Are you planning to explore the culinary wonders of Hanoi? While the city boasts a variety of delicious dishes, one local specialty that you shouldn’t miss is cha ca La Vong. This dish has been around since 1871, and it’s still going strong today. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cha ca La Vong, including its history, where to find the best restaurants, and how to make it yourself.
Cha Ca La Vong: The Origin of a Classic Dish
Cha ca La Vong is a traditional dish that originated in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was invented by the Doan family, who were a group of skilled cooks in the city. The dish is made with fresh fish (typically catfish or snakehead fish), which is marinated in turmeric, ginger, and other spices. The fish is then grilled over charcoal until it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cooked fish is served with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, herbs, and a dipping sauce made from shrimp paste, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili.
The name “La Vong” comes from the street where the Doan family’s restaurant was located. The restaurant was a popular gathering spot for intellectuals and artists during the early 20th century. Writers like Nguyen Tuan and Thach Lam would often meet there to discuss literature and politics. Over time, cha ca La Vong became known as a quintessential Hanoi dish, and it’s now considered a cultural icon of the city.
The Ingredients of Cha Ca La Vong
To prepare cha ca La Vong, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Fresh fish (catfish or snakehead fish)
- Turmeric powder
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Rice noodles
- Roasted peanuts
- Herbs (mint, dill, lettuce)
- Shrimp paste
- Sugar
- Lime juice
- Chili
Cha Ca La Vong in Hanoi: Where to Eat
If you’re visiting Hanoi and want to try cha ca La Vong, there are several restaurants that specialize in this dish. Here are some of the most popular:
Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant
Address: 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
This is the original restaurant that invented cha ca La Vong. The place has been around for over a century and is still run by the Doan family. The restaurant’s interior has a traditional Vietnamese feel, with wooden furniture and lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Their version of cha ca La Vong is said to be the best in town, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
Cha Ca Thang Long
Address: 19-21-31 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Cha Ca Thang Long is another famous restaurant that serves cha ca La Vong. The restaurant has been around since 1993 and is known for its high-quality ingredients and excellent service. They use fresh fish from the nearby Chuong Duong Bridge market and cook it to perfection with their secret recipe of spices..
Cha Ca Anh Vu
Address: 116 Le Duan Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
This restaurant has been around for more than 20 years and is known for its delicious cha ca La Vong. They use a special kind of turmeric that gives the fish a unique flavor and color. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with wooden tables and chairs and soft lighting.
Chả cá Lã Vọng 14 phố Chả Cá Hà Nội
- Address: 14 Phố Chả Cá, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
- Contact: +84 24 3823 0680
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: VND 200,000 – 300,000 per person
This is the original home of chả cá Lã Vọng, and it is one of the most popular restaurants in Hanoi. The restaurant is known for its authentic chả cá Lã Vọng and its friendly atmosphere.
Chả cá Vọng Ngư 29 Nguyễn Chí Thanh
- Address: 29 Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi
- Contact: +84 24 3771 5034
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: VND 150,000 – 200,000 per person
This restaurant is known for its fresh fish and its delicious chả cá Lã Vọng. The restaurant also has a wide variety of other Vietnamese dishes on its menu.
Chả cá Thăng Long Đường Thành Hà Nội
- Address: 106 Đường Thành Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
- Contact: +84 24 3825 0883
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: VND 250,000 – 350,000 per person
This restaurant is known for its luxurious setting and its delicious chả cá Lã Vọng. The restaurant also has a wide variety of other Vietnamese dishes on its menu.
Chả cá Lã Vọng Lão Ngư
- Address: 105 Lò Đúc Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi
- Contact: +84 24 6329 2929
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: VND 150,000 – 200,000 per person
This restaurant is known for its large portions and its delicious chả cá Lã Vọng. The restaurant also has a wide variety of other Vietnamese dishes on its menu.
Chả cá Lã Vọng Nguyễn Trường Tộ Hà Nội
- Address: 154 Nguyễn Trường Tộ Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi
- Contact: +84 24 3771 5034
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: VND 100,000 – 150,000 per person
This restaurant is known for its affordable prices and its delicious chả cá Lã Vọng. The restaurant also has a wide variety of other Vietnamese dishes on its menu.
Nhà hàng chả cá Lã Vọng Hà Nội – Vua Chả Cá
- Address: 185 Hoàng Quốc Việt Street, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi
- Contact: +84 24 3771 5034
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: VND 200,000 – 300,000 per person
This restaurant is known for its spacious setting and its delicious chả cá Lã Vọng. The restaurant also has a wide variety of other Vietnamese dishes on its menu.
Chả cá Lã Vọng Cầu Giấy Hà Nội – 20 Nguyễn Văn Huyên
- Address: 20 Nguyễn Văn Huyên Street, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi
- Contact: +84 24 3771 5034
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: VND 150,000 – 200,000 per person
Making Cha Ca La Vong at Home: A Simple Recipe
If you can’t visit Hanoi anytime soon, you can still enjoy cha ca La Vong by making it at home. Here’s a simple recipe that you can try:
Ingredients
- 500g catfish fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Rice noodles
- Roasted peanuts
- Herbs (mint, dill, lettuce)
- Shrimp paste
- Sugar
- Lime juice
- Chili
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the turmeric powder, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and vegetable oil. Add the catfish pieces and stir to coat them evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Spread the marinated catfish pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, until they’re cooked through and golden brown.
- Whilethe cha ca La Vong is cooking, soak the rice noodles in hot water for 10-15 minutes until they’re soft. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- To make the dipping sauce, mix together 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and some chopped chili (to taste).
- To serve, place the cooked fish on a plate with the rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and herbs. Serve the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your homemade cha ca La Vong!
Conclusion: Cha Ca La Vong – A Dish That Defines Hanoi
Cha ca La Vong is more than just a dish – it’s a symbol of Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage and cultural identity. From its humble beginnings as a family recipe to its status as a world-famous dish, cha ca La Vong has come a long way. Whether you try it at a traditional restaurant or make it yourself at home, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So next time you visit Hanoi, don’t forget to add cha ca La Vong to your list of must-try dishes. Done.
