1. Where to eat in Hanoi

Northern cuisine is heavily influenced by China, which explains the abundance of stir-fried noodles, spring rolls and the flavor additive MSG. Due to the cooler climate, northern dishes are less liberal in the use of herbs compared to cuisine in the South, but do not mistake the modest toppings for a lack of flavor.

- Banh Cuon: A paper-thin rice pancake rolled with ground pork and wood ear mushroom and accompanied by a fragrant dipping sauce which can include essence of “ca cuong”, a water beetle

- Banh Tom Ho Tay: This crunchy shrimp cake consists of deep-fried prawns with slices of sweet potato laid out on a bed of lettuce and herbs.

- Bun Cha: Hanoi’s favourite lunch food, this noodle dish includes ground pork patties and vermicelli noodles in a sweet broth made with pickled vegetables, vinegar and fish sauce.

- Cha Ca: A dish served with a flourish at the table. The dish starts with fish fried in a pan. Throw in vermicelli noodles, peanuts, chili, spring onions and dill. Add a dash of shrimp paste and fish sauce and you’ve got a winner.

- Pho : Perfect for those chilly Hanoi mornings, the city’s take is more nuanced in flavor than Southern do. Most pho stalls will serve a bare minimum of garnishes.

2. What restaurants

- Wild Lotus: Step across a flower strewn pond into the zen garden of Wild Lotus. The extensive menu offers classic Vietnamese and other Asian inspired cuisine with a subtle western twist. Travel a journey of century – old spice routes.

Add: 55A Nguyen Du, Hai Ba Trung District, open from 11am - 10:30pm

Tel: 043 9439342 / 0904 909 049

Email: wildlotus@fpt.vn / www.wildlotus.com.vn

- Madam Yen restaurant: Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, this upscale eatery fuses unique contemporary architechtural design with the elegance of the Old quarter. The diverse menu hosts authentic, yet refined, food from Hanoi along with other parts of the North.

Add: 99 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, opening time 9am - 11pm

Tel : 043 926 4999

Email:  info@madamyenrestaurant.com / www.madamyenrestaurant.com

- Thien Phat Vegetarian restaurant: Vegetarians looking for true flavours of Vietnamese food need to look no further. Their daily specials on the menu are elaborate and sophisticated, but with an underlying simplicity.

Add 1 : 91 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, opening time 9am - 10pm

Add 2: 16 Hang Hanh, Hoan Kiem

Tel: 043 941 0584 (Add 1) or 043 938 0155 (Add 2) / hotline 0917 770 868

Email: info@thienphatchay.vn / www.thienphatchay.vn

- Le Bon Café: Located in the heart of Hanoi near the Vietnamese History museum, Le Bon Café makes for a perfect oasis to escape the busy streets outside. Le Bon has an inviting garden area with bamboo chairs creating a cozy and natural atmosphere. European and Asian Fare.

Add: 01 Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan Kiem, opening time 7am to 11pm

Tel : 043 933 5811

Email: info@lebon.net.vn

- Green Mango: Spoil yourself with delicious northern Vietnamese fusion cuisine in this swanky Old Quarter restaurant-lounge. Their outside patio is perfect for semi-formal dining, and the breakfast lounge is ideal for sipping Italian coffee for a leisurely “breakfast in bed” experience.

Add: 18 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem, opening time 6:30am - 11:30pm

Tel: 043 928 9916/ 17/ 18

Email: greenmango@.vn.

- Club Opera Novel: Housed in French cononial grandeur, Club Opera Novel serves high end authentic Vietnamese cuisine. An extensive international wine list provides a perfect pairing to their sophisticated menu. They provide attentive service and have a great attention to detail.

Add: 17 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, opening time 11am - 2pm, 6pm – 11:30pm

Tel: 043 972 8001

Email: clubopera@orientalstars.com.vn