When served, the fish is fried in a hot pan, releasing a tantalizing fragrance. It is accompanied by vermicelli, herbs, red chili, and most importantly, shrimp paste mixed with lime and chili. The sweetness of the fish, the nuttiness of peanuts, the aroma of anise, and the spiciness of shrimp paste come together in a delightful symphony of flavors.
The refined cooking technique has transformed Cha Ca La Vong from a humble folk dish into a renowned culinary brand synonymous with Hanoi and its people across generations. It is not overly extravagant or expensive, yet it is always the first choice when hosting foreign guests, showcasing the warmth and pride of Vietnamese culinary culture.
If you’re planning a trip to the capital during the upcoming 2/9 holiday, make sure to indulge in this iconic dish! The following are trusted suggestions to fully immerse yourself in the culinary essence of Cha Ca La Vong.
Cha Ca La Vong on Cha Ca Street
To trace the roots of this delicacy, head to 14 Cha Ca Street in the Hoan Kiem district. This is not only the birthplace of Cha Ca La Vong but also the guardian of the original recipe for nearly 150 years. Fresh pangasius sanwich is cut into cubes, marinated generously, grilled on both sides, and then fried in hot oil.
The quality of the dish served here is highly acclaimed, offering a chance to experience the essence of traditional cuisine in an ancient space. The cooking secret of the Doan family is passed down to the eldest son, preserving its uniqueness and distinctiveness. The restaurant is open from 9:00 to 23:00, with prices starting at 170,000 VND per set.
Cha Ca Thang Long
Located at 21 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem district, Cha Ca Thang Long is another renowned name in Hanoi’s culinary scene. Its reputation stems from using fresh pangasius sanwich, cut into perfect cubes, with the skin intact. This ensures that the fish remains crisp and intact after cooking. The dish here embodies the traditional flavors, with the aroma of shrimp paste blending seamlessly with the sweetness of the fish, the nuttiness of roasted peanuts, and the fragrance of anise. The restaurant is open from 8:00 to 22:00, providing a convenient dining option for visitors.
Vong Ngu Cha Ca
At 29 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ba Dinh, Vong Ngu Cha Ca is a restaurant specializing in pangasius sanwich dishes. Using fresh pangasius sanwich as the main ingredient, the dishes here are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. The menu offers a variety of options, including grilled fish patties, fish stomach, fish salad, and steamed fish with ginger fish sauce.
The vibrant colors, enticing aroma, and irresistible taste create an irresistible allure. The restaurant is open from 10:00 to 21:00, with prices ranging from 50,000 VND to 499,000 VND per dish.
Anh Vu Cha Ca
Anh Vu Cha Ca is a well-known name among Hanoi’s grilled fish connoisseurs, with four locations in Trung Hoa, Giang Vo, Vu Trong Khanh, and Nguyen Khanh Toan. The restaurant captivates diners not only with its crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside grilled fish but also with its enthusiastic and attentive service. The dipping sauce is perfectly balanced, and the stir-fried fish intestines provide a memorable dining experience.
The unique way of enjoying grilled fish here is to put vermicelli, grilled fish, herbs, and anise into a bowl, sprinkle with roasted peanuts, and savor the wonderful fusion of flavors. The branches of Anh Vu Cha Ca have similar opening hours, from 10:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 22:00, with prices ranging from 150,000 – 180,000 VND per set.
Cha Ka Restaurant
Located at 13 – 15 Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Cha Ka Restaurant is committed to providing safe and hygienic dishes. The preparation and sterilization processes are strictly followed, ensuring peace of mind for diners. The intricate marination technique results in grilled fish that is fragrant, tender, and crispy, reminiscent of the traditional Cha Ca La Vong.
The beautiful presentation of the dish is another notable feature, leaving a strong impression on diners. The restaurant is open from 10:00 to 20:00, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person.
Old Fisherman’s Grilled Fish
Old Fisherman’s Grilled Fish, located at 171 Thai Ha, Dong Da, is another ideal spot for those who crave grilled fish. Although the menu is simple, with only three main dishes – grilled fish, fish porridge, and fish intestines – the flavors are exquisite enough to captivate even the most discerning palates. With a polite and cheerful service style, the restaurant wins over customers with its polite and cheerful service, in addition to its reasonable prices and elegant space. The restaurant is open from 10:00 to 22:00, with prices ranging from 50,000 – 110,000 VND per set.
Mr. Grilled Fish
Mr. Grilled Fish, located on the 9th floor of 18 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, offers a unique experience: enjoying Cha Ca La Vong while admiring the panoramic view of Hanoi from above. While it may not be as famous as other longstanding establishments, the quality of the food makes a strong impression.
The ingredients are carefully selected and marinated to create a distinctive flavor profile. The highlight is the perfectly balanced shrimp paste dipping sauce, which complements the grilled fish. Additionally, the restaurant offers complimentary porridge, apple tea, and tofu dessert to neutralize the strong flavor of shrimp paste, a thoughtful touch appreciated by many. The restaurant is open from 10:30 to 22:00, with prices ranging from 150,000 – 300,000 VND.
With their diverse styles and flavors, these Cha Ca La Vong restaurants are excellent choices for visitors. This refined dish is not just a specialty but a part of Hanoi’s soul, praised by international media and top culinary websites as a must-try experience.
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