Rich Hanoi vermicelli with snails

I learned about the small noodle shop located on Trich Sai street while jogging along the West Lake.

I learned about the small noodle shop on Trich Sai Street while jogging around West Lake. The shop opens very early with two rows of low tables and a few dozen chairs on the sidewalk.

Entering the restaurant, you will see the owner sitting next to a pot of steaming broth. The golden layer of fat rolling in the pot looks delicious. In front of her is a ceramic tray full of big, round, fragrant snails. A basket of fresh green vegetables with Vietnamese balm, perilla, Lang basil, along with shredded banana blossom and water spinach. Jars of pickled garlic, vinegar, chili, etc. are also fully displayed on the table.

Sitting down on a chair and ordering a bowl of snail noodle soup , I quietly observed. The vendor gave me a handful of small, white noodles, blanched them in boiling water, then lifted them out and dropped them into the bowl. She scooped the stir-fried snails from the tray and spread them on top of the noodles, adding some perilla and chopped green onions. Before pouring the broth, she smiled and asked me: "Can you eat shrimp paste?". I nodded and replied: "Yes! Please give me some."

I took the bowl of noodles from her hand, still steaming hot with the red color of tomatoes, the yellow color of fried tofu, it looked so appealing. I picked up the raw vegetables, added a little vinegar, stewed chili and a few slices of pickled garlic and mixed well when the vegetables and onions were just cooked. Scooped a spoonful of noodles with broth, picked up a few snails and placed them on top, then gently put them in my mouth to enjoy, I felt the very unique flavor.

The rich broth with the sweetness of snails and the mild sourness of vinegar suddenly melted in my mouth. The fresh snails were golden yellow, fatty, crunchy and not fishy. I ate and sniffed because it was hot and not spicy, but delicious. The spicy taste of chili and the fragrant taste of garlic mixed with the characteristic taste of shrimp paste created an extremely attractive aroma.

Enjoying a bowl of snail noodle soup in the chilly weather of Hanoi , my whole body was burning with the delicious feeling. After finishing a portion, I still felt hungry. Looking around, I saw other customers also enjoying their meal. Some people patiently stood in line waiting for their turn.

The small restaurant only has a husband and wife owner, so sometimes customers have to serve themselves. But perhaps because they are all regulars, no one feels uncomfortable.

Looking at the saleswoman ladling and pouring bowl after bowl, her smile never ceasing, I felt delighted. The warmth of the charcoal stove made her cheeks blush in the chilly winter weather.