If there is one dish powerful enough to pull you out of your room on a chilly evening in Da Lat, it is undoubtedly chicken hotpot with leek leaves (lẩu gà lá é). The steaming hot broth, firm and sweet free-range chicken, fragrant leek leaves, and a touch of spice from bird's eye chilies combine to create a truly unique flavor. Below are 5 addresses frequently mentioned by travel sources and food lovers, along with tips to help you order and enjoy the dish to its fullest.
Chicken hotpot with leek leaves is widely known as a signature specialty of Phu Yen. When introduced to Da Lat, this dish quickly gained massive popularity thanks to how perfectly it complements the cool climate of the mountain town.
Phu Yen features a Central Vietnamese climate and palate, meaning its hotpot is typically spicy, aromatic, and bold in flavor. When appearing in Da Lat, a steaming pot of hotpot placed right in the middle of the dining table amid the chilly weather becomes even more enticing.
In particular, Phu Yen's leek leaves (lá é) are what leave the most lasting impression. This herb has a fragrance similar to sweet basil, but upon eating, it offers a mild minty note that grows richer the more you chew. Leek leaves are typically dipped directly into the hotpot rather than cooked for too long to preserve their unique aroma and characteristic flavor.
Nowadays, travelers don't need to visit Phu Yen to try this dish. From long-standing local spots like Tao Ngộ to newer addresses, leek leaf chicken hotpot has become a familiar part of the journey to explore Da Lat cuisine.
A great hotpot isn't about stuffing it with an overwhelming number of ingredients; rather, it relies on the perfect balance between the broth, chicken, and leek leaves.
Common ingredients include:
Note that leek leaves should not be submerged for too long. Once the leaves just change color and soften slightly, scoop them out to eat immediately for the best aroma. If left to boil for too long, the leaves may lose their signature fragrance.
To give you a comprehensive overview before making your choice, here is a practical comparison table of famous hotpot restaurants in Da Lat:
| Restaurant | Address | Reference Price | Key Highlights |
| Tao Ngộ Leek Leaf Chicken Hotpot | 5 3/4 Street, Ward 3, Da Lat | Approx. 200,000 – 400,000 VND/pot | The most frequently mentioned original address |
| 668 Leek Leaf Chicken Hotpot | A23 Mac Dinh Chi St. | Approx. 200,000 – 400,000 VND | Clear, light broth with various additional chicken dishes |
| Phu Yen Leek Leaf Chicken Hotpot | 178 Phu Dong Thien Vuong St., Ward 8 | Approx. 100,000 – 300,000 VND | Flavors leaning towards authentic Phu Yen style |
| Hạnh Leek Leaf Chicken Hotpot | 6 Yersin St., Ward 10 | Approx. 200,000 – 350,000 VND/pot | Multiple portion size options available |
| Trên Đỉnh Đồi Trăng | 27K Ngo Thi Sy St., Ward 4 | From approx. 150,000 VND | Hillside setting, great for combining dining with scenic views |
Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on timing, portion sizes, or the actual menu.
Contact Information:
When mentioning Tao Ngộ leek leaf chicken hotpot, many people immediately think of the location on 3 Thang 4 Street. This is one of the most familiar names when searching for this signature hotpot in Da Lat. The hotpot features chicken, leek leaves, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and a moderately spicy, aromatic broth. Reference price is around 200,000 – 400,000 VND/pot, depending on size.
Contact Information:
668 Leek Leaf Chicken Hotpot is a choice favored by diners who want to enjoy chicken hotpot in a clean, comfortable setting. The broth has a clear sweetness from the chicken, enhanced by the aroma of lemongrass and a mild spicy touch from bird's eye chilies.
Aside from leek leaf chicken hotpot, the restaurant also serves jar-roasted chicken, stir-fried chicken giblets with mushrooms, and other chicken dishes. Reference price is about 200,000 – 400,000 VND, ideal for groups of friends or families.
Highlights:
Contact Information:
If you want to try Phu Yen leek leaf chicken hotpot with a bolder flavor profile, you can visit the restaurant at 178 Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street. The hotpot includes chicken, leek leaves, mushrooms, and chilies, creating a characteristic aromatic and spicy taste without feeling overwhelmingly heavy. Reference price is about 100,000 – 300,000 VND, well-suited for groups or families seeking an authentic Phu Yen style.
Contact Information:
If you are traveling with a large group and want convenient portion options, Hạnh leek leaf chicken hotpot is a solid choice to consider. Besides chicken hotpot, the restaurant also serves various chicken dishes like fish sauce-fried chicken and steamed chicken with scallions, perfect for ordering extra dishes for the table.
The restaurant currently offers 3 hotpot sizes:
Thanks to multiple sizes, you can choose a pot that precisely matches your headcount instead of having to order a portion that is too large.
Contact Information:
If you want to enjoy hotpot while soaking in an open, airy atmosphere, Trên Đỉnh Đồi Trăng is an interesting suggestion. Situated on a hill, the restaurant offers spacious settings with sweeping views of Da Lat's landscape. In addition to leek leaf chicken hotpot, the menu includes various other chicken preparations. Reference prices for the hotpot start from around 150,000 VND, with actual costs varying by dishes and quantities ordered.
Highlights:
You don't need overly complicated steps to eat leek leaf chicken hotpot correctly. The most important thing is preserving the fragrance of the leek leaves and keeping the hotpot broth from becoming overly spicy or intense.
The absolute best time to enjoy chicken hotpot is in the late afternoon or evening (around 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM). At this time, Da Lat's air begins to drop in temperature with rolling mist, so sitting by a steaming pot of hotpot brings an immensely warm and relaxing sensation.
Most restaurants will prepare a small plate of crushed coarse salt mixed with green bird's eye chilies and lime/kumquat. Use a spoon to crush the chilies, squeeze in some lime juice, and mix well. When you pick up a firm piece of chicken, dip it thoroughly into the spicy chili salt bowl, and experience the explosive combination of the chicken's rich savory sweetness and the sharp spicy kick—it's a flavor you won't forget.
If you want to combine a food tour with a relaxing getaway, Nesta Valley Dalat Hotel is an exceptionally convenient hotel in central Da Lat. The hotel is located at 94 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Xuan Huong - Da Lat, offering close proximity to many dining strips and central attractions.
Key hotel features:
Contact Information:
The genuine original branch of the Tao Ngộ brand is located at No. 3/4 (beginning of 3 Thang 4 Street), Da Lat City. Today, the brand has opened a few additional branches such as on Hai Ba Trung and Pham Ngu Lao streets to help manage customer traffic.
Common prices currently range between 200,000 – 400,000 VND/pot, depending on the restaurant, portion size, and headcount. Some places offer small portions starting around 150,000 – 200,000 VND, while large pots for big groups may cost more.
Most leek leaf chicken hotpot spots operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM daily. However, famous venues like Tao Ngộ or 668 often run out of chicken early on peak days, so you should arrive before 8:00 PM.
Depending on which branch you choose to visit:
Da Lat leek leaf chicken hotpot is a flawless harmony between firm hill chicken, spicy-tangy bamboo shoot broth, and the signature flavor of fresh leek leaves. Don't forget to save the list of 5 reputable eateries above and pick up the tip for dipping leek leaves just right to fully savor the mountain town's culinary delight. To make your Da Lat trip even more convenient and relaxed, Nesta Valley Dalat Hotel right in the city center will make a perfect stop for your holiday.
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