Hanoi Cafe

janie_lou

Cheap eat Vietnamese 9th August 2007

2 found this helpful

Hanoi Cafe isn't much to look at really. I thought it was stark and very basic, but it didn't help that it was empty - no doubt because it was mid-afternoon on one of the hottest days of the year.

That said, that decor is pretty much the standard for Vietnamese dining on Kingsland Road and I say good for them for keeping the likes of Wagamama at bay. (No offence Wagamama, I like your noodles, but you don't belong to this area).

We were greeted warmly and left to ponder the menu at our leisure. We started with spring rolls and vegetable tempura - crispy light batter and tasty dipping sauces. Next, a traditional chicken curry served in a clay pot - perfectly delicate flavours and the right amount of heat - and chicken stir-fried with ginger and spring onions, all served with a big bowl of sticky rice.

Too full for any dessert.

It was really simple food but done to a high standard and with what seemed like good quality ingredients - nice, clean flavours. The cook and waitress were a lovely pair of ladies who made us feel most welcome.

I really enjoyed it and will definitely return when I get the chance - there's a lot of things on that menu which I think I need to sample!

PS Did I say that it was really cheap too?