ON YOUR BIKE: A cyclo tour is a great way to see the sights of Hà Nội's old quarter. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI - Nikkei Asia has highlighted the vibrant charm of Hà Nộ in an article titled "Footloose in Hà Nội: Celebrate city's charm, street food and relics from past" by Zinara Rathnayake, published on March 1.

The article vividly captures Hà Nội’s allure, from its bustling Old Quarter and renowned street food to its unique coffee culture, rich history, and dynamic youth.

The author paints a lively picture of a winter morning in the capital, where street vendors pedal bicycles laden with colourful flowers, elder women dance around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and office workers enjoy steaming bowls of phở (rice noodle soup with bone broth, meat and herbs) on sidewalk stools.

The Old Quarter comes to life through scenes of silversmiths crafting jewelry on Hàng Bạc Street and festive decorations transforming Hàng Mã Street into a Christmas wonderland.

According to Hà Nội's tourism authority, the city welcomed 4 million foreign visitors in 2023, many drawn to the vibrant 36 streets of the Old Quarter.

Hà Nội’s cuisine is a key attraction, featuring dishes like phở, bánh xèo (crispy stuffed rice crepes), chả cá lăng (turmeric grilled catfish), bún chả (grilled pork with vermicelli), bánh mì, and bánh khúc (sticky rice cake with mugwort). The article praises the balance of sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy flavours in Vietnamese cuisine.

The city’s famous coffee culture also stands out, with specialties like egg coffee, salted coffee, and yogurt coffee found throughout Hà Nội.

The city's historical and cultural significance is reflected in sites like the Hỏa Lò Prison Museum and Khâm Thiên Street.

Through conversations with young Hanoians, the author explores Việt Nam’s resilience and the nation’s forward-looking spirit.

The article concludes with “10 must-do things when visiting Hà Nội”, including historical tours, visits to cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature and the Việt Nam Museum of Ethnology, and experiences like street food tours, egg coffee tastings, and strolls around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Through vivid storytelling, the article presents Hà Nội as a city of friendly people, rich culture, and heroic history, making it an irresistible destination. VNS