Top 12 Restaurants in Vietnam You Need to Try on Your Next Vacation

Vietnam has always been associated with natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage. While these are significant reasons to check out Vietnam travel packages, the food of this beautiful country is another driving factor to plan a vacation. With the French colonization of Vietnam in the 19^th century, the food culture of this country evolved into something that is pretty amazing! (Possibly, the only good that came out of that period). Rice paper rolls, Pho, and Banh Mi are just a few food items that will make you appreciate Vietnamese, as well as French cuisines in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Hue. If you are a true foodie, then exploring the narrow lanes of the Old Quarters will further help you find some hidden treasures in Vietnam. The most appealing characteristic of popular Vietnamese food is its freshness and burst of flavours that truly depicts the culture and traditions of this Asian nation. So, here are the top 12 restaurants in Vietnam that you need to try on your next vacation:

1. Lac Thien, Lac Thanh and Lac Thuan

One of the most celebrated restaurants in Vietnam is Lac Thien, Lac Thanh and Lac Thuan for the past 57 years. The sheer magic of this eatery in Hue is so addictive that you will always come back for more! If trying authentic Vietnamese cuisine is on your bucket list, then Lac Thien, Lac Thanh and Lac Thuan is the place for you! Make sure to reach there on time because this restaurant is always packed with starry-eyed hungry tourists and locals.

Recommendations: Infamous Pho, Bún Thịt Nướng

2. Morning Glory 

The food in Vietnamese is so dynamic that you will be in for a surprise at every street food joint, fine-dining restaurant, and cafe. Morning Glory is located in a historical French-style villa that is known for its street food specialities. Situated in Hoi An, this restaurant also serves the best vegetarian food in Vietnam. Since it is a pocket-friendly place, you do not have to worry about exceeding your daily budget for eating out.

Recommendations: Bun Cha Noodles with Meatballs, Tofu with Spring Onion Sauce

3. Banh Xeo

One of the most animated restaurants in Vietnam is Banh Xeo, named after its speciality dish. Banh Xeo is a crispy stuff rice pancake that is often served with pork belly. The literal meaning of this mouth-watering Vietnamese crepe is the sound it makes while being poured on a hot skillet. Besides their star dish, there are other Saigon-style delicacies served at this Vietnamese restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.

Recommendations: Banh Xeo, Hearts of Palm Salad

4. Cha Ca La Vong

If you are a pescatarian or just happen to love fish a lot, then Cha Ca La Vong is one place that you just cannot miss in Hanoi. Rated as one of the most popular restaurants in the capital city, this eatery is named after a traditional grilled fish delicacy. Vietnamese people, just like their food, do not like to complicate matters so they generally name restaurants after their star dishes! Standing tall since the early 19th century, Cha Ca La Vong celebrates Vietnamese food in the old quarters of Hanoi like no other place.

Recommendations: Grilled fish with dill, Chilled Vietnamese Beer

5. La Villa French Restaurant

Thierry Mounon’s La Villa French is known for its mouth-watering delicacies prepared using fresh local produce. It is among the best French restaurants in Vietnam without a doubt, so make sure it is on your itinerary. Opulence, finesse, and everything in between is available at this legacy restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are craving some high-end champagne or wine, La Villa French has got you covered. As this is one of the few restaurants located on the outskirts of Saigon, you should hop on a local Vietnamese bus or hire a private taxi.

Recommendations: La Villa Roasted Chicken, Apple Pie with Cinnamon Ice cream

6. Green Tangerine

Next up on the list of top restaurants in Vietnam is Green Tangerine, a favourite spot in Hanoi among locals and tourists alike. Whether you sit inside the French villa or relax in its courtyard, the regal feeling is the same. The delicious medley of French and Vietnamese cuisines is something that you need to try on your next vacation at Green Tangerine in the Old Quarter, Hanoi.

Recommendations: Roasted Pigeon, Phu Quoc Island’s Salad

7. Dalcheeni Hanoi

Let us just accept the fact that every Indian travelling to a foreign land craves for their homeland food after a few days of trying out exotic dishes. Dalcheeni Hanoi is one of the most celebrated Indian restaurants in Vietnam because the delicacies served here as authentic, easy-on-the-pocket, and lip-smacking. You will find a range of North Indian delights at this eatery in Hanoi and love every one of them!

Recommendations: Tandoori Broccoli, Galauti Kebab

8. Baba’s Kitchen

Another treasure that you need to try out on your next trip to Vietnam is Baba’s Kitchen. Touted to be among the most popular Indian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Baba’s Kitchen serves authentic South Indian fare. It is quite heart-warming to see that not only Indians flock to this restaurant on a regular basis but locals and tourists from other parts of the world seem to love it too! You can even devour Sri Lankan and Thai food items at this Indian restaurant in Vietnam. Everything they dish out is so good that you will end up licking your fingers.

Recommendations: Malabar Fish Curry, Gobi Manchurian

9. Namaste India 

Most people who travel to Vietnam from India land up in Ho Chi Minh City because it is a tourist spot worth visiting at least once. Travellers who do not wish to experiment a lot with their food can trust Namaste India for its traditional dishes and street food items. Be it the onion pakoras or the mutton rogan josh, there is something for everyone at this Indian restaurant in Vietnam. For people who are missing home just a tad bit, have a meal at Namaste India and you will be sorted.

Recommendations: Seafood Pakora, Paneer Chili

10. Taj Mahal Restaurant 

When you are a little tired of trying out local delicacies in the restaurants across Vietnam, it is quite alright to go back to your roots and have a hearty North Indian meal at Taj Mahal Restaurant. Situated in a narrow street in Ho Chi Minh City, this eatery is for people who love everything about Punjabi cuisine. Let’s be real, we love our dal makhani and butter chicken! The authentic taste of their dishes might even move you to tears.

Recommendations: Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Samosa

11. Bien Mo Floating Restaurant

It is almost impossible to vacation in Vietnam and not stuff yourself with fresh seafood. Bien Mo Floating Restaurant is located in Halong Bay and literally floats its waters! Be it lobsters, prawns, fish, or squid, you name it, and they will prepare it for you. The romantic riverside view of this floating restaurant is another reason why you need to pay it a visit on your next trip to Vietnam.

Recommendations:  Cá Mú Fish, Mushroom Hot Pot

12. The Posh Duck Kitchen 

The amalgamation of Singaporean, French and Saigon styles of cooking has brought unique Vietnamese dishes that you will only find at the Posh Duck Kitchen in Ho Chi Minh City. Locals have been quite excited for this restaurant to re-open after the lockdown because its menu is vegan-friendly, dynamic, and modern. So, while exploring the historical sites of Ho Chi Minh, take out some time to try out their set lunch meal and you will love every minute of it.

Recommendations: Duck Confit, Goat Cheese Dumpling

With so many Vietnamese food dishes to fall in love with, what are you still procrastinating for? Book your holiday package to this mesmerizing travel destination now!