Calling Hanoi House popular is an understatement. Hundreds of customers are consistently packed every night into the small but lively Vietnamese restaurant, and exit raving about the food and the atmosphere. My parents and I finally get corner bar seats on a cold Sunday night, and we’re greeted by a friendly and personable bartender. We start with the bacon brussel sprouts, which arrive steaming hot and sitting on a pond of chili/garlic sauce. They were incredibly spicy but also savory in the perfect way, and easily one of the best vegetable appetizers I’ve ever had. Deceptively simple yet so complex in flavor. For my mom and I’s entrees, we ordered the beef pho with oxtail. It arrived in a large bowl full to the brim with warm broth. Beneath the hearty broth sat a pile of soft and chewy rice noodles, surrounded by melt-in-your-mouth tender oxtail and beef slices. You could also customize your spice level with a side bowl of smoked sriracha/fish sauce and pickled slivered garlic. The whole soup was an eccentric mix of savory flavors, but most of all, it just made you feel good. My dad ordered the Bun Cha- a sort of thick fish dipping sauce with rice noodles, pork spring rolls and a heaping pile of different lettuces and herbs that you throw in to absorb the intense flavor. It was a large assortment of tastes that complimented each other perfectly. Overall, Hanoi House was fantastic. The food, of course, but also our bartender... who we later found out was the owner. It’s nice to know that Hanoi House is being run by someone so passionate about the restaurant and it’s unique food. An indisputable 5 pineapples. Till next time!
-tdg
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