Aperitif In Hanoi: A Festive Immersion At Ta Hien

The tours kept coming, the day was long, and the goal of 10,000 steps was far exceeded. It’s time to eat. And to do so, there’s a well-known street in Hanoi for just that: Ta Hien Street. As the day starts to fade, the festivities begin, food abounds, and the calm is broken by the shouts of “một, hai, ba, dô!” (one, two, three, cheers!).

Taking a seat on one of the small stools is certainly the best way to meet people and experience an evening in true Hanoi style. Would you like to experience this unique atmosphere for a few moments?

Ta Hien Street

Before enjoying the aperitif, here’s a little history Ta Hien Street is named after Ta Quang Hien, an admiral in the military forces of Tonkin during the Nguyen dynasty. In 1833, the imperial court had to sign a peace treaty with the French, who had just regained control of Tonkin. The admiral did not accept this treaty. He resigned and went to recruit a group of fighters to resist French rule. With about 5,000 men, the leader of the Can Vuong movement managed to regain the Thai Binh province. But his military victories came to an end in 1887 when he was captured and killed. In his memory, the street, previously known as Géraud during French Indochina, now bears his name. As a side note, his grandson, Ta Quoc Luat, a military leader, captured General Christian de Castries during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Ta Hien Street Today Today, this narrow street in the Old Quarter is undoubtedly the liveliest area in the capital. From Friday evening to Sunday night, the street is filled with food, beer, locals, and foreigners. Everyone gathers in general merriment, sitting on the small plastic stools scattered throughout the alley. Yes, don’t expect traditional pubs—you might be disappointed! It’s this organized chaos, characteristic of Hanoi, that gives this festive immersion its charm. The closeness imposed by the narrow space encourages interaction, which becomes even more lively after a few beers. So, what do people drink and eat here?

An Evening at Ta Hien

An evening marked by “một, hai, ba, dô!” Ta Hien Street continues a tradition unique to the country: Bia Hoi, fresh beer. This beer is brewed early in the morning and delivered to the restaurant the same day. Since it has no preservatives or carbonation, it must be consumed within 24 hours. Light in alcohol and very affordable (5,000 VND), this typical beverage is part of Hanoi's "street culture." People gather, eat, and drink (in moderation). You can’t miss it in Ta Hien or the nearby streets!

Of course, you don’t have to drink beer. Fresh fruit juices, iced tea, and other beverages are also available. The goal here is to manage to raise a toast 6,000 kilometers from home, joyfully shouting and raising your glass: “một, hai, ba, dô! hai, ba, dô! hai, ba uống!” (one, two, three, cheers!). Be warned, if you join the locals in this, they are well-practiced in the ritual.

Here are some very popular spots:

• Quan Bia Pho Co (8 Ta Hien, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District)
• Hay Bar (12 Ta Hien, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District)
• 1900 Club Hanoi (8B Ta Hien, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District)

What to Eat This narrow little street is also a paradise for street food lovers. You’ll find the most iconic dishes: nem chua (fermented pork), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), noodles, and some snacks that are perfect for the situation: spring rolls, grilled pork, cheese sticks, and more.

Some very popular dishes include:

• Nem Chua (fermented pork) and French fries (fried pork rolls served with fries)
• Delicious roasted quail (quail marinated in soy sauce, barbecue sauce, garlic, honey, ginger...)
• To add to the experience: Chan Ga Hap Sa (spicy fried chicken feet with citronella)

One, two, three…? Cheers! The adventure of Ta Hien begins with the journey to get there, but more so with the crowd to navigate before you can settle down. But the journey is worth it, if only for a glance at the unique atmosphere it offers. If you’re looking for a bit more peace, which is quite difficult on a Saturday in Hanoi, consider the nearby streets that are also filled with great restaurants and bars. If you're unsure about the quality of a restaurant or beer, go where the locals go, and you’ll be fine!

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !