David Hoffmann, a U.S.-based content creator with over 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube, regularly shares videos of his culinary and travel experiences across different countries.

A few months ago, David visited Vietnam, with Hanoi as his first stop to explore the city's vibrant street food scene.

Alongside famous Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, bun cha, and banh cuon, he also ventured into trying some of Hanoi’s more adventurous local delicacies - foods that many foreign tourists might hesitate to sample, such as pork intestines, snake meat, balut, and beer-can braised black chicken.

Beer-can braised black chicken: A shocking yet delicious discovery

David described beer-can braised black chicken as one of the most surprising dishes he had ever encountered, yet its flavor exceeded all his expectations.

During his trip to Hanoi in September 2024, he was taken by a Vietnamese guide to a well-known eatery on Hang Cot Street (Hoan Kiem District), a popular spot among both locals and visitors.

At the restaurant, David was served black chicken (ga ac tan), a dish in which a whole silkie chicken, black from its skin to its bones, is stewed in a beer can with medicinal herbs like mugwort, goji berries, red dates, and lotus seeds.

Initially, the sight of the black chicken submerged in dark broth, with its small feet sticking out of the can, left him stunned. "I was a bit shocked when I first saw this dish, but I was ready to give it a try," he admitted.

His guide explained that beer-can braised black chicken is considered a nutritious dish in Hanoi, prepared with traditional herbs known for their health benefits. It is often enjoyed as a light, flavorful meal believed to boost well-being.

From hesitation to delight: An unexpected favorite

David noted that while the dish's appearance might initially startle diners, its enticing aroma quickly changes their perception. "The first glance might shock you, but once the seller lifts the chicken from the can, the fragrance makes you eager to dig in," he said.

Taking his first bite, David was astonished. The dish tasted nothing like he had imagined.

He described the chicken as tender, falling easily off the bone, with a deep, fragrant flavor. Dipping it in salt, pepper, and chili enhanced its richness, making the taste even more satisfying. "The flavor is absolutely amazing. I love this dish!" he exclaimed.

Beyond the chicken, David also praised the herbal broth and the accompanying mugwort leaves. Though the soup had an unusual dark color, he found its taste well-balanced, with a natural sweetness from the chicken and a slight bitterness from the herbs - an intriguing but pleasant combination.

"At first, I thought this dish looked strange, but once I tried it, the flavors turned out to be incredibly unique," he remarked.

After finishing his meal, David admitted that beer-can braised black chicken was one of the most unusual dishes he had ever tried, yet its distinctive taste made it as appealing as any of Hanoi’s famous foods.

"I would absolutely eat this again," he concluded.

Thao Trinh