1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Hanoi
  4. Food
  5. Chả Cá Lã Vọng

Chả Cá Lã Vọng

Table of Contents
  1. What is Chả Cá Lã Vọng?
  2. What’s in the Dish?
  3. What Makes Chả Cá Lã Vọng Special?
  4. Where to Try Chả Cá in Hanoi?
  5. Cultural Significance

What is Chả Cá Lã Vọng?

Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a legendary dish from Hanoi, Vietnam, featuring turmeric-marinated fish cooked with fresh dill and spring onions. It’s named after the original restaurant where the dish became famous — "Chả Cá Lã Vọng," which has been serving this unique specialty for over a century.

This dish is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that showcases the bold, aromatic flavors of northern Vietnamese cuisine.

What’s in the Dish?

The main ingredient is firm, boneless white fish — traditionally catfish or snakehead fish — which is marinated in a mixture of turmeric, galangal, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. The fish is grilled or pan-fried, then served sizzling in a pan alongside a generous amount of fresh dill and spring onions.

It is accompanied by:

  • Rice vermicelli (bún)

  • Roasted peanuts

  • Fresh herbs like mint and perilla

  • A dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili

  • Fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm), for those who enjoy stronger, traditional flavors

What Makes Chả Cá Lã Vọng Special?

What makes this dish truly unique is its rich combination of textures and herbs, especially the prominent use of dill — a herb rarely used in other Vietnamese dishes. The experience also includes self-service at the table: diners usually cook or warm the fish themselves on a small tabletop pan, mixing the ingredients to their liking.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng represents not only the creativity of Hanoian cooking but also the cultural charm of gathering around a shared pan of sizzling fish with friends or family.

Where to Try Chả Cá in Hanoi?

  • Chả Cá Lã Vọng Restaurant (14 Chả Cá Street): The most famous and original spot, where the dish was first served in the late 19th century.

  • Chả Cá Thăng Long: Another highly-rated restaurant offering delicious versions of the dish with modern touches.

  • Local eateries and home-cooked versions: Many Hanoians also prepare this dish at home for special occasions or family gatherings.

Cultural Significance

Chả Cá Lã Vọng is more than a dish — it's a culinary icon of Hanoi. It reflects the city's rich history, its love for bold flavors, and the spirit of sharing meals. For many locals, it’s a food that brings back memories of family dinners and festive occasions.

If you want to taste something truly Hanoian, with deep roots and unforgettable flavor, Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a must-try.

Others
VIEW ALL