Central Westlake Residence 2 - Managed by Pegasy Group

Reimagined by chef-owner Hieu Trung Tran in 2022, Lamai Garden serves a seasonal tasting menu and vegetarian menu in line with a contemporary Vietnamese farm-to-table concept. Diners pass through a garden to the dining area with counter seating by the open kitchen. They use ingredients from their Phú Thọ farm – garden herbs, ducks and black pigs. The squid "noodle", inspired by phở chua, highlights the chef's creativity. Only open for dinner; reservations are a must.

Embark on a culinary journey around the world with the freshest ingredients from the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as the east and the west. Tailor your itinerary across the continent, possibly with house-marinated Atlantic salmon from the north-west, or grilled New Zealand rack of lamb from the south-east. A fine selection of world-class premium beef steaks, complemented by assorted seafood, creates an appealing “surf and turf” feast. The views over West Lake offer a slice of tranquillity amidst the urban turmoil.

Named after a significant year in Vietnamese history, this easy-to-find restaurant sits tucked away in a narrow alley, marked by its bright yellow-and-green townhouse. Nostalgic décor, old wooden tables and vintage photographs add to the charm. Start with the green banana blossom salad with beef, a refreshing combination of tender meat and sweet-sour dressing. The signature fried crab and rice porridge hot pot is the main draw, bringing together crab, pigeon, beef balls and vegetables in a naturally sweet, comforting broth. English menus are available, and booking ahead is recommended.

Said to be the birthplace of phở cuốn in 2000, this spot remains a favourite. Soft rice noodle rolls filled with beef, vegetables and herbs pair perfectly with a sweet-sour dip. The crispy noodle crust of the deep-fried phở with beef gravy creates an irresistible contrast.

Vietnamese for snail, Ốc is the focus of this simple eatery with pila polita, tiger moon, shark eye and canarium snails on the menu. The large melo melo, the tastiest, is grilled until soft and served with scallions and fried garlic; the price depends on its size. The rich variety of seafood options includes prawns, Halong squid, Venus clams and blood cockles. The steamed Venus clams with lemongrass, chilli and pineapple exude a deep umami flavour.

This cheerful stall, now located just across from its old spot, is a local favourite for chicken noodles soup, serving a wide range of phố, bún and miến. Diners can choose from chicken offal toppings, and dark or white meat. The clean, cosy space has large windows, and the classic yellow wall adds to the street vibe.

The phở gà at this small stall might be more expensive than the average, but the chicken is premium quality and the natural chicken flavour of the soup base is impeccably seasoned. Choose from white or dark meat, or a mixture of both, and add chilli sauce, garlic, lime and chilli to taste. Arrive early to ensure the best selection of chicken cuts. This stall, perfect for an authentic breakfast experience in Hanoi, is open until 2:00pm.