Green rice cake, a traditional dish deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture, is not only a type of pastry but also a symbol of the flavor of the homeland. More than just food, it evokes warm memories, reflects the hospitality, and showcases the connection between generations.
1. Hanoi green rice cake- A simple specialty with strong cultural identity
Green rice cake, a beloved specialty of Hanoi, has been present in the capital for over 100 years. Originating from the Hang Than area, which is known for its traditional green rice cake shops side by side, this cake quickly became a culinary symbol of this land.
What makes Hanoi’s green rice cake so appealing is its unique flavor. When biting into a piece, diners will immediately experience the soft chewiness of the green rice, the delicate sweetness of mung beans, combined with the gentle fragrance of lotus seed jam. On a cool Hanoi day, enjoying green rice cake with a cup of hot tea is truly a delightful experience.
Previously, green rice cake was only available in the autumn, but now, due to growing demand, it is made dry and available year-round. The price of Hanoi green rice cake ranges from 4,000 VND to 8,000 VND per piece, depending on the location.
Not only is it an ideal snack or gift, but green rice cake is also an essential item in wedding ceremonies and traditional feasts in Hanoi, alongside the groom and bride cake, symbolizing the beauty of the region’s culture.
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2. Suggestions for places to buy Hanoi green rice cake
2.1. Ba Hoan green rice cake – A pioneer brand in the capital
Ba Hoan’s green rice cake has become a prominent brand, honored by the Hanoi People’s Committee as one of Hanoi’s top specialties. Produced using a traditional recipe, the green rice cakes here preserve the original flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.
Using fresh rice from the Vong village, Ba Hoan’s green rice cakes contain no preservatives or artificial coloring, providing a perfect softness. The outer layer is mildly sweet, while the filling is rich and blends with the fragrant green rice, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Address: 36 – Alley 63, Xuan Thuy Street, Dich Vong Hau, Cau Giay District
Price: From 5,000 VND
2.2. Nguyen Ninh green rice cake – The best in the capital
Nguyen Ninh Green Rice Cake is one of the most beloved brands in Hanoi, especially among locals. Over six generations, Nguyen Ninh’s cakes have continuously delighted customers.
The shop owner pays particular attention to ingredients and the cake-making process. Green rice is sourced directly from Lu and Vong villages, while mung beans are ordered from Son La and Ha Bac, ensuring the cakes meet the traditional standard and flavor.
Besides Hanoi green rice cakes, Nguyên Ninh also offers other delicious items like roasted rice cakes, mung bean cakes, dried green rice, lotus seed jam, and tea, providing customers with diverse and rich culinary experiences.
Address: 11 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District
Price: From 6,000 to 8,000 VND
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2.3. Nguyen Sinh green rice cake
Nguyen Sinh’s green rice cake leaves a lasting impression not only because of its special taste but also due to the meticulous and refined wrapping technique. With years of experience and a unique recipe, Nguyen Sinh’s cakes offer an irresistible flavor, smooth texture, and perfect elasticity. The sweet filling of coconut and mung bean makes the cake not too rich.
Many people living far from home and tourists visiting Hanoi never forget to stop by to buy green rice cakes as gifts, helping preserve memories of their hometown’s flavors.
Address: 20 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District
Price: 5,000 VND per piece
2.4. An Ninh green rice cake
An Ninh’s green rice cake is not just a specialty but also considered a delicate piece of art crafted by skilled artisans. All the ingredients used to make the cakes are carefully selected to ensure they are fresh and of the highest quality.
The preparation process is intricate to retain the green rice’s original color while ensuring the mung beans are not ground too fine. Thanks to the attention to detail, the final product is not only visually perfect but also has a captivating taste, leaving customers craving more after each bite.
Address: 49 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District
Price: From 20,000 to 50,000 VND
2.5. Hong Ninh green rice cake
From its early days, Hong Ninh’s Hanoi green rice cake has received enthusiastic support and high praise from customers. Nowadays, this brand has become a familiar name in the hearts of Hanoi’s people.
According to many customers, the green rice cakes at Hong Ninh have a rich, chewy flavor, and when combined with a cup of hot green tea, it offers a delightful and unforgettable experience. With exceptional quality, Hong Ninh continues to solidify its position in Hanoi’s culinary world.
Address: 79 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District
Price: 5,000 VND per piece
2.6. Bao Minh green rice cake
With over 30 years of operation in Hanoi, Bao Minh’s green rice cakes have never disappointed customers, especially when it comes to food safety. Here, green rice cakes are made from fresh ingredients and produced in a closed process, ensuring peace of mind for consumers.
In addition to traditional green rice cakes, Bao Minh is also known for variations such as mung bean green rice cake, durian green rice cake, and coconut-covered green rice cake, all of which are worth experiencing. With superior quality, Bao Minh remains a top choice for those who love green rice cake.
Address: 12 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District
Price: From 5,000 to 60,000 VND
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2.7. Ngoc Ninh green rice cake
Ngoc Ninh’s green rice cake is one of the reputable places to choose when you want to enjoy this pastry. What makes Ngoc Ninh’s cake special is that after purchase, the cakes still retain their full flavor, freshness, and the distinct green color of the rice.
However, to ensure quality, Ngoc Ninh does not use preservatives or additives, so the shelf life of the product is relatively short. With a commitment to quality, Ngoc Ninh has earned the trust of many customers who love traditional green rice cake.
Address: 53 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District
Price: From 50,000 to 500,000 VND
2.8. Nguyen Huong green rice cake
When visiting Nguyen Huong’s Hanoi green rice cake, customers are not only attracted by the taste but also by the eye-catching packaging. The cakes are carefully wrapped in white and green boxes with lively patterns, immediately drawing attention.
In terms of taste, Nguyen Huong’s green rice cake is simply delicious, with a sweet filling that is just right and an outer layer that carries the fragrant aroma of pandan leaves and coconut. Even the most discerning customers praise this cake, affirming Nguyen Huong’s position among green rice cake lovers.
Address: 50 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District
Price: From 6,000 to 108,000 VND
3. How to store Hanoi green rice cake
Hanoi green rice cake usually contains no preservatives, so the storage time is only 3 to 5 days from the purchase date. When buying as a gift, customers should ask the seller about the production date to ensure quality.
To store the cakes properly, keep them in a dry, clean place, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature. Some people often store the cakes in the fridge to extend shelf life, but this can cause the cakes to harden and lose their original softness. Diners should pay attention to these details to fully enjoy the traditional green rice cake’s flavor.
With the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and traditional cake-making techniques, green rice cake has won the hearts of many generations. Whether during festivals or afternoon tea, green rice cake is always a great choice to reminisce about one’s homeland and preserve the cultural values of the nation.
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