Australian Media Lavishes Praise on a Hanoi Dish
Renowned Australian Travel Publication The Sydney Morning Herald Declares Chả Cá Lã Vọng a Must-Try Dish for Visitors to Northern Vietnam
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In a recently published article, veteran Australian food and travel writer Ben Groundwater, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, has heaped high praise on the dish Chả Cá Lã Vọng.
The author describes this dish as a true symbol of Hanoi's cuisine, where the refined and delicate flavors are showcased in each piece of freshwater fish, often catfish, marinated in a signature spice blend including turmeric and then fried to a golden crisp.
Chả Cá Lã Vọng is typically served with fresh scallions, peanuts, and vermicelli noodles, creating a truly memorable and unique taste experience.
In 2019, the American news network CNN also hailed Chả Cá Lã Vọng as one of the must-try dishes for any visitor to Hanoi.
Regarding the history of the dish, Groundwater writes that over a century ago, when Vietnam was still part of French Indochina, the Doan Phu family started a business selling chả cá.
The article's high praise from the seasoned Australian food writer, coupled with the previous acclaim from CNN, further solidifies Chả Cá Lã Vọng's status as a culinary icon of Hanoi and a must-try experience for any traveler to northern Vietnam.
The Doan Phu family who founded the Cha Ca La Vong restaurant did not solely aim to make a profit, but also created a secret meeting place in central Hanoi for resistance fighters to gather and struggle against the colonial forces. The restaurant was named to honor Khuong Tu Nha (one of whose aliases was "Lu Wang", or "La Vong" in Vietnamese) - a Chinese general and revolutionary who was legendary for his ability to catch fish without a hook, believing that the fish would come to him when they were ready.
The story of Doan Phu, the founder of Cha Ca La Vong, ends in tragedy as he was discovered and executed by the French colonial authorities after two decades of secret activism. However, his wife, Bi Van, persevered in preserving and passing down the culinary secrets of the dish to her daughter-in-law, ensuring the continuation of the family's gastronomic legacy.
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Today, the original Doan Phu family's Cha Ca La Vong restaurant still operates at 14 Cha Ca Street in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, providing the definitive experience for those seeking to savor the authentic flavors of this iconic dish.
In addition, another establishment, Cha Ca Anh Vu, located at 120 Giang Vo Street, District Dong Da, also serves the traditional Cha Ca La Vong for diners.
The rich history and cultural significance woven into the story of Cha Ca La Vong elevate this dish beyond just a delicious culinary experience, making it a true representation of Hanoi's gastronomic heritage and the resilience of its people.
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