天明酒店 113 乐成义

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.

Guests are cosseted from start to finish during this theatrical dining experience at the 14-seat counter in the Capella Hanoi hotel basement. Affable Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi skilfully cooks teppanyaki dishes that are rich and complex in flavour. The menu's distinct decadence is epitomised by the premium ingredients flown in fortnightly from Japan (abalone, spiny lobster, sea urchin and Hokkaido hairy crab). The certified Kyori beef arrives from Yaeyama monthly.

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.

Buddhist art and statues infuse the space at Ưu Đàm with a calming, Zen atmosphere. Combining Vietnamese, Western and Thai influences, the vegetarian menu is anchored in tradition but is also mindful of nutritional balance. The stir-fried mushrooms and tofu paired with a crisp girdle cake is mildly spicy with complex layers of flavours; top-notch fresh ingredients shine throughout. The juice-based cocktails complete the vibrant, nutrient-rich meal.

Housed in a century-old villa, Hà Thành Mansion spans three uniquely designed floors, each radiating artistic charm. The diverse menu, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to guarantee freshness, celebrates Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Standout dishes include the grilled black pork with galangal, notable for its golden crust and hint of ginger. The cocktail bar at the entrance is the perfect spot for a drink before or after your meal.

Tucked away in a narrow side street, Habakuk is easy to miss. By day, it's a specialty coffee shop serving single-origin brews and a small brunch menu. In the evening, it's a modern bistro featuring a concise European menu with Mediterranean influences. The dishes are confidently crafted, beautifully presented and rich in flavour; the service is warm and attentive. Try the homemade pasta with options to suit meat, seafood and vegetarian preferences.

Spread over three floors, chef Madame Binh's venture in Hanoi opened its doors in 2018. It serves a similar menu to its sister establishment in Da Nang, but with a bigger selection plus seasonal offerings. The chef excels in imbuing traditional Vietnamese fare with unique character. Try her Sapa's pork belly dipped in herbal sauce, grilled to perfection and served with mắc mật leaves that cut through the richness and enliven the flavours.