We stumbled on this place while walking to the basilica. "Hanoi" immediately stood out and caught our eyes as we walked by.
We entered and the pungent smell of fish sauce filled our noses. We knew this was going to be good. The place already had a long line to the door.
There is a food display counter at the front but the room has two shelves on the opposite sides of each walls filled with Asian sauces, noodles, etc. the counter is filled with the day's dishes to choose from. All food is for take out as they have no tables inside or out. However, use of the tables in the nearby square a few feet away is ok so long as you order an item from the owner such as a drink.
We ordered two "ga kho" (braised chicken), with rice, mango salad and a chicken pho. All were good sized except the pho which was served in a very small styrofoam cup.
The braised chicken and salad was a good change considering all the non Vietnamese dishes/food we've had all during our trip. It tasted like home cooking. The pho was not worth mentioning: 1) the size and 2) it didn't taste right but nonetheless, still edible.
The owner is a woman who is from Vietnam and she has had the restaurant for more than a year. Seems like they are doing well as the whole time we were there, people kept coming in.
I was skeptical about eating here so I walked around the area looking for an alternative. On my return, the wife and kids had bought and delved into the food. I managed to eat some but wasn't able to take any photos, regrettably.
Definitely will return and highly recommend if you're craving Vietnamese. read more
