Many may know about the Ha Noi Opera House, but not so much about its additional “jewel” in the basement. 

Nineteen 11 Restaurant & Bar is a diner discreetly located at the basement of the Ha Noi Opera House. Its name came about because the opera house was completed in 1911. Nineteen 11 itself opened on November 19, 2007 and boasts of its elegant design and exquisite international cuisines, particularly Vietnamese, Australian and French.   

Among the restaurant’s specialties are Sup Mang Tay Cua (crab asparagus soup) and Nem Chien 1911 (spring rolls). The former gives a fresh taste of the natural flavours of the crab, while the latter is prepared crispy, stuffed with equally fresh crab meat.   

Banh Bot Loc He or chive tapioca cake with pork is another must-try at the diner with its own version of the famous dish. It is made from the finest flour and added with some shrimps and finely-chopped shallots. All ingredients are guaranteed fresh. 

Mixed Scallop Mango Noodle Salad is also a popular dish at the diner, although it is more of an acquired than familiar taste. Some may not find the combination of the sourness of mango compatible with the sweetness of scallop, pungent fried onions, spicy duck meatballs and risotto asparagus prawn. But after several more spoonfuls, one may change his/ her mind and realize that the dish is delectable in its own right.

The spicy duck is a French creation that is simply irresistible because of its glorious mix of peppers, onions, chilli and other complementary ingredients. A highly recommended Australian dish in the menu is tenderloin cooked with grilled king mushroom. Other food at the eatery that shouldn’t be missed are roasted sea bass with pumpkin mash; beetroot and orange salad with rosemary dressing; and cha ca LA Vong (charcoal-roasted fish).     

Depending on your taste, some dishes may take some getting used to. But the luxurious and inviting atmosphere of Nineteen 11 Restaurant & Bar, and especially their world-class cuisine, along with its curious location, makes you want to check out the place and experience it for yourself.