Frog DishHotpotNhậu Dish

    Frog Hotpot

    Lẩu Ếch

    4.5₫150k-300kBest in the evening, especially in cooler months from October to March.
    Chirido Lai
    Overview

    Spicy, sour frog hotpot simmered with bamboo shoots, lá giang, and sa tế — Hanoi's favorite cold-weather communal meal

    Lẩu Ếch is a beloved Hanoi hotpot featuring tender field frog pieces marinated and stir-fried with sa tế chili paste before being added to a fragrant broth built on lemongrass, shallots, and tomato. The defining ingredients are bamboo shoots (măng) and lá giang leaves, which give the broth its signature sour-spicy depth. Diners cook additional vegetables, tofu, and noodles in the bubbling pot at the table. Widely found at dedicated frog restaurants and street-side hotpot spots across Hanoi, especially popular during the cooler months.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • frog
    • bamboo shoots
    • lá giang leaves
    • sa tế chili paste
    • lemongrass
    • shallots
    • tomato
    • fish sauce
    • tofu
    • rice vermicelli
    • fresh herbs
    • cooking oil
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    DinnerLate Night

    Best in the evening, especially in cooler months from October to March.

    The story

    Origin & history

    Frog hotpot evolved from Hanoi's longstanding tradition of using rice paddy frogs in home cooking. As the city's restaurant scene grew, lẩu ếch became a staple of the nhậu culture — a social, slow-eating meal best enjoyed with cold beer and large groups. The bamboo shoot and lá giang combination is considered the northern Vietnamese signature for this dish.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    Order the broth base first and add extra măng (bamboo shoots) or lá giang for more sourness. Most restaurants offer frog by weight (500g recommended for 2 people).

    Paying

    Cash preferred at most hotpot spots. Larger restaurants may accept card.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains fish sauce; may contain MSG

    Nutrition & benefits

    High in lean protein from frog meat; lá giang provides vitamin C and antioxidants.

    Health notes

    Frog is fully cooked in the boiling hotpot broth. Avoid adding too much sa tế if sensitive to spice.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Hanoi

    • Lẩu ếch Kim Mã

      4.9

      Kim mã Hà Nội, Giảng Võ, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam

      Hours
      11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
      View on map

    • Lẩu ếch Phong Ớ

      4.3

      72 Phó Đức Chính, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam

      Hours
      10:00 AM – 9 :00PM
      View on map

    • Ếch Hà Thành

      4.9

      325 P. Quan Hoa, Nghĩa Đô, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, Vietnam Hà Nội, Nghĩa Đô, Hà Nội, Vietnam

      Hours
      3:00 PM – 3:00 AM
      View on map
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