Trying West Lake shrimp cakes in two settings, a tourist explains why the sidewalk version stole his heart.
Though the price difference was just 15,000 VND (about $0.60), a Western tourist admitted he preferred the sidewalk version of this crispy Hanoi delicacy to the restaurant rendition.
On his recent culinary adventure in Hanoi, Matthew, an American traveler, shared that he had tried various popular street foods such as pho, grilled fish, crab noodle soup, tofu with fermented shrimp paste, and steamed rice rolls.
Among them, one dish left a particularly lasting impression - West Lake shrimp cakes (banh tom Ho Tay) - which he enthusiastically recommended as a must-try for visitors to the capital.
Matthew revealed that he sampled shrimp cakes at two different locations in a single day: one at a restaurant and another from a street vendor. He wanted to explore both styles to better understand the charm of this iconic Hanoi dish.
The tourist visits a famous restaurant near Tay Ho Temple to try shrimp cakes.
The first stop on Matthew’s culinary tour was a well-known restaurant on Dang Thai Mai Street that specializes in shrimp cakes. There, he ordered a portion of three cakes for 60,000 VND (around $2.40).
He said he enjoyed the restaurant ambiance, particularly the sizzling sound of shrimp cakes frying in the open kitchen. The inviting aroma further whetted his appetite.
When the dish arrived, Matthew was impressed by its presentation. The shrimp cakes were piping hot, golden brown, and topped with vibrant pink shrimp. The dish came with fresh herbs including lettuce, perilla leaves, coriander, banana blossoms, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce.
A portion of crispy, hot shrimp cakes for 60,000 VND (approx. $2.40).
Matthew dipped his first bite into the fish sauce-based dip and praised the crispy crust and sweet flavor of the shrimp. Although the shrimp were fried with their shells intact, he found them easy to eat and said the shells did not detract from the taste or texture.
“I could tell the oil used to fry these was clean and fresh - it gave the cakes a pleasant aroma and taste. I really liked it,” Matthew commented.
The American tourist enjoys the dish, praising its flavor enthusiastically.
He noted that the dish had a complex texture: crispy on the outside but soft and rich inside. The sauce, he said, balanced salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, making the cakes even more appealing.
Paired with fresh herbs, the dish gained a refreshing quality that cut through the richness of the oil.
“The sweetness of the shrimp and batter, the freshness of the herbs, the crunch of banana blossom and pickled green papaya, and a bit of chili heat - this is truly a fantastic light snack I’d highly recommend,” he added.
Matthew tries sidewalk shrimp cakes at Dong Xuan Market alley.
The second place Matthew visited was a familiar street vendor located in an alley by Dong Xuan Market. There, he also ordered a portion of three shrimp cakes, priced at 45,000 VND (around $1.80).
He noticed that the sidewalk version had a deeper golden hue and included finely sliced sweet potato. The cakes were halved for easier consumption.
“You can really taste the aroma, crispness, and richness of the sweet potato in these shrimp cakes. That might be the main difference compared to the ones I had at the restaurant,” he observed.
Sidewalk shrimp cakes get their signature crunch from shredded sweet potato. Photo: Linh Trang
The American traveler also complimented the dipping sauce at the street stall, especially when mixed with minced garlic and fresh chili. “The dish is well-balanced in both texture and flavor. The crispy cakes soften slightly when dipped in the sauce, but they’re still delicious,” he shared.
The American tourist prefers the rustic appeal of sidewalk dining.
After two meals, Matthew concluded that each version had its own charm. Both portions had three cakes and weren’t vastly different in price. However, he said he preferred the street food experience for its authenticity and the taste, which better suited his palate.
Matthew also suggested that tourists choose their experience based on preference. For those dining with family or valuing comfort and service, a restaurant might be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you’re after bold flavors and local street culture, sidewalk stalls offer a memorable adventure - just be prepared for the crowds and possible wait.
Shrimp cakes are a beloved specialty in Hanoi. Photo: Linh Trang Photos: Eat Vietnam
Speaking to VietNamNet, Mrs. Pham Thi Am (born in 1965), the owner of the street stall where Matthew dined, said her shrimp cakes follow a family recipe.
The batter includes a mix of wheat flour and tapioca starch, blended with eggs and turmeric powder to create a smooth, elastic dough. Hand-sliced sweet potato is added, producing fine strands that turn crispy when fried.
Am carefully selects her shrimp to ensure they remain sweet, firm, and fresh after frying.
At her stall, each serving is paired with sweet-sour dipping sauce, green papaya and carrot slaw, and assorted fresh herbs.
For those visiting Hanoi, some well-known spots to enjoy authentic shrimp cakes include: Ba Loc Shrimp Cakes, Hang Bo Shrimp Cakes, Ba Nga Shrimp Cakes, Hoe Nhai Market Shrimp Cakes, and Thanh Mai Shrimp Cakes.
Vietnamnet.vn
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