Hoi An to Hanoi: Vietnam’s Ultimate Restaurant Bucket List

A Culinary Journey from Lantern Streets to Bustling Boulevards

 

Vietnam isn’t just a country; it’s a full-sensory experience. Every street, every stall, every kitchen tells a story seasoned with spice, culture, and community. From the glowing lanterns of Hoi An to the bustling boulevards of Hanoi, this is a country that invites you to eat your way through its history. Whether you’re on a trip to Vietnam for the first time or planning your next Vietnam holiday tour, food is what connects you to its soul.

This blog is your ultimate Vietnam travel guide to the best restaurants, hidden kitchens, and unforgettable dining experiences. From secret countryside meals to luxury riverside restaurants, we’ve carefully curated a Vietnam restaurant bucket list that captures both the flavor and the spirit of the country.

And the best part? Every dish you read about is accessible with BreakBag Holidays’ Vietnam tour packages, offering curated Vietnam travel itineraries that match every budget, palate, and preference.

 

Checkout our other Vietnam Packages : https://breakbag.com/destinations/vietnam

 

Hoi An’s Hidden Kitchens: Lantern-Lit Dinners You’ll Never Forget

 

A Town Bathed in Warm Light and Even Warmer Meals

 

Hoi An is a city that feels like a dream. Narrow streets framed by yellow walls, bicycles lazily cruising by, and hundreds of silk lanterns lighting up the night sky. But the real magic happens inside the kitchens—many of which are tucked away behind ancient doors and family courtyards.

 

Here are must-visit spots to fill your plate and your heart:

>       Morning Glory Original – Owned by Trinh Diem Vy, this restaurant is practically an institution in Hoi An. Must-try: Cao Lau, a noodle dish that can only be made with water from a specific ancient well in the city. Add crispy pork and fresh herbs, and you're in heaven.

>       Miss Ly Cafeteria – Operating for over two decades, this place serves one of the best White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Vac) in town. These delicate rice flour dumplings are filled with shrimp and topped with crispy shallots.

>       The Secret Garden – Hidden behind a small alley, this garden restaurant offers one of the most romantic settings in town. Try their Banana Blossom Salad with a tamarind twist.

>       Banh Mi Phuong – Once visited by Anthony Bourdain, this humble bakery makes the most talked-about Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) in Central Vietnam. Choose from fillings like BBQ pork, pate, or tofu.

 

Want something different? Book a countryside food tour with BreakBag Holidays to enjoy fresh seafood by the river, cooked right in front of you by local families.

 

Also read : Lose Yourself in Hoi An’s Magical Lantern Nights

 

Ninh Binh’s Rustic Tables: Dining Among Limestone Peaks

 

Vietnam's Hidden Culinary Countryside

 

Often overshadowed by more popular locations, Ninh Binh is an untapped paradise for food lovers. With emerald rice fields, limestone cliffs, and winding rivers, the scenery here is enough to take your breath away. But it's the rural charm and earth-to-table food culture that makes it a must-stop for any vacation in Vietnam.

 

Book now : Ninh Binh Day Tour from Ha Noi: Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, Tam Coc

 

What sets Ninh Binh apart?

>       Dishes made with mountain goat meat

>       Freshwater fish and snails caught from local rivers

>       Rice crackers and indigenous herbs

 

Best Dining Experiences:

>       Hoang Giang Restaurant – Located near the Trang An boat wharf, it specializes in grilled goat with lemongrass and sesame. Their set meals also include eel soup and local greens.

>       Thuy Linh Restaurant – This cozy place serves Com Chay (crispy rice crusts) paired with goat stew. It’s crunchy, savory, and absolutely comforting.

>       Tam Coc Garden Homestay – Imagine having dinner beside lotus ponds, under the stars, eating freshly picked veggies and home-raised duck. Book through BreakBag Holidays for a personalized experience.

 

Whether you’re after an adventurous tour to Vietnam or a peaceful rural escape, Ninh Binh offers cuisine deeply connected to the land and its people.

 

Hanoi’s Flavor Maze: Where Every Street Tells a Food Story

 

The Capital of Complexity and Comfort

 

Hanoi is chaos and calm in one bite. From loud markets to quiet lakeside cafes, the city keeps you engaged. Every street corner has something bubbling, grilling, or steaming.

 

Check Now : Hanoi City Tour

 

Explore these must-visit places:

>       Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha) – You can still order the "Obama Combo." It comes with grilled pork patties, rice noodles, and a refreshing seafood spring roll.

>       Pho Gia Truyen – Known as one of Hanoi's most iconic Pho spots. It opens early and often runs out by noon. The broth simmers for hours with bones, herbs, and love.

>       Cafe Giang – This is the birthplace of Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung), a creamy drink made with whipped egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and strong coffee.

>       Quan An Ngon – A street-food market in the form of a restaurant. You can taste dishes from across the country here, all in a single elegant space.

>       Home Vietnamese Restaurant – Located in a French colonial villa, it offers upscale Vietnamese dining. Don’t miss the lotus-stuffed fried tofu.

 

Want a guided Hanoi city tour to find hidden gems and secret eateries? BreakBag Holidays offers private and group packages with local food experts.

 

Budget Bites to Luxe Feasts: Vietnam’s Restaurants for Every Pocket

 

Vietnam accommodates every type of traveler—whether you're travelling Vietnam with pocket friendly deals or planning a luxurious trip to Vietnam.

 

Street Food (INR 100-400)

>       Banh Mi (Hoi An & Hanoi)

>       Pho from street stalls (Hanoi Old Quarter)

>       Sticky rice with grilled pork (Xoi)

 

Mid-Range Restaurants (INR 500-1500)

>       Secret Garden (Hoi An)

>       Thuy Linh (Ninh Binh)

>       Quan An Ngon (Hanoi)

 

Luxury Dining (INR 2000-5000)

>       Home Restaurant (Hanoi)

>       Tam Coc Garden Resort (Ninh Binh)

>       The Field Restaurant (Hoi An)

 

Tip: Choose BreakBag’s Vietnam holiday deals that include meal vouchers, guided tastings, and even home cooking lessons.

 

Also checkout: Vietnamese Cuisine Overview – Wikipedia

 

Plan Your Flavour Trail with BreakBag Holidays

 

BreakBag Holidays specializes in crafting food-centric travel experiences across Vietnam. Here's what you can expect:

>       Customized itineraries covering Vietnam’s must visited destinations

>       Private and group departures

>       Special food festivals, cooking classes, and local home dining

>       Tours suitable for Vietnam family tour packages or Vietnam group trips

>       24x7 support and English-speaking local guides

 

Also read : https://the-shooting-star.com/

 

BreakBag helps you plan everything—from the least budgeted Vietnam packages to the top packages for Vietnam full of luxury and comfort.

 

Explore Tour Packages on BreakBag →