Hanoi restaurants and dining
Fear factor or yummy local cuisine?
One of Hanoi’s greatest pleasures for first time visitors is the fantastic variety of restaurants and cuisine available, from simple bowls of noodle broth on the street to elegant restaurants in renovated colonial mansions with starched tablecloths and traditionally-attired waiters.
Even people who feel they are familiar with Vietnamese fare are likely to make a few discoveries, as local chefs are nothing if not creative, and are constantly inventing new twists on traditional dishes or presenting a fusion of Vietnamese with other types of cooking. As a capital city, Hanoi also has many types of cuisine available, such as Italian, Japanese, Indian or International, in case you feel like break from local food.
Hanoi restaurants – Vietnamese
Cha Ca Thang Long: serves the famous grilled fish dish called ‘cha ca’, served with dill and noodles. 31 Duong Thanh, open daily 10:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00. $$
Highway 4: extensive menu of Vietnamese dishes, seating on three floors, culminating in a rooftop terrace. 5 Hang Tre, (04) 3926 0639, open daily 10:00-23:00. $$
Little Hanoi: very popular for its spicy fried chicken and many other dishes, so book in advance. 9 & 14 Ha Tien (2 outlets), (04) 3926 0168, open daily 10:00-23:00. $$
Bobby Chinn: one of Hanoi’s classiest restaurants, serving Vietnamese-Californian fusion food. 1 Ba Trieu, (04) 3934 8577, open daily 11am-11pm, booking recommended. $$$$
Sohot: a cosy ambience, wide-ranging menu and good prices make this one of Hanoi’s hippest eateries. 2 Au Trieu, open daily 09:00-23:00. $$
Quan An Ngon: upmarket street food served in elegant surroundings at unbelievably cheap prices. 18 Phan Boi Chau, (04) 3942 8162, open daily 11.30-22.30. $
Indochine: a classy setting for a culinary indulgence – don’t miss the prawns on sugarcane. Eat in the colonial villa or in the garden. 16 Nam Ngu, (04) 3942 4097, open daily 11am-14:00, 17.30-22:00, reservations recommended. $$
Pho 24: doing for pho (beef noodle soup) what MacDonald’s did for burgers, this is just one of several outlets serving Vietnam’s national dish. 1 Hang Khay, open daily 18.30-22:00. $$
Wild Rice: superb seafood, such as prawns with peanut and tamarind sauce, served in a swanky setting. 6 Ngo Thi Nam, (04) 3943 8896, open daily 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00. $$$
Wild Lotus: features a la carte dishes or set menus in a lovely old colonial mansion. 55A Nguyen Du, (04) 3943 9342, open daily 11am-2pm, 17:00-22:00. $$$$
Price guide
$ – dishes under $3; quart of beer $1; whiskey shot $1.50;cocktails $2
$$ – dishes $3-10; quart of beer $1.50; whiskey shot $2; cocktails $2.50
$$$ – dishes $10-20; quart of beer $2; whiskey shot $2.50; cocktails $3
$$$$ – dishes over $20 ; quart of beer $3; whiskey shot $4; cocktails $5
Hanoi restaurants – international
Pepperonis: Two locations to taste pizza, pasta and salads at very competitive prices. They also serve all-you-can-eat buffets most lunchtimes and evenings. 29 Ly Quoc Su (04) 3928 5246 & 31 Bao Khanh (04) 3928 7030, open daily 08.30-23:00. $$
Green Tangerine: imaginative fusion food served in an old house or in a cobbled courtyard, with good value set lunches. 48 Hang Be. (04) 3825 1286, open daily 11:00-14:00, 18:00-22:00. $$$
Kangaroo Café: lots of vegetarian dishes and comfort food like bangers and mash at this café run by a tour operator. 18 Bao Khanh, (04) 3828 9931, open daily 7.30-22:00. $$
La Salsa: Spanish cuisine served here, including tapas and gazpacho. The set dinners are very good value. 25 Nha Tho, (040) 3828 9052, open daily 08:00-23:00. $$
Al Fresco’s: huge portions of Australian steaks and barbecue ribs keep the customers smiling here. It’s under the same management as Pepperoni’s and has several other branches in town. 23L Hai Ba Trung, (04) 3826 7782, open daily 08.30-23:00. $$
Tandoor: northern outpost of a chain of Indian restaurants in Vietnam, turning out very tasty curries, including tikka and vindaloo. 24 Hang Be, (04) 3824 5359, open daily 11am-2.30pm, 18:00-10.30. $$
Koto: nowhere tries harder than Koto to please, as the staff are all re-trained street kids looking for a break. Great fish and chips in a stylish setting. 59 Van Mieu, (04)3747 0338, open Tuesday – Sunday 07:00-22:00. $$
Hoa Sua: similar set-up to Koto, with ex-street kids learning the restaurant business. Besides plenty of French dishes, there’s a wide Vieetnamese menu too. 28A Ha Hoi, (04) 3942 4448. Open daily 11:00-20:00. $$
Mediterraneo: delicious homemade mozzarella, yummy roast beef and other goodies at this cute restaurant strategically located among Hanoi’s chic boutiques. 23 Nha Tho, (04) 3826 6288, open daily 10:00-23:00. $$
More on dining in Hanoi
If you are unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine, they you have a great treat in store as you discover the endless range of herbs and vegetables, meat, fish and spices that go into each dish. Eating Vietnamese-style is a very tactile experience too, as many dishes such as spring rolls require that you ‘roll your own’, taking a pinch from several plates of ingredients to create a taste-bomb in your mouth. Don’t be shy about slurping your noodles, either, or discarding bones on or under the table; just keep an eye on the locals and act as they do.
For cheap dishes and a choice of Western options such as sandwiches and burgers, the Old Quarter is your best option, while for a classy meal served in a memorable setting, the French Quarter is the place to head for.
