Explore Hanoi's culinary scene with these 5 delectable chicken dishes in the old quarter.

Chicken-based delicacies have long been a specialty of Hanoi locals. The old quarter, densely populated and bustling, is home to numerous enticing eateries offering delicious fare at affordable prices. Here, an array of chicken dishes awaits, leaving visitors nodding in approval.

1. Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Feet at Luong Ngoc Quyen Street

As summer sets in, the bars and snack stalls around Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets start bustling with patrons. The famous '5000 VND beer street' already offers a tempting array of snacks, and now, it introduces a new addition perfect for the summer heat: spicy lemongrass chicken feet. According to social media buzz, the best rendition of this dish can be found at number 23 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street.

The spicy lemongrass chicken feet at this establishment are truly a delight. The plate, though not overflowing, is sufficient for two. The chicken feet, tender and flavorful, are coated with finely chopped lemongrass and chili. Cleaned, steamed, then mixed with a tangy-sweet sauce, it resembles a salad but with more aromatic appeal.

Moreover, all ingredients are handpicked and prepared by the owner, ensuring freshness and hygiene, as everything is sold out by the end of the day, eliminating concerns about leftover poultry and sanitation.

Address: 23 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street.
Price: 40,000 VND/plate of spicy lemongrass chicken feet.

2. 'Pricey yet Worthwhile' Chicken and Mushroom Noodle Soup at Hang Ngang

Nestled on the sidewalk at 48 Hang Ngang Street, where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence 69 autumns ago, is a small noodle joint boasting a rare and delectable chicken and mushroom noodle soup. While there are many noodle stalls along this street, connoisseurs claim that the evening ones offer a more flavorful experience.

The specialty of this place is the chicken and mushroom noodle soup. Despite its modest appearance, the quality is unparalleled. Despite being in the old quarter, it's rare to find chicken meat as succulent and flavorsome as this. The chicken breast is firm and sweet, the skin tightly enveloping juicy chunks of meat, providing a satisfying crunch.

Noteworthy are the meatballs. Each bowl contains about 3 substantial meatballs, meeting the criteria of quality over quantity. Made from meat and abundant mushrooms, each meatball is almost the size of a small egg. They soak in the broth perfectly, the meat tender and sweet, the mushrooms plentiful, each bite leaving a lingering sweetness and a pleasant aroma.

Address: 48 Hang Ngang Street.
Price: 45,000 VND/bowl of chicken and mushroom noodle soup.

3. Roasted Chicken Necks at Hang Buom

This humble eatery nestled in the corner of the old quarter has been around for quite some time, known to many. While they serve bun cha in the morning and salads in the afternoon, they are renowned for a peculiar dish: roasted chicken necks.

The plump chicken necks, each chopped into 3 or 4 pieces, are perfect for dipping into fish sauce before popping into your mouth. The crispy golden skin is both crunchy and savory, with a rich aroma that's not overpowering. Beneath the skin lies the succulent meat clinging to the bones. Although there isn't much meat on the necks, each bite offers a distinctively sweet and tender flavor, enhanced by the well-balanced seasoning, surpassing the usual thick-cut roasted meat.

Address: 43 Hang Buom.
Price: 6,000 VND/piece of roasted chicken neck.

4. Salted Fried Chicken Feet at Hang Thung

Grilled chicken feet and wings have always been a delightful treat, suitable for any season and favored by many. However, in an era where many values fade away, the allure of these fragrant grilled delicacies is overshadowed by concerns about what lies beneath the flavorful spices. Hence, people nowadays tend to seek out dishes that are equally delicious and fragrant but with a cleaner, more discernible aroma, offering peace of mind. Enter salted fried chicken feet.

Quán Tiny Salted Fried Chicken Feet is a long-standing favorite haunt on Hang Thung Street, drawing in young enthusiasts craving the rich flavors of this dish. Their menu offers a variety of items, from chicken feet, wings, cartilage, and necks to squid and heart porridge... The signature touch? Everything, except for the porridge, is prepared in the same unique style: salted and fried.

The salted fried chicken feet here are just divine. Each piece is sizable, golden, crispy, and indulgently savory with the perfect balance of saltiness, keeping you coming back for more. The skin and meat underneath are moist and succulent, not dry, and retain the distinctive flavor of fresh chicken, not the kind marinated for seven days as once claimed by the media. The combination of chewy and crispy textures, enveloped in a sweet, tangy dipping sauce, tantalizes the taste buds, leaving a delightful sensation in the mouth.

Address: 14 Hang Thung.
Price: Salted fried chicken feet are approximately 10,000 VND, chicken wings are around 20,000 VND, and a large plate of salted fried chicken necks is about 40,000 VND.

5. Chicken Mixed Pho at Ma May Street

When people mention Ma May Street, they often think of sizzling grilled beef or the renowned stir-fried beef with pickled mustard greens, long-standing favorites. However, what truly captures my heart is the mixed chicken pho at number 47 Ma May. While it may seem simple, this dish has an irresistibly nostalgic flavor that beckons many to return to the shop after just one taste.

In reality, the shop offers a range of chicken dishes, from chicken pho and chicken sticky rice to chicken vermicelli salad and chicken soup... but the standout dish is undoubtedly the mixed chicken pho. The bowl is brimming with goodness, featuring succulent chicken pieces with golden, glistening skin, interspersed with finely chopped onions, scallions, and vibrant fresh herbs. The broth, with its glossy brown hue, slightly thick consistency, and rich flavor of soy sauce infused with a hint of chopped chili, is simply delightful. The bowl is generously filled with chicken, allowing you to scoop up a few pieces with each bite until the bowl is empty. The owner has a keen eye for selecting chicken, ensuring that every piece comes with crispy skin without being greasy.

In addition to the mixed chicken pho, the shop also offers a hearty and rich chicken soup, priced at just 10,000 VND.

Address: 47 Ma May Street
Price: 30,000 VND/bowl of mixed chicken pho, 10,000 VND/chicken soup.

Source: Depplus

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour