Buzz
Craving a lunch that's tasty, nutritious, and wallet-friendly in Thái Hà, Thái Thịnh? Don't skip these hotspots!
5 Must-Visit Hanoi Food Spots for Less Than 50k in Thái Hà, Thái Thịnh
1. Trung Liệt Crab Noodle Soup
Tucked away on Trung Liệt Street, Đống Đa, there's a bustling crab noodle and mixed noodle shop hidden in an alley that's always packed due to its rich flavor profile. Open from noon till night, offering both soup and mixed versions of crab noodles. The mixed noodles, as food enthusiasts note, often sell out quicker than the soup due to their popularity. A bowl of mixed noodles costs about 30,000 VND, brimming with tofu, ear pork, veggies, beef, onions, and a signature rich, spicy broth.
The ambiance is simple and down-to-earth, featuring seating both in a communal courtyard and indoors (depending on the time of day). For lunch, parking is available in a nearby collective yard, with free parking for dine-in customers—just make sure to hold onto the parking ticket provided by the staff. Be ready for a wait during peak lunch hours. Besides noodles, the shop also offers tea and soy milk to satisfy your thirst.
2. Eel Delicacy Spot
Operating from dawn till late, the eel noodle shop on Thái Hà Street is a favorite haunt for eel enthusiasts and office workers in the Thái Hà area.
Specializing in eel, the menu boasts an all-eel lineup including eel noodles, eel porridge, and eel soup. The eel is offered in two styles: crispy dry and tender soft. Despite its compact size, the venue is clean, with quick service and an air-conditioned second floor, making it a comfortable spot for those accustomed to air conditioning all day.
A highlight of the cuisine here is the lean and flavorful eel, perfectly seasoned and palatable. The must-try dish is the eel porridge, skillfully cooked so each grain of rice is perfectly expanded, releasing the aromatic scent of sticky rice. The dry eel dish is also highly recommended for its crispiness, preserving the eel's unique flavor without being too greasy or rich. Prices range from 20,000 to 50,000 VND, with substantial dishes like noodle soup and stir-fried noodles priced between 40,000 to 45,000 VND per serving.
3. Thái Hà Alley Steamed Rice Rolls
Though referred to as a 'shop', this place is quite small, accommodating about 10 people within the first floor of a house. However, the steamed rice rolls here are exceptionally special, featuring generously filled and flavorful shrimp and meat, typical of Thanh Hóa's style. Besides the classic rolls, the menu also includes egg rolls, spring rolls, eel porridge, and shrimp patties, all served hot, especially the steamed rice rolls which are freshly made upon each order.
Each serving of steamed rice rolls here comes with two homemade fried shallots and sausage links, offering a perfect blend of crunch and aroma. The batter is uniquely fragrant and chewy, complemented by a slightly sour and sweet dipping sauce, pre-cooled in jars on the table for diners to season with chili and vinegar to taste. The experience of dipping hot rolls in cool sauce is uniquely delightful.
A tip for visiting: opt for small groups due to limited space, and be prepared for a wait during busy times as dishes are made to order. The shop operates from 6:30 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 21:00, with each portion priced at 30,000 VND.
4. Thái Thịnh Pan-Fried Bread
Originating the 'pan-fried bread' trend in Hanoi, Thái Thịnh is instantly thought of whenever the dish is mentioned. Despite the proliferation of similar eateries across the city, Thái Thịnh maintains its classic recipe of a fried egg and a slice of pate about two-thirds the size of a palm, served with pickles and bread, without sauce or additional meats.
To be fair, while the offerings are few, the quality is solid with perfectly fried pate, eggs cooked to diner's liking, and pickles that hit the sweet spot. However, the absence of sauce in the pan-fried dish means diners might find the bread with egg and pate, accompanied only by chili sauce, to be somewhat monotonous. Beyond the signature pan-fried bread, the venue also serves beef stew with bread, which is authentic in taste though the meat quality is average.
5. An Phúc Vegetarian Rice
Tired of the usual office lunch but not in the mood for random snacks? An Phúc Vegetarian Restaurant is your go-to. Tucked away in an alley on Thái Hà street, it boasts a spacious two-story setting with bamboo furniture and floor seating options. An Phúc stands out for its commitment to homemade ingredients, minimizing imported goods to ensure flavor and food hygiene.
Like many vegetarian spots, An Phúc offers both set meals and à la carte options, with set meals priced between 35,000 to 45,000 VND for 4 to 6 dishes, excluding vegetables and soup. The food here is skillfully prepared, avoiding the heaviness of oils and fats. For larger groups, there's also the option to indulge in various hot pots, including Thai-style and mushroom hot pots.
Source: aFamily
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourOctober 21, 2016
