Hanoi Bike Shop, Glasgow
passion
ˈpaʃ(ə)n/
noun
-
strong and barely controllable emotion.Hey Foodwalas…This week was the inaugural visit of Goblee Foodwala, the Head Eater of the Alfie Foodwala Dubai chapter, after some deep contemplation over some amazing coffee at the Southside Coffee Roasters we decided that we should try a Pan Asian Eatery just opened Partick.As we entered the said Eatery and were confronted with what I can only describe as if a streetfood shack in Tokyo and a manga comic made a baby…It made my head spin so we decided that we should go for somewhere more sedate and authentic.Luckily we chose the Hanoi Bike Club which was closeby off Byres Road.We were greeted by a lovely Antipodean hostess who efficiently ushered us to our table.Our guest Goblees Foodwala… the Head Eater of the Dubai chapter asked me what makes a standard restaurant and a truly amazing restaurant, I think it can be summed up in two simple terms, “Passion” and a “labour of Love”.The Passion can labour of love clearly showed in the Hanoi Bike Club and was lacking in the Pan Asian Eatery and again it showed in the Southside Coffee Roasters on Plookshaws Road and definitely lacked at the Bungo Coffee across the road.Our excellent host Max brought over these prawn and Thai chili crackers which went down a treat and the chilled chili and peanut dip was the perfect accompaniment. So good in fact we had a cheeky second helping!Our hostess from down under recommended the Vung bap Ved Daw Hu (Tofu with aubergine and pickled shallots) not being fans of tofu we decided to take the recommendation, it was absolutely delicious, the Tofu was made by the chef and lovely “bite” to it rather than the slimy tofu elsewhere, and the aubergine, green bean, and the pickled shallot sauce was divine and spicy, and perfectly carried the cubed Tofu.The Cha Ca Quy Nhun ( fish cakes) were yet again balanced proportionately with the coley fish and the spice and the oyster sauce.as we savored the afterglow of the fish cakes and the Tofu, this arrived…barbequed Vietnamese Poussin in a saffron, and lemongrass Juss…this was again a delicately spiced with lemongrass and birds eye chili and was heavenlyCha Ca Thang Long (turmeric and dill crusted Coley Fish) on a bed of pickled red cabbage and lime infused vermicelli noodle and peanut salad.The Coley was pan fried with the crispy crust giving the “firm and meaty” fish the right amount of spice as not to overpower the delicate taste of the fish.The salad was light and refreshing perfect for the delicate Coley.These Green Beans stir-fried with shrimp paste and water chestnuts was heavenly, the green beans were crispy and the subtle shrimp flavour was perfect just eaten on its own.Conclusion
The Hanoi Bike shop was brilliant, the staff were exceptional and the food was manna from heaven…definitely recommended.
Food –8 out of 10
Atmosphere – 8 out of 10
service – 8 out of 10
Cleanliness – 8 out of 10
total score – 32 out of 40