Best restaurants in Tay Ho

Gia

★ Michelin₫₫₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary

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.

Tầm Vị

★ Michelin₫₫Vietnamese

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.

Chào Bạn (98 To Ngoc Van Street)

Bib Gourmand₫Vietnamese

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.

1946 Cua Bac

Bib Gourmand₫Vietnamese

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.

Mammom

Bib Gourmand₫₫Vietnamese

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.

Tuyết Bún Chả 34

Bib Gourmand₫Street Food

This stall is famous for its bún chả (rice noodles with fresh herbs and pork), chargrilled to order. Dip the noodles in the flavoursome broth and feel free to order an extra spring roll for added crunchiness.

Phở Khôi Hói

Bib Gourmand₫Street Food

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.

Phở Bò Lâm

Bib Gourmand₫Street Food

Early risers delight in this beef phở haven, open from 5:30am until mid‐morning, when beef cuts and broth are sold out. Fresh ingredients shine in the signature beef heel muscle, which boasts tender meat and gelatinous tendon with a pleasant chew. Order phở with eggs and fried dough, just like the locals.

Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân (Hang Ga Street)

Bib Gourmand₫Street Food

As its name suggests, this long-standing family-run spot specialises in bánh cuốn, keeping alive a craft passed down through generations. Everything is made from scratch using traditional methods, resulting in rice rolls that are thin, delicate and soft. The family-recipe dipping sauce strikes a pleasing balance of salty, sweet and sour. Fillings include pork, shrimp and chicken, with extra toppings available. The bún thang, a Hanoi-style noodle soup with assorted toppings, is also worth trying.

Phở Gia Truyền (Hoàn Kiếm)

Bib Gourmand₫Street Food

One of Hanoi's most iconic eateries, Phở Gia Truyền exemplifies the Northern approach to phở with three options: rare flank, medium rare round or well-done brisket. Each delicious bowl is made to order at the counter, and diners can add crispy quẩy or a golden egg yolk for richness.

Chả Cá Thăng Long (6B Duong Thanh Street)

Bib Gourmand₫Vietnamese

Opened over 30 years, this restaurant has three branches on one street. Head to the most popular, at 6B: a pale-yellow, century-old townhouse accessible via a quaint courtyard. The menu stars chả cá, deboned Hemibagrus catfish (cá lăng), seasoned with turmeric, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. Served in a hot pot, it is lightly stir-fried with spring onions and herbs – best enjoyed with rice noodles and fish sauce.

Mr Bảy Miền Tây

Bib Gourmand₫Vietnamese

For over a decade, this small shop has been known for its crispy bánh xèo pancake with various fillings. For first-timers, English-speaking servers helpfully explain how the pancake is wrapped in rice paper with veggies and herbs, and dunked in the tangy fish sauce before being consumed. In addition to the signature pancake, hot pot, spring roll, rice noodles and barbecues are their strong suits.

Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh

Bib Gourmand₫Noodles

Many restaurants in Vietnam focus on a concise menu starring one key ingredient. In this 40-plus-year-old shop, the menu revolves around eel as in eel noodles, eel congee and eel soup. For the noodles, they use rice vermicelli which is made into noodle soup, or tossed with deep-fried shredded eel, herbs, toasted peanuts and shallots. Shredded pork sausage and shiitake mushrooms are added to the soup and congee to further boost the umami.

Phở Hà Hàng Hòm

Bib Gourmand₫Noodles

Located near Hàng Hòm Street, this no-frills chicken phở eatery has earned loyal fans with its rich, satisfying bowls. Native fowl is gently simmered to retain a chewy tenderness, and paired with rice noodles, herbs and steaming hot broth. Xôi gà – sticky rice with chicken and extras like egg or gizzards – is also popular and often sells out early. Always buzzing, from morning to midnight, this is one of Hanoi's long-standing specialists in chicken phở.

Phở Gà Nguyệt

Bib Gourmand₫Street Food

Established in 2009 and named after its founder, Nguyệt, this chicken phở specialist draws a loyal crowd of locals and visitors. The recently renovated space is cleaner and more comfortable, and the blue-and-white façade makes it easy to find. Choose from various chicken cuts, with the tender thigh especially good in both soup and dry noodles. Open until midnight, it is a popular late-night spot.

Miến Lươn Chân Cầm (Hoàn Kiếm)

Bib Gourmand₫Noodles

At nearly 40 years old, this gem in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is popular for its array of eel dishes — cold or stir-fried, served with vermicelli in soup, as well as in congee and spring rolls. In winter, a steaming bowl of vermicelli with crisp, shredded eel is hard to beat; in summer, a refreshing salad is a must-try.

Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư (Hoàn Kiếm)

Bib Gourmand₫Noodles

One of three branches in Hanoi, this small phở eatery enjoys a fine reputation, but beware of imitations in the city. The menu offers 10 impressive phở options, including tái and chin (brisket), nạm (flank beef) and bắp trần (beef fillet). A competent team operates the compact corner kitchen, which is visible through a glazed partition. The phở itself is hearty and supremely refreshing with tender pieces of beef that melt in the mouth.

Bun Cha Ta (Nguyen Huu Huan Street)

Bib Gourmand₫Noodles

Popular with tourists, Bun Cha Ta offers various bún chả and fried spring rolls. The classic bún chả features tender, smoky grilled pork, well-seasoned meat patties and smooth rice noodles with a balanced soup base. Among the crispy spring rolls, the seafood crab version delivers a consummate umami flavour, while the chicken is rich and meaty. They also offer rice noodles with fried tofu and tomato sauce and fried spring rolls for vegetarians.

Xới Cơm

Bib Gourmand₫Vietnamese

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.

The East

Bib Gourmand₫₫Vietnamese

Vietnamese

🕐 Mo-Su 10:00-22:00

Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill

₫₫₫Steakhouse

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.

Lamai Garden

₫₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary

Reimagined by chef-owner Hieu Trung Tran in 2022, Lamai Garden serves a seasonal tasting menu and vegetarian menu in line with a contemporary Vietnamese farm-to-table concept. Diners pass through a garden to the dining area with counter seating by the open kitchen. They use ingredients from their Phú Thọ farm – garden herbs, ducks and black pigs. The squid "noodle", inspired by phở chua, highlights the chef's creativity. Only open for dinner; reservations are a must.

Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng

₫Noodles

Said to be the birthplace of phở cuốn in 2000, this spot remains a favourite. Soft rice noodle rolls filled with beef, vegetables and herbs pair perfectly with a sweet-sour dip. The crispy noodle crust of the deep-fried phở with beef gravy creates an irresistible contrast.

Ốc Dì Tú

₫₫Seafood

Vietnamese for snail, Ốc is the focus of this simple eatery with pila polita, tiger moon, shark eye and canarium snails on the menu. The large melo melo, the tastiest, is grilled until soft and served with scallions and fried garlic; the price depends on its size. The rich variety of seafood options includes prawns, Halong squid, Venus clams and blood cockles. The steamed Venus clams with lemongrass, chilli and pineapple exude a deep umami flavour.

Phở Tiến

₫Noodles

This cheerful stall, now located just across from its old spot, is a local favourite for chicken noodles soup, serving a wide range of phố, bún and miến. Diners can choose from chicken offal toppings, and dark or white meat. The clean, cosy space has large windows, and the classic yellow wall adds to the street vibe.

Phở Gà Châm (Yen Ninh Street)

₫Noodles

The phở gà at this small stall might be more expensive than the average, but the chicken is premium quality and the natural chicken flavour of the soup base is impeccably seasoned. Choose from white or dark meat, or a mixture of both, and add chilli sauce, garlic, lime and chilli to taste. Arrive early to ensure the best selection of chicken cuts. This stall, perfect for an authentic breakfast experience in Hanoi, is open until 2:00pm.

A Bản Mountain Dew

₫₫Vietnamese

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.

Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân

₫Street Food

The chef crafts delectable bánh cuốn, Vietnamese steamed rolls with minced pork and black fungus. She also serves an option with a soft poached egg. Order the pork meatloaf and sausage, and season with fresh herbs, chilli, lime or garlic at will for a great breakfast or snack.

MÀU

₫₫Contemporary

The warm, sociable atmosphere is matched by the energy of the team. Counter seats facing the bar offer the most immersive experience, as the service unfolds, and sizzles emerge from the kitchen. You can choose between à la carte dishes and a chef's menu – either way, the food sees modern style balanced with Asian flavours, including subtle Vietnamese notes. Enthusiastic staff are happy to help you pick from the wine list. An enjoyably relaxed experience.

Bếp Prime

₫₫Vietnamese

Tucked away in a quaint historic edifice, c. 1932, Bếp Prime specialises in traditional delicacies from Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam. Having travelled widely, the owner-chef returned to his hometown to open the restaurant and realise his culinary dream. For a Hanoian classic, order pigeon and mushroom hot pot – veggies, pigeon meat and offal are served in a bird cage to be blanched in a herbal broth or glutinous rice porridge. The crispy rice dish with the chef’s dip, made from pork jus, dried shrimps, chilli and pepper that packs umami and a spicy kick, is also recommended.

Senté (Nguyen Quang Bich Street)

₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary

Step away from the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, down a discreet alley and into this cosy dining venue, which is strewn with green plants and champions healthy food. The artistically presented, modern Vietnamese dishes use flowers, leaves, seeds, stems and roots of the humble lotus plant to create unique, flavourful inventions. As a starter, the shrimp, pomelo and lotus root salad is refreshing and appetising. Advance reservations recommended.

Bún Chả Đắc Kim (Hang Manh Street)

₫Noodles

Located in the Old Quarter since 1966, this no-frills shop reflects its long history. Nước chấm – sweet chilli fish sauce with finely sliced pickled green mango – is the perfect condiment for the vermicelli noodles which come with shredded smoky pork and plump pork patties. It’s a win-win combination of meat with sweetness and refreshing acidity. Queues are common, so be prepared to wait patiently and perhaps share a table.

Hanoi Garden

₫₫Vietnamese

The Indochine-style villa with an elegant courtyard has been home to this establishment since 1998. Expect to find all the greatest hits of Vietnamese cooking on the menu, from appetisers like spring rolls to meat and seafood dishes. Hot pot choices also abound. With over 20 years' experience, the Vietnamese chef reinvents his home country's classics with a modern twist. The food is meticulously prepared and astutely seasoned.

La Badiane

₫₫Fusion

Badiane is French for star anise and a glass jar of this spice adorns every table. The experienced and well-travelled French chef delivers an impressive selection of vibrant and adventurous fusion dishes with bold flavours and appealing textural contrasts. A black and white tiled floor and a friendly vibe set the scene downstairs, while the rooms upstairs are more intimate. Reservations are recommended.

Chapter

₫₫₫₫Vietnamese Contemporary

Chapter's façade of Corten steel slats leads into an open kitchen that produces unique flavours and textures over a charcoal grill. The single tasting menu features 10-plus courses anchored in Vietnamese heritage, all artfully plated. Primarily sourced from local farmers who use sustainable practices, the ingredients are interwoven with the rich culinary heritage of Northern Vietnam. Each course comes with a postcard sharing the story behind the dishes.

Quán Ăn Ngon (Cửa Nam)

₫₫Vietnamese

Set in a charming colonial villa with bucketloads of character, Quán Ăn Ngon is spread over two storeys. Our favourite spot is the spacious garden-courtyard and its buzzy vibe. The extensive menu, which covers all the bases, takes you on a tour of Vietnam with colourful photographs of each dish to help you make your selection. The cooking is fresh, flavourful and authentic. Even better, the prices won't break the bank. Do not miss the freshly made rice flour rolls, whose translucent skins and generous filling offer a delicate, satisfying bite.

Duong's (Ngo Huyen Street)

₫₫Vietnamese

Doung's is low profile yet easy to find. Over two storeys, the setting is cosy with comfortable wooden furniture and intimate, soft lighting. The set menu is suitable for smaller parties, while the à la carte presents a selection of more substantial signature dishes from Hanoi. The traditional grilled La Vong-style fish is a treat for the eye, while the consommé of beef soup has a clear broth with layers of spices. The chef also offers cooking classes.

Cau Go

₫₫Vietnamese

Enter the building from Dinh Tien Hoang or Cau Go Street and ride the lift to the restaurant. You can expect authentic, immaculately seasoned Central Vietnamese cuisine. Don't miss the deep-fried traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. If you go as a group, definitely order their popular hot pot – either chicken with basil leaves or beef and a wide range of other ingredients. The window seats and 7th-floor terrace command scenic lake views.

Ốc Vi Saigon

₫Seafood

The extensive, reasonably priced menu is mainly composed of seafood dishes with a wide array of shellfish from oysters to white clams, snails, cockles and scallops. Snails are the specialty here, cooked in a variety of ways and sauces. The stir-fried white clams in garlic butter exude a strong aroma, while an irresistible umami flavour pervades the stir-fried cockles with tamarind. Order a mini baguette so you can mop up the delicious sauce!

Phở Gà Huyền Hương

₫Noodles

The concise menu focuses on deeply satisfying bowls of phở. The chicken broth is rich and hearty, offering depth. A beef option provides an equally robust alternative. Portions are generous, with extra protein available. Expect a wait at peak times. There is also a private room.

Vị An (Đống Đa)

₫₫Vietnamese

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.

Highway4 (Hang Tre Street)

₫Vietnamese

This Vietnamese tửu quán (tavern) has always been popular with the locals and tourists alike. Most diners take their time, enjoying the food and drink in good company. The inn serves Northern Vietnamese fare and we recommend the subtly flavoured appetisers, such as salads or spring rolls. The catfish spring roll is the tasty signature dish. The heart-warming main courses come in earthen pots. The deliciously tender oxtail stew with herbs is to die for!

T.U.N.G dining

₫₫₫₫Innovative

The TUNG-in-cheek acronym – twisted, unique, natural, gastronomic – encapsulates the philosophy of Chef Hoang Tung's culinary style. His tasting menu, which keeps pace with the seasons and uses local produce, boasts colourful, minimalist dishes, each of which features just 3 or 4 ingredients, whose complexity explodes with every bite. The flavours are balanced and well-judged, with contrasts of texture and temperature, and acidity often playing a key role.

Hiệu Lực Canh Cá Rô Hưng Yên (Hoàn Kiếm)

₫Noodles

These speciality rice noodles from Hưng Yên Province are topped with crispy deep-fried climbing perch and bouncy fish cakes for umami; mustard greens and green onions add freshness. Diners choose between silky flat rice noodles and plump red grain noodles for a perfect bite.

Tanh Tách

₫₫₫Seafood

Nestled in a historic French colonial villa, the restaurant occupies two storeys. The chef team exhibits a knack for seafood dishes based on textbook European techniques, thus explaining their prominence on the à la carte menu. Before trying the deftly crafted fish or shellfish, kick off your meal with nori or kimchi rice crackers and tom yum mayo dip. Black chicken consommé is another smash hit.

Cồ Đàm

₫₫Vegetarian

Named after the Buddha, Cồ Đàm’s eye-catching architecture boasts an ornate exterior inspired by Buddhist and Champa culture and a striking arched entrance of terracotta bricks. Four floors are open for dining, but the ground floor stands out for its tranquil pond and terracotta Buddha. The restaurant offers two set menus only — Vietnam Namaste and Cham Namaste — each showcasing creative, modern interpretations of beautifully presented Vietnamese classics, layered with rich flavour combinations.

Chả Cá Anh Vũ

₫Vietnamese

Vietnamese