Who would not love a meal that consists of fresh ingredients, is healthy, and not only looks great but tastes fantastic? That’s Vietnamese Cuisine for you – harmonious, diverse, healthy, and full of flavours. And, what better to enjoy an authentic Vietnamese meal than be at the new dining destination in Indiranagar – Hanoi.
As Chief Chef and partner Vu Thi Ngoc Diep rightly says, “Come experience Hanoi – it’s not merely a dining experience, it’s the gateway to a new world.”
Hanoi’s food speaks volumes of Vietnam’s culture, staying true to its roots. It is all about flavour, flavour, and more flavour. While I tried a handful of dishes, there were 4 that were just extraordinary.
I was blown away by the first serving Canh Chua Ca (Sour Soup with Okra). The first thing I noticed was ‘Okra’ and was a bit skeptical like everyone else – Okra in a soup? Wouldn’t it be gluey? All questions were put out to rest with the first spoonful of bliss. It was a bowl fool of flavours, with Okra leading from the front as a hero ingredient. The sweetness from the pineapple, the tanginess from tomato and tamarind, and the punch of fish combined with the uniqueness of Okra were a match made in the kitchen.
Cha La Lot (Betel Leaf Wrapped with the choice of (Chicken, Beef, Veg). I chose the chicken and probably this is one of the best food combinations I have come across. Not to forget, the flavours packed in the betel leaf with Vietnamese spices. This cannot be missed if you are in Hanoi.
The next dish that wowed me was a Banh Mi or Baguette Sandwich. Well, one would think how good a sandwich can be to be on the must-try list. At Hanoi, expect a Sandwich to pack flavours like no other. A melange of pickled green papaya, carrot, slices of cucumber, chili sauce, a general sprinkling of cilantro leaves, a few dashes of Sriracha sauce, and a spread of butter and mayonnaise. A bite of it will bring a sprint of spicy, salty, sour, savory, sweet, and aromatic – all at once.
Bun Cha is a meal in itself. It is a Vietnamese bowl dish of grilled patty and noodles. A traditional recipe of grilled patty over charcoal in garlic laced nuoc mam (fish sauce), along with vermicelli and herbs, the flavours in this wholesome bowl will leave you surprised.
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Rating: 4.5/5
Where: Hanoi, 12th Main Road, Indiranagar
Cost: 1700++ for two