Hello all,

I will be in Hanoi shortly and would appreciat4 recommendations for restaurants offering traditional Vietnamese fare.

Thank you,

Paul

A couple of places we loved: Brothers Cafe, located in the courtyard of an old monastery. There is, of course, the original Little Hanoi... not the sandwich shop near the lake, but farther into old town. Club L'Opera, across from the Metropole was our fave. There are lots of wonderful little cafes, just wander around and look at menus.

Paul

If time permits you, pay Hoa Sua School a visit. This restaurant is run by a group of NGO who adopted the disadvantaged youth and provide them training from chef to waitering.

If I am not mistaken, they served western and french cuisine. Not too sure about Vietnamese food, but call them up to check. My experienced with this restaurant was excellent. The kids tried very very hard to make sure you are happy dining in this restaurant.

28A, Ho Hoi St, Hanoi. Tel (84.(0) 4. 9.42.44.48. or www.hoasuaschool.com

You can dine with a cause

Another "dine with a cause" place... KoTo. It's a casual place for refreshments or lunch across from the Temple of Literature. Really not much VN cuisine, some is western, I remember some Indian food, etc, but it is for a good cause.

Ok since no one has really answered your question - we are going next April. From my research there are two great places offering traditional VN fare:

Quan An Ngon for "street food"

and

Highway 4 (3 locations) for very traditional VN fare including crickets served several different ways and other choices suitable for the western palate as well.

My absolute favorite thing to eat in Hanoi is Bun Cha. And after eating it everywhere in the city, this is the best place (IMO)
http://www.pbase.com/loricarlson/image/75955812

It's right in the old quarter, and stays very busy. Write down the address. Anyone should be able to take you there.
http://www.pbase.com/loricarlson/image/75955807

YUM YUM

Craig, you don't consider Little Hanoi traditional Vietnamese fare?

Its true that Club L'Opera is Vietnamese with more French accent, and brothers Cafe offers a wide range of Vitenamese and more international foods, but has traditional Pho stands as well as quite an assortment of traditional VN "salads."

Kathie, the two reco's that I provided are the best that I have seen based on current research. I may be all wrong and will certainly report after I return but I perceive that things are rapidly changing so I wanted to throw out what I've heard. If you look at Highway 4's menu in particular, you will see that it is most adventurous:

http://www.highway4.com/en/Food%20Menu%202008.pdf

Quan An Ngon has also received excellent recos as a way to experience VN street food without the hygiene issues.

Craig

Interesting menu.

Here's a tip from a restaurant owner in Hanoi-don't eat dog meat on the full moon....

I'll keep that in mind, Lori though I will pass on dog meat at any time as well as pig stomach and other such delicacies.

Hi there,
There are so many good restaurant in Hanoi.

Cheaper than normal: Bun Cha on the street and Pho Ga= less than 2 bucks.

Ok prices: Rung the restaurant is on Au co and is very interesting from the street, has trees inside and the vietnamese food is good.

A bit more pricey: Wild lotus and Wild rice, they are my favorite restaurant, try the soft shell crab, mmmm lovely.

Have fun trying new foods.....