Speaking of Hanoi, one of many spots that the locals would love to introduce to foreigners is the famous Ta Hien or “international crossroad”, which is a small street located in the famous Old Quarter of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake. Despite its 200-meter length, this is the most lively night street in Hanoi in general as well as the Old Quarter in specific and has become one of the most favorite places to hang out for both locals and foreigners thanks to its cheap beer and plenty of vibrant bars and clubs.
However, Ta Hien street in Hanoi with its nightlife attracts visitors not only because lively bars and clubs but also due to restaurants and stalls with a wide range of irresistible traditional Vietnamese food and drinks. That’s why we’re going to show you some fun places to visit and things to eat at Ta Hien street Hanoi in 2020.
How perfect it is to hang out with friends at the most famous night street of Hanoi, where there lies many bars and clubs that you should try once:
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1. 1900 Le Theater Bar
The first time setting foot on this bar, you might be overwhelmed when seeing a huge, extremely nicely designed place. Situated in an old street with narrow alleys and ancient houses, 1900 stands out in the middle of an antique space for its lively atmosphere inside. Although it brings up old memories of Hanoi in the ancient years, 1900 still has its own young and vibrant style. Modern services are available, such as a wide variety of drinks ranging from whisky, vodka, champagne, etc. Especially, this is a place where the hottest music shows are held with the appearance of famous singers, DJs and celebrities. In addition, its modern sound and image system is expected to bring customers enjoyable moments. Please take note that there is a special event with many famous artists from all over the world that attracts almost 500 audiences every month.
The best time to visit this bar should be after 23:00 to make sure that you can enjoy the most exciting music session and performances with amazing effects. The price is very affordable, however, you might have to pay a small extra fee at the weekend because there are lots of great performance from many famous DJs.
Bartenders and staffs here are very friendly and hospitable, so you can experience professional services that worth the money you pay. Remember to book a table in advance if you decide to visit this place at the weekends since the bar is usually crowded at that time.
- Address: 8 Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Opening hour: 22:00 – 1:00.
2. Hay Bar
This bar is famous for delicious drinks and live music. The style is very unique and fancy, which is suitable for a hang out night with friends. Hay Bar also organizes many special events that host a lot of famous and talented singers to offer you the best live music. The price is pretty high but what you can enjoy in this bar will not disappoint you.
- Address: 12 Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Opening hour: 18:00 – 1:00
Although there are more bars and clubs surround, Ta Hien street in Hanoi is still known as a paradise for beer lovers as this price of this beverage is quite cheap here.
3. Drinking beer on the street
Street restaurants are no such thing strange to Vietnamese, but to foreigners it might be a little weird. You can’t expect luxurious table with well-dressed staffs. A special characteristic of drinking beer at Ta Hien street is that there are no proper tables. Customers often sit on small plastic stools and food and drinks are placed on a small table or stool in the center, which helps to save a lot of space. Generally speaking, this is a local lifestyle of Hanoi, where people drink beer on the sidewalk or on the pavement. Foreigners might find it a little uncomfortable first but soon they find out that atmosphere is very warm and friendly. Besides, drinking beer on the street is an interesting experience for almost all foreigners, which is the reason why there are more and more guests visiting Ta Hien street every day not only for the delicious beer but also to explore the unique local lifestyle of Vietnamese.
One more special thing about this old quarter beer street is that beer is often served with delicious food. There are many Vietnamese street food available to enjoy with beer that will satisfy any choosy guest and some of them are in the list below:
4. Nem chua (fermented pork roll )
A perfect combination for a drinking experience is fermented pork roll and beer. You can have it at almost every street restaurant at Ta Hien street. This dish is made of pork and has a sour flavor of fermented meat and it sometimes is fried to have better taste.
5. Bun Bo (beef rice noodle )
Rice noodle is pretty common in street restaurants of Vietnam and you can easily find some restaurants selling this dish at Ta Hien. Basic ingredients in one bowl of beef rice noodle are beef, rice noodle, peanuts, bean sprouts, cucumber and some slices of pineapple to stimulate the taste. All the flavors combine and create a well-balanced dish which is not too sweet yet not too sour. Only 35000 VND – 50000 VND to have a delicious bowl of beef rice noodle and the taste of it is unforgettable.
- Address: 7 Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 8:00 – 19:00
6. Bun Moc (meatball rice noodle)
Another popular kind of rice noodle in Vietnam that tastes very good. The flavor of the meatball made from pork and fungus combining with delicious broth is so satisfying.
- Address: 14 Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 9:00 – 21:00
7. Chim Nuong (grilled birds)
To make a complete grilled bird, the cook has to marinate birds with plenty of spices for about 5 hours and grill them on hot charcoals. It tastes better when eating with pepper salt and lemon.
- Address: 5B Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 16:30 – 21:00
8. Bo Nuong Chao Gang (grilled beef on cast iron)
This dish is especially a good choice for some cold days in winter. Beef and stew are marinated with spices and then grilled on cast iron with potato. The aroma of the beef even makes it more attractive and delicious, and the price is quite cheap.
- Address: 2 Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 21:00 – 3:00
9. Chan Ga (chicken legs)
This is one of the most favorite snacks to almost Vietnamese. You can try either chicken legs with lemongrass or fried chicken legs, both are tasty and spicy. This one is perfect to be enjoyed with Ta Hien beer.
- Address: 20 Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 12:00 – 18:00
or
- Address: 29A Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 18:30 – 23:30
10. Pho Mai Que (cheese sticks)
One of the first places selling famous cheese sticks in Hanoi must be Ta Hien. Cheese sticks here are made from Mozzarella, a popular kind of cheese in Italy. Pieces of cheese are cut in to small long bars, rolled through a mixture of wheat flour, dried dough and oregano and then fried. Each stick is only 7000 VND.
- Address: 15 Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hour: 8:00 – 22:00
These are some of the most popular bars and food in Ta Hien street that any visitor should try once. It’s really interesting to enjoy the old quarter street beer with local Vietnamese street food on the pavement then have fun with friends at night bars. Ta Hien street in Hanoi is a definitely place where foreigners can experience a warm and friendly atmosphere as well as the hospitality of Vietnamese people.