Street food has the ability to take a type of cuisine and adapt it to the tastes and needs of the street. Sushi, for example. Any foodie worth their stripes would probably turn their nose up at the concept of eating sushi on the side of the road in Hanoi. That doesn’t stop Street Sushi from being full of customers as soon as it opens, every … Continue reading Street Sushi, Hanoi
On the edge of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, under a pink neon sign, is the entrance to Solist Pub. This unpretentious little bar with its dimmed lighting and dark décor is a haven for live music heads looking to see some talent. Resonating to the echo of instruments and singers down Bat Dan, Solist draws in crowds of curious passers-by to create a mixed and laid-back atmosphere … Continue reading Solist Pub
In a pristine setting on the banks of the Red River, The Clover at Ngoc Thuy is an innovative French fine-dining gourmet restaurant with a wine list to rival some of the best restaurants in Paris. Situated in a grand colonial-style villa on the outskirts of the city, it offers dinner with a view — and with fresh air. The property was originally the residence of … Continue reading The Clover at Ngoc Thuy
Thanks to the attentions of a certain former American president, one bun cha joint has got itself a reputation. So Billy Gray decided to try it out for himself. It’s a rip-off, but you were expecting that. Still, it’s a good bun cha. If only the incumbent president had such capable chopstick skills. Obama chowing on a bun cha with Anthony Bourdain during his 2016 state visit to Vietnam brought … Continue reading Bun Cha Obama
From the people who brought you Rockstore, Craft Beer Pub, and more, comes Westlake Station. This latest addition to Hanoi’s weekend roster is far from subtle. Situated at the top of To Ngoc Van, the towering yellow villa has been kitted out with a bar, a pool table, an electronic dart board, a spacious outdoor area, and a restaurant dining area. In other words, they’ve got … Continue reading Westlake Station
It’s the summer. It’s hot. So what better way to cool you down than a Vietnamese favourite — coconut ice-cream? This month’s street snacker was carried out in the record-breaking heat wave that Hanoi experienced last month, and so naturally, we went for kem dua, which takes two of the best things in life, coconuts and ice cream, and puts them together to make a refreshing … Continue reading Kem Dua – Coconut Ice Cream
Tracing where food comes from is becoming easier, but it’s not 100% fail-safe. Billy Gray gives us the lowdown on organic food certification and a list of outlets and suppliers that you can trust. The global trend towards organic food has ensured that you can get almost your entire weekly shopping with an organic label on it these days. The tag ‘organic’ is supposed to ensure that … Continue reading Where to Source Organic in Hanoi
Since opening four months ago, Pizza Belga has developed a solid reputation for its Neapolitan-style pizzas, all made using fresh ingredients and imported Italian cheese, and its thick, creamy ice-cream that has customers coming back for more. The warm atmosphere in this pizzeria is complemented by steaming pizzas straight out of a wood-fired oven, and is housed in a casual setting, with red brick walls sporting pictures … Continue reading Pizza Belga
Years of speculation over whether the fast food behemoth would ever enter Hanoi are now at an end. It’s here, the day you thought would never come: McDonald’s has landed in Hanoi. Bearing civilization and the word of God, Ronald McDonald has set up his shrine next to Hoan Kiem Lake, in the heart of the capital, and has hired dedicated minions to flip burgers … Continue reading McDonald’s Opens in Hanoi
The streetfood concept from three different regions of the country served up in a restaurant setting has proved popular for years. So, how well is it executed? Our mystery diner visits one of its main proponents — Ngon Villa. Ngon Villa Restaurant is as much of a a walk-through history as it is a dining experience. The Vietnamese restaurant is housed in a restored colonial … Continue reading Ngon Villa Restaurant
OvertlyCovert, Hanoi. 