The Feast

Vietnamese feast arranged with memory and warmth

There are only a few occasions in a year when a house feels truly alive – and those are the days when a feast is prepared. It is when the treasured bowls and plates, carefully stored away for so long, are finally brought out. Dishes that rarely appear in everyday meals are now generously arranged around a round table, full and inviting.

Yet more than the abundance of food, what lingers most deeply is the sense of warmth – when the kitchen, the dining table, and the shared meal become a place of gathering. The colors, aromas, sounds, and quiet intimacy of such moments form the essence of a traditional Vietnamese feast.

It is from this spirit that Gia Restaurant presents Cỗ Bàn this season: a heartfelt table prepared to welcome cherished guests into the home.

Returning to the Old Ways of Kinh Kỳ

Across the Red River, tucked away from the city’s bustle, lies an ancient village with a history of more than 600 years. This is where we returned – to listen to stories of Northern Vietnam’s culinary and cultural heritage.

Beyond the traditional flavors the village is known for, what moved us most was a way of life: refined, orderly, and carefully preserved through generations. Here, a feast is not simply a meal, but a ritual – one that begins long before guests arrive, with thoughtful attention to every bowl, every plate, every pair of chopsticks.

An auspicious day has arrived. The house is neatly adorned, and the feast is ready. Gia warmly invites you to step inside, to share conversations of a new season – the season of Cỗ Bàn.

The Image of a Vietnamese Feast

Bún Thang – The Elegance of Hanoi

For many Hanoi families, bún thang appears a few days after Lunar New Year, when each ingredient remains in small amounts. But for us, bún thang is never a dish of leftovers.

It demands the same level of care as any dish on the feast table – from the preparation of each ingredient to the harmony of its presentation.

A proper bowl of bún thang must have a clear, delicately sweet broth, finished with a drop of cà cuống essential oil for its distinctive aroma, and a touch of fermented shrimp paste for depth. Simple ingredients, in the refined hands of Hanoians, become a gentle journey for the palate – especially fitting for the early days of spring.

Snails – A Feast in Miniature

We invite our guests to begin with ăn ốc – eating snails – because it is, in itself, a small feast. A table filled with various snails and seafood, and most importantly, companions to share stories with as the meal unfolds.

For Hanoians, snails must be served piping hot, fragrant with kaffir lime leaves, dipped in a perfectly balanced fish sauce of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet. A bowl of snail broth scented with ginger and lemongrass completes the experience – a familiar pleasure of leisurely street dining.

The simpler the dish, the more meticulous the attention to detail. This is the unique culinary culture of Hanoi, and it is precisely what Gia wishes to convey through Cỗ Bàn this season.

An Invitation from Gia

Cỗ Bàn is not merely a menu. It is an invitation to return – to memory, to the rhythms of home, and to a distinctly Vietnamese sense of warmth.

We look forward to welcoming you into our home, to sit together around the table, and to share the stories of a new season – slowly, intimately, and fully present in every moment.

Book your table to explore the new tasting menu – Khải Hoàn – December 2025→ Reserve your experience at Gia

About Gia

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Gia is a contemporary fine dining restaurant proudly listed in the MICHELIN Guide Vietnam. Led by Chef Sam Tran, Gia tells Vietnam’s culinary story through seasonal tasting menus that bridge tradition and innovation. Each dish reflects the restaurant’s philosophy – to honor Vietnamese ingredients, elevate local craftsmanship, and create a dining experience that feels both personal and timeless.

Recognized among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (Top 51–100) and The Best Chef Awards, Gia continues to celebrate Vietnam’s rich gastronomic heritage with modern artistry and quiet confidence.

→ Discover more about Gia: gia-hanoi.com/home