A Japanese tourist, Shiori, had her first taste of chao dau ca (a traditional Vietnamese dish of mung bean porridge with salted eggplant) at a sidewalk eatery in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. She was surprised by the unique flavor and the affordable price of just 15,000 VND per bowl.
Shiori tried the unique bean porridge with pickled eggplant in Hanoi for the first time.

Hanoi’s cuisine continues to captivate foreign visitors not only with its rich cultural essence but also with its intriguing dishes, some of which are considered “unusual” and not for the faint of heart.

As part of a series titled "Foreign Visitors Try Vietnamese Food in Hanoi," VietNamNet highlights the culinary adventures of international tourists exploring the vibrant food scene of Vietnam’s capital.

Shiori, a Japanese content creator with nearly 370,000 YouTube followers, visited Vietnam in early 2024. After a cruise in Ha Long Bay, she spent time exploring Hanoi, visiting landmarks, and savoring its street food.

One dish left a lasting impression on her: chao dau ca.
The porridge stall on the sidewalk of Dao Duy Tu Street that the Japanese tourist visited.

Shiori enjoyed the dish at a popular sidewalk eatery on Dao Duy Tu Street in Hoan Kiem District, a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. She ordered a traditional bowl of mung bean porridge with fried tofu, pickled eggplant, and pickled radish (ca la thau) for 15,000 VND (around 90 yen).

“I opted out of adding salted egg when asked by the shop owner,” Shiori shared in her video.

The dish’s distinct taste, especially the crunchy and uniquely flavored pickled eggplant, surprised her. Out of curiosity, she even asked nearby diners about the ingredients.

Shiori admitted feeling apprehensive at first about trying such an unfamiliar dish, fearing digestive issues. However, she later said everything was fine and praised the porridge as “truly delicious.”

The eatery Shiori visited has been serving chao dau ca for nearly two decades from its small spot on the sidewalk of Dao Duy Tu Street. According to owner Vo Thi Kim Oanh, the recipe was passed down to her by her mother-in-law.

Originally, the dish was simply made with mung bean or black bean porridge, fried tofu, and salted eggplant. Over time, Oanh added options like salted egg and pickled radish to suit varying tastes.

khach Nhat an chao dau ca 0.gif
The young woman was impressed by the flavor of the bean porridge and praised its affordable price. Photo: @Shiorimm_
Hanoi’s bean porridge has a mild flavor, served with fried tofu coated in fish sauce and scallion oil, and delicious salted pickled eggplant. Photo credit: @tungboo0107
Món cháo được nấu từ các nguyên liệu dân dã nhưng đòi hỏi chế biến tỉ mỉ. Ảnh: Nguyễn Trung Kiên

Preparing the dish requires meticulous attention to detail, starting with ingredient selection. The porridge is made from freshly milled rice, carefully balancing glutinous and plain rice to achieve a smooth and silky texture.

The fried tofu, sourced from a trusted supplier, is deep-fried in hot oil to ensure a crispy exterior and soft interior. Once fried, it is seasoned with herbs and spices, including scallions, to enhance its aroma and salty flavor.

A key element of the dish is the pickled eggplant, which Oanh pickles herself. She selects large, firm eggplants that are dried before pickling to achieve the right crunch, mild sourness, and a pleasing golden hue.

Each bowl of chao dau ca starts at 15,000 VND, with additional toppings like salted egg or pickled radish costing an extra 5,000–10,000 VND.

While enjoying the dish, Shiori commended the balance of flavors, simplicity, and affordability, describing it as an authentic representation of Hanoi’s culinary charm.

Thao Trinh