Introduction
Are you looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience in Hanoi? Look no further than Quán Ăn Ngon, a delightful restaurant located at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street in Hanoi’s French Quarter. Known for its extensive menu featuring mouth-watering cuisines from the north, central, and south Vietnam, this restaurant has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
A Fusion of Flavors and Atmosphere
Situated at the corner of a tree-lined street, just a five-minute walk from the historical Hoa Lo Prison and Hanoi Train Station, Quán Ăn Ngon offers a charming and inviting atmosphere. With the capacity to accommodate up to 500 guests, you can choose to dine in the outdoor courtyard or the air-conditioned dining spaces within the impressive French colonial house.
Our clients at Quan An Ngon
A Gateway to Vietnamese Cuisine
Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or new to Vietnamese cuisine, dining at Quán Ăn Ngon is a must. It serves as a perfect introduction to the diverse flavors and dishes that Vietnam has to offer. In fact, it is our favorite stop during the Flavors of the French Quarter food tour.
A Culinary Adventure
On a recent visit to Quán Ăn Ngon, we were thrilled by the experience. We had reserved a table and arrived at 12:00 pm, avoiding the usual waiting time. However, for those without reservations, a short wait of about five minutes is expected as the restaurant tends to get crowded during peak hours. While waiting, visitors have the option to explore the workshop-like kitchens and observe the skilled chefs at work.
Sitting at Quan An Ngon
A Feast for the Senses
As soon as we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted by a unique fusion of Colonial French and Vietnamese interior decor. The golden color theme and brick-paved courtyard surrounded by exposed Vietnamese cooking pavilions create a captivating ambiance. While the overhead awnings allow you to savor the open skies, they can also be deployed to provide shelter from the rain.
The spacious establishment buzzes with activity, with many dining tables and lively conversations. The menu, adorned with pictures of each dish, offers a wide variety of delectable Vietnamese specialties. The food is prepared at stations surrounding the courtyard, but we opted to order directly from the attentive waitstaff.
Gastronomic Delights Await
With a menu that covers everything from pho, bun cha, bun bo Hue, to refreshing local drinks, choosing our meal was a delightful challenge. We settled on lotus stem with prawn salad, four spring rolls, four summer rolls, and the famous Vietnamese sizzling pancake, "banh xeo."
Vietnamese spring rolls
Lotus stem salad
A Symphony of Flavors
Each dish surpassed our expectations, especially the exquisite sizzling pancake. This tantalizing creation consists of a thin egg pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, accompanied by an aromatic mix of fresh herbs. The house-made dipping fish sauce provided the perfect complement, enhancing the overall flavors.
Our dedicated waitress skillfully guided us through the process of cutting and wrapping each portion into delectable rolls. She even took the time to introduce the ingredients and their significance. While we have tried banh xeo at other places, the one at Quán Ăn Ngon unquestionably stood out as the best.
An Affordable Gastronomic Adventure
Despite our satisfaction with the delicious feast, we restrained ourselves from ordering too much. We wanted to save room for more culinary delights at other stops during our walking food tour. The prices at Quán Ăn Ngon were very reasonable; our samplings, along with a bottle of water for each person, costed less than 250.000 đồng (11 US dollars).
Shrimp on coconut - a delightful dish at Quan An Ngon
Vietnamese summer rolls
A Culinary Journey Through Time
As local guides in Hanoi, we have witnessed the transformation of Quán Ăn Ngon from a ramshackle old villa into a splendid mixed colonial and oriental style restaurant. Since its opening in 2005, we have consistently recommended this culinary gem to our travelers, and we have never been disappointed.
Impeccable Service and Lively Atmosphere
Whether dining inside the magnificent building or opting for the outdoor seating, the delightful food and attentive staff ensure a memorable experience. Unlike many restaurants in the city, the service at Quán Ăn Ngon is quick and efficient. The washrooms are clean, and the majority of the waiting staff speaks English fluently, always ready to assist.
Staff at Quan An Ngon
Final Thoughts
The only drawback we noticed was the limited options for vegetarians. However, when it comes to the overall dining experience, Quán Ăn Ngon is undoubtedly a five-star destination. We wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Hanoi, as it offers a true taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
Quán Ăn Ngon 18 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 090 212 69 63 Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pmJoin Flavors of Hanoi on our daily walking street food tour and explore the best culinary delights the city has to offer. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on local restaurants and more.
