In Vietnamese cuisine, appetizers are more than just starters – they’re an essential part of the dining experience that sets the tone for the entire meal. At Ganh Ha Noi, nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we take pride in offering authentic appetizers that capture the essence of traditional Vietnamese flavors.
Traditional Fried Delights
Hanoi Style Fried Dumplings (Banh Goi) Our Banh Goi represents the quintessential Hanoi street food experience. These crispy half-moon dumplings are filled with seasoned minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and glass noodles. Each bite offers a perfect contrast between the crunchy exterior and savory filling, served with our special dipping sauce and fresh herbs.
Shrimp Cake (Banh Tom) A beloved Hanoi specialty, our Shrimp Cake features fresh shrimp on a bed of sweet potato batter, fried to golden perfection. The natural sweetness of shrimp combines with the crispy texture of the batter to create a memorable starter that’s both satisfying and authentic.
Fresh and Light Starters
Fresh Spring Rolls Our selection includes fresh prawn rice paper rolls and vegetarian options. Each roll is carefully crafted with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and herbs, accompanied by our house-made peanut dipping sauce. These light, refreshing rolls perfectly represent the healthy aspect of Vietnamese cuisine.
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs We serve a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs that are essential to Vietnamese dining. These accompaniments not only add flavor but also provide nutritional benefits and help cleanse the palate between dishes.
Street Food Favorites
Vietnamese Crepe (Banh Xeo) Our Banh Xeo is a crispy savory crepe filled with fresh bean sprouts, herbs, and your choice of protein. The golden-yellow crepe is made with rice flour and turmeric, creating a crispy exterior that houses fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Vegetarian Options
For our vegetarian guests, we offer a variety of meat-free starters:
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Vegetarian Spring Rolls with fresh vegetables and mushrooms
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Mushroom Spring Rolls wrapped in rice paper
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Tofu-based appetizers with various sauces
How to Order and Enjoy
To maximize your appetizer experience at Ganh Ha Noi:
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Start with lighter dishes like fresh spring rolls
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Share multiple appetizers for a varied experience
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Combine different textures and flavors
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Don’t forget to try our traditional dipping sauces
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Hanoi or a Vietnamese food enthusiast, our appetizers offer the perfect introduction to the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Visit us in the Old Quarter to begin your culinary journey with these delightful starters.