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30 reviews or comments posted; 1 questions asked; 16 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (30) see all
(This review is of their BBQ)
Came here courtesy of New Hanoian and Festa (Thanks Guys!). Although I knew it was a risk, decided to take my girl and her fam in tow as I'd heard good things and admittedly had somewhat high expectations. I was not let down.
While this place has received pretty radically different reviews on their food, there seems to be unanimous consent on their atmosphere. Lighting and tones are subtle and the place is very clean. Music played softly in the background. I would say ideal for romantic dinner or good conversation.
Staff were very attentive, one waiter in particular (unfortunately didn't catch his name) went out of his way to help and carefully explains things in both Vietnamese and English. We were never bothered but nor did we have to wait when something was needed. Marco, the owner, was kind and informative, checking on both us and other guests but not intrusive or sycophantic.
On to the important stuff. The meal started with a selection of breads, at least 4 varieties, that were all fresh and delicious and served with olive oil and vinaigrette. A large bowl of salad with fresh ingredients, including big chunks of blood red perfectly ripened tomato was served and then refilled when we devoured it. BBQ is, of course, truly about the meat. First, a large sausage platter was served with 3 different types of sausages. Two of them were good, no complaints, but the 3rd type, a breaded or battered kind, was truly outstanding. These were followed by a motley crew of meat that included chicken, ham steak, and burgers. I've not yet seen ham steaks like this in Vietnam, and both their cut and flavoring was good. The burgers were cooked just the way I like them, a bit pinkish (sorry Brits, but grey meat is for prison, dormitories, and y'all only) however definitely could have used more seasoning, they were a bit bland.
All in all I was thinking 4 star as I to get 5 that extra something special was needed...then the Marco brought out the big guns (for boozers anyway). Turns out that Festa has a selection of homemade liqueurs that are absolutely not to be missed. We started with a lemon flavor, and after singing its praises were offered the rhambutan one as well. The trick to these things to me is to make them sweet enough to enjoy but not head to slurpee or cough syrup sweetness. These were great, particularly the SouthEast Asian twist of 'rhambutinis'. Really not to be passed up.
Finally, it seems this place has sponsored a variety of different reactions to their food. I would say that if you find something not to your standards, speak up. Marco seemed a very genuine guy who sincerely wanted guests to have a good experience. If yours isn't, a polite word to him can only help your cause. Enjoy!
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Ok so its your typical Highlands I really wannabe Starbucks coffee, but it ain't.
The amazing thing about one of the first chains in Vietnam is how un-chainlike they are. While menus, logos, and uniforms are the same, quality and service seem to vary greatly from locale to locale of the ubiquitous Highlands coffee straddling whatever landmark or commercial center you find in Vietnam.
Though not usually a big Highland's fan I have been to the opera house branch 3 days in a row and have to say that you'd be hard pressed to find a better place to soak up the sun. The branch next to the opera house is entirely outdoor, nestled in the courtyard between the Opera House and the Hilton with great views of both. Couches and seating are cozy as to be expected with Highlands and an easy place to spend an afternoon. Coffee aint bad but aint great, its a bit pricey but your paying for the view. Then again you aren't, as a good friend pointed out any other cafe in the world nestled between an opera house and a 5 star hotel would be charging much much more. Food is standard and unimpressive coffee shop stuff, although the breakfasts here are better than the same ones at hanoi towers- well cooked eggs and nicely fried hash browns as opposed to runny and soft. With a free coffee thrown in 50 k aint terrible. I have heard that there were problems with the service before but all of my visits have been hassle free and I've been well looked after. One thing to absolutely avoid here and all highlands are the so called cocktails. I once order a screw driver at vincom towers which should have been called a screw customer. It came pre mixed with no ice and I s$%t you not there was less than 1.5oz of liquid in the glass. I insisted they take it back before I took a sip and went with a hiney instead. A friend ordered a g&t here the other day and it was similarly abysmal. Not a place to booze it up.
If looking for a great place to spend a sunny (sober) afternoon with hints of luxury, this is the shizzel.
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A perfect place to take your hot Vietnamese supermodel date as all Hanoi's trendissimos love to be spotted here, the atmosphere is more elegant than one would ever expect from a restaurant specializing in a dish started by the Mongol Hordes, and the food is the type she can pretend to eat all night with out actually gaining a single calorie and altering the balance of her chic anorexic frame.
My kind words aside, there are some pluses to this hall of haute couture. Number one, vegetarians love this place. There are scores of mushroom varieties to choose from and as not a huge fungi fan myself there is still plenty here that I find mouth watering. They do have meat as well so those insisting upon being carnivorous can order a separate bowl with something to sink their fangs into. The place on TVV is in a luxurious old villa that is nicely decorated and has a majority of customers in suits or semi-formal evening wearso if longing for pretense in cozy Hanoi this could be your place. For entertainment, one need look no further than the comical English translations on the menu, accolades to anyone with the cajones to put the word 'spunk' on menu (Cow spunk mushroooms,HMMM! so tell me, Garcon... what is that secret ingredient???)
And now for the downers. First, Its expensive, for both standard hot pot and all the extra ingredients/drinks your charged for. One night there with about 10 people and 2 decently stocked pots, plus 2 rounds of beers wound up at about 150k per person. Again, we're talking about a meal originally prepared in the helmets of Khan's minions around a campfire near the latest town they pillaged and later seen as a great student food cause 10 could share the bill and the fun of 1 bowl, this aint your Ong's Lau anymore. Second, service sucks!, I really don't know where they got these people but they manage to screw up nearly everything. Not hard when trying to translate cow spunk mushroom but Heineken and Tiger sound totally different in every language. We made reservations once, they told us that the only available time was 8:30 then called at 8 to say the table was ready and come down. When we arrived at the pre-booked time, we weren't let in as the restaurant was out of broth. Broth, no broth, in a soup restaurant, C'mon! Three, you will wait and wait and wait. The place is always packed and you'll be lucky to get your order within 1/2 hour, which is the first time you get it and you have to factor in the 3 times you send it back for them to get it right. This leads to 4. Unless you are really a supermodel with physique to match you will most likely be left hungry as portions are by no means large. Granted you may have the illusion of a full belly from the broth (if they dont run out) but within an hour you'll be home (having forked out 3 pink Uncle Hos a person) ordering a pizza.
All this being said it should be known that the majority of Hanoians must disagree as Ashima is constantly packed, meaning perhaps they need not worry about service or size or value. Still, one would hope they change some things around or once the trend of eating spunk wears off, as it inevitably will, they face a fate similar to their Mongol predecessors and fade into history.
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Long a favorite (not a type-o, American e.g. superior spelling, don't like it then I'll listen when your country becomes a number one world SUPERPOWER!) of the RMIT crowd for post work brews, this place deserves kudos for its high quality decently priced beers, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service.
500 mL of pure Czech goodness will saturate your gullet for the measly price of 30,000 VND. While admittedly 10 times the price of its bia hoi cousins, its also 4 times the size and a 100 times the quality. Undoubtedly the hardcore proletariat will be unimpressed but one must enjoy a little luxury from time to time. Here its available in both gold and black varieties. The gold is good and as to be expected the black's a bit heavier and a bit more bitter, but dark beer fans will likely be impressed. I also seemed to recall a red variety last summer but it wasn't there last week and recollection and big cups of beer aren't friends at the best of times, so don't quote me. Size-wise yo u can get little (330 ml?) big (500ml) and although I was not aware of this until recently, 1L steins that make great photo opps. Be warned though, a dear friend consumed 3 of those bad boys in an hour and a half one evening while waiting for another friend and I to get facials (moment of fem weakness) and proceeded on a rampage of destruction that left him feeling 10 years older the next day.
The setting of the place is great. Its very near the temple of literature (though a bit of a b@tch to find the first few times round) and is in a large enclosed courtyard with a small windmill out front. The courtyard has covered seating on both sides outside for drizzly winter days but the middle is open and tree-shaded for rare moments of Hanoi sun. There is also seating inside the villa, very spacious but lacks all the charm of the outside seats.
Service is fairly friendly and on the ball. The girls are a bit shy to non vina speaking foreigners but have enough English to get by, some simple Vn phrases will earn smiles and a bit more attentiveness throughout your evening. My aforementioned friend enjoyed one of his behemoth brews with the owner of the place, a seemingly quiet and modest man who spent several years in Czechoslovakia when it was still one country . Apparently he also imports wine, which is also on offer here so those of you with more class and thicker wallets may want to check that out.
Food is good but a bit pricey. There's a wide variety of standard vina fare that's pretty delish and very clean, served on proper plates with all utensils to the standards of a decent western place. Alas none of the cracked plates and chipped glasses that add character, but its not that kind of venue. Beer snack wise one would be hard-pressed to find more scrumptious onion rings in the capital, fatty fresh golden fried served in a large mound that will disappear much quicker than you think.
Usually this would be about the point I'd say something critical but I have nothing to say, its a great chill spot. 4 instead of 5 because there's nothing that makes me go absolutely Wow about the place. Still, a great little spot where I've relished many evenings and look forward to a few more on my last few weeks in Hanoi.
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KAM MOTHERF&*&ING PAI Hanoians!!! Another reason why the TVV kicks bonzai booty (refer to address...YOU ON THE TVV? YEAH YOU KNOW ME!) This place is somewhat unfortunately never too crowded but the last 3 saturday's I've gone there I've been greeted by their great layout in the front, the friendly chorus of japanese greetings yelled by vietnamese staff, and 2 japanese guys one older one younger seated at the bar munchin and boozin. The older one always has a kitten his lap which he'll hold up to say hi to you with a smile before your whisked upstairs to your private room (should you so chose) for a dining bonanza (should you so chose). A is for Atmosphere and Ambience.
Once seated and comfortable in your own room, complete with the hole in floor and sliding door, you can divide and conquer the menu. As with the place further down the street, strong points here are not sushi/sashimi though I would say the sake sushi is pretty darn good. Stay away from breaded pork cutlet its too dry. However, Potato croquettes, fatty rice triangles and good noodle dishes will round it out nicely. Not to be missed and the unsung hero of the menu is the Yakitori (sp?). In another world, God decided instead of making meat out of tough dirty smelly animals she'd go for something much simpler, butter, and this is the one dish from there that made it to us. Super tender moist chicken kebabs that I try to let evaporate in my mouth rather than chew. Wash it all down with a big bottle of warmed-up sake from their collection which you can leave at the bar if you don't finish when you're done. B is for Brilliant Bite.
All of these food items will be deposited on your table by the helpful robe-clad wait staff who'll then leave you be but not be far behind the sliding door for whatever else you'll need. C is for cordial courtesy.
Though I'm a big fan of my saturday nightlife, I've twice gone here and nearly rolled down the stairs just content to go bed. Another good place to go with a group of friends and laugh at the gio mua dong bac as you stuff in style.
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Questions (1)
Does anyone know where I can get large tubes for floating in the pool? either proper inner tubes from truck tires or tubes actually designed for floating. I'd need about a dozen. Thanks
Answers (16)
Posted Wednesday May 16th, 2007.
Man I'm also very curious. I did find one place on Giang Vo and Hao Nam st in a 3 storey (4 st?) yellow building that looks typically Chinesey with a bunch of live seafood tanks at the back. The dim sum menu was limited in my opinion and while not great pretty darn good. No steaming trolleys like in SG though, gotta pick from a boring old menu. Haven't been there in nearly a year and half but I'm pretty sure its still around. Turn right onto Hao Nam st just before the Bia Hai Xom headed towards Cat Linh. Its the first or 2nd place on your left. I've heard rumors there's a place down from the cityview on the non lake side but haven't been.
In response to the question: Does anywhere know of a decent Chinese place for yum cha aka dim sum??? I am craving a hit from the trolleys!...
Posted Tuesday May 22nd, 2007.
Local Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Danny Pierce has a long established yet allegedly rapidly expanding bike rental service that I highly reccomend. Rented from him for about a year. At the time it was 45 a month but may have gone up. Anyway, besides the obvious advantages of dealing with a foreigner Danny's been here about 7 years now, is fluent in Vnese, and is definitely the guy you want by your side in a jam. I only had this happen once when I lost my ticket at a rock concert on Giang Vo, and got stuck witht the motorbike keepers from hell requesting everything under the sun to get the bike back, probably bribe hungry. Danny was there with all the necessary paperwork and photos of registration, license, form 462-79312aabb whatever, and I could see the look on their faces when he absolutely stole them of all potential excuses to keep the bike. I was pretty impressed. I've heard of him helping people in worse situations as well.
I feel like I need to complain about something for balance, but I cant. I do know one long time customer of his had there bike stolen and he had them pay for it according to the value the same model and year we're going for in the VN classifieds. They felt this was a bit harsh but I don't know who else would be responsible.
I feel bad posting his # online without checking first, but if you're interested and send me a message I'll set you up
In response to the question: What about motorbikes in general? I know there are several places around Hanoi that rent them....especially in the Old Quarter, but are any of them a...
Posted Thursday May 31st, 2007.
Yup. So far as I know Language Link's the only place offering a CELTA course up north, and I would definitely go with CELTA if your planning on teaching to adults for a little while. Its 4 weeks and the most intenste ESL certificate, but its well worth the value as you do learn a lot from the course and employers love it. If you have a lot of business experience you should apply to RMIT Vietnam. They are always looking for both people who can teach and have bus experience, and they have the best package of any school in Hanoi, barring perhaps the British Council. High salary, paid sick leave, paid annual leave, full health insurance etc. On the other hand they've got the longest hours.
In response to the question: 64,000$ QUESTION. i'M PLANNING ON TEACHING esl IN hANOI. i NEED TO GET CERTIFIED. I'm middle aged with lots of business experience and would feel mo...
Posted Wednesday June 13th, 2007.
8 nguyen dieu.
Clean, comfortable bordering on classy. Queen Bohemian Rhapsody on tap as well as hip hop and metal plus all the classics. Rock Out!
In response to the question: Where is Hanoi's ultimate karaoke? Seriously! For a city with literally hundreds of karaoke joints, most have the same sad, ratty old English song...
Posted Thursday June 14th, 2007.
NO. But there are options.
Cheapy cheapo are vina style gyms that are usually unairconditioned and packed out with older equipment, but they'll do the trick if you prefer labor to luxury. Try the one next to Lenin park, one on the top of quang trung (near the church, just south of la on the opposite side of the street with a big field in front) or the one above bon mua swimming pool on 9 tran hung dao.
Next tier up is Guoman hotel, up to 80 bucks a month now for 1 month memberships but cheaper for longer. You can pay 4 bucks a session at the Hanoi Hotel between giang vo and kim ma street.
Other than that you've got the big hotels like Horizon, Nikko, Sofitel plaza, Daewoo, and sheraton. Only the Horizon does 1 month memberships for a whopping 110 usd/month, the others your looking at 600 usd and up for 6 months and a grand and up for a year, often plus a 1 to 2 hundred dollar sign up fee.
If you haven't got a 9 to 5, check out off peak deals at Hilton and Sofitel. Under 500 bucks to come from 9 to 4 for 6months, its pretty sweet if youve got the time.
In response to the question: Are there any good gyms in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday June 14th, 2007.
This kinda depends on what you mean by 'pure' fun and what you mean by dancing/good music.
For modern dance music like hip hop or house, you can go to toilet pub on yet kieu st (spelling) near quang trung and nguyen du or whatever opens up where new century used to be on trang ti (give it a month). If you want a more western crowd and don't do things early sat/sun morning, check out solace on the end of chuong duong do for dancing on a boat.
If you like Salsa, hit up nutz bar in Sheraton on Wednesday and Saturday nights (nineish I believe).
If you dig the vibes of the more oldy but goody hippy dippy music and rhythm and blues, cut up the rug at the RnR bar lo su st on friday and saturday nights.
Other than that theres loads of classical dance clubs around hanoi, ask a vina friend to hook you up their easy enough to find.
In response to the question: Is there any actual place you can just go and have a pure fun of having a drink, listening to good music and dancing in Hanoi???...
Posted Friday July 27th, 2007.
Allegedly the Hanoi backpacker's hostel is the place to meet up for travellers new town, fallling more into the expat crowd then the backpacker one I've never been there but heard good things. I believe its near the church 'nha tho' on Au Trieu street but maybe other posters can help or do an accomodation search.
Best stop after that is 'international' bia hoi corner and have a few cheap brews easy conversation with others like yourself, easiest place to meet people in Hanoi. Easiest way to find that is to go up Dinh Liet street from the north end of Hoan Kiem lake till you see crowds of folks quaffing on the corner.
Have fun and safe travels
In response to the question: Hi there.. I will arrive in Hanoi next Sunday night.. Never been there before..Will be by myself.. Any advice about places to go, etc... A...
Posted Friday July 27th, 2007.
Ngo Thong Phong is an alley of Ton Duc Thang and has (or used to have) a few nice quiet places in the end neighborhood that were up for rent.
In response to the question: Hi! I will be working in Dong Da when I come to Hanoi in September. I was wondering if this a good area to live in or if I should live in another ar...
Posted Friday July 27th, 2007.
Your coming at the right time. Lots of schools desperate for teachers. If you have CELTA and a university degree contact Lauren.Ohern@rmit.edu.vn. Its a strict school standards/lesson quality wise but pays by far the best hourly wage as well as health insurance and paid annual leave (20 days) and sick leave (6 days).
In response to the question: I am looking for an English teacher position in Hanoi. I hold the CELTA certificate as well as a youth counselor certificate. Does anyone know where t...
Posted Monday August 27th, 2007.
Jaspas is definitely a classic sports watchin place and if you want good air con environment with proper rivalries among the audience and western food etc than its the place to go.
However, for an 'I'm in Vietnam, why I don't I do something different?' twist consider watching the quarters or semis at one of the bigger bia hois or bia do on Ma May street. In 2003 we watched the Aussie England Final at pacific bia hoi in ho chi minh, and it was a blast. There was at least 30 or so expats and the locals were intrigued (by us or the game I don't know) as well. It was a hell of a lot of fun and probably a 1/10 to 1/6 of the price of a western style bar. I know Pacific has a branch on Doi Can, so maybe just check with em before and give it a go.
In response to the question: Hi, can anyone recommend the best place to view the Rugby World Cup in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday September 13th, 2007.
The Hanoi Aussie Rule's Club is organizing a big shebang from 9am to 4pm at Jaspas. Costs 400,000 but you get free tshirt and a ton of free food and drink, raffles and prizes
In response to the question: where can i watch the aussie rules finals on a big screen? jaspas perhaps? anywhere else? ps if this ? appears more than once i had probs with the ta...
Posted Tuesday September 18th, 2007.
You can rent a Yahama DT from Hung and Dung on the dike road.
Hung's # 0912214554
DEFINITELY take it for a serious test drive before you go and insist they fix any potential problem. Hung's really good about this but Dung will require some motivating.
Personally I wouldn't wanna be on anything besides by Minsk on unpaved roads in the rain up north, but to each his own.
In response to the question: Is it possible to rent a dirt bike or touring motorcycle for trips to the north? I know Minsks are the way most go, but I'd rather have something a ...
Posted Wednesday September 19th, 2007.
Hanoi's FIRST EVER INNERTUBE WATER POLO Tourney!!! Been on the backburner for a while but its gonna happen soon now I think. Thanks for the tip!, you guys interested?
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can get large tubes for floating in the pool? either proper inner tubes from truck tires or tubes actually designed for float...
Posted Thursday September 27th, 2007.
Depends on you.
ANZ will be best for customer service but their fees are about 2 to 4 times as much for any service you need. If you are looking just to have a place to deposit and withdrawal money and can prove your paying taxes in Vietnam (which you'll have to do for any bank if you want to withdraw dollars that are deposited in country or from a transfer in country), then Vietcom bank is really your best bet as once you get the ATM card its smooth sailing and you never have to deal with the office.
If your dealing with large amounts of cash and are happy to pay fees for good customer service then ANZ is definitely more your style. VCB is crap for cust service but in my 2 years banking with them I've only spent more than anhour in their once and average time it takes me is 5 to 10 min for withdrawal and 20 to 30 min for intl transfer. When I was with ANZ was 5 min for normal and 15 for transaction. Both require a few documents to prepare as this is VN national law and unavoidable no matter where you bank.
In response to the question: Hi I need to open a bank account in Hanoi within a couple of weeks and was wondering if any bank is best for foreigners. I realise taht the ANZ requir...
Posted Thursday September 27th, 2007.
The Deli does a great and cheap Falafel Pita but tell em to go easy on the onions...
The Deli 846.0007
In response to the question: Where can I find a middle East cuisine? Like hummos, and kafta and falafel with pita bread! I see that dragonfly has sheesha, but does it also carry t...
Posted Monday November 12th, 2007.
Noi Bai Taxi has flat rates 130k VND from Hn to airport and 150k from airport to HN. I never done a return but you could try to negotiate one with them at the very most you'll pay 280k.
On the cheaper side there's a minibus that departs from VN airlines office just south of Hoan Kiem (#1 Quang Trung) at all times of day and night and costs 30,000 VND per person per way. Its usually not too bad but you gotta wait for the bus to fill up (usually not long)
In response to the question: I have a friend arriving on a flight at 10:30 pm in a few months. I'm going to meet him at the airport. What are the best transport options to/from...
Epicure of MSG. Gourmand of Nuoc Mam. Imbuer of Bia Hoi. F*%! the GRE!
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