Foie Gras in Hanoi: Seared French Foie Gras at Maison Vie
Maison Vie serves classically seared foie gras at 28 Tang Bat Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, for 495,000 VND per portion. The lobe is caramelised to a crisp exterior while the centre stays molten, and arrives with seasonal fruit and a reduced jus. Served daily, 11:00–14:00 and 17:30–22:00.
What is foie gras?
Foie gras is the fattened liver of goose or duck, one of the defining ingredients of French cuisine and protected by French law as part of the country's gastronomic heritage. Its difficulty is not sourcing but technique: the fat renders at a very low temperature, so a few seconds too long in the pan shrinks the lobe and loses close to half its weight.
At Maison Vie the standard is set by Chef Joel F. Tisserand, who has spent 40 years at the stove across France, England, China and Southeast Asia. The pan is brought to an exact temperature, the lobe is scored in a diamond pattern so heat travels evenly, and each side is timed in seconds rather than minutes.
What arrives on the plate
Each portion has four components, and each one solves a different problem the dish presents:
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| Seared foie gras | Caramelised crust against a molten centre — the textural contrast is the point of the dish |
| Seasonal fruit | Acidity and sweetness cut the richness; the fruit changes through the year rather than staying fixed |
| Reduced jus | Stock reduced over hours, giving a savoury base that lifts the liver |
| Toasted brioche | Catches the rendered fat so the best part of the dish is eaten rather than left on the plate |
This is a rich starter. One portion opens a meal comfortably for one guest, or works shared between two when several courses follow.
Foie gras price at Maison Vie
| Dish | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Seared foie gras — seasonal fruit, reduced jus | 495,000 VND | À la carte, lunch and dinner |
Prices exclude 5% service charge and 10% VAT. The full à la carte selection is on the menu page; for a sequenced multi-course experience, see the set menus.
What to drink with foie gras
The pairing rule for foie gras runs against instinct: a rich, savoury dish is best matched with a sweet wine. The residual sugar clears the palate between bites, and the acidity underneath keeps neither element cloying.
| Wine | Region | Price | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baron P. de Rothschild « Mouton Cadet » Sauternes (37.5 cl) | Sauternes AOC, France | 1,950,000 VND | The classical match, honey and dried apricot set against the fat |
| Baron P. de Rothschild « Mouton Cadet » Sauternes (75 cl) | Sauternes AOC, France | 3,800,000 VND | Full bottle for a table of four or more |
| Gustave Lorentz Riesling | Alsace AOC, France | 1,450,000 VND | A dry, mineral alternative for guests who prefer no sweetness |
Our sommelier advises at the table. Browse the full wine list, or read the guide to French wine pairing. If you are building a full French opening, the Burgundy escargots sit naturally before this course.
Booking
Maison Vie occupies a neoclassical villa at 28 Tang Bat Ho, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi, open 11:00–14:00 and 17:30–22:00 daily. Reserve on +84 904 150 383 or through the contact page. Private rooms seat 4 to 150 guests for family occasions, client dinners and corporate events.
Frequently asked questions
How much is foie gras at Maison Vie?
495,000 VND per à la carte portion, excluding 5% service charge and 10% VAT. It is available at both lunch and dinner.
What wine goes with foie gras?
Sweet wine is the classical answer, and Sauternes from Bordeaux is the benchmark. Guests who prefer no sweetness can take an Alsace Riesling — drier and more mineral, with enough acidity to balance the richness.
How many people does one portion serve?
One portion opens a meal for a single guest. Where several courses follow, two guests sharing one portion is sensible, as the dish is substantial.
Which fruit is served with it?
The fruit changes through the year so it stays fresh and acidic enough for the pairing. Ask your server which fruit is on the plate that day.
Do I need to book in advance?
Not required, though it is advisable between 18:00 and 20:30, our busiest window. Call +84 904 150 383 or reserve online.
Are there alternatives for allergies or dietary restrictions?
Yes. Tell us when you book so the kitchen can prepare accordingly; the menu carries seafood and vegetable starters as alternatives.