Xôi Xéo in Hanoi: A Hoan Kiem Ward Culinary Guide & Eco Tours

A Golden Staple of Hanoian Life

Xôi Xéo, Hanoi’s beloved sticky rice dish adorned with mung bean paste and fried shallots, is a culinary treasure that embodies the soul of Vietnam’s capital. Pronounced “soy say-o,” this vibrant dish, deeply rooted in Hoan Kiem Ward’s bustling Old Quarter, features fragrant glutinous rice steamed with turmeric to achieve a striking golden hue, layered with creamy, savory mung bean paste, and crowned with crispy fried shallots. Often drizzled with pork fat for richness or enhanced with toppings like pork floss, shredded chicken, or sausage, Xôi Xéo is priced at $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) and typically wrapped in eco-friendly banana or lotus leaves, making it a portable, flavorful breakfast or snack cherished by locals and travelers alike.

A morning ritual for Hanoians, particularly students, laborers, and early risers, Xôi Xéo is sold by street vendors from bamboo baskets or bicycles, epitomizing Hanoi’s vibrant street food culture. Its simplicity belies its cultural depth, with origins tied to traditional rice farming in villages like Phù Thượng and Tương Mai, where glutinous rice was a staple. In Hoan Kiem Ward, vendors source high-quality rice and mung beans locally, often using sustainable practices like reusable leaf packaging, aligning with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative. Served on low stools in lively alleys, Xôi Xéo offers an authentic taste of Hanoi’s communal spirit, far surpassing generic hotel breakfasts. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours guide travelers to savor Xôi Xéo in its truest form, ensuring a sustainable, immersive experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward, Ba Đình District now Ba Đình Ward, and Hai Bà Trưng District now Hai Bà Trưng District under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines navigation to Xôi Xéo hotspots using ward-based maps.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem and Ba Đình Wards, tailored for travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos, led by English-speaking guides who share Xôi Xéo’s cultural heritage, preparation secrets, and sustainable dining practices, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Xôi Xéo responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews

Xôi Xéo is a centuries-old Hanoian dish, deeply woven into the city’s culinary and social fabric, with roots in traditional rice farming communities like Phù Thượng and Tương Mai. The name “Xéo” refers to the slicing of the mung bean paste layered atop sticky rice, which is steamed twice with turmeric to achieve its golden color and chewy texture. The dish is completed with fried shallots for crunch and a drizzle of pork fat for depth, often wrapped in banana or lotus leaves for eco-friendly portability. Optional toppings like pork floss (ruốc), shredded chicken, or sausage add variety, costing $0.20–$0.80 (5,000–20,000 VND) extra. Vendors in Hoan Kiem Ward prepare Xôi Xéo fresh each morning, sourcing glutinous rice and mung beans locally to ensure authenticity and sustainability.

This dish’s affordability and energy-packed nature make it a daily ritual for Hanoians, sold from street carts or small stalls, often gone by noon. Its vibrant presentation—golden rice in green leaves—draws tourists, while its simplicity highlights Hanoi’s resourcefulness, contrasting with more complex dishes like Phở Bò. Xôi Xéo fosters communal breakfasts, with vendors and customers exchanging morning banter, creating a lively street scene. In Hanoi’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F), Xôi Xéo’s warmth is a comforting start to the day, making it a must-try for visitors seeking Hanoi’s authentic flavors.

Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter offers unforgettable Xôi Xéo experiences, with stalls serving authentic versions for $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Below are the top spots, selected for quality, eco-friendly practices, and recent reviews:

1. Xôi Xéo Cô Tuyết (1B Đinh Liệt, Hoan Kiem Ward)

A legendary stall near Hoan Kiem Lake, known for vibrant rice and creamy mung bean paste, best at 7:00 AM. Uses banana leaf wrapping.

• Cost: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND); pork floss $0.20 (5,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM (or until sold out).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local rice; reusable baskets.

• Tip: Add char siu; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Xôi Yến (35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoan Kiem Ward)

A 30-year-old institution with diverse toppings like chicken or sausage, best at 8:00 AM. Sustainable local sourcing.

• Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local mung beans; reusable trays.

• Tip: Try pork topping; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

3. Xôi Xéo Cát Lâm (24B Dương Thành, Hoan Kiem Ward)

A cozy spot with aromatic mung bean Xôi Xéo, best at 6:30 AM. Uses lotus leaves for wrapping.

• Cost: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND); egg $0.40 (10,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–1:00 PM (or until sold out).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local rice; minimal waste.

• Tip: Add fried shallots; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

4. Xôi Xéo Chị Hương (44 Hàng Hòm, Hoan Kiem Ward)

Famous for 16 years, offering rustic Xôi Xéo with homemade mung bean paste, best at 7:00 AM. Banana leaf packaging.

• Cost: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND); pork floss $0.20 (5,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM (or until sold out).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; reusable containers.

• Tip: Family-run; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

5. Dr. Xôi (7 Nguyễn Siêu, Hoan Kiem Ward)

A youth favorite with creative toppings like fish cake, best at 9:00 AM. Sustainable sourcing and reusable trays.

• Cost: $1.20–$2 (30,000–50,000 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local rice; minimal packaging.

• Tip: Try green rice flakes; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

To savor Xôi Xéo authentically, follow these Hanoian practices:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Peel back the banana or lotus leaf to release the rice’s aroma, preserving its warmth.

2. Mix Toppings: Stir mung bean paste, shallots, and optional toppings like pork floss with chopsticks or fingers for even flavor.

3. Eat Warm: Pinch bite-sized portions with fingers or chopsticks, enjoying immediately for optimal texture.

4. Sides: Pair with trà đá ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) or pickled cucumber (free at some stalls) for balance. Eco-Friendly Tip: Return leaves to vendors for composting; bring a reusable napkin to reduce waste.

Enhance your Xôi Xéo journey with these sustainable activities in Hoan Kiem Ward:

1. Xôi Xéo Tasting Tour

Join a 2–3-hour eco-friendly tour via cyclos, tasting Xôi Xéo at Cô Tuyết at 7:00 AM, learning traditional preparation.

• Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports vendors.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Visit Dong Xuan Market

Explore Dong Xuan Market (Ba Đình Ward, 1.5 km from Hoan Kiem) for Xôi Xéo ingredients like rice, a 1–2-hour activity at 10:00 AM.

• Cost: Free entry; purchases $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; reusable bags.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

3. Street Food Cooking Class

Learn Xôi Xéo preparation in a 2-hour eco-friendly class at 11:00 AM, using local ingredients.

• Cost: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) per person.

• Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable sourcing; compostable waste.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).

4. Stroll Hoan Kiem Lake

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (1 km from Xôi Xéo stalls) post-breakfast at 9:00 AM, a 30–60-minute low-impact activity.

• Cost: Free; Ngoc Son Temple entry $1.20 (30,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Pedestrian-friendly; supports local culture.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

5. Sample Vegan Street Food

Taste bánh mì chay near Xôi Xéo stalls at 10:00 AM, a 30–60-minute sustainable activity.

• Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per dish.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable packaging; local vendors.

• Top Spot: Vegan Banh Mi (11 Phung Hung, Hoan Kiem Ward).

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).

Xôi Xéo stalls in Hoan Kiem Ward are accessible in 10–15 minutes from central Hanoi, using sustainable options:

• By Bus: Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem spots (10–15 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5–10 minutes. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

• By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Hoan Kiem Lake, hire a cyclo to Hoan Kiem spots (5–10 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• By Bicycle or Walking: Rent a bicycle in Hoan Kiem Ward ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) or walk 10 minutes to Hoan Kiem spots.

• By Taxi or Grab: To Hoan Kiem spots, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way. Round-trip: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND). Prestigious taxis: Mai Linh (0438,222,666), Hanoi Taxi (0438,535,353).

• By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly travel with stopovers.

• By Air (to Hanoi): Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 25 km away. Round-trip flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), international (e.g., Bangkok, $200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab to Hoan Kiem ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses (e.g., “1B Đinh Liệt, Hoan Kiem Ward”). English-speaking guides simplify navigation.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable Hanoi visit:

• Clothing: Lightweight, casual outfits for cultural respect; comfortable shoes for Old Quarter walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.

• Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, napkin to minimize waste.

• Extras: Notebook for dining notes; cash, as most stalls are cash-only. Tip: Carry small VND notes for quick payments; return leaves to vendors for composting.

Costs for Xôi Xéo Experience

Food and Drink Fees

• Xôi Xéo: $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND); toppings (sausage, egg) $0.20–$0.80 (5,000–20,000 VND).

• Sides (trà đá, lime juice): $0.20–$0.40 (5,000–10,000 VND).

• Guided Food Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• Market Purchases (herbs): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Street Food (bánh mì chay): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem): $1.20 (30,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)

• Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).

• Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND).

• Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Walking: Free.

• Taxi/Grab: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).

• Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).

Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)

• Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$25 (bus, Xôi Xéo, homestay).

• Mid-range: $35–$55 (cyclo, food tour, hotel).

• Luxury: $75–$110 (private car, premium hotel). Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.

• Choose Your Timing: Dry season (November–April) for outdoor stalls; rainy season (May–October) for covered spots with discounts. Morning (6:00–9:00 AM) for freshest Xôi Xéo, often sold out by noon.

• Book in Advance: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons to secure spots.

• Sustainability: Walk or use cyclos ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) in Hoan Kiem to reduce emissions; choose stalls with reusable packaging. Buy local herbs ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) at markets to support vendors.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses like “1B Đinh Liệt, Hoan Kiem Ward.” English-speaking guides simplify navigation.

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets in crowded Old Quarter stalls; keep valuables secure. Carry a first-aid kit.

• Weather Considerations: Dry season for open-air seating; rainy season requires waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for updates.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn”; engage vendors respectfully. Tip $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND) for great service. Respect stool etiquette in busy stalls.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) alongside Xôi Xéo; apply mosquito repellent.

Our sustainable tours showcase Hoan Kiem Ward’s Xôi Xéo culture:

• Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Xôi Xéo Cô Tuyết at 7:00 AM, Xôi Xéo tasting, Dong Xuan Market visit. Includes English-speaking guide, cyclo.

• Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Xôi Yến, Hoan Kiem Lake, vegan cooking class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Top Xôi Xéo spots, Son Tay Citadel, Ba Vi National Park, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews

Xôi Xéo, Hanoi’s golden sticky rice with mung bean, is a cultural icon in Hoan Kiem’s Old Quarter, offering a taste of tradition for $0.80–$2 at vibrant stalls like Xôi Xéo Cô Tuyết and Xôi Yến. Wrapped in eco-friendly banana leaves, this simple yet flavorful dish captures Hanoi’s communal spirit and agrarian roots. With sustainable practices like local sourcing and reusable packaging, it’s a responsible culinary delight. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to the heart of Xôi Xéo’s heritage, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience blending flavor, culture, and sustainability. Whether savoring it at dawn or exploring the Old Quarter, Xôi Xéo promises an unforgettable Hanoi adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary journey today!
Ready to savor Hanoi’s iconic Xôi Xéo? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.