5 Best Places To Try Cha Ca - Hanoi's Legendary Fried Fish

Cha Ca Anh Vũ Restaurant

Among the numerous methods to prepare Anh Vu Carp - known scientifically as semilabeo notabilis, a species of cyprinid native to Vietnam, Chả Cá is considered the most complex due to its meticulous requirements from the initial stages of preparation to the final plating. Every detail, especially the seasoning, is crucial, as even the slightest deviation can disrupt the balance and negatively impact the dish.

Photo: @___ectasy___

Cha Ca Anh Vu delights with its exquisite flavor and remains surprisingly affordable, approximately $24 for a meal serving up to four people. Pairing this dish with one or two glasses of red wine can elevate your dining experience even further.

Address: 116 K1 Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant

Cha Ca La Vong is emblematic of Vietnam's capital city. Named after a street in the Hanoi Old Quarter, this dish has been a staple since it was first served to Hanoian culinary enthusiasts by the Đoàn family during the French colonial period. It continues to be one of the most cherished dishes and a great source of pride for Hanoi's residents.

Photo: @vumaioanh

For the ultimate flavor, Cha Ca La Vong is best enjoyed while still sizzling in the pan. Diners are encouraged to grasp the fish pieces and ladle some hot oil from the pan over it before savoring it alongside rice vermicelli, peanuts, coriander, dill, spiced fresh onion, and the essential mắm tôm (fermented shrimp paste).

Address: 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Cha Ca Kinh Kỳ Restaurant

Cha Ca Kinh Kỳ stands out as a popular destination, attracting a large number of both locals and international visitors. Each piece of fish is meticulously selected before undergoing a thorough seasoning process and grilling over an open coal flame.

Photo: @maket86

Upon taking an order, the attentive staff promptly brings a portable stove, places a pan on it, and heats vegetable oil. The golden grilled fish, accompanied by fresh herbs like coriander and basil, pickled onions, a bowl of peanuts, rice vermicelli, and a robust bowl of mắm tôm with a dash of aromatic cà cuống essence captures the very essence of Hanoi's culinary offerings.

Address:

• 25 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam.
• 621 Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam.
• 41 Huynh Thuc Khang, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam.
• 172 Nguyen Son, Long Bien, Hanoi, Vietnam.
• 104 Hoa Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Cha Ca Lão Ngư Restaurant

When discussing Chả Cá, the prime fish for preparation is traditionally hermibagrus. However, due to its scarcity and cost, snakehead fish has become the most commonly used ingredient in chả cá dishes. At Lão Ngư Restaurant, catfish is utilized instead, offering a tender and slightly oily alternative to snakehead fish.

Photo: @manhstagram_

For those looking to enhance their dining experience, exploring dishes such as fried fish stomach is highly recommended. While this may seem unusual to some, it is one of the highlights worth experiencing, with other menu items waiting to be discovered.

Address: 171 Thai Ha, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Cha Ca Thang Long Restaurant

Cha Ca Thang Long has a uniquely captivating flavor that is best appreciated through experience rather than words. All ingredients and preparations are specially curated and unique to Cha Ca Thang Long.

Photo: @thefood_lady When asked about the recipe’s secret, the restaurant owner attributes it to a passion for cooking, a commitment to preserving traditional recipes, and an aspiration to make Cha Ca as renowned as Pho on the global stage.

Address: 19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam.