Buzz
On cool autumn evenings, passing by the bustling intersection of Hoang Ngan and Nguyen Thi Dinh, one might be drawn to a fleet of impressive motorcycles parked in front of a brightly lit five-story building.
Many are intrigued but few are aware that this is one of the sought-after spots where aficionados of traditional Hanoi cuisine gather to savor the ancient delicacy of Thang Long at the renowned Vua Cha Ca restaurant located at number 48.
As they traverse the intersection of Hoang Ngan and Nguyen Thi Dinh, many are captivated by the splendid and glamorous ambiance of Vua Cha Ca.
A Modern Twist on Traditional Cuisine
In the days of yore, amidst the bustling streets of Cha Ca, seated in the ancient leaning houses under golden rays, beneath old tiled roofs, awaiting the sizzling hot sizzling plate of fish cake. The aroma of fish, of fresh herbs, just the scent alone tantalizes the palate of guests, evoking nostalgic yearning each time the cold sets in.
Nowadays, when Hanoians return from afar or when they need to welcome guests, business partners from elsewhere, wanting to introduce a dish with the soul, the essence of their homeland to express their hospitality; they may invite them to luxurious restaurants, private VIP rooms with elegant leather seats and cool air conditioning. Vua Cha Ca embodies this design style!
A modern, elegant space to indulge in the delight of fish cake.
Whether dining with family or hosting a gathering, the atmosphere is welcoming, spacious, and delightful, perfect for entertaining guests. With a VIP room for intimate conversations, it offers both elegance and refinement.
The investment in this luxurious space is not only for the comfort of diners enjoying a delicious meal but also for the dish itself. The heart and soul of the owner are poured into it because a dish so exquisite, a gift infused with the essence of this legendary land, deserves to be enjoyed in such a place.
Vua Cha Ca dedicates this luxurious space not only to diners but also to cherish and preserve the authentic flavor of the dish.
A Journey Through History via Flavorful Memories
Listen to the elderly folks rave about the renowned fish cake in Hanoi. Originating from the French colonial period, there was a host who often entertained the Đề Thám army, specializing in making fish cake to treat guests. Over time, their house turned into a famous eatery right on the street, so famous that the street itself was renamed Fish Cake City. Interestingly, inside the restaurant, there's always a statue of Mr. Lã Vọng – Khương Tử Nha sitting with a fishing rod – a symbol of talented individuals biding their time. Hence, regular customers fondly call this dish Lã Vọng fish cake.
The tradition of fish cake dates back to the French colonial period.
Indulge in the legendary deliciousness
A visit to King of Fish Cake demands a taste of the iconic Lã Vọng fish cake. The fish must be made from river catfish. These catfish were once caught from the Red River or brought from as far as the Bạch Hạc junction. This type of fish is meaty, boneless, sweet, firm, and fragrant.
To ensure delicious fish cakes, the owner of King of Fish Cake must carefully select fresh river catfish
If lucky enough to find Anh Vũ catfish, also from the Bạch Hạc junction, it offers firmer, sweeter meat. When fried, not only is it fragrant and shiny, but its sweet flavor lingers, leaving guests longing for more. To preserve the deliciousness and sweetness of the fish meat, the fish must be fresh before processing. Therefore, specialized restaurants like King of Fish Cake must have their own breeding tanks and meticulously preserve them.
When slicing the meat, a sharp knife must be used to slice thin pieces from the backbone, marinated with turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, pepper, and delicious fish sauce according to a special recipe for at least 2 hours. Then they are skewered on bamboo sticks or grilling trays and grilled over charcoal. Grill with moderate heat, flipping evenly so both sides of the fish are golden and shiny, resembling roasted red turmeric.
There are rumors that some places use pork fat, while others use chicken fat to make the fish cake more fragrant, but the truth is, let it remain a mystery to keep it enticing and make people crave the taste even more.
To create delicious fish cakes, King of Fish Cake must have its own secret to make each piece covered with an additional layer of mystery, enticing the guests even more
When guests order, the kitchen will scoop up hot fish cakes, leaving them in the pan with fresh vegetables, vibrant green onions like a colorful carpet. Simply turn on the heat, the sizzling sound of fatty fish meat, the aroma of vegetables mixed with the fragrant smell of fish fills the air, arousing both the sense of smell and taste.
The golden fish cake shines brightly on the carpet, with fresh green onions making people think of a maiden sleeping soundly on the grass
To enjoy fish cakes, they must be eaten hot, when the cakes are still sizzling in the pan. But diners shouldn't rush. Let the aroma of the vegetables seep into the outer layer of the fish meat. Wait for the onions and vegetables to soften, partially cooked. During that time, prepare some fresh lime juice, vibrant red chili slices, mix shrimp paste in a small bowl, then add a bit of essence of ca cuong, for those who are adventurous, add 1 or 2 drops of white wine, don't forget a few drops of oil.
To enjoy fish cakes, it must be done right – King of Fish Cake has prepared everything needed, the rest is up to the diners
Then you scoop up a piece of fish cake, still glistening with a layer of fat, happily sizzling on the surface into a bowl, add some white noodles, then fresh herbs, including green onions and coriander just softened in the hot oil, add a sprig of purple perilla or mint, then roasted peanuts, pour some pre-mixed shrimp paste sauce over it all and mix everything together before indulging.
The flavors of savory, fatty, sweet, spicy, intense, fragrant,... all blend together, the meeting of hot and cold harmonize, tingling the taste buds, the flavors assault both the taste and smell senses, making it impossible to resist having just one bite. Add another piece! And another!
At King of Fish Cake – You simply can't resist having just one bite!
In cold weather, indulge with wine, in hot weather, enjoy with beer. The rich fat and salty taste of fish not only keeps the stomach unaffected by alcohol but also enhances the taste of beer by leaps and bounds! Hey, Hanoi guests, only 130K per serving of River Catfish Cake, and if you bring along 4 friends on Mondays, special discount, only 65K per serving. Mondays are bustling! Dining from Tuesday to Sunday gets you a 20% discount.
Not to mention, if Fish Cake doesn't fully satisfy your palate, you can also try the crispy fried fish stomach (it's deliciously crunchy) or order sour fish head hotpot for 3-4 people. And enjoying these delights amidst chilly or windy weather adds an extra layer of excitement!
Address:
King of Fish Cake - 48 Nguyễn Thị Định, Cầu Giấy District
Check out amazing deals up to 50% off at King of Fishcakes!
Hannah Lee
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