Chả cá Hàng Sơn Aeon Mall Long Bien
Chả cá Hàng Sơn, a renowned restaurant chain in Hanoi, specializes in a single dish: the famous Hanoian delicacy, Chả cá. Embark on a culinary journey with me as I share my experience at this establishment, where flavors and aromas take center stage.
Discovering the Location
My first encounter with this delectable dish was at Chả Cá Thăng Long, near Tong Duy Tan. The enticing aroma wafted through the air, drawing me closer. Intrigued by the flavors, we decided to try Chả cá Lã Vọng at Chả cá Hàng Sơn. We chose the branch located in Aeon Mall Long Bien, which proved ideal for our family outing with a baby in tow.
Tables in Chả cá Hàng Sơn Aeon Mall Long Bien
The mall provided ample space for us to explore, shop for groceries, and enjoy a unique dining experience. Chả cá Hàng Sơn's location exuded elegance, a departure from traditional Vietnamese restaurants. As part of a franchise, this restaurant boasts a more upscale ambiance than your typical Chả cá establishment.
Beautiful painting on the wall
Given that Chả cá Lã Vọng is a relatively expensive dish in Vietnam, the restaurant's classy atmosphere matches the elevated prices. The tastefully adorned tables and chairs, along with captivating paintings adorning the walls, create a visually pleasing dining environment.
Clean and modern tables at Chả cá Hàng Sơn Aeon Mall Long Bien
The modern and hygienic tables are equipped with brand new induction heaters and aspiration systems, further enhancing the dining experience. As a franchise present in Aeon Mall, Chả cá Hàng Sơn maintains a high standard, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable visit for patrons.
Exploring the Menu
The menu is clean and simple
One aspect that particularly impressed me about Chả cá Hàng Sơn is the simplicity of their menu. With four pages and ample white space, the restaurant's focus is clear: Chả cá. By specializing in this dish, they can dedicate their attention to perfecting every aspect, with the remaining dishes serving as complementary options.
The core dish consists of a pan filled with succulent fish, aromatic herbs, and optional additions such as peanuts, vermicelli (bun), and a choice of sauce: nuoc mam or mam tom. It's important to note that each portion of fish typically contains only 4-5 pieces, so for two people, ordering a minimum of two portions is necessary. As a party of three, we supplemented our order with intestine and some french fries, ensuring a satisfying meal.
Alcohol menu from Chả cá Hàng Sơn
Chả cá Hàng Sơn exhibits a deep understanding of the perfect accompaniments for their signature dish, whether it's side dishes, drinks, or alcohol. Regardless of your choice, you can rest assured that their well-curated selection contributes to a delightful dining experience.
The Memorable Experience
Our overall experience at Chả cá Hàng Sơn was enjoyable. However, as a party of two, ordering multiple items resulted in an empty table that lacked the lively ambiance of larger groups.
Our order arriving at the table after 10 minutes
One aspect that surprised us was the relatively small portion of fish for the price, especially considering the expectations set by various YouTube videos. However, the prompt service compensated for this, with a waitress cooking the dish in just five minutes. Thus, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and savor the flavors.
As a first-time Chả cá enthusiast, I was blown away by the incredible taste. The dish boasts a refined flavor profile, obtained through the use of cumin, ginger, and other carefully selected ingredients like fish sauce, combined with aromatic herbs such as dill and scallion. The cooking process releases the essence of these herbs and spices, combining with the fish's natural oils to create an enchanting aroma. The exquisite taste, when combined with the bun, peanuts, and mam tom sauce, results in a truly exceptional dish.
This refined Vietnamese delicacy is sure to captivate foreigners, offering a perfect introduction to the country's cuisine.
The sugar cane tea was delicious
To complement our meal, we opted for Trà mía lá nếp, a unique sugarcane tea that perfectly complemented the main dish.
Jelly dessert from Chả cá Hàng Sơn
As a delightful dessert, we were treated to homemade jelly made from a plant similar to Cao Bang's Thach An jelly, but with a stronger flavor. While it may not appeal to everyone, it certainly delighted my taste buds.
The Final Verdict
On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate Chả cá Hàng Sơn a solid 7.8.
Chả cá Hàng Sơn is undoubtedly a safe choice for those seeking an authentic Chả cá Lã Vọng experience. While I cannot claim it is the absolute best in town, it presents a reliable option for adventurous individuals eager to indulge in this iconic dish.
I firmly believe that foreigners should seize the opportunity to savor Chả cá at least once, particularly those who enjoy exploring new culinary experiences. This dish, prepared with fish, cumin, and aromatic herbs, is not only a delightful treat but also a healthy choice, free from the heavy aftereffects of indulging in fatty meats or poorly prepared sushi.
Information
- Chả Cá Hàng Sơn
- Address: 3rd floor Aeon Mall Long Bien, 27 Đ. Cổ Linh, Long Biên, Hà Nội
- Phone: 024 6680 6189
- Website: https://chacahangson.vn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chacahangson
