Xoi xeo, a simple dish yet rich in the culinary culture of Hanoi, has long become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the capital’s residents. Let’s explore what makes xoi xeo so enduringly attractive across generations of diners who love this dish.
1. Introduction to xoi xeo
Xoi xeo, a humble yet delicious dish, has become an essential part of the culinary life of people in the Red River Delta, especially in Hanoi. The familiar call of street vendors selling xoi can be heard on the streets of Hanoi or Hai Phong, with this dish becoming an integral part of many generations, becoming the childhood memory of many people from Hanoi. Whenever they are far from home, the rich flavors of xoi xeo remind those who grew up here of their hometown.
Xoi xeo is made from sticky rice and green beans, creating a perfect combination in each bite. To make a delicious package of xoi xeo, the cook must be meticulous in every step, from selecting ingredients, cooking the sticky rice, to preparing the green beans so that they are smooth, with a fresh yellow color. Especially, xoi xeo is served with grated coconut, roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, a bit of chicken fat, and crispy fried shallots, creating an irresistible flavor that makes it unforgettable for anyone who tries it.
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2. How to make xoi xeo at home
2.1. Prepare the ingredients
- Glutinous rice: 600g (select large, round, sticky, and fragrant grains)
- Green beans: 200g
- Turmeric powder: 10g
- Shallots: 5 bulbs
- Seasonings: salt, sugar, cooking oil
- Chicken fat (or pork fat)
2.2. Steps to make traditional xoi xeo using a rice cooker
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- First, wash the glutinous rice and soak it with ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt for about 8 hours so the rice can absorb the spices. If you’re preparing xoi for breakfast, you can soak the rice overnight to save time. After soaking, drain the rice.
- The green beans should be the peeled kind. Wash them clean, remove any bad beans, and then soak them for about 3-4 hours. After that, drain the beans.
- Peel the shallots, then slice them thinly in preparation for the next steps.
Step 2: How to make xoi xeo using a rice cooker
- After preparing the ingredients, put the soaked green beans into the rice cooker and add 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor. Then, add enough water to cover the beans and start the cooking mode.
- When the green beans are partially cooked, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil into the pot. Use a spoon to mash the beans, then turn the rice cooker back on and cook for another 3 minutes so that the beans absorb the oil and become smooth. Once the beans are cooked and smooth, shape them into small round balls for the next step.
Note: If the beans are not as smooth as desired, you can transfer them to a mortar and grind them until they are fine. It’s easier to grind the beans when they are still warm as they tend to stick more easily. - To cook the rice, put the glutinous rice into the rice cooker and add just enough water so that the water level is about 1 cm above the rice. Then, start the regular rice cooking mode. Once the rice is done, add 2 tablespoons of chicken fat into the pot and stir the rice to make it stickier and more fragrant.
- To fry the shallots, heat a pan with some cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced shallots and stir-fry them. When the shallots turn golden, crispy, and fragrant, turn off the heat. Remove the shallots from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil, which helps the shallots stay crispy longer.
Step 3: Presentation and enjoyment
Once the rice is cooked, form the green beans into small round balls and then flatten them. Next, place the cooked and sticky rice onto a plate and top it with the green bean slices. To make the dish even more attractive, sprinkle crispy fried shallots on top, and if you like, you can add some grated coconut or toasted sesame seeds to enhance the flavor. That’s it, you now have a delicious, visually appealing plate of xoi xeo with fried shallots!
3. Some delicious xoi xeo places in Hanoi
3.1. Xoi Xeo Hanoi Oanh Oanh
Address: 573 La Thanh, Thanh Cong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
As one of Hanoi’s famous dishes, xoi xeo not only captivates diners with its unique flavor but also with the strong appeal of renowned eateries. Among them, despite being priced higher than other xoi xeo shops in the city, customers are treated to a bowl full of various toppings, including eggs, pate, sausage, meat, and fresh cucumbers.
The rice here is sticky and fragrant, and the green beans are fluffy, creating a dish that is both rich and savory. The harmonious combination of the rice and the accompanying toppings makes every spoonful perfect, leaving an unforgettable taste for those who try it. With its distinctive flavor and outstanding quality, xoi xeo here is truly addictive, making customers want to return for more after their first try.
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3.2. Xoi Xeo Co May Hang Bai
Address: 35 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
With over 20 years of existence, Co May’s xoi has become a familiar destination not only for Hanoi locals but also for those who love traditional xoi xeo. Known for its family recipe, Co May’s xoi brings a unique, unforgettable taste. The perfect combination of sticky rice, smooth green beans, fragrant fried shallots, and rich chicken fat creates a simple yet incredibly appealing breakfast dish that leaves anyone who tries it with lasting memories.
3.3. Xoi Cat Lam
Address: 24B Duong Thanh, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Over many years of operation, Xoi Cat Lam has consistently maintained its high quality, earning constant praise for the distinctive flavor of its xoi xeo, one of Hanoi’s must-try specialties. The shop offers three types of xoi: xoi xeo, xoi ngo (corn rice), and xoi trang (plain rice), but the standout dish is the legendary xoi xeo, which is always the top choice for diners. Xoi Cat Lam impresses with its soft, sticky, fragrant rice, and a light sweetness that embodies the distinctive flavor of the capital. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy authentic Hanoi-style xoi xeo, Xoi Cat Lam is the perfect destination for food enthusiasts who love this dish.
3.4. Xoi Xeo Co Tuyet
Address: Ngo Cu Loc, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.
At Co Tuyet’s xoi stall, diners can truly experience the perfect harmony of simple yet enticing ingredients. The nutty flavor of green beans, the richness of fried shallot oil, combined with the sticky rice and the crispy fried shallots create a special flavor that leaves an unforgettable impression.
For those who are passionate about xoi xeo, this is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss. The rich aroma and the sticky rice, crispy shallots make the dish irresistible and an ideal choice for anyone who wants to fully experience the traditional flavor of Hanoi’s xoi xeo.
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Although there are many variations, the traditional xoi xeo flavor always retains its unforgettable taste, making anyone who tries it want to return again. Xoi xeo is a testament to the essence of Vietnamese rustic cuisine, a delicious gift from Hanoi’s culinary culture for both locals and visitors alike.
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