Clay-pot milk tea, dragon fruit noodles: Culinary traits that shook Vietnam in 2023

Coin-shaped cake

A cake formed like a coin, out there in Hanoi, that includes the ten received form . Picture by VnExpress/Tung Dinh

In direction of the tip of 2023, coin-shaped cakes garnered consideration in Hanoi’s on-line meals evaluation teams. Originating from Korea and Japan, these muffins, imprinted with 10 received or 10 yen molds, characteristic a spongy crust with a perfume of egg and milk. The filling of mozzarella cheese presents a mushy and stretchy texture. The dish shortly grew to become widespread in Hanoi, significantly round college areas, with an reasonably priced worth of about VND35,000 ($1.40).

Hand-pounded lime tea

Launched in Hanoi final August and reaching its peak in October-November, hand-pounded lime tea grew to become a stylish beverage, finally extending its reputation to cities like Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and Da Nang. Originating in China, the tea makes use of particular regional limes identified for his or her distinctive aroma.

A cup of hand-pounded lime tea with its trademark darkish yellow hue. Picture by VnExpress/Nguyen Chi

Other than the style, prospects had been curious in regards to the preparation course of, which entails the hand-pounding of the limes to launch important oils. The crushed limes are added to a jar together with sugar syrup, tea, and lime juice. After shaking, the ensuing beverage is poured right into a cup, providing a cool, candy, and barely bitter style with a wealthy tea taste. The distinct perfume is attributed to using the particular Chinese language limes.

Clay-pot milk tea

Clay pots are put straight on the range to cook dinner the milk tea together with different natural components at a store in Hanoi. Picture by VnExpress/Tung Dinh

Originating from Yunnan, China, clay-pot milk tea gained reputation on the streets of Hanoi within the ultimate days of the yr. Regardless of quite a few institutions opening on streets like Grasp Muoi, Ngo Tram, and Grasp Chieu, these retailers have nonetheless struggled to satisfy the excessive demand. Clients typically endure wait occasions that typically final an hour. The clay-pot milk options tea, herbs, dried purple apples, sugar, recent milk, and tea-marinated flowers.

After receiving an order, the workers begins by rigorously measuring water, milk, and rock sugar in particular quantities earlier than pouring them into clay pots. They then add natural teas and let the combination cook dinner for about 4-5 minutes. Whereas it is cooking, the proprietor gently stirs the drink with a spoon. The clay pots are put straight on the range, and every range can deal with 4 pots directly. As soon as it is boiling, the workers pours the milk tea into cups for purchasers to take pleasure in. Not like common milk tea locations, clay-pot tea retailers typically present out of doors seating. This permits prospects to soak on the street scene, embrace the winter chill, and relish a heat cup of tea.

Custard apple tea

Because the year-end sees hand-pounded lime tea and clay-pot milk tea achieve reputation, custard-apple tea takes heart stage in the summertime culinary scene. Originating in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and close by Lengthy An Province within the Mekong Delta earlier than spreading to Hanoi and Da Nang, this seasonal drink grew to become a sensation, inflicting a frenzy on social media and often operating out on meals supply apps.

A cup of custard apple tea topped generously with the fruit. Picture courtesy of Fb/Nguyen Thuong Ngoc

The preparation entails jasmine tea, kumquat, sugar, and custard apple. The custard apple is minimize into items and soaked in sugar. When somebody orders, the proprietor places some squeezed kumquat within the cup, provides pre-made jasmine tea, then custard apple on prime, and shakes it to create foam. The drink is refreshing on scorching days, with the scent of jasmine, the tanginess of kumquat, and the sweetness of custard apple.

Dragon fruit noodles

Dragon fruit noodles have captured the eye of many individuals after that includes in a model’s promotional video. Regardless of the video’s simplistic type, harking back to Nineteen Nineties TV commercials, the dish went viral, prompting a surge on social media and sold-out statuses on e-commerce platforms.

Dragon fruit noodles stand out with their purple hue. Picture courtesy of CATY

The noodles, resembling regular noodles however with a purple-pink hue, supply a chewy texture that enhances the bitter broth and the delicate sweetness of the dragon fruit in an uncommon manner. Though it would appear to be an uncommon mixture, it really works surprisingly effectively. Some bloggers reveal the best way to make dragon fruit noodles at residence utilizing recent fruit. Nevertheless, just a few people have commented that the flavour is just not significantly excellent, not diverging a lot from common noodles.

Mangosteen hen salad

Mangosteen hen salad, originating from the southern Binh Duong Province, has change into a social media sensation, significantly on TikTok. This salad options shredded hen, a selected mangosteen selection often known as mang diem, laksa leaves, dried onions, and shredded carrots.

Mangosteen hen salad boasts a vibrant hue, because of its colourful components. Picture by VnExpress/Bui Thuy

Mang diem is acknowledged for its inexperienced pores and skin and almost ripe, candy, and crunchy texture. Nevertheless, this explicit mangosteen comes at a better value. A serving of mangosteen hen salad is priced between VND250,000 and VND350,000 ($10 to $140), ample for 2-4 folks.

The dish normally comes with greens, shrimp crackers, and dressing. Others take it a step additional by including seafood like crab, squid, and shrimp.

Egg-shaped cake

Egg-shaped muffins, adorned with smiley faces, are organized in an egg tray. Picture by VnExpress

Surpassing the coin-shaped cake in reputation, egg-shaped cake has change into a notable culinary pattern in 2023. These petite muffins, resembling hen eggs with a vibrant yellow outer layer, are neatly organized in an egg tray, mirroring the actual factor. These small, egg-shaped muffins characteristic a mushy crust with numerous fillings like chocolate, matcha, milk cream, or cheese. Priced at VND8,000 (30 U.S. cents) every, a field of 4 prices VND36,000. Any such cake is sort of well-liked amongst younger folks and is commonly discovered round college entrances.