Discover the comforting flavors of Mrs. Oanh’s bean porridge in Hanoi, served with crispy fried tofu and salted eggplant. A beloved spot for local food lovers.
Tucked away at 5 Hang Voi Street in the heart of Hanoi’s Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Mrs. Kim Oanh’s porridge shop has become a beloved destination for both office workers and food enthusiasts. Known for its comforting and affordable menu, the shop's specialty—bean porridge served with fried tofu and salted eggplant—offers a unique taste of Hanoi’s rich culinary tradition.

A Simple Menu That Shines
Mrs. Oanh’s journey to porridge-making is one of simplicity and focus. After years of offering a variety of dishes, including noodle soups, she took her daughter’s advice and honed in on just one: porridge. This decision proved successful, as the eatery now consistently bustles with patrons, especially during lunchtime. The shop can seat about 20 diners at a time, but when it gets busy, extra tables spill onto the sidewalk, accommodating more customers eager to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.

The Essence of Bean Porridge
The star of Mrs. Oanh’s menu is a humble yet flavorful dish: mung bean or black bean porridge served with crispy fried tofu and salted eggplant. This combination has captured the hearts of many, thanks in part to the preparation’s attention to detail. The salted eggplants, for example, are carefully sun-dried to achieve a crispy texture, then soaked in salt water for four days until they become tender and deeply flavorful.

Equally important is the tofu, which is fried to a perfect golden crisp, leaving the inside soft and tender. Deep-fried in oil for 20 minutes, it’s then marinated with green onions and fish sauce, adding an extra layer of taste.

In addition to the classic bean porridge, customers can enhance their meal with a variety of toppings, including braised ribs, stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, and ground pork. Salted eggs and pickled radishes are also available, along with a sprinkle of pepper to elevate the flavors.

Affordable, Flavorful, and Popular
At Mrs. Oanh’s shop, customers can enjoy a filling meal at an incredibly affordable price. A typical order of fried tofu, salted eggplant, and eggs costs just VND24,000 (around $1), with the option to add extra salted eggs for VND7,000 (30 cents). The entire menu is priced between VND15,000 to VND40,000 (60 cents to $1.60), making it accessible to a wide range of diners.

Operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, the shop is especially popular with office workers seeking a quick and satisfying meal. During sunny days, the place can get so crowded that finding a seat might be a challenge, a testament to the popularity of Mrs. Oanh’s offerings. For the convenience of customers, parking is available in the front yard.

The Magic of Tradition in Every Bowl
Mrs. Oanh’s porridge shop isn’t just about serving a meal—it’s about offering a taste of tradition. Her dedication to preserving the simple, comforting flavors of mung bean or black bean porridge has made her shop a cherished spot in the busy streets of Hanoi. Each bowl, with its crispy tofu and salted eggplant, provides a taste of the city’s culinary soul, capturing both the lightness and depth that Hanoi cuisine is known for.

Whether you’re a local office worker or a curious traveler, stopping by Mrs. Oanh’s for a bowl of porridge is a must. It’s a chance to experience the magic of Hanoi’s humble yet captivating street food culture.