Visiting Hanoi during the Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday) is a magical experience. The usually chaotic streets become peaceful, the air is fresh, and the city feels incredibly nostalgic. However, for a hungry traveler, it can also be a bit of a panic-inducing experience when you realize your bookmarked street food stalls have “Closed for Tet” signs up.
Don’t worry! While the city slows down, it doesn’t stop completely. Here is your complete guide on where to eat during Tet in Hanoi, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Day 1 to Day 3.
Table of Contents
Why Many Restaurants Close During Tet?
Before we dive into the list, it helps to understand the why. In Vietnam, Tet is the most important holiday of the year. It isn’t just a “vacation” – it is a sacred time for family reunions.
There is a famous saying: “Mùng 1 Tết cha, Mùng 2 Tết mẹ, Mùng 3 Tết thầy” (Day 1 for Father, Day 2 for Mother, Day 3 for Teachers). Rooted in Confucian values and the tradition of filial piety, it dictates a specific order of visitation: the first day is dedicated to the paternal side to honor one’s ancestral roots; the second day focuses on the maternal side, ensuring both lineages are equally respected; and the third day is reserved for teachers, reflecting the deep-seated Vietnamese value of “venerating teachers and respecting knowledge.”
Together, these three days form a “ritual of return,” reminding everyone to prioritize family and education – the two pillars that shape a person’s character – before indulging in personal celebrations. Because of this, most family-run businesses (which make up 90% of Hanoi’s food scene) close so owners can return to their hometowns. However, the culture is shifting, and more places are staying open to serve the growing number of tourists and locals who prefer dining out during the holiday.
Where You Can Still Eat During Tet in Hanoi
If you are walking around aimlessly hoping to find an open door, you might end up hungry. To survive the first three days, stick to these three “Safe Zones”:
- Hotel Restaurants: High-end hotels (like the Metropole or Apricot) never close.
- Shopping Malls: Food courts in Lotte Center or Vincom usually operate through the holiday.
- Major Chains & “Tet-Friendly” Spots: Big names like Pizza 4P’s, Quan An Ngon, or Lau Duc Troc are famous for staying open to serve the holiday crowd.
Day 1 of Tet in Hanoi
The streets are empty and the air is fresh. Stick to the most reliable names on this quietest day of the year.
Breakfast – Easy & Reliable Spots
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: Start your Lunar New Year with the most iconic dish in town. While many street stalls close, this famous establishment often keeps its doors open to serve locals their first lucky bowl of the year. Be prepared for a queue, but the rich, clear broth is the perfect warm-up for a chilly Tet morning.
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Lunch – Where to Eat on the First Day of Tet
Quan An Ngon: This is the ultimate safety net for travelers. Set in a beautiful French villa, it gathers various street food stalls into one location. It is perfect for Mung 1 because it allows you to try a wide variety of dishes – from Banh Xeo to Bun Rieu – without having to hunt down individual vendors who might be closed.
Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Dinner – Tet Night Dining Options
Skyline Hanoi: On the first night, when the streets are dark and quiet, the best view is from above. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this venue offers a mix of Vietnamese and Western food. It is a fantastic spot to sip a cocktail and look down on the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake.
Address: 38 Gia Ngu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Day 2 of Tet in Hanoi
The city begins to wake up. This is the day to embrace Hanoi’s famous coffee culture.
Breakfast – Cafés & Light Vietnamese Options
Cafe Giang: You cannot visit Hanoi without trying Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee), and this is the birthplace of the drink. On Day 2, locals flock here to chat with friends. It offers a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that feels deeply Hanoian.
Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Lunch – Best Places Still Open on Day 2
Pizza 4P’s: By the second day, you might want a break from traditional rice and noodles. Pizza 4P’s is a traveler favorite that reliably stays open during Tet. Their “farm-to-table” concept and fusion pizzas (like the Soy Garlic Beef) are world-class.
Address: 11B Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (check for other open branches).
Dinner – Social & Comfortable Dining
Lau Duc Troc: Tet weather is often cold and drizzly, making it “Hotpot Weather.” This popular chain is known for being open through the holiday. Gathering around a steaming pot of spicy, sour broth with beef and vegetables is a fun, loud, and very local dining experience.
Address: Multiple locations (e.g., 69 Pho Duc Chinh, Ba Dinh).
Day 3 of Tet in Hanoi
The revival begins. Street vendors return, and it is time to celebrate the end of the holiday.
Breakfast – Local Flavors Return
Banh Mi 25: By Day 3, the city’s energy returns. This tourist-friendly spot is usually back in business, serving up crispy baguettes filled with pâté, barbecued pork, and pickled vegetables. It’s a quick, delicious start to the day.
Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Lunch – Best Time to Try Vietnamese Classics
Bun Cha Huong Lien: Famous for hosting President Obama, this spot serves the quintessential Hanoi lunch: grilled pork and noodles. While family businesses are unpredictable, this famous spot often reopens by Day 3 to welcome the crowds.
Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
Dinner – Celebrate the End of Tet
Chapter Hanoi: If you are looking for a truly memorable dining experience to conclude your Tet holiday, look no further. Chapter Hanoi is a pioneer in the Vietnamese fine dining scene. They specialize in cooking with fire and iron, elevating humble local ingredients from the Northern mountains into sophisticated, artistic dishes. The atmosphere is dark, moody, and intimate – perfect for a special celebration.
Address: 12 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Final Thoughts
Surviving Tet in Hanoi doesn’t mean going hungry. It just requires a little preparation. By sticking to these open establishments, you can enjoy the rare tranquility of the holiday while still indulging in the delicious flavors that make Hanoi a food capital.
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Chapter Dining
12C Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Mon – Sat from 18:00 – 23:00
Tel: +84 333 201 221 – Reserve a table
Email: reservation@chapter.vn
