Crispy rice with spicy beef (Com chay bo cay)

Mau Dich Number 37, Tran Vu Street, Hanoi

Crispy rice with spicy beef. Photo: Michelin

Crispy rice with spicy beef. Photo: Michelin

The signature dish at Mau Dich Number 37 is a golden, crispy rice cake, shaped like a bowl, with the natural sweetness of rice. While it can be eaten on its own, the combination of crispy rice and stewed beef makes the dish truly impressive.

The beef brisket and tendon are slow-cooked in a clay pot with a broth of tomatoes, bay leaves, star anise, and other spices. The tender beef, melting in your mouth with a rich and sweet flavor, is an unforgettable experience.

Stir-fried eel with vermicelli noodles (Mien luon xao)

Mien Luon Chan Cam Street, Hanoi

Located in the heart of Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter, Mien Luon Chan Cam has been serving customers for almost 40 years. The restaurant offers eel with vermicelli noodles in various preparations, with the stir-fried version being the most popular.

The dish is prepared only when ordered, ensuring it's always served hot. The soft vermicelli noodles and crispy eel create a contrasting yet harmonious texture. Don't forget to pair it with pickled vegetables and a bowl of broth to balance the richness.

Grilled black pig belly with galangal and fermented rice (Thit ba chi nuong rieng me)

Ha Thanh Mansion, Ngo Van So Street, Hanoi

Grilled black pig belly with galangal and fermented rice. Photo: Michelin

Grilled black pig belly with galangal and fermented rice. Photo: Michelin

Black pig, usually raised on farms with clear origins, is cut into small pieces and grilled until golden and tender. The crispy skin contrasts with the soft meat, while the galangal and ginger provide a prominent yet balanced flavor that doesn't overpower the sweetness of the meat and the smoky aroma. Diners can enjoy it with fresh herbs for a refreshing balance.

Pho with tenderloin and brisket (Pho loi gau)

Pho Bo Lam, Hang Vai Street, Hanoi

A bowl of pho in the Old Quarter is a perfect breakfast choice for Hanoians. The broth, the most important part of pho, is made fresh daily, rich in beef flavor and natural sweetness from simmered bones.

There are about 10 types of pho, with rare and well-done beef being the most common, but the tenderloin and brisket combination is the specialty here. Ask the chef to slightly blanch the meat so you can savor the sweetness of both the meat and the broth. The restaurant is open from 5:30 a.m. to around 9 a.m., or earlier if they sell out.

Rice paper with mushrooms and tofu (Banh trang xuc nam va dau phu)

Chay Uu Dam, Nguyen Du Street, Hanoi

Rice paper with mushrooms and tofu. Photo: Michelin

Rice paper with mushrooms and tofu. Photo: Michelin

This is one of the restaurant's highlights, combining crispy black sesame rice paper with finely chopped tofu and mushrooms stir-fried with jicama, basil, peanuts, garlic, and chili. The varied textures offer a balanced flavor profile: a mild spiciness from the chili, the fragrance of basil, the savory jicama, and the sweetness of peanuts, adding depth to the dish. The chef's skillful temperature control allows each ingredient to shine.

Quang noodles (Mi Quang)

Que Xua, Hai Phong Street, Da Nang

With nearly 10 years of experience, the restaurant is famous for two local specialties: Quang noodles and pork rice paper. The soft, fragrant flat rice noodles are served with a light, clear broth with a hint of turmeric. Diners can choose from a variety of toppings such as fish, chicken, beef, pork ribs, and eggs. For a heartier meal, try the special Quang noodles, which includes a combination of all the restaurant's offerings.

Crispy pancake (Banh xeo gion)

Banh Xeo 76, Le Van Huu Street, Da Nang

The crispy pancake impresses with its golden crust and colorful filling of lemongrass-marinated pork, fresh shrimp, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Each bite offers a delicate balance of ingredients, resulting in a rich and savory flavor. Beautifully presented, the dish is not only visually appealing but also excels in taste and affordability.

Tam Anh (according to Michelin Guide)