5 Strange Exotic Hotpots of Hanoi

Pigeon Hotpot on Hoe Nhai Street

Pigeon Hotpot

A rather unforeseen consequence of having too enticing a dining menu at the local pub!

Nam Duong Tuu Quan is now famous not just for its pigeon hotpot but also for its carefully curated selection of homemade liquors. One may notice that a significant number of patrons at 21 Hoe Nhai are female, which is quite unusual for local pubs often crowded with enthusiastic male drinkers. They are drawn in for the pigeon hotpot!

The standout feature of pigeon hotpot is its broth, which resembles a very liquid porridge, slowly boiled with pigeon earlier in the process. Most other hotpots shy away from using porridge, making this dish a unique delight. The hot, steamy rice soup is infused with the sweet essence of marrow, accompanied by tender pieces of meat, blended with a rich assortment of herbs, vegetables, and mushrooms. The result is a sensory experience that leaves one craving more, despite the bubbling pot that teases the senses. You may find yourself wanting to savor every drop!

Regardless, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Four diners can share a pot for approximately 400,000 VND. Chances are you won't stop at just one!

Snail Hotpot on Truong Chinh Street

Snail Hotpot - Photo: Giadinh.tv Image caption

Such hotpots are hard to find in Hanoi, but when they're available, they remain unmatched in flavor. The street stall in the winding Khuong Thuong alley, just off Truong Chinh Avenue, has been serving their iconic snail hotpot for over 40 years, gaining fame since the turbulent days of the past.

Along with the intriguingly spicy and sour broth, snail hotpot includes some delightful ingredients. It features snails, dumplings, wontons, and rolls, all crafted from this distinct creature. It also includes locally made fried tofu, unripe banana, and succulent pork belly slices, combining to create an unmistakable dish with a captivating aroma and taste.

A pot will likely cost the four of you around 350,000 VND. Although it may seem pricey, considering its peasant food origins, it's worth every dong!

Mudskipper Hotpot on Van Cao Street

Mudskipper Hotpot - Photo: @christinetran_2512

The fish and the hotpot itself are common in the south but only recently made their way to the northern dining scene. Mudskipper hotpot has a dedicated fan base, but it's still a rare find in Hanoi, making it somewhat exotic. One of the few restaurants offering this dish is Mrs. Sau’s Hotpot, located at 75 Van Cao. You don’t need to look further for an authentic taste - the name alone exhibits a southern flair!

This hotpot's defining feature is the use of river leaves (Aganonerion polymorphum), which lend a subtly bitter yet aromatic taste. The broth presents a mouthwatering sweet and sour blend. The mudskippers are small but boast a tender texture and rich flavor as they absorb the broth beautifully. The must-have vegetables served with this hotpot are water hyssop and sliced banana flower, along with some water spinach to enrich the dish.

A steaming pot for 400,000 VND might seem steep, especially since it usually serves only two, but considering that the ingredients are transported all the way from the southern provinces, it’s a fair price for a unique experience.

Chicken-in-vinegar Hotpot on Tran Nhan Tong Street

Chicken Vinegar Hotpot - Photo: afamily.vn

This quaint street-side eatery features a typical chicken-centric menu but stands out for its unique takes on classic dishes. One such dish is the chicken-in-vinegar hotpot served at 52 Tran Nhan Tong.

The highlight here is the hill chicken—free-range birds that yield thick, juicy meat and uniquely textured skin, offering a taste unmatched by farmed counterparts. Guests rave about the exquisite broth, which the owner proudly claims is enhanced by a special homemade rice liquor crafted specifically for it. While the legend remains contested, many concur that this dish offers an extraordinary twist on the traditional chicken hotpot.

A pot suitable for 5 to 6 people is estimated to cost around 400,000 VND. The owner is friendly and approachable, and the service is typically swift.

Frog Hotpot on Truc Bach Street

Frog Hotpot - Photo: @yenle4689

The narrow road leading away from the iconic Thanh Nien, adjacent to Truc Bach Lake, has garnered a reputation for a beloved specialty—frog hotpot. While many vendors offer this dish, Ngân Béo at 43 Truc Bach (affectionately known as Fat Mama Ngan, named after its owner) is perhaps the most renowned and frequently takes top honors for taste.

This hotpot tends to be on the spicy side. Preparing it is labor-intensive, as the frogs must be carefully butchered, with only select cuts deemed suitable for the pot. The meat is marinated deeply and often served half-cooked with bamboo sprouts. Diners dip the ingredients into the bubbling pot, where a well-prepared frog hotpot boasts an intensely rich and spicy flavor. It comes paired with water spinach and sliced bamboo shoots. Many Hanoians crave this dish during the colder months.

A typical pot for two will set you back around 400,000 VND, which is relatively high compared to other options. However, its robust flavor, unique ingredients, and satisfying taste will leave diners longing for a return visit.

Caution: frogs can harbor parasites detrimental to health. Ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before consuming. Additionally, while Fat Mama has faced mixed reviews for customer service, alternative vendors nearby may pay more attention to customer satisfaction.

Happy feasting!