Mark Scanlan
Google
The Old Quarter is difficult navigating by google maps but I ‘find’ this delightful space, up an enchanting entrance and am genuinely welcomed.
They only do one thing, so just let the service flow. Cha Ca is ‘mud fish’ (I thought ‘muddy’ tasting like some Barramundi can taste but I never detected mud flavours. The waiter cooks in front of you with noodles, peanuts, dill, shallots and a light sauce with chilli to your preference. Two spring rolls round out the set meal.
The place is busy at 7.00pm, and the service quick, fast turnover of tables. The 179,000 dong price + beer at 30,000 is reasonable but a service and vat charge appear on the final bill. Hate that!
The menu says if you come to Hà Nội and you don’t sample this cuisine then you haven’t really experienced the city. Id have to agree but I’ve never eaten so much dill in one sitting before!!