Pizza 4P’s for Peace

This has to be the final meal in Hanoi, because it is an experience in itself. My friends Noon and Yui have been raving about it, the former about the Yuzu Wheat Beer (4.8% ABV), and the latter about the Quattro Formaggi.

Pizza 4P’s is a company I admire since I knew about its history/herstory. It’s vision is something that resonates with me significantly, and its commitment to sustainability is something you want others to emulate. So dining in one of its branches in Hanoi, one considered as the most “artsy” one, is on top of my list. My colleague and friend First reserved the best table for us and I should say we had a very good dining experience. We went to its lean multi-level restaurant in Au Co and we did not regret the choice.

First, the place.

The place exudes the positivity that the company aims to establish even among its workers. I always believe that people’s spirits make a place’s vibe and the company culture that 4Ps tried to build within its ranks are shown in the kindness and gentleness of its crew. While the place is really tastefully decorated, it is not threatening and the fact that it overlooks the West Lake is a plus factor in itself. Three colors dominate the interior: grey for its stone furnishings at the bar, brown for the dining tables near the windows, and green for the live plants (they should be live, right?) that decorate the hallways. Interiors is 10/10.

Second, the food.

The menu is carefully curated to suit everyone’s preferences. While of course, it is mainly a pizza place, its selection of pasta, salads, and desserts, is well-thought off so that meat lovers and vegetarians can have a fair share of the bounty. We opted for a Burrata Salad this time to start our meal, though to be honest, I can eat each and every item in the menu. For our mains, we had a half-and-half of Quattro Formaggi (so we can honor Noon’s wishes) and the Burrata Parma Ham Margherita, and a regular size of Clam and Basil Spaghetti. I was not in the mood for alcohol that night, as I still have a few interview transcripts to write so I went for the home-made ginger ale. First initially wanted wine, but ended up with Yui’s recommended beer.

We thought we will not be able to finish the food, but alas we did. The clam spaghetti was al dente and the basil sauce was not overpowering. The pizza tasted good, though I would say it reminds me a lot of my Bangkok favorite – Nonna Nella. The salad was very fresh and the burrata was just in the right level of creaminess for me. Overall, 10/10.

Finally, the advocacy.

It is very rare that restaurants promote a certain “world” agenda and 4P’s just does that well. This is a 10/10. The restaurant started with a tragic story, about a friend who seemed happy but ended up tragically. The story gave birth to 4P’s as it tries to find that pathway to a better world. The ground floor of the Au Co is turned into an exhibit for 4P’s, and an exhibit that asks us the right questions. “What is happiness?”. “What made you smile today?”.