Chao Ban

Chao Ban means hello, friend in Vietnamese, and this Tay Ho restaurant lives up to its name. It is relaxed, welcoming and easy-going, and it is listed as a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide Vietnam for good cooking at fair prices. It sits on To Ngoc Van Street, in the West Lake district that is popular with expatriates and local families alike, and has a terrace for eating outdoors when the weather allows.

The restaurant describes itself as a cosy home on a quiet small street. The kitchen is led by chef Madame Hang, whom the restaurant describes as a former head chef of one of Hanoi's most celebrated restaurants, and who takes traditional Vietnamese recipes and updates them with modern techniques and presentation. The Michelin inspectors single out her crab spring rolls, nem ran cua, for their balanced flavours and contrasting textures, and they are the natural place to start. The dac biet, or special, section of the menu gathers her signature dishes, including prawns in coconut cream and lacquered pork ribs.

It is a good place for a group to order widely and share. Mixing a few classics with dishes from the specials section gives the best sense of the chef's style. The cooking is approachable for visitors who are new to Vietnamese food, but with enough creativity to interest those who have already eaten their way through the Old Quarter.

According to its website, Chao Ban is open every day for lunch from 11.30am to 2.10pm and for dinner from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Alongside the main menu there are special grill and seasonal menus, and tables can be booked online with a choice of inside or outside seating. Cards are accepted, and there is parking, which is useful in Tay Ho where many visitors arrive by taxi or motorbike. Booking is sensible for dinner and for groups; call +84 24 3633 3435. The relaxed setting suits families with children and groups of friends.

To Ngoc Van Street is in Tay Ho, a taxi ride from the Old Quarter. A meal here pairs well with a late-afternoon walk around West Lake, a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, or drinks at one of the many bars and cafes in Tay Ho.