American YouTuber Discovers Vietnam’s Street Food Delight

Amidst the bustling crowd, a local vendor was efficiently preparing steamed sticky rice.

David Hoffmann, a content creator from the United States, has a thriving YouTube channel with 1.3 million subscribers, showcasing his travel adventures across various countries.

David visited Vietnam for the first time last September and spent several days in Hanoi indulging in street food.

While being guided by a local tour guide, he visited a renowned spot for xoi xeo (a type of Vietnamese steamed sticky rice with mung beans) at the intersection of Hang Bai and Ly Thuong Kiet. He was taken aback by the bustling atmosphere as numerous patrons eagerly awaited their turn.

This establishment is quite popular among locals who cherish xoi xeo. The dish is notable for its delightful blend of flavors, including the aromatic rice, rich sauce, creamy mung beans, and crispy fried onions. The vendor also offers variations such as corn sticky rice.

The shop gained recognition among international visitors after being featured on a South Korean television show and through social media buzz. Additionally, the vendor’s technique of wrapping the sticky rice has captured widespread attention.

David exclaimed, “So crowded, so packed!”

He noted the vendor’s swift wrapping skills and remarked that the dish reminded him of mashed potatoes before learning its name.

The tour guide elaborated on the components of xoi xeo, and David eagerly practiced how to order in Vietnamese: “Em oi, cho anh mot xoi xeo full topping” (One serving of xoi xeo with full toppings).

After a brief wait, David was delighted by the vibrant presentation of the sticky rice, garnished with rich sausage, tender braised pork, dried pork floss, fried eggs, and crispy onions.

“The sticky rice is incredibly tasty, and the braised pork is so tender; it reminds me of pork ribs. This dish is truly one of a kind with its rich assortment of ingredients. I especially love the savory braised pork,” David shared.

His excitement stemmed not only from the delectable food but also from the lively atmosphere filled with people queuing for xoi xeo.