Summertime comes close and Hanoi is entering its red jellyfish season. Indeed, this kind of food is designated in late spring and early summer. You can only find red jellyfish in its season from March to July.

Red Jellyfish is regarded as one of the most terrifying kinds of food in Vietnam but worth a try if you are getting bored with normal staples.

Photo: @angi_odau

This Hanoi’s challenging summer specialty is in fact originated in coastal areas like Hai Phong Province, for example. At first, freshly-caught red jellyfish will undergo a preparation process. Pieces of pickled jellyfish and fried tofu are then wrapped in a perilla leaf and then dipped into “mam tom” – a kind of savory shrimp paste. This delicate combination is complete with a slice of lemon, copra, and fresh herbs for a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Photo: @2uang_

A few streetside eateries in Hanoi Old Quarter serve this crunchy seasonal dish. For the best rolls of red jellyfish, you should head to food stalls around Dong Xuan Market, Hang Chieu, Hoe Nhai, Duong Thanh, and Lo Duc Streets. It normally costs around 1 – 1.5 USD for a plate of well-prepared red jellyfish served with additional ingredients.