Some meals are delicious, and some become a memory you know you'll carry with you. Our Friday…read moreevening at Một Hai Ba was absolutely the latter. One of the best meals I've had in Dallas, and honestly, one of the most memorable meals I've had anywhere.
We walked in around 6:30 p.m., spontaneously hoping the universe might have two seats available for us. Pablo greeted us at the door, and by the hair of our chinny chin chin, we landed two seats at the bar. This was my second visit and my partner's first, and I could not have imagined a better way to experience it together.
At the bar, we met Gabe, who feels very much like the godfather of Một Hai Ba. He welcomed us, shared a little of the restaurant's history, and immediately made us feel at home. We started with a beautiful German Sauvignon Blanc, something I hadn't realized Germany produced. It had this delicate, floral nose that reminded me of Riesling, followed by lovely tropical notes. Such a beautiful start.
The hamachi was bright, nuanced, and full of umami, with the lightest smokiness and char balanced by fresh crunch and a beautiful sauce. The buns with their spicy sauce were phenomenal. Then came the kimchi rice balls, which reminded me of arancini: a delicate, wonderfully crunchy exterior giving way to a creamy, decadent center. The kimchi brought this fresh brightness that balanced all that richness. Every element made the next taste better.
The pork and shrimp tempura was another standout. The sauce was tart and rich, with a savory, almost fish-like tang that complemented the crunchy batter and the pork and shrimp inside. But the dill on top really surprised me. To my palate, it brought this fresh, almost lemony aromatic quality. I never imagined dill could come across that way, and I loved it.
And then the shaken beef. I cannot say enough about this dish. The beef was so delicate and tender that it barely needed a knife. The sauce had this beautiful balance of sweetness, saltiness, and deep umami. The tomatoes were lightly charred yet still cool and fresh, giving each bite a bright, juicy burst. Spoon that sauce over the jasmine rice, and honestly, I could have kept eating it all night.
We finished with the Basque cheesecake and peaches from Tyler, East Texas. The cheesecake was so light and custardy that it reminded me of flan. The sweet peaches, star anise, and fragrant herbal notes made it such a beautiful ending. Even after everything we had eaten, this was a dessert worth savoring.
What made the evening extraordinary was how it all came together. The textures, flavors, aromatics, and hospitality felt like storytelling. Nothing felt disconnected. There was something to discover in every dish.
A huge thank-you to Pablo, Gabe, and Kate, aka Trouble. I had a very, very long week, and you made this evening feel special in a way I truly needed. There is something wonderful about ending your week somewhere that feels like being welcomed into someone's home.
Một Hai Ba reminds me of a little jewel box tucked away in a corner. Then you open it, and there are all these beautiful jewels shimmering inside, with a little ballerina turning in the mirrors. That is the feeling this restaurant gave me. Intimate, full of surprises, and absolutely magical.
So deserving of its Bib Gourmand recognition. Please go experience it for yourself.