The Joy of Feasting

“The first month is for playing,

The second for entertaining,

The third for drinking and laughter…”

For generations, as spring gently arrives, the festive spirit spreads from village to village. It is the time when people allow themselves to slow down after a long year – to eat better, celebrate more freely, and gather more often around the family table.

On April 1, 2023, Mùa Vui – The Joy of Feasting officially begins at Gia. An invitation into a season of abundance – where dining is not merely about being full, but about joy, memory, and togetherness.

Gourd – Crab – Fish: Opening the game

The cheerful clatter of dice hitting porcelain bowls, bursts of laughter from friends huddled around a table – these familiar sounds from the folk game Bầu – Cua – Cá mark the joy we seek to begin this feast.

Inspired by this traditional game, the opening course invites diners back into the lively atmosphere of Vietnamese festivals – where culture, flavor, and emotion move together in rhythm.

Flavors of the The Joy of Feasting Season

Sat Bamboo Shoot | Fermented Sake Wort

The gentle sweetness and smokiness of grilled bamboo shoot meets the subtle acidity of house-made fermented sake wort. Beneath it lingers a distant whisper of the sea – Toyama firefly squid, a rare spring delicacy from Japan.

A refined seasonal ingredient woven seamlessly into Northern Vietnamese flavors, creating a harmony so natural one may wonder if these ingredients were always meant to meet.

Lamb | Black Garlic

Vietnamese cuisine is defined by its nuanced use of spices.

The North favors restraint, the Central region bold heat, the South richness and sweetness – each shaped by climate and environment. Understanding these layers, Gia brings together six to eight traditional herbal spices with contemporary ingredients in a single dish.

Charcoal-grilled lamb loin, tender and smoky, paired with mushroom purée and black garlic sauce – a composition of depth, warmth, and quiet balance.

A Full Circle

Mùa Vui – The Joy of Feasting is an invitation to return to the festive spirit of Vietnam: to eat generously, celebrate freely, share openly, and gather together. A journey where folk memory, seasonal ingredients, and contemporary creativity converge around one table.

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