Indeed, it’s true! In Hanoi, an entire street is devoted to BBQ chicken feet! Whether you’re eager to sample this delicacy or simply curious to witness it firsthand, Chicken Feet Street in Hanoi guarantees an unparalleled experience. Join us as we uncover the secrets of this hidden gem in Vietnam’s capital city.
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What is Chicken Feet Street
Imagine this: a serene 200-meter (650 ft) long street that comes alive every evening, becoming the heart of Vietnam’s chicken feet BBQ scene. Restaurants line up, each offering a single delicacy: chicken barbecue. And among them, the true standout is the chicken feet BBQ.
But fret not, traditional chicken dishes like breast, wings, and thighs are also on offer. Yet, it’s the flavorful chicken feet that steal the spotlight.
Every day, both locals and tourists flock to this street, drawn by either their love for the cuisine or sheer curiosity. This vibrant street pulses with the aroma of sizzling meats and the chatter of diners. As the sun sets, it transforms into a culinary haven, enticing passersby with the promise of delectable flavors and cultural immersion.
History of Chicken Feet Street
Hanoi’s Chicken Street has a fascinating history wrapped in mystery and tales of old. People aren’t exactly sure how it started, adding to its charm. Some stories suggest it used to be somewhere else before moving to its current spot on Ly Van Phuc Street in the early nineties, between Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh.
Viet Ha, one of the business owners of Chicken Feet Street, says they used to sell chicken on Trinh Hoai Duc Street but decided to move to Ly Van Phuc because it was closer to where they lived. It just made sense to sell near home.
Despite not knowing all the details, Chicken Street is a symbol of Hanoi’s lively food scene and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. It’s a place full of stories and delicious smells that capture the heart of anyone who visits.
Where is Chicken Feet Street
Chicken Feet Street is located in Ly Van Phuc, a tranquil street located between the districts of Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh, which are both central districts in Hanoi. To give you an idea, Ly Van Phuc is about 2km from Hoan Kiem lake and just 1.2km from Train Street.
Below is Chicken Feet Street’s exact location:
How to get to Ly Van Phuc
The most convenient way to reach Chicken Feet Street is by foot. Hanoi’s evening traffic can be notoriously congested, especially in the Old Quarter, making short Grab rides less worthwhile.
If you prefer not to walk, Grab is your best bet for reaching Ly Van Phuc. From the Old Quarter, a taxi ride typically costs around 50,000 VND ($2 USD), while a moto taxi will set you back about 25,000 VND ($1 USD). Expect the journey to take approximately 10 minutes, though it may be longer during peak traffic hours.
Opening Times
The BBQ restaurants on Ly Van Phuc open daily at approximately 4:30 pm and continue serving until late into the evening, often past midnight, occasionally extending their hours even further.
Arriving just before opening, you’ll find the street shrouded in silence. Yet, it’s alive with the secretive rituals of the cooks, as they prepare their tantalizing bounty of chicken feet for the night ahead.
Our Experience at Chicken Feet Street
We arrived at Chicken Feet Street just before the start of business, on a tranquil afternoon of January, greeted by the bustling dance of evening preparations.
The street hosts several restaurants, including Gà Nướng Thịnh Vượng at the start and Viet Ha BBQ streetfood at the end, which are the more popular. Alongside, there are charming bars and cafes that add to the street’s allure.
Arriving early allowed us to leisurely observe the meticulous process behind the daily feast. Hundreds of chicken feet are meticulously grilled each day, infused with secret spice blends from age-old recipes.
We ended up eating at Gà Nướng Thịnh Vượng, and we loved this spot. We ordered chicken thighs, chicken wings, baked honey bread and – of course – a few chicken feet. Our meal was piping hot and it came with fresh vegetables on the side.
Not only was the food good, but it was also very cheap! To give you an idea, here is how much bbq chicken costs at this restaurant:
- Chicken Feet: 10.000 VND ($0.40 USD) each
- Chicken Wing: 20.000 VND ($0.80 USD) each
- Baked Honey Bread: 10.000 VND ($0.40 USD)
- Chicken Thighs: 60.000 VND ($2.40 USD) each
- Chicken Breast: 60.000 VND ($2.40 USD) each
- Ha Noi / Sai Gon Beer: 25.000 VND ($1.00 USD) each
- Lemon Tea: 15.000 VND ($0.60 USD) each
Honestly, we enjoyed everything we sampled here! Despite our initial skepticism about chicken feet, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they taste just like regular BBQ chicken. While less meaty, they boast a delicious BBQ chicken skin flavor.
The wings were tasty, but it was the chicken thighs that truly won us over – some of the finest BBQ chicken we’ve ever savored!
Would we Recommend Visiting?
Absolutely! Leaving Chicken Street with big smiles and satisfied tummies, we’re definitely excited to recommend it to everyone travelling to Hanoi. The food was delicious, and the vibe was so lively.
It’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Hanoi, especially if you’re looking for a different and more authentic experience. Safe travels!
