If you were to encapsulate the culinary experience of a city into one or two adjectives, what word would you use to describe the taste of the places you've visited? Exchanging those adjectives for a typical Hanoi delicacy, I will not hesitate to introduce to my friends from all over the world La Vong Fish Cake.
Not as popular as vermicelli or as famous as hot pho that has become national brands, La Vong Fish Cake is more retracted as a typical culinary style, rare and difficult to find for diners who have visited Hanoi and had the opportunity to enjoy. A hot and fragrant pan of grilled lentils not only brings unforgettable flavors but also an experience with the whole senses; From the cozy feeling by the fire, the sizzle of boiling fat, fish and vegetables stirring, to the aroma brought up by the warm smoke and the delicious bite spreading from the first bite... All bring a unique style full of nostalgia.
Photo: @ngocsfood
Exquisite cuisine passed down through generations
Originating from a small restaurant at 14 Hang Son (now renamed Cha Ca city. La Vong fish cake has quickly become famous throughout Hanoi. La Vong Fish Cake is usually served with 03 parts: Lentil fish cake is served on a hot pan, dipping sauce with shrimp paste served with sugar - lemon - chili for diners to serve themselves, and side dishes such as vermicelli, rice cakes, roasted peanuts, onions, and chopped onion heads are brought out one after another. The ingredients are not very sophisticated, but for customers who have tasted them, just a small spice is missing. the dish will also no longer be complete.
In addition to the exquisite combination of ingredients on the table, the special feature that makes each fish cake restaurant famous also lies in the secret of marinating and processing. With four indispensable characteristic flavors including spicy turmeric, spicy and sour taste, fragrant galangal root juice and fragrant shrimp paste, fresh pieces of lentils cut into chess pieces are marinated for at least 02-03 hours. Then, when the worker turns his hands evenly, the grilled fish is cooked and not dried, golden like the color of a verandah, and the sweetness of the meat radiates all over the place.
Photo: @thuhoai.ltth
The old place - the new perfect each other and the intact value remains forever
Over time, La Vong Fish Cake today has been streamlined compared to the early stage when this delicacy appeared. Strong, sweet, boneless lentils are sometimes exchanged for banana fish or scallion at a cheaper price. Hot charcoal stoves occasionally crack on the dining table for diners to enjoy the pleasure of slowly grilling fish replaced by a convenient gas stove. Eggplant essential oil, which used to be sold in drops to mix with lemon shrimp paste or batches of vermicelli cakes ordered specifically to fit a bite, is now not easy to find.
It's simpler than that, but La Vong Fish Cake restaurants are always crowded with local customers who book a table in advance or people from far away to visit. Because although there are no more sophisticated "decreases", although the somewhat stylish way of enjoying has now been modified to be faster and more compact, La Vong Fish Cake is always a standard. Although the outer mustache has been reduced, the ingredients and processing are still intact as before, which are the most core parts that make up the characteristic taste of this dish.
Photo: Lorca.vn
If you have never enjoyed La Vong Fish Cake, here are a few addresses you can visit as soon as you think of this dish.
La Vong Fish Cake
Address: No. 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The first address to serve and make Hanoi diners know the name La Vong Fish Cake
(shop does not have FB)
Thang Long Fish Cake
Address: No. 19-21 Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem Hanoi
The restaurant does not have a second branch and is suitable for small groups of 4-5 people sitting together at a small table
Facebook: fb.com/Chả-cá-Thăng-Long-501887599897260
Photo: Dulich3mien
King of Fish Cakes
Address: No. 09 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The system has many branches to choose from. The restaurant is large, always crowded with customers whenever I visit, but it is an ideal place for large gatherings such as a meal with a three-generation family or a group of colleagues at the company
Facebook: fb.com/vuachaca.vn
Emperor Fish Cake for the souls of Saigon
By chance and unintentionally, it was my colleague who was my favorite and led me to this restaurant. If you belong to the people of Saigon who "every time you go to Hanoi, you have to go to eat La Vong Fish Cake to reduce your cravings," don't forget to save this address!
Facebook: fb.com/ChaCaDeVuongVN
Leisure by Kris