Hanoi Hannah Vol II reborn in Elsternwick with new menu
It takes three days to prepare the signature dish at this popular Vietnamese restaurant and it sells out long before closing. Now, the executive chef behind the tasty meal reveals exactly what sets it apart.
Inner South
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It’s only been open for five weeks but new and old regulars at Hanoi Hannah Vol II know to phone ahead if they want the duck.
The dish, one of a series of larger dishes to share on the new menu, has quickly become a favourite.
“We dry age it in the cool room for three days before roasting it,” said executive chef Anthony Choi.
“It’s crispy and carries flavours of lemongrass and five spice and is served with crunchy noodles.
“On weekdays we cook six ducks — 12 portions — and on weekends we usually have 10 ducks.
“Once it’s gone it’s gone. People know to ring and book their duck when they book their table.”
The duck is one of the reasons why the team behind the popular restaurant decided to relocate from their original home down the road.
“We wanted a bigger kitchen so we could prepare and serve more dishes like the duck,” Choi said.
“Now we can offer a broader menu with large dishes that are perfect for sharing.”
The new space also has room for 96 diners, an all-weather alfresco space, bar and open kitchen.
“At our old address we only had room for 60 with just 26 seats inside,” Choi said.
The remaining tables were outside and guests were at the mercy of the weather.
“People can come now in big groups. It’s been really popular with families wanting weekend lunch,” he said.
The share plates aren’t the only additions to the new menu.
Two desserts have been added.
There’s a tiramisu with a twist and a fancy fried ice cream.
“The tiramisu is great. It’s so creamy. And we use Vietnamese coffee,” Choi said.
“Fried ice cream is always popular so we really had to do that. Ours has a coconut crumb; a Kaffir lime caramel and is served on custard.”
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The favourites from the old venue haven’t been forgotten with the lunch crowd still able to pop by for fresh rice paper rolls, salads and soup.
Couch potatoes can order take away or if you can’t decide what you want for dinner there’s an All In chef’s menu for $47 a head.
Hanoi Hannah Vol II is at 306 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick.
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