Knees to Chin

The perfect option for a super healthy and original lunch on the go

In the city of Hanoi, the inhabitants are used to eating freshly made spring rolls outside, from the busy food markets to the streets. Roxane, the owner of Knees to Chin, tells us how she came up with the name after a trip to Vietnam, and how it was inspired to her by the position in which the Vietnamese would sit on the kerb to enjoy the delicious street-food.
Opened since 2014, Knees to Chin was a direct hit. When walking by rue du Bailli, you could hardly miss the pretty facade with emerald green tiles and bright red neon lights. Inside, the interior is just as pretty as the facade : a faded pink tiled counter stands in front of a deep blue wall, and numerous glass and brass lamps hang from the ceiling of the small seating area.
As for the food, the concept is quite straightforward : a few choices of rice paper rolls made with creative recipes, to eat on the premises or take away. The perfect option for a super healthy and original lunch on the go. Five or six different rolls are available on the black board, not more, to ensure the freshness of the ingredients. We try the shrimp, raw beetroot, avocado and fresh mint roll with a lemongrass sauce, and the lacquered duck, rhubarb, sunflower seed and white cabbage roll, with a soy and sesame oil sauce. But our favorite is definitely the veggie omelet roll with avocado and caramelized onions served with a sweet chili sauce. Even if everything is simply delicious, be careful not to order too many as the rolls are much bigger than the ones we usually eat. For a first time, we recommend you try the lunch combo with two rolls and a side (9,20€), the perfect compromise according to us.