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From curbside feasts on Lilliputian plastic chairs to superb fine dining, Hanoi’s restaurant scene has something for everyone. Locals are fiercely proud of their street food culture and this is where the essence of Hanoi’s food scene can be discovered. Signature northern dishes include bun cha (vermicelli with minced pork burgers), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls stuffed with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots), and the ubiquitous pho, Vietnam’s nominal national dish, which comes in chicken and beef varieties. These classics represent just a tantalizing taste of what is on offer in the city. And with a seemingly endless array of vendors slaving over hot grills, simmering alchemy in large pots, or doling out pillow-soft steamed buns from a ramshackle cart, opportunities to eat like a local are limitless. In the past, Hanoi’s restaurant sector has suffered in comparison to its Kingly Street dining scene. That has changed significantly over the past decade or so. There is now an eclectic selection of interesting (and often excellent) eating spots that run the gamut from simple French bistros and laid-back cafés to opulent venues for multicourse blowouts and cutting-edge options that would not be out of place in the world’s major gastronomic hubs.
The Japanese equivalent of your friendly neighborhood diner, this cozy restaurant is a longstanding favorite of older and affluent Hanoians. Reasonable prices encourage overindulgence in sushi or sashimi; the lunch specials are good value at around 200,000d. Seating is in small private rooms or at a long polished bar on the ground floor.
When it comes to Japanese food in the capital, Masu has indisputably raised the bar. The menu is inspired, the ingredients are top-notch, the interior design is becoming, and the staff are appropriately attentive. The sets, which start at 1,500,000d, are difficult to pass up, but you can also order a la carte.
This West Lake institution serves some of the best Japanese food in Hanoi. The city has a sizeable community of Japanese expats, which means that this venue is reliably packed with homesick salarymen looking to sample an authentic taste of home.
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