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West Hanoi’s Most Authentic Foreign Restaurants
Global food choices are on the up in Hanoi, especially in the west side of the city. But where to go and what to try? Start here with Kosmo Tay Ho’s picks...
West Hanoi’s Most ...
There comes a time in any city when you just want to snap out of routine and try something new. As a foreigner, you might get a longing for a taste of home. Or as a local, you might fancy tastes from the other side of the globe.
We asked around the community of foreigners in Hanoi and the following restaurants are considered as Hanoi’s hottest right now. They are all a short journey from Kosmo Tay Ho but are guaranteed to take your tastebuds much further afield.
2.1 km from Kosmo Tay Ho
Where?
36 Quang Ba Street, Tay Ho
5:30pm to 11pm, Thursday to Sunday
Must Try?
The flautas (a small, deep-fried, rolled-up tortilla with beef, cheese or chicken) topped with sour cream and guacamole. Or the taco plate; a selection of the best tacos (vegetarian options available) served with refried black beans, rice, and salad. Also, the “Monsterita”, a huge glass of authentic margarita, is well worth sampling, but don’t say we didn’t warn you: it is bound to get you a tad tipsy.
Why?
Anita’s Cantina is Hanoi’s newest addition for Mexican food. It is quickly becoming the favourite with a great reputation of authenticity. The chips, dips, and tortillas are all handmade and the service is top quality too. With 4.8 stars on Facebook, it is reaping glorious reviews and is getting busier and busier.
How much?
Muy razonable! Menu items are priced between VND30,000 for a taco and VND140,000 for larger plates. The margarita’s go from VND120,000 while the humongous ‘Monsterita’s’ go for VND320,000.
2.1 km from Kosmo Tay Ho
Instagram: Home 38 by eatenbylong
Where?
38 Quang Ba Street, Tay Ho
8:30am to 10:30pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Must Try?
The English breakfast: eggs how you like them, imported pork sausages, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, hash browns, and bacon. Rarely done properly outside the Sceptred Isle, getting it right with the local British expat community is an achievement.
Why?
“He has got proper Cumberland sausages and HP sauce,” says Englishman Edward Dalton, who writes food reviews for the English language magazine, Word Vietnam. “The full English breakfast here prides itself on its refusal to compromise on ingredients and condiments.”
Just add a cup of English breakfast tea with milk and two sugars, and you might as well be in your favourite south London greasy spoon — no frills needed!
How much?
It is a fair cop at VND110,000, given the imported ingredients and HP sauce. HP sauce — if you know, you know.
2.5 km from Kosmo Tay Ho
(city pass guide)
Where:
32 Quang Khanh, Tay Ho
10am to 11pm daily
Must Try?
The pizza is made in the traditional Italian way, as is their pasta,” says Alessandro Ferin, an Italian who has been living in Hanoi for four years — so trust him and order both. The veggie options are to die for: try the Vegetariana topped with eggplant, zucchini, sweet pepper, spinach, and mushrooms, all for just over VND200,000.
Why?
There are many fakers but this certainly is not one of them. Da Paolo is set in a large colonial style house with great West Lake views, authentic Italian food, and the reputation in Hanoi to match.
How much:
Mama Mia, pizza e pasta a questi prezzi! Pizzas run anywhere from VND165,000 to VND350,000 and pasta from VND195,000 to VND220,000.
4.2 km from Kosmo Tay Ho
Where:
6th floor Lotte Tower, 54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh
11:30am to 10pm daily
Must Try?
The baked bun with BBQ pork. It is fluffy, sweet, savoury, and moreish. The huge range of authentic dim sum is well worth trialling too. Sample lots to find your own favourites.
Why?
Simply for the fact that Tim Ho Wan is a famous dim sum house in Hong Kong. Like, really famous — there is always a queue of drooling customers waiting outside.
“The thing to remember is that the food always comes quickly and is eaten just as fast, so you are never hanging around for too long,” says Adam White, former editor of HK Magazine and freelance food writer. “Every meal at Tim Ho Wan is a little bit special.”
This place, just a short journey from Kosmo Tay Ho, is well worth a visit for tasty dim sum that tastes as if it is straight out of Hong Kong. It is a fine addition to the west side of Hanoi and comes without the queues! Win.
How much:
Its most famous dish, the steamed BBQ pork bun, goes for VND73,000 per bun, and steamed shrimp dumplings cost VND59,000.
Buy smart, live well with Kosmo Tay Ho
Kosmo Tay Ho is located close to world-class restaurants, cafes, and pubs — foodies’ paradise is right on your doorstep. Visit kosmotayho.com or call +84 901 839 666 now to book your free, no-obligation tour.
