My eatsperience

Hanoi’s Trendy Cafés and an Unexpected Indian Food Stop

May 28, 2026May 28, 2026Leave a comment

The Note Coffee

One of the cafés that kept appearing on our Hanoi food searches was The Note Coffee, so we made sure to include it in our itinerary and finally see what all the hype was about.

To be honest, the exterior of the building did not immediately impress me. The ordering area on the ground floor a bit small so customers had to head upstairs after placing their orders. The staircase was quite narrow, so climbing up required carefully holding onto both sides.

*Sticky notes on the ceiling, walls, tables and chairs at The Note Coffee*

Most of the customers during our visit were young travelers and students, with barely any elderly locals around, so it felt like the café was designed more for a younger crowd. What truly makes the place stand out are the thousands of sticky notes covering the walls and ceilings. Every table had stacks of sticky notes available, encouraging customers to leave messages behind for future visitors to read. I honestly kept wondering how some of the notes even reached the ceiling.

We ordered one large Strawberry Banana drink (VND 65,000 or around ₱152.55) and a large Iced Mint Choco (VND 60,000 or around ₱140.82). The strawberry banana shake was decent but not particularly memorable, while the mint chocolate drink reminded me of Milo with a hint of mint. Compared to other fruit shake stalls in Hanoi, the prices were definitely higher, but I guess customers are paying more for the experience and novelty rather than the drinks themselves.

Our orders' receipt at The Note Coffee — *Our orders’ receipt at The Note Coffee*

We visited at night after dinner, and only a few tables on our floor were occupied, though we were unsure about the upper levels. We stayed on the second floor and ended up finishing our drinks quickly because we were exhausted and thirsty from all the walking. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of the beverages and only managed to keep the receipts.

Bancông Cafe & Restaurant

Another café we tried was Bancông Cafe & Restaurant. Even though we arrived past lunch time, the place was still packed with diners. Thankfully, we were seated immediately, though only at the open-air balcony area on the second floor rather than inside the air-conditioned section.

The restaurant’s exterior was eye-catching because of the colorful decorative flowers hanging outside. In fact, many passersby who were not even dining there stopped just to take photos.

We ordered Cơm Tấm Sài Gòn (Saigon Broken Rice), Bún Chả, Phở Xào (Stir-Fried Pho), and Cà Phê Cốt Dừa or Vietnamese Coffee with Coconut Milk. Most of their main dishes were priced similarly at around VND 120,000, making this one of the more expensive local restaurants we tried in Hanoi.

*Iced Cà Phê Cốt Dừa or Vietnamese Coffee with Coconut Milk*

The coconut coffee arrived first, long before our main dishes. It was topped with sweet coconut meat that reminded me of bukayo from the Philippines. We actually finished the entire drink before the food even arrived because it was that enjoyable.

I failed to take a photo of the Saigon Broken Rice because my husband immediately started eating it. He had been craving it ever since trying it in Saigon back in 2024. While it was satisfying, we still preferred the version we had in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Bún Chả platter came with grilled pork, meatballs, two fried spring rolls, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and dipping sauce. Compared to other restaurants we tried around Vietnam, the dipping sauce here had noticeably larger slices of carrots and cucumber. The grilled pork marinade tasted surprisingly close to Filipino-style grilled liempo, which made it very familiar and comforting for us.

As for the Phở Xào, it sadly did not work for me. The thick noodles did not absorb much flavor, making the dish taste bland overall. The vegetables and beef also felt disconnected rather than balanced together. Since it was my order, I eventually asked hubby to finish it for me while I happily stole bites from his broken rice and Bún Chả instead.

Overall, Bancông was a nice experience, especially since it is one of Hanoi’s most recommended cafés. However, it was not somewhere we felt eager to revisit. We found that many smaller local eateries offered more flavorful dishes at lower prices. Perhaps we simply did not choose their best-selling items.

Aahar Indian & Middle East Cuisine Restaurant

After several days of Vietnamese cuisine, we suddenly found ourselves craving Indian food again, which led us to Aahar Indian & Middle East Cuisine. Similar to our experience in Saigon back in 2024, this turned out to be an unexpectedly good find.

AAHAR's Menu Cover — *AAHAR’s Menu Cover*

We randomly chose the restaurant while walking back to our hotel, and only after finishing our meal did we notice buses of tourists from different nationalities arriving. That alone made us realize we had stumbled upon a popular spot.

AAHAR's Main Course Menu — *AAHAR’s Main Course Menu*

AAHAR's Rice and Tandoori Menu — *AAHAR’s Rice and Tandoori Menu*

As usual, we ordered Chicken Butter Masala (VND 125,000 or around ₱293.03 for a large serving) and Chicken Aahar Biryani (VND 130,000 or around ₱304.75).

The butter chicken masala was excellent — tender boneless chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that paired perfectly with rice. The biryani also used generous chunks of boneless chicken, so every spoonful felt satisfying. Both dishes had just the right level of spice, which worked perfectly for hubby since he does not enjoy overly spicy food.

And yes, no matter where we travel, we somehow always end up ordering the same Indian dishes — because when you truly enjoy something, it never gets old.

Hidden Gem in Hanoi: The Unforgettable Fish Noodle Soups at Bún cá Hương Thuỷ – Hồng Phúc

May 28, 2026May 28, 2026Leave a comment

Mixed Fish Noodle Soup and Dạ Dày Cá (fish stomach noodle soup) were, without a doubt, the best noodle soups we tasted in Hanoi — and surprisingly, not the famous pho or crab noodle soup. These two comforting bowls completely won us over after an unexpectedly long walk through Hanoi’s maze-like inner streets just to find this humble eatery.

At one point, we honestly thought we were lost because the restaurant was tucked deep inside a smaller street lined with many other busy eateries packed with customers. Still, we decided to keep walking further, trusting the map and our curiosity. When we finally arrived at Bún cá Hương Thuỷ – Hồng Phúc around past 7 PM on a Tuesday night, the place was overflowing with people.

Customers at Bún cá Hương Thuỷ - Hồng Phúc — *Customers at Bún cá Hương Thuỷ – Hồng Phúc*

Small plastic tables and stools filled the roadside, while several customers were still standing and patiently waiting to be seated. We saw elderly locals, teenagers or bagets, office workers, and people from all walks of life willing to wait just to eat here. That was when we realized we had stumbled upon something truly authentic — a local favorite that tourists could easily miss.

Order preparation in Bún cá Hương Thuỷ - Hồng Phúc — *Order preparation in Bún cá Hương Thuỷ – Hồng Phúc*

We waited a few minutes before finally getting a table after another group finished their meal. Ordering, however, became another adventure on its own. The server didn’t speak English, and even after translating the menu on my phone, we still couldn’t understand each other. In the end, I searched for their dishes on Google and pointed at the photos — only then did he finally understand what we wanted.

We ordered two dishes: the Mixed Fish Noodle Soup and the Dạ Dày Cá. Based on the photos online, I initially thought the Dạ Dày Cá contained pork intestines, but after researching, I discovered that dạ dày cá actually refers to fish stomach.

*Hubby savoring the rich broths of two flavorful soups*

Both dishes were served in huge bowls filled with soft rice noodles swimming in rich, flavorful broth. The portions were honestly good enough for sharing, but since we wanted to try different dishes, we ordered one bowl each. We also noticed a solo local customer happily finishing two bowls by himself, so we didn’t hesitate to do the same even though we weren’t very hungry anymore.

The Mixed Fish Noodle Soup came loaded with crispy fried fish, fish tofu or fish cake, rice noodles, bean sprouts, chopped green onions, fresh dill, tomatoes, and a generous plate of fresh herbs on the side. It also came with a separate bowl of calamansi — and they definitely did not skimp on it. What impressed us most was how the fried fish stayed incredibly crispy even after sitting in the hot broth for several minutes.

Meanwhile, the Dạ Dày Cá had almost the same components, except that the highlight of the dish was the chewy and flavorful fish stomach instead of fried fish meat. The broth also tasted noticeably different. Hubby and I compared both bowls side by side and agreed that each soup had its own distinct character and signature flavor. We’re not entirely sure whether the difference came from the ingredients themselves or the cooking process, but both broths were unique in their own way.

Despite the humidity, our exhausting walk, and the long wait for seats, both soups felt incredibly comforting and satisfying. They may not look particularly fancy or visually appealing at first glance, but the flavors were unforgettable.

Personally, I liked the Dạ Dày Cá more because it was richer, saltier, and more savory. Still, both dishes were excellent in their own unique way.

Out of all the Hanoi noodle soups we tried, these two became my absolute favorites.

We also had their Soy Milk (VND 10,000) and Lemongrass and Lime Tea with Honey (VND 15,000) that were both refreshingly good.

*Glasses of Lemongrass and Lime Tea with Honey and Soy Milk*

Hanoi Street Food Finds: Crispy Bánh Xèo at Quay Bánh Xèo 22 Hàng Bồ and Savory Sticky Rice at Xôi Yến

May 27, 2026May 27, 2026Leave a comment

Still wandering around the busy streets of Hanoi, we unexpectedly came across Quay Bánh Xèo 22 Hàng Bồ, a humble roadside stall specializing in, of course, Bánh Xèo. We honestly had no plans of eating again that soon, but the irresistible aroma of freshly cooked pancakes from the lady manning several pans at once immediately caught our attention.

The stall itself was simple, with only a few tables and a very straightforward menu — Bánh Xèo, Há Cảo, Quẩy, and drinks. Seeing such a short menu made us think that they must be really good at what they serve since all their focus goes into just a few dishes.

We ordered their Bánh Xèo (VND 20,000), a crispy Vietnamese rice pancake filled with beef, shrimp, and bean sprouts according to the menu. We also tried the Há Cảo (VND 20,000), their fried Vietnamese dumplings filled with pork, wood ear mushrooms, and wrapped in wheat flour.

Watching the lady cook was already an experience in itself. She was handling multiple pans nonstop while continuously preparing fresh orders for diners. We actually didn’t have high expectations since it was much cheaper compared to other Bánh Xèo places we had seen around Hanoi.

*An order of Há Cảo with herbs, dipping sauce and rice paper wrapper*

Our Há Cảo arrived first, together with a bowl of fresh herbs, dipping fish sauce, and surprisingly, rice paper wrappers. We were confused at first because we thought dumplings were already enough on their own. Then we noticed another couple wrapping the dumplings and herbs inside the rice paper before dipping them into the sauce. We copied what they were doing — and it turned out delicious.

*Closer look of our Há Cảo order with herbs and dipping sauce*

The dumplings tasted great whether eaten plain or wrapped with herbs and sauce, though the dipping sauce definitely elevated the flavors even more.

While waiting for our Bánh Xèo, we noticed other diners ordering other versions with more seafood and other fillings, which made us realize there were probably more options available beyond the basic one we ordered. Even though ours only had small portions of shrimp, beef and bean sprouts, it was still incredibly satisfying. The pancake was perfectly crispy while the filling remained flavorful and savory.

Another memorable food stop during our trip was Xôi Yến, a famous spot in Hanoi’s Old Quarter known for its traditional Vietnamese savory sticky rice bowls. Located along Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, it was a bit far from where we were staying, but we still made the walk after lunch hours to avoid the usual crowd.

*Where the orders are prepared for Xôi Yến Customers*

Since we had just finished brunch earlier, we decided to order only a few items to share — one Xôi Trắng or plain sticky rice (VND 22,000), one Thập Cẩm mixed dishes (VND 45,000), and a bottled Jasmine Aloe Vera Tea (Trà Nhài Nha Đam for VND 25,000).

At first glance, we thought the sticky rice already came with toppings included, but we later realized that the rice and toppings are ordered separately. The mixed toppings platter included a whole egg, minced pork, pork floss, a sausage similar to chorizo, liver, fried shallots, and a rectangular tofu-like meat product, all served with fermented cucumber on the side.

*Xôi Trắng or plain sticky rice with Thập Cẩm (mixed toppings) and dermented cucumber in the side*

The serving of sticky rice looked small — about the size of a dipping sauce bowl in the Philippines — but sticky rice is filling, so we still found it shareable.

What made the dish so enjoyable was the variety of textures and flavors in every bite. The toppings balanced sweet, savory, and slightly sour flavors (from the fermented side dish), creating a combination that truly felt like a small fiesta in the mouth.

As for the Jasmine Aloe Vera Tea, it ended up becoming one of our unforgettable drinks during the trip. I usually hesitate ordering floral drinks because the aftertaste tends to linger too much for my liking, but this one was surprisingly refreshing and light, especially when served over ice.

*A bottle of Jasmine Aloe Vera Tea and glass of ice*

Among the many dishes we tried in Hanoi, Xôi Yến definitely became one of the must tries. Below is their menu for your reference:

Banh Mi, Steamed Clams, and Fried Fermented Pork Rolls

May 18, 2026May 28, 2026Leave a comment

After a long day of walking around and doing all the touristy things in Hanoi, hubby and I suddenly missed the bánh mì we loved back in Saigon in 2024. Every time we stepped out of our hotel, we noticed both tourists and locals eating at the same bánh mì stall, so we finally decided to give it a try.

We ordered two kinds of bánh mì — one with Sizzling fillings and another with Pork Barbecue.Unfortunately, the Pork Barbecue Bánh Mì disappointed both of us. The barbecue flavor barely came through, lacking that smoky and slightly sweet taste we expected. The serving was also quite small, and the meat leaned more on the fatty side. It came with white onions and fried shallots, but surprisingly no greens at all. That felt a bit sad since we got so used to fresh herbs and vegetables in most dishes we tried around Vietnam.

Good thing hubby also ordered the Sizzling Bánh Mì. The bread was served separately while the sizzling plate came with two semi-fried eggs, ground pork, potato slices, and green onions. It was a bit oily but definitely better than the barbecue version. Still, it somehow lacked the flavor depth we were looking for compared to other bánh mì spots we’ve tried before. Despite the crowd of locals and tourists eating there, it just didn’t hit the spot for us.

Thankfully, the night was saved by our visit to Ốc Nóng Hà Trang. We had passed by this place several times and always noticed people dining inside or waiting outside for a seat. Since we were still hoping for a better food experience after the failed Bánh Mì dinner, we decided to try it. We waited for a table indoors where the air-conditioned dining area was separated from the street only by thick plastic covers. The cooking and food preparation happened outside along the roadside, which made the place feel even more authentic and lively.

Our first order was the Fried Fermented Pork Roll for VND 60,000. It was served with calamansi slices and two dipping sauces — one tangy sauce with dill and another with a shrimp-paste flavor. Both sauces paired perfectly with the pork rolls, though honestly, the rolls already tasted great on their own.

*Fried Fermented Pork with dipping sauces*

I expected the fermented pork to taste sour, but surprisingly it didn’t. Instead, it had a rich, savory flavor that was unique and hard to describe. The texture looked like it might be too processed or spongey, but you could still clearly taste the pork. The dipping sauces elevated it even more.

Then came the highlight of the meal — the steamed clams worth VND 80,000.

I’ve never tasted steamed clams quite like this before, even back home in the Philippines. Usually, clam dishes have a slight aftertaste from the sea or tiny bits of sand, but this one tasted incredibly clean and refreshing. The soup alone was memorable. You could taste the sweetness from the pineapple and ginger, while the mint and basil added freshness to every sip. The kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass completed the dish beautifully and made the flavors stand out even more.

It was one of those simple dishes that stays in your memory long after the trip ends. If you ever find yourself staying in Hanoi, Ốc Nóng Hà Trang is definitely worth trying. Here’s their Menu:

Discovering Bánh đa cua (crab-based broth red noodles)

May 8, 2026May 28, 2026Leave a comment

Hubby and I were searching for a specific food stall, but somehow ended up lost because the place no longer existed even though Google Maps still pointed us to the location.

While wandering around the market area, we stumbled upon a small roadside stall in 3 P. Gia Ngư, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội. It’s packed with tourists enjoying bowls of hot soup. The seating area was very limited, so we had to wait for two groups to finish before we could sit down. It was already past lunch time, and with the hot, humid weather plus our long walk, we were sweating throughout the meal.

*Busy roadside stall filled with tourists and locals*

The stall specializes in Bánh đa cua, a famous Hai Phong noodle soup made with a crab-based broth and distinctive red rice noodles. They also serve Có Trà Đá (iced tea) and Sữa Đậu Nành (soy milk), with noodle dishes priced from VND 20,000 to VND 40,000.

*The lady cooking orders beside a large pot and frying dough*

We ordered the classic Bánh đa cua and a bowl of Miến Trộn, a dry noodle dish made with stir-fried glass noodles topped with beef, fried tofu, chả cá (fish cake), and giò tai (pig’s ear pork sausage). The dish was garnished with peanuts, fried shallots, and fresh herbs, making it both flavorful and aromatic.

According to hubby, the crab broth was rich and satisfying, with the different toppings adding more depth to the soup and texture. Personally, though, I could not fully taste the crab flavor. I ended up enjoying the Miến Trộn more, probably because I prefer thinner noodles. The glass noodles absorbed the sauce really well, giving every bite a flavorful coating.

Both dishes were enjoyable, although the stall seems to be especially popular among tourists for its crab noodle soup. The toppings for both dishes were almost identical, with the main differences being the type of noodles, the broth or sauce, and the addition of peanuts in the dry version.

Overall, this stall turned out to be a great accidental discovery and one of those unexpected food stops that make traveling even more memorable.

Night food trip in Old Quarter Hanoi

March 3, 2026May 28, 2026Leave a comment

Strolling around the Old Quarter in Hanoi leads you to dishes you won’t usually see on travel vlogs. One of our best finds was Thủy Bà Già, a humble spot known for its stewed chicken noodles (Mỳ gà tần) and herbal chicken soup. With branches along Hàng Bồ Street (houses 16, 42, and 51), it’s easy to miss—but worth stopping for.

Their black-skinned chicken stew was such a surprise. The broth had a gentle sweetness with a slightly tangy, herbal taste we couldn’t quite name. It came with bean sprouts and fresh herbs that made the soup even more comforting. The chicken was incredibly tender—so soft it fell off the bone with just a light pinch of chopsticks. A half chicken costs only VND 50,000 (around ₱111.70), making it both delicious and budget-friendly.

*Half stewed sweet herbal chicken for VND 50,000*

We found this place by accident while wandering the streets and noticing young locals enjoying dinner on small green stools. That’s when we knew it had to be good.

For dessert, we discovered a halo-halo–style treat near our hotel. Instead of evaporated milk, it used canned coconut milk poured over crushed ice. It was packed with colorful jellies, fresh cubed fruits like watermelon, pineapple, jackfruit, and ripe mango, plus pearls and black beans. It even had a soft, silky pudding that reminded me of taho. I forgot the exact price, but it was definitely worth it. The stall was always full—we were just lucky to grab seats.

*Order preparation Table of Chè Thập Cẩm*

Chè Thập Cẩm - coconut milk, jellies and crushed ice — Chè Thập Cẩm – coconut milk, jellies and crushed ice

Chè Thập Cẩm - a coconut milk-based dessert filled with jellies, beans, fruits, and crushed ice — *Chè Thập Cẩm – a coconut milk-based dessert filled with jellies, beans, fruits, and crushed ice*

When the weekend night market began on Friday, the streets became even livelier. One stall that caught our eye was Spud Gang, a small business run by siblings. The younger sister handled the orders and cashier (she spoke English well), while the older brother prepared the food. I loved their teamwork.

We tried their Butter Chicken Curry Spud for VND 85,000 (~₱189.89). It was a soft baked potato loaded with creamy chicken curry and melted cheese. The curry sauce generously covered the entire potato and was topped with crispy garlic, shallots, and scallions. Slightly pricey, but satisfying and flavorful.

*Butter Chicken Curry Spud (with 1 stick of pork BBQ)*

To end our first night food trip, we stopped by a fruit stall offering a Buy 1 Take 1 promo—two large cups of fresh fruits for VND 50,000 (~₱111.70). You could enjoy it as is or have it blended into a smoothie. Either way, it was the perfect refreshing dessert to wash down everything we ate.

Buy 1 take 1 mixed fruits in a tall  Cup — Buy 1 take 1 mixed fruits in a tall
Cup

Waiting for our orders or smoothies — *Waiting for our orders of smoothies*

Our Nét Huế Restaurant experience at Aeon Mall Long Biên

March 2, 2026May 28, 2026Leave a comment

Hanoi is lively and chaotic, especially on the streets. Traffic doesn’t really follow a clear flow—motorcycles come from all directions, sometimes even on the wrong lane, with constant beeping even at pedestrians who are already walking properly. It felt overwhelming on our first night, and honestly, the walkways took some getting used to. But once you taste the food, you somehow learn to forgive the chaos.

We arrived at our hotel way before check-in time, left our luggage, and headed straight to Aeon Mall Long Birn for an early lunch. After scanning the food court, we settled on Nét Huế. It was just past 10 a.m., so there were only a few diners—more like late breakfast for locals, but early lunch for us.

We ordered:

– Hến xúc bánh tráng (Stir-fried baby clams with grilled rice cake) – VND 85,000 (~₱189.97)

– Bánh ram ít đậu xanh tôm bằm (Ram ít cake with mung bean and shrimp) – VND 52,000 (~₱116.22)

– Cơm cá bông lau kho tộ (Braised fish in clay pot meal) – VND 88,000 (~₱196.68)

The Hến xúc bánh tráng was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Crunchy grilled rice cakes paired with nuts, fried garlic, and tender clams, finished with a tangy, vinegar-like sauce you drizzle on top. The flavor was new to me—savory with a gentle kick of spice. It’s known to come from Central Vietnam, especially the Huế region, and you can really taste the contrast in textures and flavors.

*Stir-fried baby clam with grilled rice cake*

Next was the Cơm cá bông lau kho tộ, a Southern Vietnamese favorite. It came with rice, soup, and simple sides like carrots, cucumber, stir-fried cabbage, and other greens. The fish arrived in a small covered clay pot to keep it warm, with about 3–4 slices inside. The yellowtail catfish was soft and flaky, braised in a soy-based sauce with hints of sweetness, caramelized sugar, garlic, shallots, and pepper—well balanced, comforting, and with no fishy aftertaste at all.

*Rice platter with soup (Braised fish in clay pot Meal)*

Lastly, the Bánh ram ít surprised me. I initially thought it was dessert because it was served cold, but it’s actually savory. Mashed mung beans and minced shrimp are wrapped in a soft dumpling, sitting on top of a crispy fried sticky rice base. Gooey and crunchy at the same time—small, but very filling.

*Bánh ram ít cake with mung bean and shrimp*

Biting through Ram it cake with mung bean and shrimp — *Biting through Bánh ram ít cake with mung bean and shrimp*

Overall, our experience at Nét Huế was solid and satisfying—walang tapon. If you ever come across this restaurant, give it a try. You won’t regret it.

Da Nang Vietnam: Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant

March 2, 2026May 28, 2026Leave a comment

After a relaxing afternoon walk along My Khe Beach, we realized something was missing—we hadn’t crossed off any well-reviewed restaurants from my saved list yet. That’s how we ended up at Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant, a spot often mentioned in reviews and tucked along a busy street lined with other food establishments. With that much competition, consistently good feedback usually means one thing: it’s worth a try.

We arrived in the early afternoon to avoid the usual dining rush. From the outside, the restaurant already felt inviting—relaxed, unpretentious, and easy to spot, with more diners visible compared to nearby open eateries. That alone was reassuring.

To play it safe, we ordered dishes marked as Best Seller. Our table quickly filled with Phở Bò Đặc Biệt (Special Beef Pho), Cơm Chiên Trái Thơm (pineapple fried rice with seafood), stir-fried morning glory with garlic (kangkong), and Thịt Kho Tàu, served in a mini pot to keep the dish piping hot. Shortly after ordering, we were pleasantly surprised with a pitcher of free cold tea—something we hadn’t experienced in other restaurants we tried in Da Nang.

We started with the simplest dish: the stir-fried morning glory with garlic, priced at VND 45,000 (~PHP 100.24). It was straightforward and lightly seasoned, likely with fish sauce and minced garlic with a hint of spiciness. Nothing fancy, but clean and familiar—though a bit pricey compared to how affordable kangkong dishes are back home in the Philippines.

The pineapple fried rice stood out more. Served beautifully in half a pineapple, it came packed with pineapple bits that added a gentle sweetness and slight tang, along with small shrimp pieces, green beans, bell peppers, corn, carrots, green onions, ham, and more. It’s a complete meal on its own—rice and ulam in one. Hubby really enjoyed this dish, and at VND 75,000 (~PHP 167.06), it felt well worth the price.

The special beef pho featured medium-rare beef slices that were tender and thinly cut, swimming in a clear, simple broth that wasn’t overly oily. It was comforting and familiar, similar to other good beef pho we’ve had—nothing surprising, but definitely satisfying.

Last, and certainly not least, was the Thịt Kho Tàu. This dish consists of caramelized pork belly braised in coconut juice. The pork was cut into small, flavorful pieces, with a noticeable hint of sweetness from the caramelization. It reminded me of adobo, but elevated—richer, slightly sweeter, and more indulgent. Priced at VND 75,000, the portion was good for one person and served hot in its mini pot.

We kept our order light since we were still full from earlier snacks, but overall, the experience was pleasant. Is it worth visiting? If you’re staying in Da Nang, I’d say yes—it’s a good, comfortable introduction to Vietnamese home-style dishes. The menu may feel familiar if you prefer playing it safe, like we did, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want after a long beach walk.

Here’s some of their menu:

Late Lunch in Hội An: Cơm Gà Nga, Cao Lầu & Bánh Mì Phượng Food Stop

January 11, 2026May 27, 2026Leave a comment

After a tiring morning at Marble Mountain, which is about 11.8 km to Hội An (as per our Grab Ride), we arrived hungry and worn out from the travel and walking. We ended up at Cơm Gà Nga Hội An for a late lunch—an unplanned stop that worked out perfectly, with fewer crowds but still plenty of diners.

Lunch at Cơm Gà Nga Hội An

Chicken Rice (VND 70,000 / ~PhP 157.96). Their signature dish is Cơm Gà (Chicken Rice), a well-known specialty from Quảng Nam Province in Central Vietnam. It typically comes with (light) yellow rice cooked in chicken broth, shredded chicken, herbs, and vegetables.

The plate arrived with fragrant rice that reminded me of Hainanese chicken rice, but slightly stickier. It was topped with tender shredded chicken, slices of white onion, shredded green papaya, Vietnamese coriander, and a small cube of chicken blood. There were also a few vegetables I tasted for the first time—simple but refreshing and surprisingly good. The chicken was soft, juicy, and well-seasoned, while the rice had its own savory depth. Simple, comforting, and satisfying—exactly what we needed after a long morning.

Cơm Gà Nga Hội An : Cao Lầu – Hội An’s Signature Noodles (VND 70,000 / ~PhP 157.96). We also ordered a bowl of Cao Lầu, another must-try dish in Hội An. This iconic noodle dish usually includes thick rice noodles, sliced barbecued pork (char siu-style), fresh greens, crispy crackers, and a small amount of broth. Traditionally, the noodles are made from rice soaked in lye water, giving them a chewy texture and slightly yellow color as per Google. The broth is very minimal—more like a sauce resting at the bottom of the bowl.

Cao Lầu or Cao Lau — *^{Cao Lầu (noodles are at the bottom – not seen on this photo)}*

To be honest, I’m not a big fan of thick noodles, especially when there’s broth involved because the flavor doesn’t easily absorb. This time, hubby happily finished the bowl for me.

What I did enjoy, though, was the contrast of textures—tender meat, crunchy crackers, chicken blood, and lots of fragrant herbs, especially Vietnamese coriander. If there were an option to swap the noodles, I’d probably love this dish more.

Cơm Gà Nga Hội An : Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee (VND 30,000 / ~PhP 67.70). We wrapped up our late lunch with an iced milk coffee. Normally, I avoid coffee after 12 PM because it messes with my sleep—but rules don’t apply when I’m in Vietnam. Vietnamese coffee is just that good. Strong, smooth, and perfectly balanced with milk. Since the weather was hot, an icy glass was exactly what I needed.

Cơm Gà Nga’s menu is simple and straightforward—only a few dishes—but that’s what makes it good. You can tell they focus on their specialties without compromising quality.

Cơm Gà Nga’s Main Dish Menu — *^{Cơm Gà Nga’s Food Menu}*

Quick Stop at Bánh Mì Phượng – Famous Since 1989

When we arrived in Hội An via Grab, we immediately noticed a long line—it was for Bánh Mì Phượng, one of the most famous bánh mì shops in Vietnam. We initially passed by because we wanted a heavier late lunch, but curiosity got the best of us later.

Bánh Mì Phượng has been around since 1989 and gained international fame after being featured by the late Anthony Bourdain—something I only found out after we got back to our hotel. Aside from bánh mì, their menu also includes Bún Thịt Nướng and Cơm Xá Xíu. The shop runs on a number system, making orders organized despite the crowd. Seating inside is limited, so many people wait along the side street.

Bánh Mì Thập Cẩm (VND 35,000 / ~PhP 78.98). We ordered their best-seller Bánh Mì Thập Cẩm, described as mixed pork with pâté. The baguette was medium-sized, with a nicely crisp crust and a denser interior—not airy, not soft, and slightly on the firmer side. The bread leaned more toward crunchy than fluffy.

*^{Bánh Mì Thập Cẩm (mixed pork with pâté)}*

Flavor-wise, it was okay, but not memorable for me. The filling lacked punch, and there was very little pâté in my order. My expectations might have been high since my personal benchmark is Huỳnh Hoa Bánh Mì in Saigon, which I featured in a previous post.

Avocado Shake (VND 40,000 / ~PhP 90.26). Thankfully, hubby ordered the Bơ (avocado juice)—which turned out to be more of a thick avocado shake topped with toasted coconut chips. It reminded me of bokayo in the Philippines, but crunchier. The shake was extremely thick—almost pure avocado—with the coconut chips providing the only sweetness. I loved the texture, but because it was so hot, it didn’t quite quench our thirst. We ended up ordering Pocari Sweat afterward just to cool down.

Bơ - avocado juice shake — *^{Bơ – Avocado Juice Shake}*

Bơ - Avocado Juice Shake with toasted coconut chips — *^{Bơ – Avocado Juice Shake with toasted coconut chips}*

Here are some phots of Bánh Mì Phượng‘s take our / order counter and menu:

Bánh Mì Phượng order and takeout counter — *^{Bánh Mì Phượng’s Order and Takeout Counter}*

Final Thoughts. This late lunch adventure in Hội An was a mix of happy accidents and famous food stops. Cơm Gà Nga surprised us with comforting flavors and simplicity, while Bánh Mì Phượng—though iconic—didn’t quite top my personal favorites. Still, it’s always worth trying local legends for yourself. Sometimes, the best food moments happen when you’re tired, hungry, and just following your feet. 🙂

What We Ate in Da Nang: Local Food, Night Market & Prices

January 10, 2026January 11, 2026Leave a comment

Vietnamese cuisine always pulls us back, so on this trip we explored Da Nang and Hanoi. We originally planned to include Sa Pa and even booked our hotel ahead of time, but after calculating the long travel hours and limited transport schedules, we decided to postpone it for another visit—another reason to return.

After settling into Pavilion Hotel Da Nang past dinner time, we explored nearby food spots and found Quán Lùn Mập along Võ Văn Kiệt Street. The restaurant serves a wide range of local dishes, including seafood, rice, porridge, noodles, and hotpot—casual, affordable, and satisfying.

Quán Lùn Mập – What we ordered: Stir-fried frog with lemongrass and chili – VND 89,000 (~PHP 200.83), Chicken stir-fried with lemongrass and chili – VND 99,000 (~PHP 223.40) and Egg fried rice – VND 69,000 (~PHP 159.70).

The frog dish was surprisingly clean-tasting, with no fishy aftertaste. It was generously cooked with lemongrass, onions, and scallions, creating a fragrant, savory sauce. The flavor was so good that I reused the sauce for the chicken. The chicken was deep-fried and mildly seasoned. It wasn’t spicy unless you bit into the chili peppers, and while slightly dry, the portion was generous—almost half a chicken, including one foot.

*Chicken stir-fried with lemongrass and chili*

The egg fried rice was simple but flavorful, slightly salty and satisfying enough to eat on its own. Meals like this highlight why Vietnamese food stands out: good flavor, generous portions, and reasonable prices.

On weekday night, we visited Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) and walked around Son Tra Night Market. Compared to night markets in Taiwan or the Philippines, this one is smaller, but it still offers a lively mix of street food, seafood, souvenirs, and clothing. If you’re buying coffee souvenirs, prices here—especially for Cà phê trứng (egg coffee)—are cheaper than in Hanoi.

Son Tra Night Market – Seafood by the Bridge: We chose a busy seafood stall facing the bridge and ordered: Ốc Bay (Flying snails) for VND 150,000 (~PHP 338.84), grilled pork for VND 110,000 (~PHP 248.48) and Sò Dương Nướng (Grilled elongate cockles) for VND 110,000 (~PHP 248.48). For our tirst quenchers, hubby had Huda Lager Beer for VND 50,000 (~PHP 112.95) and mine was Sugarcane juice with lemon – VND 50,000 (~PHP 112.95).

The grilled pork was simply seasoned, but Vietnamese herbs and the signature fish sauce added depth and balance. While the flying snails were mildly flavored and likely steamed with lemongrass—simple and straightforward.

*^{Grilled pork with fish sauce and herbs}*

*^{Steamed Flying Snail with lemon grass}*

The standout dish was the grilled elongate cockles. The creamy, buttery sauce was unlike any shellfish sauce I’ve tried before. The meat was large, tender, and cooked just right. Even though the serving had only a few pieces, the sauce was so good that I poured it over the pork and snails and finished every last drop. The sugarcane drink with lemon was refreshing and perfect for the warm night while hubby enjoyed his can of beer.

*^{Grilled Elongate Cockles with sauce topping}*

*^{Sugarcane Juice with lemon and Huda Lager Beer}*

We skipped rice since we were already full and ended the meal with Bánh Bao Chay, a siopao-style steamed bun filled with vegetables and vermicelli for VND 20,000 (~PHP 45.18)—light, comforting, and flavorful.

*^{Bánh Bao Chay (similar to steamed vegetable siopao)}*

Before wrapping up our Da Nang stay, we explored the area near our hotel, just a short walk from Da Nang Beach, and discovered Quyen’s House, a cozy spot that feels like a residential home turned mini-restaurant. They offer single-served dishes and combo meals. We ordered the Combo 2 which includes Bún Chả, 3 fried spring rolls, 2 shrimp cakes) for only VND 105,000 (~PHP 237.19).

The Bún Chả tasted familiar, but the fish sauce stood out with chunky radish and carrot that added a pleasant crunch. The shrimp cakes were a highlight—crispy and flavorful, similar to Filipino maruya, but made with shrimp instead of banana. Even the shrimp head and tail were edible. The spring rolls were slightly over-fried for my taste, but still filling and comforting.

*^{2 shrimp cakes (top) and 3 spring rolls (bottom)}*

As with many Vietnamese eateries, portions were generous, herbs were plentiful, and flavors were bold without being overwhelming. The friendly service and quick preparation made the experience even better.

Here’s the menu of Quyen’s House:

combo meals menu — *^{Menu of Combo Meals}*

*^{Menu of Noodle dishes and spring rolls}*

single-served menu — *^{Single-served Menu}*

Overall, Da Nang impressed us with its generous portions, bold yet balanced flavors, and excellent value for money. Every meal felt satisfying, making the city an easy favorite for food lovers.

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