Metropole Hanoi hosts Lunar New Year events with traditional market

At the market, food vendors in the hotel’s patio will sell authentic Vietnamese favourites, while children will be given traditional toys known as to he – edible figurines made from glutinous rice powder shaped to look like flowers and animals. Market-goers can also learn the art of classic Vietnamese calligraphy.

Wine, craft beer, and other refreshments will also be on offer, as will souvenirs that visitors can take home as memories of the occasion. Traditional-style Hanoian homes will also be erected in the hotel’s walkway outside La Boutique du Metropole, adding to the Old Quarter atmosphere.

The Lunar New Year market at Metropole Hanoi is open to the public daily, and kicks off January 17 at 4pm with an opening ceremony featuring a traditional dragon dance. The market will be open from 11am to 8pm on the following days. More than 15 vendors will take part in this year’s bazaar, and special Metropole hampers with luxury and gourmet items for the festivities are already available for sale at both the market and at L’Epicerie du Metropole.

The hotel will host a cooking competition at the market at 5pm each day. On opening evening, contestants will vie to see who can create the most delicious traditional Vietnamese Chung cake. On January 18 will witness a battle of banh cuon, while the following day will determine who is able to produce the tastiest spring rolls. Winners will receive a voucher for a complimentary homemade cake from L’Epicerie du Metropole.

A Vietnamese floral specialist from local boutique Liti Florist will also host a flower workshop at 2-4pm on January 18.

An exclusive six-course Lunar New Year Gala Dinner at Spices Garden will be served on January 24, featuring grilled oysters with shallots and roasted peanuts; blue prawn in a mild coconut soup; fresh yellow bamboo and beef salad; braised chinh fish with green banana; grilled pigeon and foie gras; and banana fritter, traditional candied fruits, and vanilla ice cream. The gala dinner is priced at VND2.5 million.