A Taste Of History: La Tour d’Argent Brings French Culinary Heritage To Hanoi

Dining at the La Tour d’Argent takeover at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi was like stepping into a chapter of French culinary history, transported into the heart of Hanoi.

Each detail of the meal and the atmosphere—every element meticulously curated—invoked the centuries-old legacy of La Tour d’Argent, a restaurant whose origins trace back to 1582. The collaboration gave diners a rare opportunity to experience one of France’s most storied culinary institutions without leaving Vietnam, and it did not disappoint.

From the moment we entered Le Beaulieu, the scene was set with a distinctive, almost theatrical ambiance. Sofitel’s flagship French restaurant, already an elegant staple in Hanoi’s fine dining scene, transformed seamlessly to reflect the opulence and tradition of La Tour d’Argent.

The service was flawless, with each course presented by staff who understood both the history and the nuances behind each dish. This added a layer of depth to the experience, reminding us that this was no ordinary dinner but rather a tribute to the heritage of French gastronomy.

The five-course lunch and eight-course dinner menus were thoughtfully crafted by Executive Chef Yannick Franques, who brought his experience from La Tour d’Argent and his title as a Meilleurs Ouvriers de France recipient—a prestigious accolade given to the best craftspeople in France.

Each dish balanced French tradition with a contemporary flair, allowing the heritage to resonate while adding just enough innovation to feel current and captivating.

A Culinary Icon: The Pressed Duck Experience

The menu features the iconic pressed duck, which was a showstopper. Known as “Caneton à la presse,” this dish carries a legacy of its own at La Tour d’Argent, with each serving tracked by a unique certificate number—dating back over a century to the restaurant’s earliest years.

For diners here in Hanoi, being part of that tradition felt special. Watching the duck being prepared, knowing it connected us with the likes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Charlie Chaplin, was a moment of awe and reverence for the history held in this single dish. Receiving a certificate with our meal added a delightful personal touch, making the experience feel both exclusive and part of a broader legacy.

The sommelier guided us through selections chosen to complement the complexity of flavors on the menu, many drawn from La Tour d’Argent’s famous wine cellar, which boasts over 320,000 bottles. Each sip brought out subtle notes in the dishes, transforming each bite into a new discovery.

A New Chapter In Vietnam’s Culinary Landscape

For Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, this collaboration with La Tour d’Argent was more than just a week-long dining event; it was a strategic move to enhance its position as a premier luxury destination that can bring global experiences to Vietnam. Metropole has always been a historic landmark in Hanoi, with its own storied past of hosting diplomats, celebrities, and cultural icons.

By hosting La Tour d’Argent, the hotel reaffirmed its role as a bridge between cultures, a place where French and Vietnamese influences harmonize to create something truly special. For Hanoi’s fine dining scene, it was an affirmation that the city is ready to welcome global icons and luxury experiences that were once limited to major cities like Paris, London, or New York.

On a broader scale, the arrival of La Tour d’Argent in Vietnam highlights an important shift in the country’s culinary landscape. Vietnam has seen its own culinary traditions gain international recognition in recent years, but this event signals a new chapter: one where world-renowned institutions come to Vietnam to share their heritage with a local audience.

In the end, dining at La Tour d’Argent’s takeover was not just a meal; it was an experience layered with history, luxury, and a touch of theatrical reverence for a legendary institution. For Vietnam, it was a reminder that its culinary landscape is expanding to embrace not only its local heritage but also the best the world has to offer.

This event marks a turning point for Hanoi’s place on the map of global fine dining and reflects the city’s growing role as a destination for those seeking both culture and cuisine.

Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Contact: 024 3826 6919, ext: 8200
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 6:00 – 10:30 AM | 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM