A Korean Traveler Conquers Fear and Discovers the Delight of Hanoi’s Ragworm Fritters

On a recent visit to Hanoi, Park Jaeil, a popular Korean fashion designer and content creator with nearly 750,000 followers on YouTube, along with his manager Gaemi, delved into the local street food scene, sampling the adventurous cha ruoi – a well-known ragworm fritter from Hanoi.

This dish features seasonal ruoi, a type of marine worm characterized by its fine bristles, which contributes to its distinctive taste and texture.

Cha ruoi is created by mixing ruoi with ground pork, eggs, scallions, dill, pepper, and an unusual addition – finely grated tangerine peel. The mixture is then deep-fried in chicken fat or oil until golden brown, resulting in a delightful aroma.

Although cha ruoi is a beloved autumn treat in Hanoi, many tourists are hesitant to try it due to the unusual appearance of the main ingredient.

When they visited a food stall in Thanh Ha, Hoan Kiem District, Jaeil was eager to introduce Gaemi to this dish. Jaeil, having previously tasted cha ruoi after watching it online, was excited about the experience.

Gaemi, on the other hand, was apprehensive and initially reluctant, even stating he would prefer “not to eat it even if his life depended on it” while keeping his distance from the stall. Nevertheless, Jaeil playfully described the dish’s aroma as “medicinal,” which helped to persuade Gaemi.

After some encouragement, Gaemi finally decided to try a piece. They ordered a serving with two cha ruoi patties, accompanied by fresh greens and a zesty dipping sauce. Jaeil remarked, “When traveling, you should explore different foods. I enjoy tasting local dishes as a way to honor various cultures.”

As Gaemi took his first bite, he jokingly noted that it felt akin to “eating earthworms”; however, he quickly reversed his stance, admitting, “It’s actually delicious!” Surpassing his earlier hesitations, he continued to enjoy it, much to Jaeil’s amusement as his friend’s enthusiasm grew.

Gaemi likened the taste to Bindaetteok, a Korean pancake made from mung beans and kimchi, and expressed his approval of the dish with a thumbs-up. Jaeil mirrored his friend’s delight, also giving a thumbs-up in appreciation of the flavorful experience.