A warm afternoon treat on a winter day.

The sweet taste of sugar and honey, the fragrant and nutty flavor of the mung bean filling that melts in your mouth – all blended together in this rustic Hanoi treat.

Fried donuts have long been a popular afternoon snack in Hanoi. Photo: Provided

Hanoi in autumn and winter is always an ideal destination for romantic souls who appreciate gentleness. The sun is mild, the wind is gentle, the weather isn't too cold, and streaks of sunlight stretch like soft silk, gracefully weaving across the streets, swaying on the branches of ancient trees, and reflecting the shimmering golden hues of the fallen leaves along the roadside. The green of the ancient trees, interspersed with showers of golden leaves falling onto the streets, creates a breathtaking autumn scene perhaps unique to Hanoi.

Besides the four seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter – each season brings a different look and character to Hanoi, and Hanoi's cuisine , throughout each season, is what captivates many people, whether they live far or near. For those who live and work in this capital city, the presence of each dish is like "bringing the season" back to the streets.

Fried donuts are not only found in rural areas; for a long time, they have been on the list of "afternoon snacks" for Hanoians. The term "afternoon snack" reflects the culinary culture of Hanoians, enjoyed before work, when dinner is still a chance to chat and reminisce after stressful hours of studying or working, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Hanoi has many fried donut vendors; you can randomly find them on any sidewalk, street corner, alleyway, or in baskets carried by women throughout the city.

There are many types of fried donuts, but I usually prefer sweet ones, the most popular being honey donuts and sugar donuts. The most appealing thing is savoring these sweet treats when you're hungry. They're served in round baskets, glistening with a golden-brown honey glaze or dotted with white sugar. Taking a bite, you feel the crispness of the outer crust, not the hardness of the dough. The honey and sugar coating is just right, not runny, the sweetness gradually fades, melting in your mouth, leaving a fragrant, slightly sweet aftertaste that blends with the soft, smooth mung bean filling. The crust is arguably the best part of the honey donut. While sugar donuts use white sugar, the honey in honey donuts is made from brown sugar, but both types offer just the right amount of sweetness.

While sweet pastries were the first and most popular type of pastry, today, to diversify flavors and cater to customer preferences, savory fried pastries are also very popular. The main ingredients of savory fried pastries are minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, etc., similar to the filling of steamed dumplings. Each shop has its own recipe for the savory filling, creating a unique flavor. The crispy, chewy crust, combined with the filling inside, creates an incredibly appealing taste. Savory fried pastries are served with a dipping sauce that is perfectly seasoned, with a harmonious balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. They are often accompanied by pickled kohlrabi or green papaya to balance the richness, and are especially delicious when fresh off the pan and enjoyed on cold winter days. This simple treat makes the endless conversations of close friends warmer and more intimate.

Hanoi's cuisine is incredibly diverse, a true paradise for visitors from afar, and this is one of the factors that creates its unique charm and appeal, unmatched by many other places. This appeal stems from simple treats, deeply connected to the childhood memories of countless people. In the cool autumn and winter weather, you don't need fancy food, luxurious restaurants, or high-end eateries; just gathering around a group of friends enjoying tempting fried cakes or listening to the familiar calls of street vendors in a small alleyway is enough to make Hanoi feel beautiful and intimate.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/thuc-qua-chieu-ngay-dong-am.html