By Bùi Quỳnh Hoa

White daisies, known locally as cúc họa mi, bloom across Hà Nội in late autumn, heralding the arrival of the city’s gentle winter. Photo lifestyle.znews.vn

Winter has quietly returned to the streets of the capital. A gentle chill fills the air, seeping into every breath and fingertip. It arrives with the sight of bicycles laden with pure white daisies — cúc họa mi — gliding gracefully through tree-lined streets.

For many, the bloom of these delicate flowers signals the true arrival of winter in Hà Nội. Their fragile petals, shimmering under the soft sunlight of late-year days, seem to embody the city’s quiet elegance and timeless beauty — the very charm that draws visitors back again and again.

As the temperature falls, another kind of allure awakens on Hà Nội’s streets — the aroma of steaming dishes wafting from bustling stalls and family-run eateries.

For travellers discovering the capital in winter, food becomes more than sustenance; it is a window into the city’s heart, where warmth and flavour blend with the season’s gentle hush.

Boiled snails: A humble favourite with bold flavours

Boiled snails with spicy ginger dipping sauce — a simple street treat that warms both hands and heart in Hà Nội’s chilly weather. — Photo xanhsm.com

Simple yet irresistible, ốc luộc (boiled snails) are a winter delicacy deeply loved by locals. Wander through the alleys or old apartment courtyards and it’s easy to find groups of friends huddled on low stools, chatting and laughing over steaming bowls of snails.

The snails — from small ốc vặn to larger ốc mít — are boiled with lemongrass and lime leaves, releasing a gentle citrus aroma. They are best enjoyed hot, dipped in fish sauce infused with ginger, chilli and a squeeze of lime. Each bite is chewy and perfectly balanced between spicy, sour and savoury. It’s a dish that warms both body and spirit on a chilly evening.

Pork rib porridge: The taste of comfort

Rice porridge with shredded pork and crispy fried dough sticks — a comforting breakfast choice for Hanoians on cool mornings. — Photo xanhsm.com

To many Hanoians, cháo sườn (pork rib porridge) is a comforting symbol of home. It recalls the image of women carrying shoulder poles at dawn or dusk, weaving through quiet streets as the scent of freshly cooked rice porridge drifts through the air.

A bowl of cháo sườn is smooth and creamy, topped with tender pinkish rib pieces and a scattering of fried shallots. Made from freshly milled rice and slow-simmered pork bones, it carries a delicate sweetness that no seasoning powder can match. Served with crispy quẩy (fried dough sticks) and a sprinkle of pepper, this humble dish has long been a favourite for both locals and visitors seeking warmth in the heart of winter.

Warm rice flour dish: A bowl of nostalgia and warmth

Hot steamed rice pudding topped with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms — a beloved winter comfort dish of Hanoians. — Photo xanhsm.com

Among Hà Nội’s many winter treats, bánh đúc nóng stands out for its simple yet heartwarming flavour. The dish is made from freshly milled rice flour, steamed until smooth and slightly elastic, then topped with sautéed minced pork, wood ear mushrooms and fragrant fried shallots.

What truly makes it special is the rich, savoury broth — a perfect harmony of sweetness and tang prepared from pork stock and seasoned fish sauce. A handful of fresh herbs completes the bowl, creating a comforting aroma that invites you to savour every spoonful.

Served steaming hot, bánh đúc nóng is not only a dish to ward off the cold but also a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked warmth — a taste that captures the quiet tenderness of Hà Nội in winter.

Glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup: A sweet taste of tradition

Sweet glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame or mung bean in hot ginger syrup — a soothing dessert for cold Hà Nội evenings. — Photo xanhsm.com

Few winter evenings feel complete without a bowl of bánh trôi tàu — glutinous rice balls served in hot ginger syrup. The dish is as poetic as it is delicious.

Each dumpling, made from glutinous rice flour and filled with black sesame or mung bean paste, floats gently in a bowl of golden syrup made from molasses and fresh ginger. The warmth of the syrup and the soft texture of the dumplings create a balance of sweetness and spice that soothes the soul. With every spoonful, visitors discover a nostalgic taste that has sweetened Hà Nội’s winters for generations.

Egg coffee: The heart of Hà Nội’s café culture

Egg coffee — Hà Nội i’s iconic blend of strong coffee and creamy whipped egg, best enjoyed on a misty winter morning. — Photo xanhsm.com

No winter visit to Hà Nội would be complete without a cup of cà phê trứng — the city’s iconic egg coffee. Invented decades ago, this unique blend of strong Vietnamese coffee, whisked egg yolk and condensed milk has gained global fame, yet it remains most authentic when enjoyed in its birthplace — a cosy café tucked away in the Old Quarter, such as the legendary Café Giảng.

Served in a small cup nestled in warm water to maintain its temperature, egg coffee is a sensory delight. The rich, velvety foam contrasts beautifully with the bold coffee beneath. It’s not just a drink but a quiet moment of reflection — one that captures the warmth, creativity and charm of Hà Nội itself.

A season that brings people closer

Winter in Hà Nội is a time of connection. Couples stroll beneath the faint scent of milk flowers, friends gather to share steaming bowls of food and laughter echoes through the city’s old streets.

There is something tender and enduring about Hà Nội in winter — a beauty that reveals itself not in grandeur but in small, heartfelt moments. Through its flavours, aromas and shared warmth, the city invites travellers to slow down, savour the season and fall in love — not just with its food but with its soul. — VNS