Full Moon

Round heaven, square earth.

For generations, in Vietnamese folklore, the circle has symbolized the sky – the sun and the moon. With no beginning and no end, it speaks of continuity: the quiet passing down of core values from one generation to the next.

This philosophy forms the foundation of the experience at Gia Restaurant.

Through each dish and every story, we seek to carry the marks of time – familiar memories shaped by tradition. At the same time, creative approaches and thoughtful experimentation keep these stories alive, allowing them to evolve without losing their essence. From this balance, a complete circle is formed.

A Meal Is Never Just Food

In a Vietnamese meal, food is never the only thing on the table. Within every tasting menu at Gia, there is always a dish meant to feel grounding – something that brings comfort and a sense of fullness.

Autumn calls the rice fields into harvest. Plump, translucent grains gather the essence of earth and sky. For this year’s Full Moon menu, we chose Bắc Hương rice for one of Gia’s signature rice dishes.

In Northern Vietnam, Bắc Hương rice has long been described as “heavenly rice” – slender grains, naturally white, small and delicate. When cooked, it becomes gently sticky, deeply flavorful, carrying the fragrance of ripeness, warmth, and abundance.

At Gia, there may be no elaborate feast without rice – but there is never a Vietnamese meal without a bowl of it.

The Spirit of Gathering

For centuries, the image of the round tray has defined the Vietnamese family meal. Only when sitting around it can we truly feel the meaning of sum vầy – togetherness.

A meal is not merely a moment when family members meet. It is where care is expressed, where bonds are reinforced, where silence and conversation carry equal weight.

With respect and pride, we evoke this familiar ritual through the round table at Gia. It becomes our own communal tray – a circle of connection through which we continue to tell stories of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine.

Moonlight as Inspiration

Unlike the sun, which dazzles and dominates, moonlight is gentle and restrained. Its soft glow settles quietly over the world, revealing shapes and textures without overwhelming them.

At Gia, this is the light we choose to work with – just enough to begin your evening, just enough to guide you through the journey ahead. Beneath this light, the traditional elements of Vietnamese culture are subtly woven into each experience, waiting to be discovered at your own pace.

Flavors of the Full Moon

Rice, Always – But Never the Same

Every season, there is a bowl of hot rice at Gia. And yet, no season is ever the same.

For autumn, the rice is cooked from Bắc Hương grains – fragrant, gently sweet, especially comforting while still steaming. Paired simply with the savory umami of termite mushrooms, it needs no luxurious protein to feel complete.

This bowl of rice is our tribute to the quiet skill of the one who cooks for the family – the ability to combine humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying, turning simplicity into a kind of quiet luxury.

For those of us from the North, Bắc Hương rice is a sky full of childhood memories. Each grain swells round and glossy, carrying the scent of golden harvest fields. No elaborate preparation is required – a bowl of hot rice alone is enough to make any meal feel abundant.

Hue’s Soul, Reimagined

When speaking of Huế’s imperial cuisine, one dish is always mentioned: bún bò Huế – a reflection of the region’s rhythm and spirit.

From its rising steam, warm aroma, and naturally sweet broth, we chose this dish as inspiration for a charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef course – a Western ingredient, reinterpreted through a distinctly Vietnamese lens.

Forget the vermicelli and the familiar accompaniments. In this dish, we hope you find the essence of bún bò Huế distilled into a glossy, deeply flavored sauce, fragrant with fermented shrimp paste and Huế’s signature spices.

Hanoi’s Afternoon Ritual

Hanoians have a cherished habit known as ăn quà chiều – afternoon snacking. It is never about fullness, but about savoring flavors at the right moment. In Hanoi’s winter, one such indulgence is bánh đúc nóng – hot rice cake.

The most demanding step lies in stirring the batter: slow, steady hands over low heat, until the rice flour reaches just the right elasticity and nutty aroma. It must be eaten hot, accompanied by sweet-and-sour fish sauce or steaming bone broth, gently blown on before each bite.

Simple, unassuming – yet this is precisely the winter flavor we sought to capture.

A Full Circle

Full Moon is not a conclusion, but a continuation. A quiet circle where memory meets renewal, where tradition and creativity move together without interruption. Under gentle light, around a round table, with familiar flavors seen from a new angle – this is how we welcome you into the circle.

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