The Intriguing Story of the Lovebird Hotpot at Quán Sành

For the loyal customers of Quán Sành, the tale of the 'destined' hill chicken and fierce rooster creating the delightful Lovebird Hotpot that has been a sensation in Hanoi since late 2015 is no secret.

When mentioning Quán Sành, many regulars immediately conjure up the cozy scene around the long wooden tables with the famous beef and chicken hotpots.

But many also recall this place, especially as Hanoi's weather starts to turn chilly in autumn, with the nourishing 'Lovebird Hotpot' and the fascinating story behind it.

The Tale of the 'Beauty and the Beast' Romance at Quán Sành

The story goes that he was a handsome buffalo with a sleek white coat despite his dark skin, but with meat so tender and flavorful that he was considered a prized catch.

And she was the 'Snow White' descending from the hills, her skin as fair as snow turned golden due to her outdoor adventures, and because of her agility, she had strong, firm legs and a solid, toned torso...

Although he was dark and she was fair, thanks to the 'matchmaking' efforts of the four young men from Hanoi – who later became the four owners of Quán Sành – the couple was 'destined' to share a hotpot together. So that today's diners can savor the 'sweet fruit' of this intriguing love story.

The Fascinating Tale of the Lovebird Hotpot at Quán Sành Spread by Word of Mouth

Behind the story lies a pot of 'nourishing' hotpot

Fierce rooster meat has long been regarded as one of the premium foods fit for kings and queens to enhance health and beauty. Traditional medical texts state that fierce rooster meat is sweet-tasting, neutral in nature, non-toxic, and helps tonify the liver, kidneys, and blood.

Fierce rooster meat has always been among the highly nutritious ingredients since ancient times

Hillside chicken is also a favorite breed among discerning diners for its sweet, firm meat, nurtured in free-range conditions. These chickens are typically not too large, weighing only between 800g to 1kg each. They are a purebred variety characteristic of the ancient rural areas of Northern Vietnam.

Hillside chicken is also one of the renowned specialties favored by food enthusiasts

And the Lovebird Hotpot is the 'love story' orchestrated by the four restaurant owners, where a fierce rooster with its distinctive black skin, weighing from 700g to 1kg, is 'matched' with a pure white-legged chicken.

A hotpot meal costs between 360,000đ to 520,000đ depending on the number of diners. Beside the hotpot, meticulously stewed broth, the chickens are arranged on the plate surrounded by countless fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and various dipping condiments. The 'wedding couple' in the middle is elegantly displayed, wings outstretched, beaks touching like a pair of lovers.

A serving of the Lovebird Hotpot consists of a stunningly arranged pair of fierce rooster and hillside chicken

Instant Hit Since Day One

Launched right in the midst of Hanoi's chilly winter days, the rich aroma of this nourishing hotpot has stirred up the hotpot enthusiasts in the capital. The combination of a common ingredient with a special one, which you don't always have the chance to enjoy, has brought about a remarkably delicious and impressive flavor.

Fierce rooster meat cooks faster than regular chicken, so it is suggested to dip the hillside chicken in first, followed by the fierce rooster. When the broth boils vigorously, it takes only about 5 minutes for the chicken to cook. You can then start savoring each tender, flavorful piece of chicken, leaving a lasting impression down to the bone marrow.

The hotpot broth is rich and flavorful, meticulously simmered and seasoned just right to complement the delicious chicken, creating an impressive hotpot taste.

The combination of the rich and savory sweetness of fierce rooster meat with the firm, flavorful hillside chicken has created an intriguing harmony. Pieces of chicken submerged in the aroma of shiitake mushrooms, various spices like lemongrass, shallots, and fresh herbs push back the cold days of Hanoi's winter.

Lovebird Hotpot is highly appealing to couples.

As Hanoi enters the early days of autumn, with the weather starting to cool and people's taste buds transitioning from summer to winter, what could be more delightful than sitting by the fragrant and smoky Lovebird Hotpot? Enjoying nutritious pieces of chicken, crisp snow mushrooms, crunchy enoki mushrooms, and fresh seasonal vegetables will bring diners endless inspiration and energy.

Quán Sành branch at 22 Huynh Thuc Khang - Where you can come to enjoy Lovebird Hotpot anytime.

Now, have you found a happy ending for the fate of the fierce rooster and the hillside silver-feathered chicken? If you want to try the aroma and sweet outcome of this 'destiny', come to Quán Sành at one of its 2 locations.

Quán Sành addresses:

1. No. 8 Alley 97, Pham Ngoc Thach Street

2. Address: 22 Huynh Thuc Khang Street

>> Check out August deals at Quán Sành 

Reviewer: Hạ Lê

Photo: Quansanh.vn