Discover the exquisite rainbow rice noodles of Cần Thơ

August 13, 2022 - 16:51
Rainbow rice noodles, also known as five-coloured hủ tiếu, are a fun take on the traditional Vietnamese rice noodles and a must-try for every tourist to Cần Thơ City in the Mekong Delta
Vacationers enjoy making their own brilliantly coloured noodle masterpieces. VNA/VNS Photos

Rainbow rice noodles, also known as five-coloured hủ tiếu, are a fun take on the traditional Vietnamese rice noodles and a must-try for every tourist to Cần Thơ City in the Mekong Delta.

Huỳnh Hữu Hoài (Sáu Hoài) is recognised as being among the first to create this dish.

His noodle factory in An Bình Ward, Ninh Kiều District, is a popular stop for tourists on their way to Cái Răng floating market, one of Cần Thơ's most popular attractions.

Sun-dried rainbow noodles.

What makes Hoài's hủ tiếu (rice noodles) so popular is his own spin on the meal, which includes a pizza-inspired version and one naturally dyed with five brilliant colours.

The bright noodles produced by this family business come from a wide array of natural ingredients, including gấc fruit, red dragon fruit, pandan leaves, magenta plant, and beetroot.

At each step of the process, visitors will have the opportunity to actually watch and produce their own. The finished products have a price of VNĐ50,000 (US$2,14) for each package.

Foreign visitors experience the creation of colourful noodles.

The restaurant's signature dish, hủ tiếu pizza, is also produced and served on-site.

Unlike regular pizza, which is prepared with flour-based dough, the base of this dish is made of noodles.

The chef quickly fries the noodles until they are golden in a hot-oil pan. The noodles serve as regular, round pizza base and provide a crunchy sensation when eaten.

Creating a 'hủ tiếu' pizza with rainbow rice noodles.

The completed meal features a topping of pork stew, fried eggs, and fragrant coconut milk drizzled over the top.

Peanuts, veggies, chilli, crispy fried onion and tomato sauce can all be added to the dish to give it a pizza-like flavour.

Sáu Hoài with his renowned 'hủ tiếu' pizza.

With an average of 350 visitors every day, the Sáu Hoài noodle business not only generates revenue for the owner's family and neighbours but also contributes to Cần Thơ's international reputation.

It's a strategy for revitalising traditional craft villages while also attracting tourists. VNS

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