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suddenpaws's Posts
53 reviews or comments posted; 4 questions asked; 12 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (53) see all
Poor old BBQ Chicken seems to get a bit of a bum rap here. OK, so its not KFC. I seem to recall the same thing being said about Lotteria not being Maccas. That's the first point, ok? It's not KFC! Though, unlike Maccas, if you want KFC, you CAN go and eat it here in Hanoi! Also, like Lotteria, there are some things about this place that make it distinctively NOT KFC. Their menu is different, and has a variety of stuff that, if you don't like the battered rubbish, can actually serve more as a reasonable food option. Their prices are ok, and their food, whilst not the elite level, passes as food when you are skint and hungry. (though don't get me started on their fries... yuck!)
I have been to three different BBQ chicken stores, all of which seem to have popped up out of nowhere recently. They appear to be clean, the staff friendly, and the food, though not flash, is predictable. For a store that's apparently so bad, they seem to be doing extremely well.
I say about BBQ Chicken the same as Lotteria: don't go in there expecting the same as your patent Seppo brand that's conquered the universe. It's different. Except it for what it is, and if you can't, go back to KFC and eat with Chicky.
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This place is not bad, but it's not fantastic either. I have been here twice, once for a massage, and once for waxing. The massage was quite good. I specifically asked for a full leg massage and the results were just what I wanted, though for a fee.
The leg wax was excellent, quite possibly the best I have had here in Hanoi, but the underarm hot wax was a nightmare. I have been waxing both areas for over 15 years, and have never found anyone who pulled off hot wax so slowly. The girl obviously meant to do it slowly, but that's just not the way its done! It hurt like hell, and considering I have been known to fall asleep during waxing, that says a lot.
I think this place markets more on its product name. Their products look to be quite good quality, if a bit pricy. They have an outlet somewhere just for product, whilst this salon on Kim Ma is the only salon in the city. Its location on a busy Kim Ma corner makes it less than desirable if you like to have quiet and ambiance during your massage. The sound of traffic was almost constant over the struggling sounds of Kenny G on the speakers (not that that was necessarily a bad thing... sorry Kenny fans!)
Not top of my list of recommended salons, but not at the bottom either. I think there's just as good at better prices available out there. Just don't come here for hot waxing!!
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I have, on occasion, had a nice pizza here. Their menu is not too bad, and I have to say their cakes in the window are really yummy.
However, I can't really say it's worth the money. I agree with all other reviews to date that say this place is overpriced. It is. By a long shot. I mean, it's not bad (well I don't think so), but that's the problem - it's not so fantastic that it warrants the price tag of the meals and drinks. There's really nothing here you can't get better or cheaper elsewhere.
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With so many more places opening up around this area, there's less and less to recommend this place for, except the prices. Yep, they are cheap. Very cheap. If you want to eat for a small amount of cash come here. Having said that the food is, um, how can I put it politely...not fantastic, though it does basically pass as food if you are desperate. I have eaten the chips I think on a different day to loominpapa - mine were horrible!! Definitely fried one to many times in my case!
Good when you are skint and starving.
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I came here for an event, and I think because of it were treated better than most. We had good service. One point though: as we were here for a buffet, it might have been nice to actually know what the dishes were when they were put out. Some friends are veggies, others have religious beliefs to contend with (though it's nice to know this place is Halal), and it just might have been nice to know the contents of a dish before chowing down.
My only other issue here with the food was what some call mildly spicy and others call "Oh my God, I can see through time" spicy. I knew I would have a problem here when I couldn't feel my face after two mouthfuls of the butter chicken. The restaurant owner went to great pains to tell me that "no no no, all the dishes are mild", and was actually quite patronising about it. However, when my friend, who lives on VERY spicy foods, said to me "hmm, this is quite hot, isn't it", I knew it wasn't just my taste buds and pain receptors throwing a tanty. Solution? I stuck to the rice.
The price was seriously high for both drinks and food, and for me, it wasn't worth it. I hope someone else has a better experience. Considering I have recently moved over this way, I may try them one more time, but not without a full 19L container of La Vie and the SOS ambulance on stand by.
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Questions (4)
Hi all! I like to make jewellery but finding supplies here in Hanoi is proving difficult. I need sterling silver supplies of things like earring hooks, chains, clips, jump rings, etc. Everywhere I have been sent to has nothing but premade jewellery. Does anyone know where I can get this kind of thing? Cheers!
Hi! I love to design stuff, and now have a bunch of bags I have designed and would love to get made. Since its so easy to get clothes made here, how about bags? I haven't been able to find anyone who can make handbags and purses competently. Does anyone know somebody out there who can make my creations by just looking at my designs? Thanks!
I want to buy my own sewing machine. Anyone know a good place to get a nice new one? Is there a sewing machine street somewhere in this town? Thanks!
Does anybody know when the Mosque on Hang Luoc is open? I went there at sunset today (Friday) but it was closed. There must be some other Muslims in this town, but where? Any info about the Mosque hours or about Islamic community contacts or events in Hanoi (if there are any) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and Salaam!
Answers (12)
Posted Tuesday October 30th, 2007.
It's a bit late, but you could try Chip, just around the corner from Hanoi Towers. The addy is 60 Ly Thuong Kiet. They have costumes galore, though they are a bit pricy.
In response to the question: Where can I buy masks or wigs? Need some props to spread that Halloween cheer in my classes....
Posted Tuesday March 11th, 2008.
I have been looking at this issue for the past few weeks. I wanted to try Western Union, and yes, you can send from Hanoi, but only at VP Bank, and then not at all branches (ones that do are on Hoan Kiem and also on Ba Trieu). They told me in very broken English that you need to have a letter from your employer to prove where the money has come from (if you are like me and work here), and to tell them exactly where it is going and why, so an invoice, too. A lot of effort just to pay my credit card back in Oz. Yes Mike from Indochine, probably easier for you, but you are registered Vietnamese company, yeah?! I will try the SWIFT idea at the ANZ, I think. Most banks will probably have their SWIFT number/code on their websites...I know mine (Westpac) does. Will post with any other info I find out about it.
In response to the question: Does anyone have information on international bank transfers? I don't have an account in Hanoi and I'd like to send money overseas. Any suggestions o...
Posted Wednesday June 11th, 2008.
Ciputra is a strange beast. I think you either like it or hate it. Its almost surreal, with its houses all "little boxes made of ticky tacky" if you remember the old song, all looking very cold and very sterile, like an overpriced monosyllabic housing estate. Its appeal I think is those wonderful gates on the roads, complete with security guards, to keep the "riff raff" out... mind you, they have never stopped me from entering the place...
Its a soul draining, lifeless mass of bricks and mortar. And those horses, whilst being anatomically correct (I have this on good authority), are really freaky, especially at night.
However, it is an excellent option if you need somewhere to park your 4WD.
In response to the question: Is anyone currently living in Ciputra villa (not apartment). Im just wondering how is the house condition, maintenance service, surrounding space and ...
Posted Saturday June 14th, 2008.
I don't know about specific nationalities being there, but I know they are playing the games at Jaspas, and there always seems to be a turnout of some kind there, so it may be worth a try. They have some kind of promotion on at the moment to coincide with it as well.
In response to the question: If I want to watch matches with, say Spanish people, or French, or Russian, instead of staying at home where should I go ?...
Posted Saturday June 28th, 2008.
There is a gym in the Melia Hotel, on Ly Thuong Kiet st, near Hanoi Towers. I am not sure what it is like or the price, but it would be an OK location for you near the lake.
In response to the question: Hi guys, Im looking for a good gym which has enough equipments that do not actually fall off during your work out :(! Im considering Horison and Sh...
Posted Tuesday July 1st, 2008.
Pony Bob, where are some of these outlets? I would like to find some, too!
In response to the question: does anyone know if it's possible to get protein powder in hanoi for use after a gym session?...
Posted Sunday August 3rd, 2008.
Yeah, I know the Mosque on Hang Luoc is the only one, hence my question. Nobody seems to be able to tell me anything about when it opens. Now hearing Thousand Nights has closed means nobody is there, either! :o(
In response to the question: Does anybody know when the Mosque on Hang Luoc is open? I went there at sunset today (Friday) but it was closed. There must be some other Muslims in t...
Posted Tuesday August 5th, 2008.
I have seen face paints at the specialist art supplies shop on Yet Kieu, right next to the University entrance (I think no. 41). They sell little boxes of face paint, though they are from China, and I really don't know what kind of quality they are or what chemicals may be in them. Still, they are very cheap and always seem to be there if you are desperate.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where to get Face paint? We are putting on a play at my school and no one knows where to buy it. (They don't have it on toy street) ...
Posted Wednesday August 6th, 2008.
I'd buy them.
In response to the question: I had a business back in the UK selling all kinds of sports supplements (protein,creatine etc)when i come to move to Hanoi at the end of the month do ...
Posted Thursday August 7th, 2008.
I think maybe Dragonfly is showing some. I was there the other evening and a friend mentioned he had seen a poster on the wall about it, though I don't know any more than that, sorry. :o(
In response to the question: Hi everyone! Does anyone know of a bar that will be good to watch the Olympics at? What about a place that has CCTV5? [CCTV is the Chinese sports c...
Posted Saturday August 9th, 2008.
Try the far end of Hoang Hoa Tham St, on the way out to Ciputra. In amongst the plant and garden supplies shops you will find a number of pet stores which sell the more elite puppy breeds. A quick note: If you are a dog lover, prepare yourself first. Don't expect the conditions the puppies are in to be anything resembling humane.
In response to the question: Anyone know where I can buy a Rottweiler puppy? About 3 month old male. Thanks...
Posted Monday August 11th, 2008.
A lot of this actually has to do with the relationship you have with your housekeeper (or your "woman", as NickinNam so delicately puts it!). Try sitting down with her and talking about what she does and what she perceives as fair pay, and why. If she doesn't speak English well, get a bilingual mate to help you out. Actually go to a little effort to find out about her, and you may be surprised at the response.
I just gave my maid a 200thou increase to her monthly pay, which was originally 1 million per month for two mornings a week (I live alone and am pretty neat to start with). She told me it wasn't necessary, but I thought it was, and insisted. She is awesome. I trust her, she does much more than I ever expected, and I am so happy she is with me. I thought it was more than worth it for me to have folded underwear.
Besides, an increase to keep up with inflation every 12 months is fair, isn't it? That's what unions negotiate for in the west, after all...
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...
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