The Bloom by Vega Hotel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.