Northern Vietnam is renowned for its culinary delights, and according to Ben Groundwater, a seasoned writer with over two decades of experience in Australia’s culinary tourism industry, one dish stands out as an absolute must-try: Chả Cá Lã Vọng.
Groundwater describes Chả Cá Lã Vọng as the quintessential Hanoi dish. It’s a flavorful combination of freshwater fish chunks, typically catfish, marinated in a blend of spices including turmeric, and then fried to perfection in oil. Served with an abundance of fresh dill, spring onions, peanuts, and often accompanied by rice noodles, it’s a true sensory experience.
In 2019, CNN, a renowned US-based multinational news channel, also recognized Chả Cá Lã Vọng as one of the essential delicacies for tourists visiting Hanoi. They praised its unique flavors and cultural significance.
Dating back over a century, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina, the Doan family started a grilled fish business, which also served as a covert meeting place for resistance fighters against colonial powers. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also holds a piece of history within its ingredients.
Today, the Doans’ restaurant remains at 14 Chả Cá street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, surrounded by imitators trying to replicate their success. Groundwater advises tourists to be cautious and look for the original establishment to truly experience this culinary masterpiece.
Xoi Xeo – a popular sticky rice in Hanoi
There is nowhere in Vietnam that so many types of sticky rice- or “xoi” present like they do in Hanoi. But standing out among the various kinds, “xoi xeo” is not only creative art with a sophisticated combination of ingredients and color but the sophistication even leaks out to its odd name.
Vietnamese Chicken with Noodles
Summer is coming, and the heat usually makes people lose their appetite, especially for hot or spicy food. VNP introduces a light and fresh dish which is really suitable for the hot weather – Pho ga tron, or the Vietnamese chicken with noodles. The light and fresh dish is prepared based on the traditional dish of Pho ga (Noodles and chicken soup).
Bun cha: a tasty feast of colours and flavours
Hanoi cuisine features a wide variety of dishes with vermicelli.
Nom bo kho – one of the best street foods in Hanoi
Hanoi is a fascinating city with a combination of classic and youthful styles, but if you want to explore the Vietnamese people and their culture, you must delve deep into its street food.
Tofu, shrimp sauce and noodles capture Hanoian hearts
Understand the true art and evolution of this delicacy at one of the oldest ‘bun dau mam tom’ restaurants in Hanoi.
