Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây

Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây is a restaurant at 1 Thanh Niên in the Tây Hồ district of Hanoi, beside West Lake, in northern Vietnam. It specialises in bánh tôm, crispy fritters made from shrimp and strips of sweet potato in a light batter, which are deep-fried until golden. The fritters are eaten by wrapping them in lettuce and fresh herbs and dipping them in a sweet-sour sauce, giving a contrast of crunch, sweetness and freshness. The dish is closely associated with the West Lake area, and the restaurant is a familiar local weekend outing for Hanoi families. The menu also includes bánh cuốn, steamed rice rolls, and ốc, snails prepared in several styles, which are a popular snack in the city. The dining room is lakeside and casual, with a relaxed atmosphere that draws locals as well as travellers. There is no dress code and no formal service. Noise is moderate, and the mood is more leisurely than at the busy Old Quarter noodle shops, especially on weekday afternoons. Weekends can be busier, when families arrive together. Prices are low to moderate, with a typical meal costing about 60,000 to 150,000 VND per person, depending on the dishes ordered. Beverages include tea, soft drinks and beer, and there is no distinctive wine programme. The restaurant is open daily from 9AM to 9PM, which makes it suitable for lunch, an afternoon snack or an early dinner. Reservations are not needed. The location on Thanh Niên Road, a causeway that separates West Lake from the smaller Trúc Bạch Lake, is a short taxi ride from the Old Quarter, and visitors often combine a meal with a walk or bicycle ride along the lakeshore. Because bánh tôm is fried to order, it is best eaten hot while the batter is still crisp, and diners generally share a plate among the table.