Taste of Hanoi: Vi Ha Noi Restaurant Offers Authentic Yet Accessible Vietnamese Cuisine

Published on December 28, 2025

Situated at number 25 Nguyen Truong To Street in South Hanoi, Vi Ha Noi or “Taste of Hanoi” has rapidly established itself as a favorite eating destination for foreign tourists desirous of indulging in Vietnamese cuisine but in a more welcoming atmosphere. In fact, “Vi Ha Noi,” now operational for two years in this regard, is a very popular restaurant within Hanoi and is uniquely known for its ability to combine the originality of local foods with a taste much softer and more welcoming to foreigners.

A Taste that Appeals to International Visitors
Founder Dang Trung Dung, a former tour guide, recognized that many international tourists enjoy Vietnamese food but often find the stronger, more pungent flavors—like shrimp paste and salted dipping sauces—overwhelming. “We want to keep the soul of Vietnamese cuisine but present it in a way that is approachable,” Dung explains. Drawing from his more than a decade of experience in tourism, Dung sought to develop a restaurant where visitors could enjoy traditional dishes without the overpowering flavors that sometimes make them hesitant to dive deeper into Vietnamese culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s success can be attributed to this delicate balance between authenticity and accessibility. By collaborating with Chef Nguyen Van Minh, who boasts over 20 years of culinary expertise, the duo created a menu that showcases Vietnamese flavors while subtly tempering some of the more intense elements.

Refined Flavors, Preserved Authenticity
One of the major challenges for Vi Ha Noi’s kitchen was how to tone down strong spices without losing the essence of the dishes. Chef Minh, for example, developed a milder version of fermented bean paste for their grilled duck breast, combining it with honey and herbs. Similarly, the popular dish bun cha (grilled meat with noodles) has a lighter dipping sauce, made with more vinegar and sugar to provide balance without overpowering saltiness.

These thoughtful adjustments have been well-received by international diners, many of whom appreciate the familiar flavors while still feeling like they are experiencing something unique to Vietnam. Anne Black, an American tourist who visited after a friend’s recommendation, mentioned, “I once tried bun cha at a street stall and found the sauce too salty. Here, it’s balanced, and I could enjoy it more.”

Signature Dishes That Highlight Local Culinary Heritage
Vi Ha Noi’s menu features several standout dishes that reinterpret classic Vietnamese flavors for international diners. One of the most popular offerings is grilled red tilapia rolls, a modern take on the traditional cha ca La Vong—turmeric fish with dill. In Vi Ha Noi’s version, the tilapia is marinated in turmeric and dill, then grilled and served with vermicelli, herbs, and a sweet-sour fish sauce that complements the fish’s flavors perfectly.

Restaurant manager Ngoc Anh explained, “We don’t serve the original cha ca La Vong because we want visitors to try it where it belongs. Our version is a nod to the heritage, offering a new experience born from a classic.” This fusion of tradition and innovation has made the dish a favorite among tourists, who appreciate the delicate balance between familiarity and novelty.

In addition to the grilled tilapia, Vi Ha Noi offers other unique dishes, including duck breast with fermented soybean paste, which has become a house favorite, and young green rice ice cream, a refreshing dessert topped with lemon and mint.

An Atmosphere that Enhances the Dining Experience
Beyond its refined menu, Vi Ha Noi offers an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. The restaurant has four distinct dining rooms, each styled in the traditional northern Vietnamese aesthetic, providing guests with a cozy and authentic setting. One of the highlights of the restaurant is its beautiful courtyard, shaded by a me ga tree, which has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking to relax in the open air while enjoying their meal.

Inspired by the me ga tree, the bar has created a signature cocktail blending pineapple, passion fruit, and mint juice, priced at VND95,000 ($3.60). This drink, alongside the tranquil setting, creates an atmosphere that feels uniquely Vietnamese, yet accessible to international visitors.

Pham Thuy Linh, a frequent diner at Vi Ha Noi, often brings her colleagues from France and Sweden. She shared, “My colleagues enjoy the duck breast with fermented soybean paste. They said they’ve never tasted anything quite like it.”

Vi Ha Noi’s Appeal to a Global Audience
Vi Ha Noi’s success has been fueled not just by its thoughtful approach to Vietnamese cuisine but also by its ability to cater to a wide range of tastes. While the restaurant specializes in traditional Vietnamese dishes, it also offers Western options, including pizza and pasta, for those who might not be as familiar with Asian flavors. This inclusivity helps ensure that all visitors feel comfortable, regardless of their culinary background.

The restaurant’s commitment to offering high-quality food and a great dining experience is evident in the positive reviews it has garnered. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 on platforms like Tripadvisor and Google, it is clear that Vi Ha Noi has made a significant impact on both local and international diners.

A Busy Tourist Season in Hanoi
Vi Ha Noi is busiest during the peak tourist seasons, from October to April, when international visitors flock to Hanoi to experience the city’s rich history, culture, and cuisine. The restaurant has become a go-to spot for many travelers seeking a refined yet authentic Vietnamese dining experience. Gary Dennis, an Indonesian visitor, summed up the restaurant’s appeal by saying, “The food was delicious, and the setting was tranquil. I’ll definitely come back before leaving Vietnam.”

As Hanoi continues to attract more international tourists, restaurants like Vi Ha Noi are playing a crucial role in helping visitors connect with Vietnamese culture through food while ensuring their experience is comfortable and enjoyable.

A New Era for Vietnamese Cuisine

Vi Ha Noi basically represents the increasing trend in food service, whereby traditional flavors are melded into dishes that would please an international audience. It retains the authenticity of local Vietnamese dishes while tampering with them to cater to international tastes. With its retention of traditional flavors and tweaking of these to more international tastes, Vi Ha Noi lets tourists have a feel of the richness of Vietnamese cuisine without overwhelming the palate. Indeed, as international visitors seek more unique experiences while dining out in Vietnam, restaurants like Vi Ha Noi are certain to play an important part in influencing the future of food tourism in the country.