Hanoi Bike Shop, Glasgow

Its two years since my first visit to the Hanoi Bike shop.   I failed to return because the first time around, it did not leave much of a lasting impression.   Given the benefit of the doubt, I attributed it to teething issues with most new openings.

Glad to say things have vastly improved and I was impressed by some of the regular offerings.   Bearing in mind, this wouldn’t be the place to be seeking out the holy grail of Phos in Scotland.  However, some of the items on the menu actually reminded me how international cuisines when done from a different cultural perspective can be a tantalising offering.

 

CA THU VA KIMCHI

GINGER & MANGO DRESSED MACKEREL

with kimchi, beansprout & herb salad

Strong taste of mackerel  was lifted by the nice acidity of a very “fusion” kimchi , beansprout and herb salad.   Nice touch of a mango fish sauce dressing that lended a nice saltiness and sweetness to the dish.

Only qualm was that the kimchi was rather sour.

ME DAU PHU

Tofu with sesame seeds & red dragon sauce

Homemade tofu which packed full of beany flavours.   Usually, I prefer the softer japanese versions but this rendition was beautifully deep fried and glistened with a red dragon sauce.  (yummy sweet and sour sauce but much nicer and none of that takeaway artificially red version)

I reckon this could be a vegetarian food lover’s best friend.

BO LA LOT 
GRILLED MINCE BEEF WRAPPED IN BETEL LEAF
with crushed peanuts & pickles

Perhaps the most enjoyable dish for me was the Bo La Lot.   Charred but still retaining most of the lovely local beefy flavours and spice mix of galangal and tumeric.  A little dry maybe but pile on the refreshing salad on the side along with that addictive fish sauce and you are ready to go .

Will I get to see a juicy chicken thigh version someday ???   Maybe ……..?

 

 

BUN BO HUE 
ROYAL SPICY BEEF & PORK PHO
The spicy version from the imperial city of Hue.  Pork belly & beef flank in lemongrass & chilli beef broth

This was no fire breathing dragon despite what the name says but Sriracha sauce was there to save the day.     Soup – light and enjoyable.

 

We finished the meal with a mint panna cotta with a jackfruit and green mango salad.

I’ll have another one of these again any other day.

Balcony seating,  free sun tanning, great company, delectable food and a warm waitress made the end of a long day all worthwhile.

I’ll be back.

The Hanoi Bike Shop

————————————–
Ruthven Lane
Glasgow
Tel: 0141 334 7165

Click for map

http://www.thehanoibikeshop.co.uk