Famous beef eatery situated on a hill in Da Lat

Diners at the eatery relish tender, succulent grilled beef, accompanied by steaming hot pot broth, while gazing at the valley scenery behind.

Renowned Dã Chiến beef spot nestled on a hill in Da Lat

Located approximately 6 km from Xuan Huong Lake, Dã Chiến Hill provides panoramic views of the city, attracting numerous backpackers due to its picturesque location for capturing various 'Instagrammable' shots that encapsulate the essence of Da Lat. This area boasts several eateries and chic cafes. Among them, Dã Chiến beef spot stands out, named after the hill it's perched on. Specializing in beef dishes, it's a familiar destination for adventurous travelers. The spot is conveniently located on Quang Trung Street, easy to locate.

In operation for over 7 years with a simple, no-frills setup akin to local eateries, Dã Chiến beef spot consistently attracts crowds during lunch or dinner hours despite its distance from the city center, thanks to its dishes catering to a wide range of palates. Occasionally, the spot may be fully booked, resulting in a wait. Its hillside position offers an open space at the back overlooking the valley, pine forests, a preferred seating choice for many patrons due to its airy ambiance. However, other tables inside the spot tend to be dimly lit and somewhat stuffy due to the grill smoke emanating from the kitchen, which can be unpleasant.

The spot serves a variety of grilled and hot pot beef dishes. The extensive menu includes beef flank, tendon, omasum, tail, and tripe… Among them, the standout dish is the 10-course beef, capturing the hearts of diners, especially the male clientele. The owner shares that the beef is sourced from a trusted supplier, raised in free-range conditions, resulting in better-tasting meat compared to industrially farmed beef. Customers can choose dishes according to their preferences. Prices range from 150,000 to 400,000 dong per serving, with the most expensive being the herbal simmered beef tail.

Tender beef, sliced into chunks then marinated for hours until fully infused with flavor. The chef combines various spices according to a unique recipe, resulting in a dish that may not be visually stunning but still captivates many diners. When dining, you grill the meat yourself over a charcoal clay stove. Each piece of beef is rich in flavor, perfect when dipped in green chili salt or enjoyed on its own. It's important not to overcook or let the meat cool down, as it may become tough. Grill as you go to fully savor its taste. Each plate of beef costs 200,000 dong, served with a side of corn kernels and a plate of fresh vegetables to balance the meal.

Dã Chiến beef hot pot is considered a signature dish here. Most customers opt for a portion priced at 300,000 dong, sufficient for 3-5 people. The hot pot is cooked in an aluminum pot placed on a alcohol stove. The broth is sweet, flavorful, earning it the first points from diners. The broth is bone-based, simmered with various mushrooms, forming a layer of oil scum that isn't overly greasy. The ingredients include beef, beef flank, tendon… all stewed to perfection, tender and easy to eat.

The eatery offers a unique hot pot dining experience where guests can cook their own free-range chicken eggs. Diners can order a plate of 10-20 raw chicken eggs. Once the hot pot is boiling, gently add the eggs and wait for 3-5 minutes depending on whether you prefer them fully cooked or partially raw. Then, scoop them out, crack the shells slightly, and enjoy the creamy taste of the eggs alone or with the rich broth. The hot pot is served with various greens such as morning glory, cabbage, watercress, and fresh noodles or instant noodles.

Dã Chiến beef spot is more suitable for groups of men and young friends gathering rather than family gatherings or romantic dates as the interior is noisy, making conversations difficult. However, if you're looking for a dining spot on the way to Cau Dat tea hill or Trai Mat, this is a good suggestion. In the late afternoon, as the temperature drops on the mountain street, there's nothing better than sitting snugly, enjoying warm hot pot broth, chewing on tender beef while admiring the mountain scenery. The downside is that the spot can be crowded at times, and slow service may require customers to wait a while for their dishes.

According to Vi Yen/Ngoisao

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour