NINE HOUSING 224 Buoi

ONVIT means "warm light" in Korean – a hint at what awaits diners in the elegant, tranquil setting of this upscale restaurant. Chef Joon's tasting menu draws on fresh local Vietnamese ingredients and honours the traditions of his Korean heritage. His signature abalone porridge, prepared with prized ST25 rice and lifted by an abalone liver sauce, is comforting, considered and deeply Asian in soul. A choice of wine pairing menus complements the experience.

Now with a two-storey expansion and lush courtyard, English-speaking staff and a photo menu, this vintage tea house is more tourist-friendly. It retains its North Vietnamese charm with antique decor, artwork and a rustic elegance, and continues to impart the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Highlights include chả ốc (ham with periwinkle snails) served with herbs, vegetables, vermicelli and fish sauce, and the subtle crab soup with malabar spinach in a clear broth.

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.

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.

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.

Built on devotion, this kitchen pays homage to the traditional home cooking of Vietnamese mothers. The chef brings a decade of experience to bear in a repertoire of nearly 100 dishes covering Southern, Central and Northern specialities, each gently cooked with authentic seasonings that preserves their rustic character. In the clam broth, brightened with tomato and pineapple, the clams are deliciously tender, and sweet and sour flavours are expertly balanced.

Khôi Hói means bald head, referring to the owner’s hairstyle. Come here for phở – beef noodle soup. There are many cuts to choose from, including rare cuts like beef heel muscle. You can also specify how you like your beef cooked.