THE FIRST MENU

When Gia Hanoi first opened its doors, the restaurant introduced The First Menu: a 12-course tasting journey rooted deeply in Vietnamese culinary philosophy.

Five Elements, One Harmony

Inspired by traditional Vietnamese food culture, the menu paid tribute to the five fundamental elements shaping the cuisine: water, fire, earth, metal, and wood (often interpreted in Vietnamese cosmology through elemental relationships with nature). Binding these forces together was the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang, a guiding principle ensuring harmony across flavors, textures, temperature, and color.

At Gia, these elements were not decorative metaphors, they structured the menu’s architecture. Each dish was composed to balance hot and cold, soft and crisp, bright and deep. Sour met sweet. Smoke met freshness. Richness was always lifted by acidity or herbs. This pursuit of equilibrium reflects the Yin–Yang philosophy embedded in Vietnamese food culture, where no flavor dominates, and every ingredient exists in conversation.

Flavors Of The First Menu

Rice Cracker | Fermented Ingredients

The journey opened with a playful yet thoughtful snack. A crisp rice cracker arrived with a rainbow of condiments: dried prawns, salted anchovies, pickled strawberry, pickled kohlrabi Each bite awakened the palate with sour, sweet, salty, and spicy contrasts, an immediate demonstration of Yin–Yang balance.

This was followed by charred cauliflower set atop garlic purée and fermented chili, finished with coriander. Sweet and smoky, yet brightened by fermented heat, a study in controlled fire and acidity.

Congee | Pork

Humble in appearance, profound in execution. A bowl of silky congee enriched with pork jus and tea-fed pork, accompanied by Vietnamese onions and steamed Chinese cabbage. Congee is often associated with simplicity and comfort. Here, it became layered and structured, gentle yet deeply savory. The dish exemplified Gia’s philosophy: elevate without overcomplicating.

Barramundi | Mint

A Refined Interpretation of Hanoi’s Chả Cá. This course reimagined the iconic Hanoian fried fish dish. Grilled barramundi was served with: fish mint chimichurri, charred okra, garlic shoots

The fish carried a long, transcendental smokiness, the mark of carefully controlled fire. Garlic shoots tempered richness, while the fish mint chimichurri introduced texture and brightness.

While reminiscent of Hanoi’s beloved street dish, comparison feels limiting. This was not replication, it was refinement. In many ways, this dish captured the essence of elevated Vietnamese cuisine: subtle heritage, contemporary finesse.

Coffee | Orange

A Dessert That Redefines Expectation. Instead of leaning into heavy chocolate decadence, Chef Sam Tran chose restraint. The dessert combined: coffee earth cherry, burnt orange dark chocolate, truffle, toasted tea The result? Sweet, smoky, and gently fruity. It closed the meal the same way the menu began, with harmony.

Looking back, The First Menu was far more than a starting point for Gia Hanoi. It laid the foundation for the restaurant’s elemental philosophy, articulating a deep respect for Vietnamese culinary heritage while quietly asserting a contemporary voice. It formalized Gia’s commitment to sustainability through its head-to-tail approach and thoughtful sourcing, and affirmed a defining belief in harmony over spectacle, where balance, restraint, and intention matter more than excess. 

What began as a 12-course tasting experience ultimately shaped the identity of one of Hanoi’s most respected dining destinations, setting the tone for every menu that followed.

Book your table to explore the new tasting menu:

A Triump Of Homecoming – 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