Streets to the Stars

Hanoi is bursting with flavor. Street food sizzles at every turn, and the air is rich with the scent of grilled meats, fragrant Vietnamese herbs, and shallots. Hawkers serve steaming bowls of pho, and vendors peddle freshly baked bánh mì—it’s a feast for the senses.

In kitchens behind closed doors, the culinary energy is equally irrepressible. In recent years, some of the country’s finest culinary minds have been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the plate. The result? A dining scene that’s putting Hanoi firmly on the high-end foodie map.

Hanoi’s prominence in Vietnam’s MICHELIN Guide says it all. The city now boasts three MICHELIN-starred restaurants—Gia, Hibana by Koki, and Tam Vi—that showcase a blend of local heritage and global sophistication.

Leading this charge is Gia, where Chef Sam Tran crafts a 12-course menu inspired by Vietnam’s culinary legacy. Seasonal ingredients shine in dishes that surprise with inventive flavors and intricate textures, served in an understated dining room that puts the onus on the food. Each course feels like a quiet homage to the past, presented with fine-dining finesse. The beautifully crafted dishes showcase well-judged combinations of subtle flavors, with acidity and texture playing prominent roles. 

Nearby, Hibana by Koki offers an entirely different experience. Located in the luxurious Capella Hanoi, this teppanyaki kappo restaurant features just 14 seats, creating an intimate, theatrical dining experience. From buttery Hokkaido king crab to delicately grilled abalone, it’s a masterclass in precision paired with premium ingredients flown in directly from Japan.

For something closer to home, Backstage—also at Capella—gives Vietnamese classics a dramatic edge. The open kitchen takes center stage in this opera-inspired space, where dishes like bun cha and the signature Capella pho are reimagined with contemporary flair. Stylish and playful, it’s dining with just the right touch of indulgence.

For those seeking the comforting flavors of home cooking, Michelin-starred Tam Vi delivers a nostalgic journey into Northern Vietnam’s culinary heritage. Situated in a charming tea-house-like space filled with antique furniture, the restaurant specializes in home-style dishes such as crab and water spinach soup and snail patties served with fresh herbs. It’s a place where time slows down for diners to establish indelible connections to the region’s rich culinary traditions.

Meanwhile, Pho Bat Dan remains an institution in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each morning, long queues form outside this legendary hole in the wall. Patrons are eventually rewarded with steaming bowls of beef pho, making the wait well worth it. With its rich broth and tender beef, this all-timer is a testament to the city’s enduring love affair with its most iconic dish.

Hanoi’s innovation is perhaps best embodied at T.U.N.G Dining. Chef Hoang Tung challenges conventions with avant-garde creations like smoked eel canapés on pine needles and a deconstructed bánh mì. Previously recognized among Asia’s 100 Best Restaurants, T.U.N.G has become a beacon of creativity, continually redefining the possibilities of fine dining.

Similarly, Chapter Dining & Grill merges European techniques with Vietnamese ingredients to craft cosmopolitan dishes like tamarind-glazed tenderloin and foie gras terrine. Herbs sourced from Hanoi’s countryside lend each dish a distinct sense of place, while the sleek interiors and MICHELIN recognition ensure the restaurant holds its own among the city’s finest.

Savoring the Vietnamese capital wouldn’t be complete without exploring its cocktail culture—a natural extension of the city’s culinary evolution. Just as chefs reimagine traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, mixologists are blending artistry and innovation to craft drinks that carry a sense of place.

Back at the Capella Hanoi, The Hudson Rooms exudes 1920s New York glamour. By day, it’s a marble-swathed oyster and champagne bar; by night, its whiskey cocktails channel the romance of rail travel from Grand Central Terminal. With the sun setting over the city and a cocktail in hand, it’s an effortlessly classic way to end the day.

Downstairs, Diva’s Lounge turns up the charm with its art deco design and intimate vibe. Cocktails like a yuzu-infused Negroni pair beautifully with Vietnamese-inspired small plates, while the adjoining terrace offers a quiet escape overlooking the city. It’s stylish without being stuffy.

Hidden in the Old Quarter, The Haflington made history as Vietnam’s first bar to enter the top 50 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, ranking it No. 47. With its fossils, vintage decor, and museum-like vibe, it’s as much about atmosphere as it is about cocktails. The drinks here are playful yet polished—think clarified milk punches and bold, spirit-forward creations. It’s a haven for cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy a touch of quirkiness alongside sophistication.

For something distinctly Vietnamese, Nê Cocktail Bar delivers drinks that tell a story. The Com Harvest, a blend of green rice, pandan, and local rum, celebrates the autumn harvest, while jackfruit and lemongrass infusions offer a true taste of the region. Each cocktail connects to Vietnam’s traditions, with each sip delivering a cultural experience.

And for a livelier scene, Drinking & Healing delivers energy in abundance. Listed at No. 99 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 extended list, this buzzing venue is known for its playful cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you come for a drink and end up staying all night.