The Charm of Mrs. Oanh’s Hanoi Porridge Shop Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi, a humble eatery emanates warmth and a rich aroma, inviting both locals and travelers to indulge in a unique gastronomic experience. Mrs. Oanh’s porridge shop, positioned strategically at 5 Hang Voi Street, is renowned for its delightful bean porridge paired exquisitely with fried tofu.
A Shift in Focus: From Noodles to Porridge Originally, Ms. Oanh’s menu comprised both noodle soups and porridges. However, in an attempt to simplify the offering and excel in a niche, her astute daughter suggested pivoting to porridges exclusively. This turned out to be a game-changer, as the eatery started drawing more patrons intrigued by the specialized fare.
A Cozy Setting with Limited Seating The compact interiors of Mrs. Oanh’s shop can host roughly 20 diners at a time. This intimate setting ensures that each guest receives ample attention. Visitors place their orders at the preparation counter and then find a spot to savor their meal. The trio staff seamlessly juggles various roles – from taking orders to managing transactions.
The Delicious Elements of Mrs. Oanh’s Dish The star dish, a concoction of mung or black bean porridge, is made even more appetizing with the addition of fried tofu and salted eggplant.
The Art of Preparing Salted Eggplant This eggplant preparation is no ordinary affair. After sun-drying the eggplants to achieve the desired crispness, they are soaked in salt water for four days. This meticulous process ensures they’re both flavorful and tender.
Tofu: A Delicate Balancing Act Achieving the perfect tofu texture – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – requires frying it in oil for precisely 20 minutes. Post-frying, the tofu is seasoned with green onions and fish sauce, giving it a unique flavor.
Additional Toppings to Enhance the Meal For those looking to elevate their porridge experience, Mrs. Oanh offers braised ribs, stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, and ground pork as toppings.
Feedback from Regulars Nguyen Tu Giang, a loyal patron for nearly two years, swears by the bean porridge as his lunch go-to. “The interplay of flavors, especially the salted eggplant and fried tofu, melds harmoniously with the porridge,” says Giang, showcasing the dish’s allure.
Extras and Pricing While the classic combo of fried tofu, salted eggplant, and eggs is priced at VND24,000 ($1), diners can also opt for additional salted eggs or pickled radishes. To further titillate the taste buds, a dash of pepper is recommended.
Bowls are priced affordably, ranging between VND15,000 and VND40,000 (60 cents to $1.60), based on one’s selection.
Visiting Mrs. Oanh’s Eatery Open from the early hours at 6 a.m. till 6 p.m., Mrs. Oanh’s eatery caters to early risers and evening diners alike. For those driving to the venue, parking space is conveniently available in the front yard.
Conclusion:
Mrs. Oanh’s Hanoi Porridge Shop stands as a testament to the magic that ensues when passion meets tradition. Offering a delightful escape from the usual culinary offerings, it beckons everyone to experience the lightness and magic of bean porridge in Hanoi.
FAQs:
- Where is Mrs. Oanh’s porridge shop located?
- It’s situated at 5 Hang Voi Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- What are the operational hours of the eatery?
- The shop is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- How much is a typical bowl of bean porridge with tofu and eggplant?
- It’s priced at VND24,000 ($1).
- Can I order extra toppings for my porridge?
- Yes, there are options like braised ribs, stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, and ground pork available.
- What makes the tofu special at Mrs. Oanh’s eatery?
- The tofu is deep-fried to perfection and then marinated with green onions and fish sauce.
