Ha Noi Xua — Restaurant in Lisbon

Definitely at the low end of average for a Vietnamese restaurant but probably fine for students. Bland food and confusing service led to an unfortunate overall experience.

Service was difficult. I kept trying to explain my request about the pho and first he argued, then he said he would check, then he said okay, it was possible, then he served it exactly how I didn't want it (blanched/almost cooked). I have never had a problem with this in any other Vietnamese restaurant in Lisbon, or Portugal overall. (It is clearly not illegal to serve tartare, tataki, or even carpaccio -- which is essentially all the beef is. It makes me think that the reason they did not want to serve it to me that way is because they do not have proper foodsafe meat handling practices, but can't admit that so they claim it's illegal even though all sorts of raw beef is available everywhere else in this country. Just a guess.)

I will put this down to a communication snag, but it wasn't a great start and I could barely eat any of the meat. We also had to ask multiple times for a side of fish sauce. We have never had such an issue getting this on the side in any other Vietnamese restaurant ever. He didn't even seem to understand what we were asking, so we had to ask for "spring roll sauce" (nước chấm) instead even though that isn't exactly what we wanted.

Then it turns out they don't have egg coffee. Then they also didn't have the salted coffee or the coconut. NONE of the specialty Vietnamese coffees on their menu. What is the point of having that menu then? We had chosen this place above other better Vietnamese places for the egg coffee.

The pho was bland and the noodles tasted old, like old dried noodles. And it wasn't even super hot broth. It was not served with lime, basil, or bean sprouts. Just a lot of white and spring onion. The spring rolls were fine, but how hard are those to make? The tofu was not good at all. Undercooked and extra salty. Shaking beef was tough, but flavours were okay.

This is --at the most generous-- basic, mediocre Euro-Vietnamese food. Not a single other Asian was eating there. Other tables were all tourists/students, and the one closest to us (American, I think) were complaining about the meal too. It is a strange space in general with no windows and a lot of echoing sound. But it was very clean.

All in all, looks nice from the outside but a very disappointing experience, and not one we...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a Hanoi Xua restaurant in Lisbon, and it was a delightful experience. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. The decor had a warm and inviting vibe, with subtle nods to Vietnamese culture, creating an intimate setting that was both comfortable and charming.

The food was absolutely delicious and authentic, capturing the true essence of Vietnamese cuisine. I tried several dishes, including the fried chicken wings with fish sauce, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), beef salad, and fried spring rolls. Each dish was beautifully presented, showcasing vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.

The flavors were perfectly balanced, with the right mix of spices and herbs, making every bite a delightful experience. The fried chicken wings were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated with a savory and slightly sweet fish sauce glaze. The Banh Xeo was light and crispy, filled with a delicious combination of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The beef salad was refreshing, with a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, and the fried spring rolls were crispy and filled with a tasty mixture of vegetables and meat.

Overall, everything was well-prepared, and the portions were generous. The prices were also very reasonable, offering great value for the quality of food and service provided. If you're looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience in Lisbon, this restaurant is definitely...

Ha Noi Xua - Where the Broth is Deep and the Love is Real

If you’ve ever dreamt of a place where the ingredients are so fresh they practically introduce themselves, then let me point you to Ha Noi Xua - a tucked-away gem on Av. João Crisóstomo, lovingly recommended by Jo’s friends Maddy and Kelly (who clearly know their way around a good noodle).

Jo knows me well. I’ve got a soft spot the size of the Mekong Delta for authentic Vietnamese home cooking, and this place delivers with heart, soul, and a side of Saigon beer. The pho here? It’s not just soup - it’s a slow-simmered love letter from grandma, with a broth so rich and layered it deserves its own Netflix series.

We kicked things off with chicken wings and fish sauce - a combo so sublime it should be illegal in at least three countries. Then came the seafood crystal spring rolls, light and refreshing like a polite breeze. But the real showstoppers? The bun cha (yes, real bun cha!) and BBQ pork ribs that were sticky, smoky, and so delicious they made us briefly forget our own names.

And then came the DIY pancake rolls - a ceremony of folding, stuffing, and rolling that felt like a family reunion in edible form. It’s interactive, it’s messy, and it’s pure joy. Just like Ha Noi Xua, which is family-owned and run, with service that’s warm, attentive, and full of pride.

Verdict: If you’re craving food made for hot weather and hotter hearts, Ha Noi Xua is your spot. Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe bring a bib...