Cha Ca Thang Long

Địa chỉ: 21 -31 Phố Đường Thành - Quận Hoàn Kiếm - Hà Nội

Whilst being in Hanoi and having watched Rick Stein showcase Cha Ca La Vong as the place to go for this fish dish we had it in our minds to give it a try if we had a chance.

One of Angela’s uncles met us at the hotel to take us out. There was a taxi to take us, but after an exchange of words we all got back out. Seems like it wasn’t far enough to be worth him taking us through the “busy” traffic. Busy Hanoi traffic is another thing altogether, for another time and article.

This was April and around 28 degrees at night. Not as hot as the 40 degrees that followed when we left. So after a fairly short walk it turns out, we sat down in readiness.

They put a big pan on top of a fuel burner in the middle of the table. The pan was set cooking with chunks of fish coated in turmeric and then a load of dill and spring onion was added.

The waiters then showed us how to eat this dish.

We had to add some white pho noodles into our bowl, then the fish and herbs, sprinkle of peanuts and then a dash of some grey sauce which was a shrimp paste. Then using the chopsticks you turn the whole lot over several times to distribute the flavours.

I enjoyed it. It was definitely something I have never had before or even anything close to the taste.
Is it up there in the must-haves of the food world? I wouldn’t say so. But if you are there, then go for it.