A method is provided that is performed by a smart network interface card (SmartNIC) that is in communication with a host device that serves as a forwarder in an Hybrid Information-Centric Network (hICN). The method includes storing in a memory of the SmartNIC, mapping information that maps a subset of names of content contained in a content store that is stored in a memory of the host device to corresponding addresses of the content. The method further includes receiving at the SmartNIC, from a requester, an interest that includes a name, and determining whether the name of the interest is included in the mapping information stored in the SmartNIC. The method includes processing the interest based on whether the name of the interest is contained in the mapping information stored in the memory of the SmartNIC.