By Hamy Nguyễn

I first learned about Moca from Facebook ads, I must admit. I had seen their videos so often that I had become intrigued to check out if they lived up to the online hype. So, off I went.

The first thing that struck me about the restaurant was the ambient lighting and classy atmosphere, which was well-designed and ideal for a romantic evening.

It's exactly what I imagined. The restaurant is located right in the centre of the capital's Old Quarter and the design is inspired by Gothic architecture with rolling arches, ancient bricks, and indispensable glass paintings with vibrant colours. All make the restaurant interior appear very sophisticated.

I thought the à la carte menu was rather pricey – appetizers started at VNĐ400,000 – so I decided to go with the set menu since it seemed like a better deal.

You would be served four courses for only VNĐ1,000,000. I chose to eat the Western menu out of the two set menu kinds available: Asian and Western. Setting the price like this can also be a strategy of the restaurant, so that people can choose the set menu and have a more complete experience according to the chef's choice.

Firstly, a big loaf of brioche was presented with hummus. It was so good that you could devour the entire loaf without even realising. It was buttery and very soft, like a cloud. Just consume a small amount though, as you will need to leave room in your stomach for what is to follow.

Burrata salad, mixed cherry tomatoes, melon, and strawberry vinaigrette was the initial appetizer. I had never eaten burrata cheese produced in Đà Lạt (Việt Nam) but the quality was not bad.

The cheese was soft and milky, perfectly complemented by the refined sweetness of cherry tomato and taki melon. It was also my first time trying green ruby tomatoes, which had a somewhat crunchier texture than usual. Simple enough to start, but they really nailed it with each ingredient meticulously selected.

I love pasta, and the dish I had been most anticipating was served: chicken consommé and wild mushroom tortellini. However, it disappointed me a bit. The tortellini soup lacked flavour and was unimpressive. The ratio between the dough and filling was uneven, making the pasta texture hard and bland. The consommé was cooked very well and completely clear. However, I did not like the fat layer in the broth, as it made the dish less delicate.

My favourite dish, the French turbot with dashi beurre blanc, was the one I hadn't expected. I didn't have high expectations because this is a pretty traditional French culinary pairing. However, the turbot, cooked to perfection, offered a delicate yet firm texture and subtle flavour. Accompanied by the rich and velvety dashi beurre blanc, which had a smoothness that enveloped the turbot in a luscious embrace, imparting layers of depth and complexity. The balance between sweetness and sourness means I recommend this dish very highly indeed. 

I chose lemon mousse, meringue and crumble for dessert, mainly because of its lovely appearance. It was a delightful dessert combining the refreshing tang of lemon, the light sweetness of meringue, and the comforting texture of crumble.

It also featured layers of zesty lemon curd or lemon-flavoured custard. I quite like all golden-brown crumble, which add a delightful crunch and richness to every bite. Together, these elements created a harmonious balance of flavours and textures, making it a beloved treat for a happy ending. I just wish they could serve it cool, as that would have been perfect. 

Overall, the meal was an incredible experience, and the set menu's price is quite fair considering that is dining in such a stunning restaurant in the heart of Hà Nội. We were informed by the staff that the menu was seasonal, so I will most certainly return to sample the offerings for the upcoming season. Why not?  VNS

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MOCA DINING 

Address: 16 Nhà Thờ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội 

Tel: 0819961997

Price: VNĐ200,000 – 1.500,000

Comment: Fusion, modern, harmonious, sophisticated, fresh, luxurious