The Charm of the Ancient Town @ Bistro Hoi An

Last Sunday, I gathered with friends to enjoy some Vietnamese cuisine! The restaurant's beautiful ambiance is definitely Instagram-worthy, and the food quality was outstanding with reasonable prices, which was a delightful surprise. The restaurant, Bistro Hoi An, is located in ELEMENTS. I remember visiting their branch at Gold Coast before, where the relaxing vacation vibe left a great impression. The new location has taken it up a notch with exquisite decor, making you feel as if you've been transported to Vietnam. The restaurant spans two floors with an outdoor terrace seating area! As soon as you step into the ground floor, you're greeted by an overwhelming display of lanterns that is truly eye-catching. Walking up the stairs under the sea of lanterns, you reach the second-floor dining area! The decor exudes the charm of an ancient Vietnamese town, with soft lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows creating a very comfortable environment. From 3 to 8 PM daily, you can enjoy a 20% discount on selected drinks. I chose the Mocktail HOI AN CÔNG CHÚA (HOI AN PRINCESS) for $78! Made with lychee, lime juice, elderflower syrup, and rose sparkling tea, it was full of floral and fruity aromas, with a sweet and tangy taste that was utterly captivating. My companion opted for the Cocktail HANOI NIGHTS for $98! Crafted with cocoa liqueur, Italian orange bitter, kumquat syrup, and tonic water, it had a subtle kumquat flavor and a slightly intoxicating charm. We started with a variety of appetizers to whet our appetites. Vietnamese Raw Shrimp Sashimi $138! Made with fresh and crunchy Vietnamese tiger prawns, seasoned with citrus fish sauce and shallots, the dish was refreshingly tangy and delicious. Minced Pork Stir-Fried Cauliflower $98! Ordinary cauliflower was transformed with dried shrimp, minced pork, Thai basil, cilantro, and mint leaves, creating a flavorful and crunchy dish that was incredibly appealing. Vietnamese Pomelo Grilled Shrimp Salad $138! Featuring grilled prawns, crispy coconut shreds, and mint leaves, paired with a delightful sweet and salty coconut sugar fish sauce, this dish was absolutely charming. Vietnamese Stir-Fried Frog Legs $138! This dish is highly recommended. The frog legs were tender and flavorful, complemented by lemongrass, chili, and caramelized fish sauce, creating a multi-layered taste that was simply amazing. Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi $128! The small and delicate baguette was filled with lemongrass-grilled chicken, foie gras, pickled vegetables, and herbs. The bread was crispy yet not tough, and the filling was fresh and flavorful. Fans of Vietnamese baguettes will surely be satisfied. Moving on to the main courses, we tried the Signature Egg Curry Soft-Shell Crab $198! The soft-shell crab was fried to a crispy perfection without being greasy, and the basil aroma in the curry made the dish particularly enticing. Paired with crispy baguette, the texture was even more delightful. Foie Gras Stir-Fried Prawns $288! Annatto seeds, a natural coloring agent, gave the dish a beautiful orange-red hue, adding both color and a unique aroma. The combination with foie gras added a decadent flavor to the prawns. Signature Crab Meat Fried Rice $158! Packed with ingredients like Chinese sausage, cabbage, chili, and herbs, along with sweet and fresh crab meat, every bite was filled with happiness. Hoi An Roasted Suckling Pig $288! Served with homemade pickled vegetables, herbs, lettuce, and Sriracha seafood sauce. After taking photos, the staff helped us cut it into pieces. Before it was cut, let me show you how big the suckling pig was, haha. The suckling pig was roasted to a crispy perfection without any gamey taste! Wrapped in lettuce with homemade pickled vegetables and mint leaves, it was crisp and refreshing, with the pickled vegetables and mint leaves balancing the richness perfectly. Lemongrass Coconut Sugar Grilled Yellow Chicken $186 for half a chicken! The chicken was marinated to perfection, retaining its tender texture. It could be dipped in Hoi An's three-flavor sauce to enhance the taste, offering two different yet equally delightful flavors in one dish. For dessert, we shared three options! After such a satisfying meal, the portion was just right. Homemade Ice Cream $68! Two scoops of ice cream, with flavors of coconut sorbet and Belgian caramel biscuit, were creamy and sweet, making for a delightful post-meal treat. Vietnamese Espresso Ice Cream $72! The Belgian caramel biscuit ice cream paired perfectly with espresso. Coffee lovers must try this Affogato. Caramel Popcorn Banana $72! This dessert was all about texture, featuring crispy popcorn, soft bananas, and plenty of raspberry crisps, paired with chilled Belgian caramel biscuit ice cream for a rich and flavorful experience. If you love Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy Instagram-worthy restaurants, this place is perfect for you. On a good day, you can even enjoy the Magic Hour, making it an excellent choice for dining.