Tucked away in the heart of Hanoi, Hai Nguyet Shop is a noodle shop that proves the age-old adage: "Don't judge a book by its cover." Despite its unassuming and unpretentious exterior, this humble noodle shop has earned a well-deserved reputation for serving up some of the most mouthwatering traditional Vietnamese vermicelli dishes in the city.
I had the pleasure of visiting Hai Nguyet Shop one morning and indulged in their delectable offerings, including the Fish Vermicelli and Tofu and Shrimp Paste Vermicelli. The Fish Vermicelli, in particular, was a delightful revelation. A fish noodles bowl arrived, filled with a fragrant broth infused with tomatoes and green onions, lovingly poured over a bed of noodles. At its center, crispy tilapia, meticulously deboned and fried to perfection, graced the dish. The contrast of the crispy fish with the hot, sweet broth was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds. The addition of bean sprouts lent a satisfying crunch to every spoonful. For those who appreciate a touch of heat, the pickled garlic and chili offered on the side added a fiery depth to the already tantalizing broth. This dish was a masterful blend of sweet, sour, and savory, a true testament to Vietnamese culinary artistry.
For those seeking an equally satisfying but broth-free alternative, the Tofu and Shrimp Paste Vermicelli was a must-try specialty. This dish is a Vietnamese culinary masterpiece, consisting of a medley of ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Vermicelli noodles provided the canvas for a flavorful composition that included crispy tofu cubes, tender slices of pork belly, and the option to add spring rolls for an extra layer of indulgence. The secret to this dish's crispy delight lies in the skillful preparation – ingredients like carrots, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, minced meat, and eggs are finely ground and mixed before being crisped to perfection in an oil pan. The result is a heavenly combination of textures and flavors, with the tofu stealing the show with its crispy exterior and moist interior. To elevate the dish further, Vietnamese-style sausage known as "doi sun'' adds a unique touch. Made from minced meat, peanuts, and pork cartilage, it's grilled until perfectly cooked, sliced into thin pieces, and presented as the finishing touch.
Now, for those, like me, who aren't fans of shrimp paste, Hai Nguyet Shop accommodates with a delightful alternative – a steaming bowl of hot fish sauce. The fish sauce is paired with crispy salted kohlrabi and carrots, offering a sweet and sour kick that perfectly complements the other dishes. The presence of fresh vegetables adds a refreshing element to the overall flavor profile, balancing out the richness of the meal.
Despite its unadorned exterior and lack of air conditioning, Hai Nguyet Shop is a testament to the culinary treasures that can be found in the most unexpected places. What's even more surprising is the incredibly reasonable price, with a bowl of this delectable vermicelli setting you back just around $1.50.
It's an experience that proves that in Hanoi, it's not about where you dine but what you eat that truly matters. So, if you're looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds without breaking the bank, don't hesitate to pay a visit to Hai Nguyet Shop – where deliciousness reigns supreme.
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Food is looking yummy and well maintained 😋
Thank u