To meet the needs of tourists and locals, Hoan Kiem District has launched the “Hoan Kiem Cuisine” app, which helps users quickly and conveniently find dishes and restaurants, and make orders or reservations.
Located in the heart of the capital, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem District are closely tied to the history and development of Thang Long - Hanoi. Through this process, Hoan Kiem District has gathered and crystallised the cultural essence and historical traditions of this thousand-year-old land of culture.
Among Hoan Kiem's heritages, its cuisine is the most unique. The cuisine of the Old Quarter reflects the sophistication of the Trang An people. Not only do the traditional dishes of Hanoi stand out but even dishes from other regions become more special when prepared by the chefs here. Today's Hoan Kiem cuisine is appealing with many dishes embodying the flavour of the capital city, with thousands of culinary establishments.
Some brands have a long history, such as Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong grilled fish), Bun Cha Dac Kim (Dac Kim grilled pork with rice noodles), Pho Thin Bo Ho, Pho Ly Quoc Su, and Giang Coffee. There are streets known for their culinary offerings, like Tong Duy Tan Culinary Street or Dong Xuan Culinary Alley.
Le Thi Thu Ha, who recently travelled from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, is a food enthusiast eager to explore the culinary world of the Old Quarter. She was excited to try dishes like boiled snails on Dinh Liet Street, ‘bun cha’ on Hang Manh Street, ‘bun dau’ (noodles with fried tofu and shrimp paste) in Phat Loc Alley, and Pho Thin by Hoan Kiem Lake, which she had heard and read much about and was eager to taste. In the past, tourists like Ha had to browse dozens of websites to learn about the Old Quarter's food and restaurants. Now, she can easily explore them through the “Hoan Kiem Cuisine” app.
Le Thi Thu Ha shared: “It's very quick and convenient. Anyone visiting Hanoi wants to go to the Old Quarter and enjoy the street food and signature snacks. This app helps us discover the history of the dishes, find the best places to eat, and make reservations. I think many people will love this app”.
Recognising that culinary culture is a strength in attracting tourists, the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee directed its specialised agencies and the Hoan Kiem Tourism Association to research solutions for promoting the district's unique cuisine. After conducting field surveys and gathering information, Hoan Kiem District authorities collaborated with technology units to launch the “Hoan Kiem Cuisine” app, a digital product designed to promote and introduce the district's culinary offerings, allowing everyone to explore and experience its cuisine.
The app is designed in English and Vietnamese and is available on iOS and Android platforms. The Hoan Kiem Cuisine app organises restaurants and dishes logically, making them easy to remember and find, helping tourists quickly and easily locate dishes and restaurants. Users can search by dish categories such as pho, bun, congee, rice, hot pot, coffee, and street snacks, or by restaurant types such as European, Asian, or Michelin-recognised establishments.
Users can also connect directly with restaurants to place orders via the app using the contact numbers provided. The app offers detailed introductions to dishes, and a comprehensive directory of restaurants and eateries with information, images, and reviews to help users easily find and choose their favourite dishes. The app is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for people of all ages and technology levels to quickly and effectively search for information.
Commenting on the idea and implementation of the Hoan Kiem District’s initiative, Vice President of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, Le Thi Minh Ly, affirmed that the “Hoan Kiem Cuisine” app will contribute to promoting tourism in the district due to its convenient and easy-to-use design that meets the needs of both locals and tourists. From a cultural perspective, the app promotes local culinary culture to a wider domestic and international audience. The Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association will continue to collaborate with Hoan Kiem District to clearly identify the value of culinary culture in particular, and traditional cultural values in general, to spread them further through various media and social networks.
