A Culinary Journey Through Hanoi: Savoring Michelin Bib Gourmand Recommendations — Chả Cá Thăng Long

Deep within the ancient and elegant Old Quarter of Hanoi lies a legendary dish that embodies the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine—Grilled Fish with Turmeric and Dill (Chả Cá Lã Vọng). Among the many eateries that preserve this classic dish, Chả Cá Thăng Long has won the favor of diners worldwide with its masterful technique and unwavering commitment to traditional flavors, earning it a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation. Stepping into Chả Cá Thăng Long, the enticing steam and unique aroma herald the start of a culinary feast. Here, only one main dish is served: fresh snakehead fish stew (Cá Lăng). This is not your average stew, but a tableside cooking experience imbued with a sense of ritual. A Symphony of Herbs with Golden Fish Slices: The chef debones and cuts the finest snakehead fish into chunks, then carefully marinates it with Vietnamese turmeric and a secret blend of spices, giving the fish an enticing golden hue. The fish fillets are first pan-fried until slightly crispy on the outside, while remaining delicate and tender on the inside. The dish reaches its climax when the hot oil is brought to the table and the fish fillets are stir-fried with a generous amount of vibrant green dill and scallions. In the sizzling heat, the earthy aroma of turmeric, the sweet and pungent scent of scallions, and the unique fresh herbal fragrance of dill burst forth, weaving together a spice concerto full of North Vietnamese flair. This is not merely a feast for the taste buds, but also an ultimate experience for both the eyes and the nose. To enjoy, the golden fish and softened herbs are removed from the pot and paired with white rice noodles (Bún), crunchy roasted peanuts, and abundant fresh cilantro. Finally, they are dipped in the crucial soul sauce—shrimp paste (Mắm Tôm)—or a spicy sauce made with fish sauce. The freshness of the fish, the crispness of the rice noodles, the crunch of the peanuts, the fragrance of the herbs, and the savory sweetness of the shrimp paste—all these elements achieve a perfect balance in the mouth, showcasing Vietnamese cuisine's precise mastery of the "five flavors." Chả Cá Thăng Long not only offers a delicious meal but also allows diners to deeply appreciate, through this pot of golden snakehead fish, the respect for fresh ingredients and the elegant adherence to traditional flavors inherent in Hanoi's culinary culture. It truly deserves its Michelin Bib Gourmand décor, a place coveted by countless gourmets. 📍Address: 6B, 2D, Dương Thành Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi