Wondering what to eat and which restaurant to visit during 2 days in Hanoi? The capital city boasts a diverse culinary scene that captivates international diners. Our Chapter Guide will help you highlight some of the good restaurants in Hanoi for a 2-day itinerary, offering both traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Table of Contents
Day 1 – Unexpected Northern Vietnamese dishes
Morning
Begin your day with a hearty bowl of pho at Pho Bo Ho Loi. The restaurant’s popularity is evident from the long lines of patrons waiting to place orders, make payments, and find available seating. Despite the bustling crowd, the dining area is more spacious compared to typical pho eateries in the Old Quarter. First-time visitors might be surprised by the massive broth pot, which stands as tall as the owner’s shoulders. The broth is meticulously simmered for 18 hours, using fresh, high-quality bones that are soaked for 4–5 hours with ginger, lemon, and salt, then thoroughly cleaned and blanched in boiling water mixed with rice wine and ginger. This meticulous preparation results in a uniquely flavorful broth exclusive to Ho Loi. A typical breakfast in Hanoi not to be missed during a 2-day visit.
Lunch
For lunch, delve into the ethnic flavors of northern Vietnam at A Ban Mountain Dew. This restaurant showcases authentic Thai, Tay, and Muong ethnic groups’ cuisine. Recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, A Ban stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and its ambiance that vividly captures the essence of Vietnam’s northwestern mountains. Dining here feels like being transported to northern Vietnam, right in the heart of Hanoi 2 days. Savor specialties such as grilled pork cheek and thang co (horse meat). Enjoying lunch in the cool garden setting enhances the overall dining experience.
Coffee Break
Coffee is a must when you travel to Hanoi for 2 days. So let’s chill in the afternoon at The Sipping Bar, a specialty coffee shop located in Thong Nhat Park, above a serene lake. Once upon arrive, you’ll be impressed by its minimalist design, featuring warm brown and matte black tones that create a cozy atmosphere. The outdoor area, situated right next to Bay Mau Lake, offers a refreshing and open environment. The menu is diverse, ranging from traditional Vietnamese coffee to innovative fruit teas and milk teas. There’s nothing better than sipping a cup of coffee while gazing at the lake and immersing yourself in the tranquility, a stark contrast to the bustling city streets.
Evening
Where to eat in Hanoi for 2 days? Conclude your day with an exquisite dinner at Chapter Dining. This fine dining restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu rooted in Vietnamese heritage, artfully plated and prepared from hyper-local ingredients. Chapter has been honored with inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide for consecutive years, recognized for its contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. One of the reasons it’s a must-visit restaurant in Hanoi for 2 days is its commitment to sustainability and authenticity. The dining experience unfolds like a story, with a 14-course menu that takes you on a unique journey through Northern Vietnam’s flavors. The open kitchen, framed by a façade of Corten steel slats, allows diners to witness the creation of unique flavors and textures by professional chefs. Its pairings are diverse, offering a range from wine and local alcohol to non-alcoholic options, ensuring a complete fine dining experience.
Address list:
- Pho Bo Ho Loi: 28, 209 An Duong Vuong alley, Tay Ho, Hanoi
- A Ban Mountain Dew: 76 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- The Sipping Bar: Thong Nhat Park, Dai Co Viet, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Chapter Dining: 12C Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Day 2 – Fusion flavors of Vietnamese cuisine
Morning
Start your second day with breakfast at one of the good restaurants to try in Hanoi 2 days – Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh, renowned for its Vietnamese rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms. The delicate texture and flavorful dipping sauce make it a local favorite, and it was recognized in the MICHELIN Guide 2024. The restaurant was opened by Mrs. Hoanh over 70 years ago, who began by selling banh cuon from a basket on the streets before establishing a fixed location on To Hien Thanh Street. The eatery maintains a simple setting with small tables placed both inside and along the sidewalk, offering an authentic and charming dining experience.
Coffee Break
Mid-morning, visit Darklight.Lab, a hidden gem nestled within Hanoi’s winding alleys. This café is renowned for its matcha and coffee. The ambiance seamlessly blends classic charm with modern aesthetics, providing a serene setting for relaxation. At Darklight.Lab, beverages are crafted with precision, and patrons seated at the bar can witness the meticulous brewing process firsthand. Matcha enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to choose from various matcha blends, experiencing flavors that range from the standard to the rich umami notes of premium selections. This spot is a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive café experience in Hanoi 2 days.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at Ngon Garden, a nice restaurant in Hanoi 2 days reminiscent of Indochina style with a lush green terrace. Situated near Thien Quang Lake, the restaurant offers a serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a midday meal. The menu features specialties from all over Vietnam, offering a comprehensive taste of the country’s diverse cuisine. Beyond the well-known dishes like pho and bun cha, Ngon Garden introduces diners to regional delights such as bun bo Hue and banh xeo from Quang Ngai. Michelin Guide also selected this restaurant on the Hanoi food map. The spacious and cool setting ensures a comfortable dining experience.
Evening
Dine at Habakuk Fine Coffee & Bistro, a Bib Gourmand restaurant recognized for its good quality and value. When Vietnamese cuisine is combined with Western influences, the dining experience becomes distinctive, making it a good bistro restaurant to visit in Hanoi 2 days. Through a seasonal menu, diners always feel a sense of freshness at Habakuk. The restaurant consistently uses the freshest ingredients. Moreover, as a fine bistro model combined with specialty coffee, guests can enjoy premium coffee throughout the day at Habakuk.
Nightcap
End your culinary journey in Hanoi 2 days with a visit to The Haflington, a cocktail bar inspired by grand Western European museums. This bar features warm wooden accents, ambient yellow lighting, and is adorned with wall paintings, antiques, and animal specimens ranging from small to large. The dimly lit atmosphere creates a mysterious and enchanting ambiance. The menu focuses on classic cocktails—timeless recipes that emphasize traditional and authentic values. These drinks are quite strong, so if you’re not accustomed to high alcohol content, don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for recommendations.
Address list:
- Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Darklight.Lab: 103, 31 Truong Han Sieu alley, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Ngon Garden: 70 Nguyen Du, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Habakuk Fine Coffee & Bistro: 04 Phan Huy Chu alley, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- The Haflington: 94 Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
