Secret Garden 2 Hotel

Two dining rooms face each other on the same street, flanked by a relaxing koi pond and leafy garden. Sourced from their own farm, a diverse range of fresh produce goes into a mostly traditional Vietnamese menu, e.g. đậu hũ chiên sả ớt (deep-fried tofu with finely chopped lemongrass) and the signature canh chua cá hú fish soup, with its tangy sweetness. Save room for dessert – deep-fried banana or the intensely herbal-flavoured sương sâm jelly.

Set on a bustling street corner, this modest eatery with indoor and outdoor seating has a lively atmosphere. The star of the show is bún riêu: rice noodles (thin, thick or flat) in a tomato and crab broth. The mildly spicy, naturally sweet broth has good depth and pairs well with generous toppings of fresh whelk meat and minced pork that soaks up the broth. Do like the locals and add condiments – but start with a modest dab of the pungent shrimp paste.

Nôm's tasting menu unfolds as a thoughtful journey through Vietnam's culinary heritage, moving from the North to Central regions, ending with a Southern-inspired dessert. Familiar dishes are reworked with finesse – think elegant, complex Huế-style beef noodle soup, or rich fish soup lifted by herb oil and caviar. Each floor reflects a different part of Vietnam, just like the menu. Contemporary design meets tradition in a warmly lit, immersive setting.

Featuring a bar where guests can observe every step of the culinary process and interact with the chefs, Esta promises an elevated dining experience. The menu draws on fusion Asian influences and the chef's Vietnamese heritage. One dish stands out: the local mallard duck, air-dried for seven days and char-grilled to achieve crispy skin and tender meat. Served with a house-made duck jus, it is packed with meaty notes and has a subtle hint of lavender.

Opened decades ago, this modest spot serving Huế comfort food in a casual, welcoming setting has a loyal following. The bún bò Huế features tender beef in a light and soothing soup; bánh bèo and nem nướng are ordered by nearly every table. A family atmosphere reigns in the clean, quiet space.

Soft lighting contributes to the calm, understated atmosphere in this ground-floor space that has more table seating following refurbishment. Dark wood, sheer partitions and warm tones create a polished setting; the open kitchen now plays a more discreet role, lending an intimate feel. Firmly contemporary Vietnamese, the food remains rooted in tradition and uses fine local and international produce; the tasting menu best expresses the chef's modern vision.

With a ceiling mural of the Northern Lights, the airy dining space is a nod to chef Tung’s stint in Finland. On entering, diners first catch sight of the open kitchen before they are greeted by the chefs. Only one multi-course tasting menu is offered, and it changes every three months in line with the seasons. Chef Tung’s small plates are creative and original, paying tribute to Vietnamese food culture in terms of ingredients, flavours and techniques.