Hanoi’s winter worm cakes delight diners

Teasing tastebuds: Bui putting ‘cha ruoi’ ragworms in a bowl to prepare patties at her stall in the old quarters of Hanoi. — AFP

Hanoi: Crispy, fried and packed full of worms: Hanoi’s “cha ruoi” ragworm fritters are a winter foodie favourite in the Vietnamese capital, but the deep-fried delights are not for the squeamish.

The piping hot patties are made with pork, egg, fresh dill, citrus rind and a hefty handful of fried worms and served up from streetfood stalls and home kitchens across northern Vietnam.