunity to indulge in a delicious bowl of Xoi. Source: RoamingDuoz YouTube channel |
The couple was also impressed by the vendor’s exceptional wrapping skills. “Her hands moved so swiftly that we could barely keep up with what she was doing,” they marveled.
Xoi May operates from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering four varieties of Xoi: corn, skewers, peanuts, and gac, each accompanied by a selection of side dishes, including eggs, fat rolls, braised meat, and shrimp. For over 20 years, this street vendor has been a beloved fixture in Hanoi, attracting both locals and foreign vloggers eager to sample this unique traditional dish.
Vietnamese sticky rice, or Xoi, is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is commonly sold by street vendors and high-end restaurants alike. As the name suggests, the dish is centered around steamed glutinous rice, often paired with various ingredients such as cereals (peanuts, mung beans, black beans, sesame), fruits (mango, sweet gourd), or meat (pork, bird, chicken). Xoi is renowned for its delicious taste, nutritional value, and affordability.
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| The Korean bloggers indulge in a traditional Vietnamese breakfast. Source: RoamingDuoz YouTube channel |
This traditional dish boasts numerous variations, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Xoi is particularly popular as a breakfast option due to its affordability and ability to satiate hunger. While commonly enjoyed in the morning, it can also be relished throughout the day.
In the Northern and Central regions of Vietnam, Xoi with mung beans is a favorite. This variety features steamed sticky rice topped with steamed minced mung beans, chicken fat, salted shredded pork, and fried shallots. It is the perfect comfort food during colder months. The combination of soft sticky rice, smooth minced mung beans, and crispy fried shallots creates a delightful sensory experience.
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