Hanoi's
Food Heritage
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Hanoi's
Food
Heritage
The vibe and atmosphere of Hanoi’s famed
food alleys make this city come alive.
food alleys make this city come alive.
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Unravel
Hanoi Generations
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Unravel
HANOI
GENERATIONS
Hanoi has a history of over 1,000 years, but today is a city striding fast toward the future. The Doan family who runs one of Hanoi’s longest-standing family businesses has had a ringside seat to the city’s transformation over the years. Cha Ca La Vong, a classic Vietnamese grilled fish dish, has been in her family for six generations. The founders, Mr. Phuc and Ms. Van, cooked for the army led by De Tham, a revolutionary who fought against French colonial forces in the 19th century. Meet the family members who are fighting to keep their tradition alive.
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2nd Generation
MRS LOC
"
We didn’t face any issues when the restaurant first opened.
(After the war) The government supported our restaurant,
in the hope that it will attract tourists
and to promote Cha Ca to both Vietnamese and foreigners.
At that time, we had mostly diplomats and embassy staff in the restaurant,
as well as a few foreign experts.
We didn’t have many tourists like we do now.
Our restaurant was like their meeting hub
because there were very few places to dine back then.
There was only a few restaurants but our Cha Ca was the most famous.
..."
Hanoi
1950s
The 50s saw dramatic political changes come to Hanoi. Post the Japanese Occupation, Ho Chi Min, the father of modern Vietnam declared the country’s independence in Hanoi on September 2, 1945. But the French returned in 1946, initiating the First Indochina War. The Viet Minh finally defeated the French in 1954, and Hanoi became the capital of an independent North Vietnam.
3rd Generation
Mr Hiep
"
The biggest change in Hanoi from when I was a child,
can be seen on the streets.
I typically do not like to go out much
so when I have to go to say, Ha Dong, I will feel lost.
I can see the changes reflecting in new residential developments,
and on the freeways.
Every time I am away from Hanoi, I just want to come back immediately.
..."
Hanoi
2000s
By the late 1990s, Vietnam’s economy began to brighten after years of struggling. Doi moi, a dramatic economic reform program that saw the county do away with five-year plans and begin to embrace capitalism, sparked an incredible transformation. Over the last 20 years, Hanoi has witnessed remarkable growth and change. A fast-rising middle class has spurred a vibrant food and beverage scene, while multinational corporations like Samsung have invested billions in surrounding provinces. Luxury high-rises and villa developments stretch into new suburbs, while tourism has also taken off thanks to the city’s famed cuisine and ancient history.
4th Generation
HUY
"
I decided to come back to Hanoi to live and work
because of one simple reason: My family is here.
I really want to live and work closely with my family,
that’s what I really want.
Many of my friends are studying in a different country.
A few of them have also started to work for their families, just like me.
I think I like working in the family business
because I can receive my family’s attention and affection.
They can give me good advice if I’m doing something wrong
and I can then fix it.
..."
Hanoi
THE FUTURE
Hanoi, like Vietnam as a whole, is poised for a bright future, though it does face challenges such as traffic congestion and air pollution. The city is currently building a metro system which, when completed, will completely transform how people get around – though motorbikes will surely remain an ingrained part of the culture. Continued economic growth will shape Hanoi into a truly international metropolis, with the ancient Old Quarter remaining at its heart.
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New & old Hanoi
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Hanoi's new wave
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BETWEEN NEW & OLD HANOI
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HANOI’S NEWWAVE
Hanoi’s future is at its doorstep.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s enigmatic 1000-year-old capital, is a city ingrained in legend and intrigue. In 2019, Hanoi celebrates its 20th year as The City for Peace conferred by UNESCO.
Discover more More from CNN Travel
14 Cha Ca
La Vong Grilled Fish
The original Cha ca la vong restaurant is here – go up the flight of stairs at No. 14 and feast on a slice of Hanoi’s history!
Catfish with turmeric
Vermicelli
Dill
Fennel
Coriander
Lime
Shrimp paste
Chili
Peanuts
Episode guide
Back
1. Century Old Dish
01:27 | 01:44
2. Best Kept Secret
01:24 | 01:24
3. Medley of Flavors
01:36 | 02:54
4. Picking up the Mantle
01:08 | 01:39
The vibe and atmosphere of Hanoi’s famed food alleys make this city come alive.
A legacy remains a stronghold for Hanoi’s future.
The bitter, the sweet, the sour, the spicy notes.
Hanoi’s future is at its doorstep.
The dish worth flying the world over for.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s enigmatic 1000-year-old capital, is a city ingrained in legend and intrigue. In 2019, Hanoi celebrates its 20th year as The City for Peace conferred by UNESCO.
Discover more More from CNN Travel