Freedom Lane (Ngõ Tự Do) is located as branch from Tran Dai Nghia Street. For those who are unfamiliar with the city of Ha Noi, finding way to this students-populated area can be a pain, so it might be a good idea to acquire assistance from a local students. And not to worry, they would be happy to help, as long as tasty food is on the agenda. The Lane also provides dormitory accommodation for the students of National Economics University, so expect to dive into a pool of young, intellect, friendly and hungry people. This place is almost always buzzing thanks to food stalls and restaurants popping up left, right and center. They provide a wide variety of the most popular dishes among young people. These are dishes that you would not come across in offices of travel agencies. So if you come across this article, you know you are not going to miss this blessing.
So let’s get on with the main attractions. There are many restaurants in this bustle lane, but there are certain places that have established their reputation among youngsters.
Dũng Béo Quán
With food stalls popping up left right and center in this neighborhood, you can bet that not all of them are good. But just ask anyone here, just look everywhere else, and you will know that Dũng Béo Quán is the best around.
Just take your first step in the neighborhood and you will easily recognize the busiest and biggest restaurant that is filled with students. And that is for good reason, this place is surely three or even four times bigger than other restaurants here, and it is still not big enough sometimes. The menu is endless. You can’t try everything on it, not all at once, so here are some that you must pick first.
Firstly, snails and clams. Please do not underestimate. These guys are huge, surely bigger than those you might find elsewhere. The dipping sauce is original and really brings out the flavor of the dish. Below is a picture of a bowl of clam stir-fried with coconut milk and tamarind – the specialty that put this place on the map.
Next up is “Nem chua”. This is a kind of sausage-like meatball, which is hot, crispy and addictive. So save room for others.
Roasted bird is also a nice choice that packs tons of flavors to come along with its own original dipping sauce. This dish is perfect to enjoy in an autumn day.
And if you are traveling in groups, why not try some hot pots to warm up in those cold winter days?
Those are some of the must-try from Dũng Béo quán. But there are still other things to enjoy while you are around.
Pho
Of course you cannot have Vietnam flavors without Pho. The dish comes with everything that represents Vietnam. It comes with fish, liver, chicken, pork, beef, snail, tofu,… and of course you cannot leave out the love of the ones who make it.
Monsieur Crêpe
If traditional Vietnamese food is not your thing, then this is still a reason to seek out Freedom Lane. This place has one of the best Crepes in town. It is built as a Cafe, so you can come, sit down, have some thing to eat or drink, study or work, or just simply have a chat with someone.
Entertainment
Food is not the only attraction here. Sit down with the local students, find out more about their college life in one of the cafes. Visit the National Economics University dormitory. Compete in a video game showdown at one of those internet cafes or console houses. Take part in one of the musical events, listen to the performance of Vietnamese students as they display their artistic passion, or even show them that you want a piece of the stage as well. Participation is always welcomed among the new generation of Vietnamese.
So in conclusion. I just want to point out that I wrote this article straight from my heart. Everything that you have just read was simply experience of my days in university. And that represents what I love about my country. I have faith in the new generations of Vietnamese. The food here is only one of the things that this generation has to offer the world. These people need to be given a chance to make changes and to be heard.