We couldn’t possibly gatekeep this hidden gem: the moment you step through the front door, a delicious buzz overwhelms your senses, between the warm welcome of owner Hien Vi, and the divine scents coming from the open kitchen where his wife, Hiong, masterfully cooks her mouthwatering cuisine. Our personal highlights included: outstanding Hanoi-style slow-braised beef, all spicy and tender and served with white rice, salad and carrots; a perfectly balanced tom bun that combined rice vermicelli noodles, marinated and sautéed shrimp, carrot, salad, fresh mint, cilantro and a crunchy sprinkling of peanuts and fried onions; and to round out the meal, an incredible warm banana cake made by their daughter – or the more traditional but less thrilling sua chua nep cam, a sticky black rice and coconut cream yogurt. Because good things often come in pairs, Hien might just add you to his guest list for phở days, which take place once a month and are definitely worth drooling over: incredibly tender chicken, melt-in-your-mouth beef, or mushroom and tofu, with white onions and scallions, fresh herbs and, best of all, broth that gets stewed for 20 hours, seasoned with lime juice and chili… an absolute banger! // Angela Dolu

FEELING THIRSTY? Instead of the run-of-the-mill sodas, opt for a Matchbata matcha lemonade (€4.50 for 330 ml), lotus green tea (€4.50) or one of the refreshing Saigon or Hanoi lagers (€5.50 for 330 ml).
PRICE: : À la carte €20-28, phở €19-21 (once a month, upon reservation only).