A25 Hotel - 21 Nghĩa Tân

Gia đình, meaning "family", is a reference to chef Sam Tran and partner Long Tran's longing for their homeland during their years working abroad. The restaurant decor draws inspiration from the Temple of Literature just across the road. A single tasting menu is offered, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients and drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Deceptively complex, the beautifully crafted dishes showcase well-judged combinations of subtle flavours, with acidity and texture playing prominent roles.

Experience authentic Northern Vietnamese home cooking in this cosy restaurant, whose vintage interior is reminiscent of Hanoi houses in the 1980s and 1990s. The menu options vary daily, with simple yet delicious dishes like stir-fried water spinach with garlic and deep-fried tofu with green onion. A comfortable venue at eater-friendly prices, while the helpful staff is on hand to explain the Vietnamese menu in simple English. The restaurant is often busy at mealtimes and seating is limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

In keeping with its name, which means "hello, friend" in Vietnamese, Chào Bạn is welcoming and easy-going. In the kitchen, chef Madame Hang gives traditional Vietnamese recipes a new spin with creativity and aplomb. Her nem rán cua (crab spring rolls) deliver balanced flavours and contrasting textures. The đặc biệt section, which includes prawns in coconut cream, or lacquered pork ribs, is a treasure trove of her creative signature dishes.

Inspired by the nature and culture of northwestern Vietnam, this restaurant serves authentic Mông, Tày, Muong and Tai cuisine. The name A Bản uses the Mông tradition of placing the initial of a man's name first; the word "bản" means "ethnic village ". The lush garden and colourful dining room reflect the region's rich heritage. Rare ingredients such as snake, horse, buffalo and carp make for an exotic dining experience. The young sticky rice wine, cơm rượu, is divine.

This elegant hotel restaurant boasts a sleek, spacious dining room oozing with special occasion indulgence. Counter seats offer a view of the huge open kitchen and create a connection between the chefs at work and the diners. The contemporary French culinary score is consummately executed with subtle Asian twists, flanked by equally immaculate, spot-on, courteous service. Private dining rooms are available for everything from date nights to business dinners.

The owner couple strives to replicate the authentic taste of Northern Vietnam for their Hanoian audience. Unlike the sweet flavours cherished in other parts of Vietnam, here they emphasise umami and saltiness. Chả ốc is one of the most popular dishes. The pork sausage with periwinkle snails is perfumed with herbs and fried until crispy. The pork is juicy and bouncy in texture. Gà xáo gừng is chicken cooked in turmeric and ginger. Simply irresistible.

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.