Writing contest honours Hanoi’s delicious dishes

Nearly 700 entries to the writing contest themed “Hanoi’s delicious dishes” have contributed to drawing a map of Hanoi cuisine, with very new feelings about extremely familiar dishes, that have long been attached to the city for thousands of years.

Ta Thi Thanh Hai receives first prize at the awards ceremony. (Photo courtesy of organising board)
Ta Thi Thanh Hai receives first prize at the awards ceremony. (Photo courtesy of organising board)

Winners of the writing contest, which was launched by Thanh Nien (Youth) Newspaper, were honoured at an awards ceremony in Hanoi on March 18.

The first prize went to Ta Thi Thanh Hai, with the article titled “Black bean sticky rice wrapped in old lotus leaves”. It highlighted the author’s emotions when she lived in this beloved place and ate the local food here.

The organising board also presented two second, three third and five consolation prizes to other most outstanding works.

Le Thi Ha was honoured with the second and the most favourite prizes. (Photo courtesy of organising board)

The article written by Le Thi Ha received the most favourite prize.

Among 700 entries from 20 provinces and cities submitted to the contest, 42 per cent came from Hanoi while 38 per cent from Ho Chi Minh City.

The organising board presents third prize to the writers. (Photo courtesy of organising board)

Many traditional famous dishes of the capital city, such as pho (noodle), bun oc (snail noodle soup), bun thang (rice vermicelli with chicken, egg and pork), bun cha (rice noodle served with grilled pork), cha ca (charcoal-grilled fish) and com (green rice flakes).

Many other dishes are local specialities with geographical indications, such as dishes from Hanoi crocodile, Quan Ganh banh day (glutinous rice cake), Trang Tien ice cream and Mo soya curd.