Hanoi
Banh mi vendors abound in Hanoi, although this baguette phenomenon is less popular than in Ho Chi Minh City. Open since 1978, this place is usually packed…
Must-see restaurants in Vietnam
Nha Trang
Head to this inexpensive local place that serves up the best nem nuong (grilled minced pork marinated with shallots and spices) in the city. It's served…
Hanoi
This sprawling restaurant serves delicious Indian cuisine from a huge menu with a decent selection of vegetarian options. Thali set meals (105,000d to 225…
Haiphong
This gaudy hall is renowned for seafood, including an amazing selection of crab dishes. More exotic dishes featuring deer and goat are also on the menu. A…
Vung Tau
Intimate, relatively inexpensive Japanese with a good sushi menu (a huge plate of mixed maki rolls is 298,000d). Tempura, teriyaki, ramen and udon dishes…
Hanoi
Negotiate your way to the rear of this narrow, rustic establishment and sit down to some excellent pho bo (beef noodle soup). A classic Hanoi experience…
Phu Quoc Island
Fab caramel pancakes, American breakfast combos, plus good (if pricey) coffee and wonderfully friendly service. It's located near the turnoff to Ong Lang…
Meo Vac
Recommended by locals, this place does the usual point-and-choose dishes served over rice, and a few noodle dishes. It's located just around the corner …
Ha Giang Province
This com (point-and-choose dishes served over rice) place is a popular spot for lunch. Coming from Ha Giang, turn left at the corner before the Thao…
Quang Ngai
Bustling barn of a place that's very popular for seafood including great squid dishes. There's a raucous atmosphere here on summer evenings, with beers…
Hanoi
This small spot with metal tables does simply delicious bun cha (grilled pork and rice noodles) – very affordable and very scrummy indeed. The spring…
Sapa
This rowdy place brings all the local faves – grilled skewers, roast piglet, dried beef, hotpot – together in one venue. Pull up a pew at one of the…
Hue
Our favourite spot for Hue's famous bun thit nuong – grilled pork with vermicelli and a forest of fresh herbs. Don't forget a hearty dollop of the special…
Ho Chi Minh City
A very simple snail restaurant on a back alley where a feast of a meal will set you back 100,000d or so. Little or no English is spoken and there are only…
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
This laid-back haven on Son Trach's main drag has colourful decor and well-priced food and drink, including excellent fresh-fruit smoothies and varied…
Ha Giang Province
Locals fuel up on vast bowls of steaming pho – both chicken and beef – at this busy shophouse restaurant, located diagonally opposite the Cao Nguyen Hotel.
Mekong Delta
An atmospheric place set amid landscaped gardens draped in fairy lights, with a menu heavy on shrimp and other seafood dishes, many of which are priced by…
Nha Trang
Centrally located, this casual new air-conditioned Korean place has an authentic menu that features terrific barbecued meats, cutlets and noodle and rice…
Quy Nhon
A local seafood place on the bay that serves up fine prawn dishes and marinated (or barbecued) squid. There's no English-language menu, so bring your…
Bai Tu Long Bay
At the southern end of the town's main street is this simple but delicious shop selling point-and-choose dishes served over rice. The owner's son speaks…
Lao Cai
This branch is an offshoot of the successful Sapa cafe, with a handy location near the train station. It does good breakfasts and sandwiches and decent…
Southeast Coast
Popular beachside seafood place in the fishing village where you can catch ocean breezes and feast on delicious clams, crab, shrimp, squid and grilled…
Around Nha Trang
Beach shack with fine cocktails, cold beer and tasty grub including a mean 'monster burger' and fresh seafood. Hosts 'Beach Beats' parties some weekends.
Mui Ne
Tables are set on a shore-side deck here and the tempting menu includes seafood, salads, soups and pasta. There's a good wine selection available.
Chau Doc
Try delicious local specialities, such as grilled glutinous rice filled with banana, and other stall food in this busy fresh-food market.
Southeast Coast
This small local seafood place serves ocean-fresh crab, shellfish and fish dishes – just peruse what's on offer in the bubbling tubs.
Mekong Delta
The hopping riverside night market has a lively string of hotpot restaurants, as well as stalls selling all manner of grilled things.
Nha Trang
Simple local joint that's famous for its wonderfully flavoursome barbecued duck (half a duck with salad, dips and rice 100,000d).
Tra Vinh
Cheap, cheerful hole-in-the-wall with wholesome traditional dishes such as sour soup, fish in claypot and pork with rice.
Southwest Highlands
This busy, simple place specialises in delicious crispy chicken and rice with a side salad of lettuce, tomato and onion.
Nha Trang
Thap Ba is famous for its evening-only seafood places, which produce fine steamed or barbecued clams, crab and prawns.
Hanoi
This small kitchen elevates Vietnamese street food in a beautiful indoor setting while keeping prices reasonable.
Ho Chi Minh City
In the courtyard of a former opium refinery, Hoa Tuc offers atmosphere, style and excellent food. Signature dishes include mustard leaves rolled with…
Ho Chi Minh City
A quiet, relaxing and neat place for breakfast, brunch, a salad, bruschetta or baguette sandwich, this stylish coffee shop on the upper floor of a…
Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re a lumberjack, you’ll be OK at this upmarket American-style cafe-bistro where there’s a big breakfast with your name on it (pancakes, bacon, eggs…
Northeast Vietnam
Lang Son’s market area sprawls over about three blocks, just off P Tran Dang Ninh. It's a colourful and hectic place stuffed to the brim with hawkers and…
Hanoi
With a focus on authentic flavours from around Vietnam, this joint gets popular with both locals and visitors. It's street food taken off the street and…
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue’s famous cuisine comes to HCMC’s hungry hordes through this chain of eight restaurants. This handy branch offers a good, air-conditioned introduction…
Nha Trang
For a traditional local experience, try Dam Market, which has a colourful collection of stalls, including com chay (vegetarian) options, in the ‘food…
