Nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter beside the iconic Dong Xuan Market, Dong Xuan Alley is a narrow 200-metre stretch that has earned a reputation as one of the city’s vibrant street food hubs. Despite its modest size, the alley is packed with stalls serving everything from crispy shrimp fritters to snail noodles and bamboo-skewered grilled pork.
At the entrance, Banh tom (Sweet Potato Shrimp Cake) draws steady crowds for its signature dish, which is another Vietnamese dish originating from Hanoi. The fritters feature a crisp golden batter of wheat flour, tapioca, egg and turmeric, mixed with sweet potato strips. Banh tom is commonly wrapped with lettuce, herbs, and pickled vegetables, served with a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce and fresh papaya salad. The dish delivers crunch, fragrance and balance in every bite. It goes great with beer, and the fritters stay nice and crispy for hours.
