Hoàng Thành Quán: A Springtime Spot with the Famous Fish Hotpot

HOÀNG THÀNH QUÁN

Location: 48 Phan Đình Phùng street, Ba Đình district, Hà Nội

Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Price: 100.000 - 200.000/person

Hoang Thanh Quan is located on Phan Dinh Phung Street and is a well-known dining spot for those who appreciate the traditional flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant stands out with its cozy atmosphere and classic decor, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Its diverse menu features a wide range of rustic, flavorful dishes, with a special focus on Central Vietnamese specialties.

Hello everyone! If you're still looking for unique and romantic ideas for your spring outings in early 2025, where you can capture beautiful photos and savor excellent cuisine, let me share a fantastic spot that I guarantee you'll love! I recently "discovered" a location that beautifully blends Hanoi's charm with a mouthwatering specialty from the Mekong Delta!

Our team kicked off the new year with an unforgettable trip to Hanoi. Our first destination was Phan Dinh Phung Street, renowned as one of the most picturesque streets in the capital. Donning our graceful Ao Dais (traditional Vietnamese long dresses), we captured stunning photos beneath the lush canopy of ancient trees. The early spring atmosphere here was truly poetic and captivating.

After our photoshoot, we decided to refuel at a restaurant I had heard about for a long time: Hoàng Thành Quán. What makes it truly special is its location directly opposite the Imperial Citadel, a prime spot that couldn't be better. Enjoying delicious food while gazing at the ancient beauty of the Imperial Citadel was an absolutely fantastic experience!

Snakehead fish hot pot (lẩu cá kèo) - A well-known specialty from the Mekong Delta region

Hoàng Thành Quán is most famous for its snakehead fish hot pot (lẩu cá kèo), a well-known specialty from the Mekong Delta region. I've been a big fan of this dish for a while and have visited the restaurant countless times to enjoy it. This year, they even have incredibly reasonable New Year combo deals, with options starting at just 250k per person, including a generous pot of snakehead fish hot pot and many other tempting dishes. The restaurant also offers combos for groups of 2-3 to 5 people, perfect for early spring gatherings.

The "soul" of the snakehead fish hot pot at Hoàng Thành Quán lies in its broth. The tangy flavor of pineapple and tomatoes and the fragrant aroma of fried garlic create a unique and irresistible taste. Fresh snakehead fish are added to the hot pot, and the tender, sweet meat melts in your mouth. The hot pot serves fresh vermicelli noodles and distinctive Mekong Delta vegetables such as water lily shoots, okra, young water spinach, and sesbania flower buds. I must admit that the variety of Mekong Delta vegetables is genuinely diverse and abundant.

Grilled snakehead fish with chili salt (kèo nướng muối ớt)

Besides the snakehead fish hot pot, another "must-try" dish at Hoàng Thành Quán that I highly recommend is the grilled snakehead fish with chili salt (kèo nướng muối ớt). The fish retains its tenderness and delicious flavor, whether added to the hot pot or grilled. The combo includes a crispy shrimp salad (gỏi tép). Additionally, the restaurant offers a chicken dish, which includes grilled chicken with chili salt or fried chicken with fish sauce. That day, our group chose the grilled chicken with chili salt, and we agreed that the flavor was rich and fragrant. They also serve a high-quality salt-roasted mantis shrimp (bề bề rang muối).

Another highlight of Hoàng Thành Quán is the caramelized fish sauce dip with crispy rice (kho quẹt chấm cùng cơm cháy). It had been a long time since I had tasted such a delicious and authentic kho quẹt. Dipping the crispy rice or boiled vegetables into it is delightful.

The ambiance of Hoàng Thành Quán is also a significant plus. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating areas, exuding a classic Hanoi and a very Vietnamese feel. Enjoying an early spring meal in a cozy and traditionally decorated space is remarkable.

Putting aside the familiar sticky rice cakes, spring rolls, and boiled chicken of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) this early 2025, why not try something different with a delicious and flavorful snakehead fish hot pot at Hoàng Thành Quán? Strolling along the beautiful Phan Dinh Phung Street and indulging in unique cuisine opposite the Imperial Citadel will surely be a complete and memorable spring experience!