Torn Slippers: Food Glorious Food

Woke up bright and early the next morning. Looked out the hotel window and saw some interesting sights. Couldn’t resist taking a few shots.

We were surprised to find that the hotel actually offered free breakfast for guests (what a bargain –only RM700 per person for return air tickets plus 5 night stay….and we even got free breakfast!).

This is how the back lanes look like

As we exited the hotel, we spotted a stall selling piping hot noodles. Despite just having had our breakfast, we made ourselves comfortable and order 2 bowls to be shared between the 4 of us. That was our first taste of street food at Hanoi and believe me, it tasted better than the beef noodle we had at the café the night before.

We contacted Stephanie Nguyen (one of our students from Alfa International College) who was back home in Hanoi for a holiday. She agreed to meet us at the hotel at 11am. Meanwhile, we decided to walk around the Old Quarters to get ourselves acquainted with the place.

Checked out the market nearby. They were selling lots of fresh fish and vegetables. We were so fascinated by the charming buildings and came across more food. Decided to try out a kind of food that is similar to Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun. To call it delicious would be an understatement.

Most of lots are tall and narrow.

Couldn't resist trying out another delicacy. Similar to Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun.

Stephanie arrived at our hotel on time and she looked gorgeous in her outfit. She was staying at her mom’s 30 mins away with her two kids. Apparently, she grew up at the Old Quarters and the old place had been rented out.

We walked to Hoan Kiem Lake located nearby and crossed the bridge over to Ngoc Son Temple on the lake.

Stephanie is the one on the left with a hat on!

Then Stephanie brought us to a great place to eat – Quan An Ngon. There were so many variety of food served in that place that we were spoilt for choice! We walked around the stalls with the menu in our hands trying to match the descriptions to the actual dishes. With Stephanie’s help, we ordered as many varieties as we could possibly consume (by this time we were hungry and GREEDY at the sight of so much food).

After our hearty lunch, we decided to walk around to alleviate our guilt for being such gluttons. We came across many beautiful buildings such as the Opera House and quaint cafes.

As we were walking we saw a crowd at a field. They were watching a few young men trying to outperform each other in tap dancing. We watched in awe as they tapped their feet to the rhythm of the music. Wow!

Arrived at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum but couldn’t get in as we had missed the visiting hour. But we managed to visit his house on stilts and the one pillar pagoda.

Stephanie brought us to a café at the West Lake for coffee and cakes before sending us back to the hotel. Thanks Stephanie for your wonderful company!