For foodies in Hanoi, there’s one spot that’s a must-visit: Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá (Sister Luyến’s Fish Head Vermicelli). With its unique flavor and recipe, this modest eatery has won over the hearts (and stomachs) of discerning diners after just one taste. Join us as we explore this hidden gem!
1 Introducing Bún Cá Luyến, Hồng Phúc, Hanoi
Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá
Restaurant Quality: 4.4/5 (Google Review)
Address: 42 Hàng Đậu, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Usually busy from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
Price Range: 40,000 – 200,000 VND
Phone Number: 0934382772
Facebook: Luyến Bún Cá – 42 Hàng Đậu
Delivery: Available (Shopee Food, Grab Food)
Menu Highlights: Bún cá chả, bánh đa cá chả, bún cá chả lòng, bánh đa cá chả lòng, bún 2 mảnh đầu, bún 2 mảnh đầu và lòng, lòng xào dưa, trứng sốt cà chua, etc.
Signature Dish: Bún cá chả (Around 40,000 VND)
Pros: Delicious flavors, spacious and clean ambiance, affordable prices.
Cons: Occasionally, fish bones may not be completely removed.
Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá is not just about mouthwatering flavors, it’s an experience. The aroma and taste of the dishes are truly one-of-a-kind, and it’s a rare delicacy that few restaurants offer. This spot has captivated locals and tourists alike, luring them in with the promise of a unique culinary adventure.
2 What Makes Bún Cá Luyến So Enticing?
A Rare and Delicious Recipe
A Unique and Hard-to-Find Recipe
While bún cá (fish vermicelli) is a beloved dish across Vietnam, it’s only in Hanoi that diners can indulge in the unique treat of bún đầu cá (fish head vermicelli).
According to Chị Luyến, the owner and chef, this signature dish is her own creation, stemming from her early days in the culinary business. Having learned the art of cooking bún cá in her hometown, she brought her skills to Hanoi, where she tweaked the traditional recipe to make it even better.
Crispy and Delicious Fish Heads
In the early days of her business, Chị Luyến noticed that fish heads, often considered a waste product, were going unused. So, she decided to fry them up as a complimentary side dish for her customers. She recalls, “At first, I just fried the fish heads as a free extra. Back then, we only sold about 10kg of fish a day, a fraction of what we sell now. But soon, word spread, and people started coming specifically for the fish heads. These days, the fish heads are the main attraction, with the vermicelli almost like a side dish.”
Meticulously Cleaned and Prepared Fish Heads
Any change to a traditional dish is bound to invite some controversy, and Chị Luyến’s innovation was no exception. Some early diners expressed their dislike for fish heads, citing concerns about bones, toughness, and fishy odors. However, Chị Luyến addressed these worries head-on with her meticulous preparation, ensuring that the fish heads are thoroughly cleaned and deboned, leaving a delicious, bone-free, and odor-free treat.
A Bowl of Deliciousness: Bún Đầu Cá
The Delicious Appeal of Bún Đầu Cá
Each bowl of bún đầu cá at Chị Luyến’s is a culinary masterpiece, featuring vermicelli, broth, fish innards, and half a fish head. Diners can enhance their experience by ordering additional items like fish meat, fish eggs, or more innards and fish heads.
Delicious Sides: Fish Innards and Eggs
The fish heads are the star of the show, deep-fried to perfection in a hot wok until the outside is crispy and golden brown, and the bones are soft and the meat is tender. Other components, like fish cakes, innards, and meat, are also meticulously prepared to ensure a truly flavorful experience.
The Secret to the Delicious Broth
The broth is another key element that keeps customers coming back. Chị Luyến’s secret? A combination of fish bones and pig bones, creating a perfectly balanced sweet broth. She also adds a touch of natural sourness from tamarind and tomatoes, resulting in a flavorful, aromatic broth without the need for heavy seasoning.
From Street Stall to Bustling Restaurant
From Street Stall to Successful Restaurant
Chị Luyến’s humble beginnings started as a street stall, with a small space on the sidewalk. However, the irresistible flavors of her dishes quickly attracted a loyal following, allowing her to expand into a more spacious and comfortable restaurant.
Despite this growth, prices have remained affordable, with a bowl of bún đầu cá costing around 40,000 VND. Only when additional items are ordered do the prices increase, with some customers splurging up to 150,000 – 200,000 VND for a hearty meal.
A Small Restaurant with a Big Reputation
Chị Luyến shares, “I sell around 300-500 bowls a day, using about two tons of carp. We go through a lot more fish than vermicelli—only about 20kg of noodles are sold daily. We’re busiest during the weekdays, with weekends being a bit quieter.”
The attention to detail that Chị Luyến puts into her dishes extends beyond the food itself. The restaurant also offers generous portions of fresh herbs, fragrant beer, and attentive service, all of which contribute to a delightful dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
There you have it—a glimpse into the wonderful world of Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá on Hanoi’s Hồng Phúc Street. Don’t miss out on this unique culinary experience the next time you’re in the city!
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