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1. Lẩu Mắm Bà Sáu Cần Thơ
The owner of Lẩu Mắm Bà Sáu Cần Thơ hails from the southern region, which is reflected in the distinct flavors of the food here, typical of the Mekong Delta. The hotpot broth is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, complemented by the bitterness of various herbs like giang leaves, bitter vegetables, napa cabbage, banana blossoms, and bean sprouts. The star ingredient is cá kèo, a popular fish in the southern region known for its firm, white, and fragrant flesh. It's also boneless and releases a rich, sweet broth when simmered, making it a fan favorite.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is spacious and simple, yet designed in a way that mirrors the lifestyle of the southern people, creating a comfortable dining experience. The staff is attentive, quick, and friendly.
Customer reviews of Lẩu Mắm Bà Sáu Cần Thơ are generally positive: “Our group decided to try the mắm hotpot here today. We had mắm hotpot, crispy rice with kho quẹt, grilled cá kèo, fried sweet potatoes, and corn. The food was quite good, though portions were a bit small; everyone was still hungry afterward. The staff was quick and friendly...”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 63 Văn Cao Street, Liễu Giai, Ba Đình, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3992 1515
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Average Price: 70,000 - 165,000 VND
2. Lẩu Pháp 65 Nguyễn Khang
The Mekong Delta, like many other regions, is known for its distinctive dishes that leave a lasting impression on visitors, such as cá kèo hotpot, chicken hotpot with giang leaves... and of course, the delicious mắm hotpot at Lẩu Pháp 65 Nguyễn Khang. Here, you can enjoy a flavorful, authentic southern hotpot. In addition to mắm hotpot, the restaurant also offers crispy rice with kho quẹt and American-style beef hotpot buffet.
One of the key attractions of Lẩu Pháp 65 Nguyễn Khang is its cozy and simple atmosphere. The wooden furniture and the black-and-white photos adorning the walls create a warm, welcoming vibe that makes customers feel at home.
The restaurant also boasts a friendly and cheerful staff, always ready to greet guests with a smile. With a seating capacity of around 150, it’s a great venue for family gatherings or celebrations with friends. Lẩu Pháp 65 Nguyễn Khang is definitely a place to try if you're a fan of mắm hotpot in Hanoi.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 65 Nguyễn Khang Street, Trung Hòa, Cầu Giấy, Hanoi
Phone: 0915 552 543
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/lauphapnguyenkhang
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Price Range: 50,000 - 250,000 VND
3. Where Does Mắm Hotpot Come From?
Mắm hotpot is a signature dish of the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam, originating from the Khmer people and later adapted by the Vietnamese. It is made with fermented fish, a staple ingredient in southern cuisine.
- History and Origins:
Khmer Origins: The main ingredient, mắm, originated from the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. The Khmer used fresh fish to make mắm, which they incorporated into many dishes.
Vietnamese Adaptation: As the Vietnamese migrated to the Mekong Delta, they learned how to make mắm and adapted it to their own tastes. Over time, mắm hotpot became a popular dish, showcasing the rich ingredients of the delta.
- Ingredients and Preparation:
Fermented Fish: Typically, mắm cá linh or mắm cá sặc is used as the base.
Broth: The broth is made from fermented fish, fresh coconut water, and spices like garlic, chili, lemongrass, and sugar.
Other Ingredients: The hotpot includes a variety of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish, along with fresh vegetables like water spinach, lotus flowers, and various herbs.
- Culture and Cuisine:
Mắm hotpot is more than just a dish; it represents the culinary culture of the Mekong Delta. It embodies the diversity of southern cuisine and symbolizes the cultural fusion between the different ethnic groups in the region.
4. What Are the Most Popular Types of Mắm Hotpot?
The two most popular types of mắm hotpot in the Mekong Delta are mắm cá linh hotpot and mắm cá sặc hotpot. These are the most favored varieties in southern Vietnamese cuisine.
- Mắm Cá Linh Hotpot:
Fermented Fish: Made with cá linh, a small fish found in rivers and ponds in the Mekong Delta.
Ingredients: Includes shrimp, squid, fish, and various herbs like bông điên điển, lotus flowers, water spinach, mustard greens, and bitter vegetables.
Preparation: The broth is made from cá linh mắm, fresh coconut water, and spices like garlic, chili, lemongrass, and sugar.
- Mắm Cá Sặc Hotpot:
Fermented Fish: Made with cá sặc, a fish known for its distinct flavor and commonly used for mắm in the Mekong Delta.
Ingredients: Similar to mắm cá linh hotpot, it includes shrimp, squid, fish, and the typical herbs of the region.
Preparation: Similar to mắm cá linh hotpot, but the flavor is slightly different due to the type of fermented fish used.
- Common Features of Both Types:
Broth: Both varieties feature a rich, flavorful broth made from fermented fish, coconut water, and spices.
Ingredients: Both types contain a wide variety of fresh seafood and unique vegetables from the region.
Serving Style: Mắm hotpot is typically served in a hotpot with rice noodles or vermicelli, offering a hearty and nutritious meal.
Both mắm cá linh and mắm cá sặc hotpots are popular choices that truly represent the richness and uniqueness of southern Vietnamese cuisine.
5. Is Mắm Hotpot Expensive in Hanoi?
The price of mắm hotpot in Hanoi can vary depending on the location and quality of the restaurant. Below are some estimates of mắm hotpot prices at popular spots in Hanoi:
- Budget Restaurants:
Price: Around 200,000 - 300,000 VND for a hotpot serving 2-3 people.
Quality: These places usually offer simple settings, traditional dishes, and affordable prices.
- Mid-Range Restaurants:
Price: Around 300,000 - 500,000 VND for a hotpot serving 3-4 people.
Quality: Mid-range restaurants typically offer a comfortable atmosphere, better service, and higher-quality ingredients than budget spots.
- High-End Restaurants:
Price: From 500,000 VND for a hotpot serving 4-6 people.
Quality: These restaurants feature elegant décor, professional service, and fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Popular Restaurants Serving Mắm Hotpot in Hanoi:
- Miền Tây Restaurant: Specializes in southern Vietnamese dishes, including mắm hotpot.
- Hương Quê Restaurant: Known for traditional Vietnamese dishes, including mắm hotpot.
- Sen Restaurant: A famous chain offering a buffet and Vietnamese dishes, often featuring mắm hotpot on the menu.
Note that prices may fluctuate over time and depending on the restaurant’s policies. It’s best to check the menu and prices beforehand for the most accurate information.
6. Ba Thành's Mắm Hotpot
Ba Thành's Mắm Hotpot offers a hearty hotpot filled with over 30 types of traditional southern vegetables. Among these, you'll find unique river vegetables like water hyacinth flowers, cù nèo, rau mác, bình bát vines, rau trai, rau đắng, coconut leaves, and the distinctive bông điên điển.
In addition, diners can enjoy common greens like mustard greens, bean sprouts, and pennywort. The essential ingredients for this hotpot include fermented fish, fresh fish, and various vegetables. The hotpot broth is made from different types of fermented fish such as cá linh, cá sặt, cá trèn, cá lóc, and cá rô, along with other distinctive ingredients.
Ba Thành, a native of the Mekong Delta, has lived in Hanoi for over 20 years and is now the owner of two well-known mắm hotpot restaurants in Hanoi. She brings the simple, yet flavorful dishes of the Mekong Delta to the capital, including crispy rice with kho quẹt, coconut heart salad with shrimp and pork, grilled cá kèo with chili salt, grilled pig's bladder with chili salt, grapefruit dessert, and coconut jelly – all beloved by locals.
Customers praise Ba Thành's mắm hotpot: “Not sure why, but the food here is so good, the prices are fair, and the seating is spacious and comfortable. I give it a 5-star rating, and whenever I'm craving southern dishes, I’ll come back.” If you’re looking to taste authentic Mekong Delta mắm hotpot, Ba Thành’s restaurant is the place to go.
CONTACT INFO:
Address: 24 Trung Yên 8, Cầu Giấy, Hanoi
Phone: 0987 858 687
Email: [email protected]
Website: laumambathanh.vn
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040729879457
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Average Price: 100,000 - 300,000 VND
7. Phuong Nam Restaurant
Phuong Nam Restaurant sets itself apart from other Southern restaurants by exclusively serving authentic Southern Vietnamese dishes, prepared with unique ingredients and traditional methods. The restaurant's menu offers a variety of specialties from the Mekong Delta, including Trảng Bàng rice paper, crispy rice with kho quẹt, grilled cá kèo with chili salt, and cá kèo hotpot with wild betel leaves. In addition to these signature dishes, Phuong Nam also offers hearty set meals, all made from fresh, natural ingredients, ensuring both quality and flavor.
When dining at Phuong Nam Restaurant, guests not only enjoy a feast of Southern flavors but also experience warm, friendly service in true Southern style. The restaurant is particularly known for its delicious hotpot dishes, especially the Cá Kèo Cần Thơ hotpot. The broth, crafted with a perfect balance of sourness and sweetness from the fish, offers a taste that's hard to find anywhere else. It’s served with accompaniments like fermented bamboo shoots, banana blossom, and bitter herbs, making for a nourishing and flavorful meal.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with wooden tables, floors, and artwork adorning the walls, creating a comfortable setting. The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Even during busy hours, you won’t have to wait long for your food. Phuong Nam is the ideal spot for anyone craving authentic Southern Vietnamese specialties.
CONTACT INFO:
Address:
- 35 Dịch Vọng Hậu, Cầu Giấy, Hanoi
- 2, Alley 69, Chùa Láng, Láng Thượng, Đống Đa, Hanoi
- ...
- https://nhahangphuongnam.vn/pages/gioi-thieu
Phone: 1800 2028
Hotline: 0969 916 156 & 0983 518 269
Email: [email protected]
Website: nhahangphuongnam.vn
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/NhaHangPhuongNamMonNgonMienNam/?locale=vi_VN
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 14:00 | 16:30 - 22:00
Average Price: 100,000 - 330,000 VND
8. Quoc Cham Cần Thơ Fish Hotpot
Quoc Cham Cần Thơ Fish Hotpot is a long-standing restaurant owned by a local from Can Tho, which consistently attracts a crowd, especially on cool, chilly days. The small, cozy space embodies the charm of the Mekong Delta, with quality being the restaurant's top priority. It's renowned for serving authentic Cần Thơ cá kèo hotpot, where the fish is hand-picked for its freshness. The fish, long and slender, is added live to the pot, ensuring the sweetness and tenderness of the meat. The broth has a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness that complements Northern tastes as well. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff is attentive and friendly.
In addition to the famous cá kèo hotpot, the restaurant offers a variety of daily dishes like stir-fried beef with mushrooms, stir-fried vegetables with garlic, stir-fried corn with dried shrimp, boiled vegetables with kho quẹt, banana flower salad with chicken, and shredded chicken salad. The hotpots here, especially the mắm hotpot, offer a flavorful, irresistible experience. The cá kèo hotpot, in particular, is a standout with its unforgettable taste, making it a must-visit for anyone craving this dish in Hanoi.
CONTACT INFO:
Address: 142 Tân Mai, Hoàng Mai, Hanoi
Phone: 0909 436 836
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 23:00
Average Price: 70,000 - 150,000 VND
