Buzz
Tight seating, tricky reservations, not-so-friendly owners... yet many dining spots in Hanoi remain bustling for various reasons.
Hanoi Travel: 4 posh eateries still adored by tourists
Ốc Hà Trang – Đinh Liệt: Cozying up on narrow sidewalks
Only open in the evenings (5 PM - 7 PM), even a bit earlier on Sundays, the snail joints on Đinh Liệt Street are a familiar haunt for many Hanoians. Occasionally, you might spot a few actors or singers from the Vietnamese showbiz scene indulging in snail dishes here. The menu has remained faithful to boiled snails for decades until recently when they introduced steamed clams; no pickled radish or cucumber on the side.
Some find fault in the cramped space and lack of parking, leading to paying for parking elsewhere. Many wish the eatery would relocate to a more spacious venue to beat the summer heat and winter chill, avoiding the crowds. But perhaps due to the familiarity and luck associated with the current spot, the owner persists in staying put.
Yet, for loyal customers, the thought of snails in lime fish sauce is synonymous with this place, despite its higher prices compared to other sidewalk stalls. Although each person spends nearly 100,000 dong after a meal, the perfect balance of spicy and sour in the dipping sauce, along with the plump, clean snails, still draws many back.
Lao Ngư Fish Cake - Thái Hà: Owner's stern demeanor, reservations held for only 15 minutes
Out-of-towners often hear of Lã Vọng or Thăng Long fish cakes, but for many locals in Hanoi, Lao Ngư fish cake on Thái Hà Street, near the intersection of Láng Hạ, is the preferred choice. The dish here comprises similar ingredients as elsewhere, but every detail, from shrimp paste to fish, innards... is seasoned to perfection, accompanied by fresh vegetables, herbs, and satisfying condiments. At the end of the meal, patrons even enjoy complimentary ginger syrup sweet soup with a cup of hot tea.
Impressed by the delicious food, first-time visitors may be taken aback by the owner's stern demeanor. However, it's precisely due to the strict owner that the restaurant's staff are efficient, courteous, with orders served promptly within minutes. While the restaurant holds reservations, any tardiness beyond 15 minutes results in cancellation.
Yên Ninh Eel Vermicelli: A facelift after a decade
Established since 1983, it wasn't until recently that the eel noodle shop on Yên Ninh Street underwent a more elegant transformation. Previously, the shop displayed only a small sign, with a modest wooden front, leaving passersby unaware of its status as the capital's most renowned eel noodle spot.
Nevertheless, once customers have been here, they all return regularly for the simple yet unmatched dishes. Especially the sweet and sour frog stir-fry with a perfectly thickened sauce, or the crunchy stir-fried bamboo shoots with lemongrass and chili... For regulars, the owner always gives advance notice when the bamboo shoots are old and not tasty for guests to consider.
4P Pizza - Huyện Alley: Always need to call ahead for reservations
Having been in Hanoi for nearly half a year, the restaurant is always packed, and if you don't reserve ahead, you'll almost never get a table. Yet, Pizza 4P's fans still accept and are satisfied because a few months ago, they had to wait 2-3 weeks for a chance to enjoy Japanese-style pizzas.
There are many reasons why this hotspot never fades, such as the small-sized pizzas that never overwhelm, with unique fillings like pumpkin pizza, salmon sashimi, and even various flowers... What's more intriguing is that the pizza oven area is set up in the open space on the ground floor, so when reserving a table, you should choose a seat near or with a view of the pizza makers. Perhaps the ideal spot is the row of tables by the second-floor railing, overlooking the kitchen area. Another plus point for the restaurant is the attentive service staff, guiding you to your table upon arrival and bidding you farewell carefully before leaving.
According to Ngôi Sao
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourApril 4, 2016
