HANZ Cao Gia Hai Hotel

Since the 1990s, this unassuming stall has been serving what many locals consider to be the best cơm tấm (broken rice dish) in town. Their most popular version is steamed broken rice topped with pork chop marinated in a secret sauce and perfectly grilled over charcoal, along with pickled radish and sweet and sour fish sauce. There is a chicken version as well.

The air-conditioned room may be tempting, but the al fresco seating by the open kitchen promises the most authentic experience. For over seven decades, regulars have been returning for its huge Vietnamese signature crêpes stuffed with mung beans, bean sprouts, pork and shrimp. Pair with pulled chicken salad, as well as chargrilled meat and seafood, among which pork, beef, squid and prawns. Be sure to arrive well before closing time.

This once-humble hawker is now an iconic two-storey shop known for its delicate rice paper rolls. Made to order beside the open kitchen, they boast balanced, traditional flavours, such as pork and jicama, and vegetarian options. Be sure to try the delicious golden bean cake, a much-loved local snack.

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.