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56 reviews or comments posted; no questions asked; 28 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (56) see all
I have been here twice now, and will definitely be going again! Each time, all the dishes we have had have been superb. The first time I went, I had Coq-A-Vin, and the meat was so tender it just melted off the bone and dissolved in my mouth. I was sorely tempted to get it again last night, but I wanted to see what some of the other dishes were like, and I had a steak. Cooked to perfection, nicely bloody (which I always like when there is a good accompanying sauce), it was fantastic. My friends had spaghetti (she loved it) and the other one had some prawn dish, which didn't have just one or two, there was a good number in it.
Their cocktails are good, the first time I went I had a frozen daiquiri when we were sitting on the 4th floor balcony in the streaming sun, it was perfect! A mate had a chocolate milkshake with some Kahlua in it to give it a kick, and she was quite a fan of it.
The prices are very reasonable, and the place is nicely decorated. The staff are attentive without hovering, and it is surprisingly quiet for being so close to Hoan Kiem lake.
I reckon it'd be a really great place to take a special someone... now I just have to find them :P
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This review is a bitter one, so take that into account when reading it. We used to go here regularly, since it is between our school and where we park our motorbikes. Because it was underground (and no-one could see them) and they had Baileys and cocktails and a karaoke option if you wanted it, it also meant that we could quite often talk some of the girls from work into stopping for a drink or two before they headed home or to their private tutoring lessons. The staff were friendly enough, and the beers were generally cold (though usually they started to get a bit warmish by the end of our session as their beer fridge is pretty small, and we tend to drink it faster than they could restock it). It always puzzled me why a place called Pub 333 doesn't sell the 333 beer, but it didn’t really worry me.
Drinks used to be very reasonably priced, but then there was a terrible day... we had arrived with a large posse of people and had an extremely long session (so long in fact that the girls ordered and knocked off a bottle of Baileys). When we finished up and were presented with the bill, we were not impressed in the slightest. Prices had magically gone up. Unfortunately the girls had all gone home, so we didn't have a translator handy. The manager spoke some English and told us that they had a new menu. We asked to see it. They didn't have any yet. We asked to see the old menu, to compare prices. They didn't have any left she said. We leaned over and took the one we had been looking at for cocktails, and looked up the old prices. It used to be 20K for a beer, and now its 40k? Yes, she said. Can you show us that on the menu please? We don't have any yet. Then we saw how much the bottle of Baileys was, and really started swearing, as 750,000 was a massive amount, especially compared to what we used to pay for a bottle in 333 (can't remember exactly, but I think it was a ballpark 300,000).
We went in the next few days, and asked for a menu. We don't have them yet, was the answer. OK we said, and walked out. We kept doing that until they finally did get their newly priced menu - 2 weeks later. We were pretty convinced they just saw it as an opportune time to make some extra cash, and decided to gouge us - after all, we keep coming back, why not milk us for all we're worth?
The upshot was we haven't been back, and never will. Some of us still cross to the other side of the street when walking back to our bikes, that's how disgusted we are.
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This is less a review, more a public service announcement for anyone in Ciputra and thinking Jafa's is the only option.
Outside the gate closest to Jafa, across the road, there is an awesome restaurant made completely out of Bamboo. The name is Thang Long (like so many other places in Hanoi) but we always called it Bamboo, because we are lazy and like descriptive names. For the three months we were living in exile at Ciputra, Bamboo was our local. The staff were friendly but didn't have much English (we did some token lessons with them, gave them some phrasebooks and learned some token Vietnamese off them). Only one I knew still works there, but Nguyet is still as friendly as ever, and is much more fluent now, so it is even easier to talk to her.
The fare is standard Vietnamese grub, with a wide selection of meats (your standard beef, fish, chicken and a few ones that are nice to have every now and then to break up the monotony like frog). They do awesome roast chicken (Vietnamese style, not the sage and onion like back home), their spring rolls are great, and pretty much all the squid and snail options are fantastic. A magnificent point in their favour is that even though it is only about the distance of a tennis court from Ciputra, the prices are "normal" and not insanely inflated.
Their bia hoi is good, they also have bia hanoi in bottles, though it is not cold, and it is the dodgy smash it up with a hammer ice to cool it (I have friends who are leery of it, but I generally believe in the healing properties of booze and figure that will kill anything manky in it - though we did swap back to the bia hoi when we saw them take to a rat with the mallet they were breaking the ice up with, and returned to making smaller chunks). They have a bunch of the herbal ruou as well, and the ones I've had have always been tasty and not too rough. Often there will be a big party going, and we have frequently been invited over for a few toasts and a broken English/Vietnamese conversation.
Five stars for Bamboo, 3 for each of the months I was at Ciputra (as we frequented it about 8 days out of ten), one for the food (not to imply that the food is worth just one star), and one star for a huge heaping of nostalgia for me every time I go there.
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I am a real fan of Brennaj's reviews, and since this place is a bee's dick from where I work, I decided to check it out for lunch one day. I agree, it is great! Fast, fresh, good food. I am no real expert in Korean food, but the menu has pretty pictures, and I have never been averse to playing "happy pointing fun" and being pleasantly surprised.
The thing I do know about Korean stuff they do well - their mandu cakes are just like the ones my mates mum used to make when I was a kid, and the free side dishes rock, especially the yellow pickled possibly radish.
One drawback to this place for me is the sitting on the floor as I am an unco-ordinated uncouth bugger, and have trouble sitting like that without dropping food down my front (well, I have trouble not doing that at any time, but due to poor balance issues I am more likely to do it).
The other thing that makes me a little sad is that one of the pictures on the menu has a star shaped egg on top, and mine has never come like that, but thats more the pouty child in me having a sulk than any fault on their part.
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Small things amuse small minds, and I love Funky Buddha because of the light show. Its disorientating, its distracting, but for someone like me with an attention span that is put to shame by that of a goldfish, it is *fantastic*. If only I had a pet chameleon, I'd buy it a plaid tie and spend the rest of my life in there giggling like a schoolgirl (I would have said a schoolboy with a box of matches and something to injure, but I'm not that malicious, I will just have to go with being in touch with my feminine side).
They have a good range of drink specials, always listed on the New Hanoian (another point in their favour), so it is easy to see when is a good time to go. I can't really comment on their musical selection, as most people would say my preferences suck (which is fair enough), though I do find it a tad bit loud for conversation... not that it worries me, I am there for the pretty visuals.
The only downside for me is that it is on Ta Hien, which means your mates tend to want to go bar hopping and try somewhere else - for most people that's generally a plus, but I go out to socialise and to drink to get drunk, not to walk/drive the length and breadth of Hanoi.
For me, a 3, nearly up to a 3.5
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Answers (28)
Posted Saturday August 11th, 2007.
Hehe, yep, the second one is right.
My mates and I tried a few different types of those cards when we first got here, and it seemed random which shops would be selling which brands - often the place we had originally bought it from didn't have any more.
You can now set Skype up so it renews your account when it starts getting low, which is good if you're forgetful like me.
In response to the question: Does anyone use International Calling cards in Hanoi and where can you buy them? Am I about to be told the easiest and cheapest way is using Skype ...
Posted Sunday September 23rd, 2007.
I'm just yarning to one of my Vietnamese mates at the moment, and she said that there will be heaps of people lighting up the flying paper lanterns on Tuesday night.
I saw them last year once, going over West Lake, and they were very beautiful. She said they release them from Korean Point (which is part of West Lake, apparently but I've never heard of it). We were at the Highlands Coffee on the boat on the lake, and the lanterns looked to be coming from near the swan paddle boats and merry-go-round.
There will be even more released at My Dinh Stadium, where they play the big soccer matches, and fly the kites at night and stuff. I'd go there just to fly a kite myself, on another night, that's pretty enough.
Out of the two, I'd take the West Lake option first, as you can have a beer and a feed and sit in a comfortable chair watching it.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if there are any good festivities worth visiting in Hanoi on September 25th (the Mid-Autumn Festival)? I don't know what they do for...
Posted Wednesday September 26th, 2007.
For other games I've played that I've needed a legit copy, I've ordered mine via Amazon or one of the other online retailers.
Occasionally that plan has fallen through when my package has disappeared into the bowels of the mail system, but I always remain ever hopeful.
In response to the question: Hi, my Aussie sons think they will expire soon if they don't get their hands on a Halo 3. Where can we buy a good legit copy? Thanks for your help ...
Posted Thursday October 4th, 2007.
I can't help with the gumboots, but if you want a toaster from somewhere in Ba Dinh, then there's a bunch of white goods sort of shops on Giang Vo. I got my beer fridge, a blender and a rice cooker there, and there were toasters and all those sort of things too.
In town, Hai Ba Trung has heaps of electronics shops, and you're sure to find one there, too.
In response to the question: Oh please please please does anyone know where I can buy Wellington boots in either Ba Dinh or the old quarter? Also looking for a toaster if anyo...
Posted Monday October 15th, 2007.
There is one down the bottom of tower 3 in Ciputra, the one to the left of Jafa.
If there's more, I don't know about them sorry mate.
In response to the question: Hi, Can anyone tell me the address of L's place in Hanoi? I know there is one on Xuan Dieu 1. Where are the other? Thanks...
Posted Tuesday October 23rd, 2007.
We bought saddle bags for our motorbike off a small street near Hang Bong - my memory is hazy but on a map (which I am terrible at reading) it looks like it was Ha Trung. This street sold lots of leather goods, seats, saddle bags, jackets. Our bags were reasonably priced (time has eaten away exactly how much), but it was certainly strong and durable, and generally waterproof. If you're doing heaps of riding, it might be a goer for you as well mate.
In response to the question: Hi I was wondering if there are any keen cyclists out there who have bought a bag for their bicycle in Hanoi. I am looking for one for the front han...
Posted Tuesday October 23rd, 2007.
My system so far has been not to get sick. As a backup plan, I got online coverage. You have to be from the right countries though, an Aussie, a Kiwi or a Pom.
http://www.1cover.com/
I haven't had to claim, and it wasn't too expensive for a years coverage (I have a shocking memory though, and couldn't tell you how much it would be sorry), and it is extendable if you stay for longer or travel somewhere after here.
A family friend had to claim for something while they were on holidays with this, and they coughed up no worries, and didn't throw too much paperwork at them.
In response to the question: Hmm, I tried this question unsuccessfully this morning - it didn't show up. Problem - almost every bit of info about Vietnam says to get health in...
Posted Wednesday October 31st, 2007.
There is a bunch of glasses shops and opticians on Giang Vo, and some more in town around Trang Tien plaza.
I am sure some of them would sell some, especially the bigger ones with Opticians inside them.
Possibly all the sunglasses places on Luong Van Can, near Little Hanoi might sell you some too, but that's more of a stretch, I'd guess.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where i can buy a small (travel-size) bottle of contact lens solution?...
Posted Wednesday December 5th, 2007.
In July I flew to America and back, and got my flights lined up and booked in about 5 minutes at Asia Wings, in Hanoi Towers. I've used them many times, and never had any problems. Even when cutting it fine time wise, they've managed to squeeze me onto a plane to get me where I am going when I wanted to. And the prices have generally been quite reasonable, too.
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a good travel agency for booking tickets to and from the US? Might try to go home for the holidays and internet searches not turn...
Posted Wednesday January 9th, 2008.
A friend of mine had a house warming a while back, and had heaps of food prepared and delivered by the Deli. There's a few listed by that name, but this is the one she used: http://www.newhanoian.com/venue/show/187/The-Deli-Tran-Huy-Lieu
Casa Mia has just opened up, also on Kim Ma, and its run by the caterers at my school. Any time they've had to do a function, its been well run, you could try them too (I've just done a review for them, so they're listed now).
In response to the question: I consider to host a party with around 15 people and need some food delivered, including cutlery and plates. Has anyone experience with a catering ser...
Posted Friday January 11th, 2008.
I know my Vietnamese mates like some sites that can only be accessed via an FPT connection, for streamed movies and music and stuff. Did you set your blog up on something that belongs to FPT, or a more generic one?
In response to the question: Anyone know why I might not be able to log onto any blogs from my home internet site? I set up a blog form a cafe the otherday and now can't access i...
Posted Friday January 18th, 2008.
There are a heap of sports shops on Nguyen Thai Hoc, near Chicken Street.
Since I fear and loathe exercise, I can't tell you how good it is quality-wise.
We get most of our gear there for school but school equipment never lasts long, no matter the quality of your materials, so I can't use that a yardstick either, sorry.
In response to the question: Can anybody recommend a sporting good store or a place to get a decent quality basketball? Doesn't need to be top quality, just preferably one that w...
Posted Sunday March 23rd, 2008.
Heaps of places on Ly Nam De sell software, at very reasonable prices. They often have folders of them sorted into different applications, and some compilation ones as well.
In response to the question: Where is the best place in Hanoi to buy software. ...
Posted Thursday May 1st, 2008.
An Uninterrupted Power Supply - a few big batteries welded into a box, that sits between the powerpoint and your computer, with a powerboard on the back so you can plug in a half a dozen things. If the power cuts out, it means that you don't lose that document you should have saved but didn't, and they also tend to help with fluctuations and power spikes. With a big spike, it should die without passing the surge on, instead of your computer/router or anything else plugged into it.
In response to the question: At home I plug my computer into an adapter and a power strip, but it is heating up quite quickly. Although I have lived overseas a number of times, th...
Posted Monday May 12th, 2008.
We were getting slaughtered regularly by them too, but found the bug thing you're after. Citimart in Hanoi Towers and Big C both stock them, it is in an orange box about the size of a light globe, called Jumbo. The plug thinggy is the same orange colour, and it comes with either a small perfume bottle full of magic, that is connected underneath, or a pad that you shove into the top cover.
The bottles are easier to see when they are running low so you need to buy a new one, and if you're not careful pulling them out from the wall, you can rip the top bit off the electronics (I have done it a few times now), but they won't break the bank if that happens.
They are great, the bugs go away till it is empty and we scramble to buy a new one
In response to the question: Lately I've found myself being attacked rather vigourously by mosquitos whilst I'm sleeping, which I'm not enjoying. I can't seem to locate the insect...
Posted Tuesday May 13th, 2008.
Toan Phat computers at 16A Ly Nam De have fixed a mates external hard drive, but I forget how much it was, sorry.
These guys are great, and have always looked after me or any friends I have taken there for parts or repairs, as you can see by this glowing review I gave them:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/1687/Toan-Phat-Computer
In response to the question: Hi, Does anyone know where can I repair my external hard disk? And if there is a place that provides the service, how much would it cost? ...
Posted Thursday May 15th, 2008.
Feather boas are all the rage on push bikes for boys at the moment, so they are selling them in all colours on Pho Hue and Ba Trieu. Drive down one of them, and you can't miss them.
I can't help you with a cigarette holder sorry.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy a long black cigarette holder and a black boa...?...
Posted Monday May 19th, 2008.
I am allergic to sport, so I am not 100% definite, but I'd say its most likely that Jafa at Ciputra will screen it, and probably Jaspas in Hanoi Towers, too.
You might find it on at a few more places, and I think they have a delayed telecast on the Australia channel.
In response to the question: Hello, I am an Aussie that will be in Hanoi for the 2nd State of Origin match on the 11/06/08, does anyone know if this will be shown on TV in Vietnam...
Posted Monday June 23rd, 2008.
I reckon that the New Hanoian's system works great guns, because of the dedication the admins put in.
I love this site, and check for new reviews at least every hour if I'm at my computer (I have a short attention span, and I am easily amused). I read all the FAQ pages just for something to do ages ago, but obviously that's not for everyone - and I am sure if a small place with Vietnamese owners who don't speak great English come to the site, they aren't going to wade through all that. They may not even know what a FAQ is.
I once saw one listing for a place that was done by the owner - to the normal user, you wouldn't have known - but I'd just followed up a job interview (posted on the pages here, naturally) and the reviewer was the same person I'd sent my CV to. I palmed it off to the admins with a quick note and they spoke quietly to her, she hadn't known it wasn't the done thing, blowing your own trumpet.
I reckon they do a fantastic job, and dealt with Stones in the most appropriate way. Stones had unwittingly screwed up, and so were trying to make it up the best way they could - by giving a huge prize for 15 people (deservedly won by Brenaj) and then the monthly meet-up. What better way to say "We're sorry" than with free booze? It also gave us the chance to check the place out, and some people have already reviewed it. When I go again, I'll review it too - as I prefer to go at least twice to a place before I give them their review, to make sure I'm giving it a fair one.
The guys running the New Hanoian are doing a fantastic job. I’ve had job interviews from their pages, helped mates find flatmates, and found some excellent bars and restaurants on their pages. I love writing reviews, and enjoy reading everyone else’s reviews. Plus, once a month, New Hanoian picks up my bar tab. What’s not to like? The only thing that would make it perfect would be if I got a free puppy every time I reloaded the home page.
In response to the question: I'm setting up this question so that we have a more effective venue for discussing some of the concerns "jimbo" has recently raised about how we've de...
Posted Saturday July 5th, 2008.
Yep, I was going to give similarly vague directions, but it sounds like exactly the same place with the same sort of navigational aids I use to describe it to mates.
I bought the series there (though a PS2 doesn't like all the disks, but goes fine on a laptop), and he is willing to order in other stuff... after two years here, and asking every time I drop in there for the Beatles Anthology for a mate it is "One more week, no worries". But everything else that has been hard to get has been there next time.
If you go there a couple of times, they'll recognize you, realize you're not a tourist, and look after you price wise and warning you off discs that are aren't as good quality.
In response to the question: Does anyone know a DVD sthop where it's possible to purchase the complete either a complete set of Monty Python's Flying Circus, or each of the series...
Posted Saturday July 26th, 2008.
All our mates were whining about the rate of inflation, and had recently got pay rises at work. I figured if we were pissing and moaning about everything going up, it would be the same for my maid, and upped her salary last month from 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 and told her if it wasn't enough, then I would be more than willing to lift it again as needs be.
She doesn't come for long, but she doesn't have to, she does an awesome job (I imagine she looks something like an octopus spinning around like Tassie Devil the way she does it all so quickly), but I trust her implictly, and figure throwing more dough at her to get her to stay is far better than having to get someone else used to my grubby nature.
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Thursday July 31st, 2008.
My company provides my medical insurance here, and I just signed on again. I made damn sure that they would do the hoop jumping for me for the driver's license, because the medical coverage says if you're breaking the law, you're not covered. Our HR chick tried telling me it was too hard to get a license, so I had to do it myself, but I just kept repeatedly pointing out that part of my coverage, and saying it would be easier for her, who speaks fluent Vietnamese, to do it ratehr than me.
After a few weeks of refusing to sign over this stumbling point, she relented and gave in. When I get back from holidays, I'll let you know how its gone (assuming she's had time to do it, she's probably busy scrambling for more teachers).
I reckon the insurers would follow it, anything to bring their costs down.
In response to the question: I've heard that in order for a Vietnamese medical insurance company to cover costs associated with motorbike licenses, the insured must have a Vietnam...
Posted Wednesday September 3rd, 2008.
I just looked at my customs card in my passport, yeah its $7,000 US, with the next box being 15,000,000 Dong (so maybe you can do both - but I don't know how much use that much dong would be elsewhere) and 300 grams of gold, so that could also maybe be an option as well.
In response to the question: I have another question to ask to you wonderful people. I'm leaving Vietnam very soon and I've saved some cash here. I know I can try and transfer the...
Posted Tuesday October 7th, 2008.
I commend your fervor mate, but question your taste :) I am pretty sure you can buy it by the case at the Warehouse http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/784/The-Warehouse
They have a lot of Aussie stuff there, Bundy Rum, Coopers, and a fair range of Aussie wines.
My memory is erratic, but they may have it at the Annam Deli in the Syrena suite.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/2116/Annam-Gourmet
The Aussie Embassy has a barbie on the last Friday of every month, and a few times I've been forced to drink VB there, they always have it in stock.
For other Aussie beers, quite a few places have Fosters on tap (but show me an Aussie who drinks that?), and Coopers is finally starting to make itself known here (I'd drink that any day over VB, but I am biased, I even have a Coopers beach towel).
Jaspa's has Coopers at the exorbitant price of 86,000 a bottle. Matchbox has it at a much more reasonable price, but I forget what it is off the top of my head, and it is even cheaper in happy hour there.
In response to the question: Hi to all, Is there a place I can buy or order Victoria Bitter Beer (Australian)in Hanoi? Many thanks....
Posted Thursday October 9th, 2008.
You can get watch batteries installed at most of the places that sell watches along Hang Gai or Hang Bong in the old quarter - especially the ones that aren't overly flashy. If you're more competent than me with a jeweler's screwdriver, you can buy the batteries off some of the street hawkers who sell nail clippers and zippo fluid and stuff.
For key cutting, I've always gone to the guys doing it tough on the corner of Luon Van Can and Hang Gai they are just down from Minh's Jazz club, in front of the soft toy sellers at the traffic lights. The keys don't always work when I've got them home, so if it is for a padlock rather than your front door, it doesn't hurt to bring it along with you to check.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can get a battery for my watch? A watch shop? Or are there some little fix-it shops around the old quarter? And where can...
Posted Friday October 31st, 2008.
You can get food colouring at Dan's, L's place and those sort of shops, I've got it there before for play dough and when I was going to cook (but was too lazy to). They've normally got a range of colours sold in a packet, not individually
In response to the question: Where can i buy red food colouring? or fake blood? whichever is more common here in Hanoi...
Posted Monday November 17th, 2008.
Maybe try Cabramatta library or something like that mate - there are quite a few shop signs in Vietnamese there, and you should be able to rustle up a friendly and helpful person.
In response to the question: Hey, I know this isn’t really the right place to ask this but i don’t know where else to find out. I'm going to be living in Hanoi for much of nex...
Posted Sunday November 30th, 2008.
I just got home from a mate's place who had it, he said he bought it on the Citimart on Cat Linh
In response to the question: I bought a can of Dutch? quick cooking oats at Citi Vincom about 5 months ago and believe it or not, they no longer stock it. Has anyone spotted anyth...
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Snellopy
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In Hanoi SinceFriday June 30th, 2006
New Hanoian Member SinceSunday July 15th, 2007
