1946 Cua Bac

1946 Cua Bac takes its name from a significant year in Vietnamese history. According to the restaurant's website, the name came about spontaneously but reflects the owner's sense of responsibility towards Hanoi's history, and the aim is to preserve traditional Hanoi cooking, and its decor leans into the nostalgia: old wooden tables, vintage photographs and a bright yellow-and-green townhouse tucked into a narrow alley off Cua Bac Street. It is listed as a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide Vietnam, and its shared hotpots make it a natural choice for long, sociable meals.

The signature dish, and the main reason to come, is the fried crab and rice porridge hotpot. It brings together crab, pigeon, beef balls and vegetables in a naturally sweet, comforting broth, cooked at the table and shared among everyone. It is a filling, homely dish that suits cooler evenings in particular, and it is best for groups of three or more, as a single hotpot is substantial.

There is plenty more on the menu. The Michelin inspectors suggest starting with the green banana blossom salad with beef, a refreshing mix of tender meat and sweet-sour dressing, before the hotpot arrives. English menus are available, which helps with ordering, though explanations from staff may be limited.

The Cua Bac restaurant is the original address in a small group that also has branches at Hoang Cau Lake, Nghi Tam in Tay Ho and Times City. It is open from late morning until 10.30pm every day, so it works for lunch or dinner. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly for dinner and for larger groups, as the hotpot format makes it popular with groups. Cards are accepted, and there is valet parking for those arriving by car. The atmosphere is lively and informal, making it a good choice for families with children.

The Michelin Guide describes it as easy to find, in an alley off Cua Bac Street in Ba Dinh, the same district as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. A late lunch here fits well after a morning at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the citadel, and a dinner here makes a relaxed end to a day of sightseeing.