Hanoi Green — Restaurant in Lisbon

I’d like to begin this review by stating that I am fortunate enough to spend time in the two largest Vietnamese communities in the world outside of Vietnam (Little Saigon, California and Houston, Texas) — Having said that, I was delighted to discover an abundance of well-rated Vietnamese restaurants in Lisbon. Hanoi Green, despite a northern name, serves dishes from all various regions of Vietnam. I personally am most familiar with Central and Southern dishes. I ordered a ca phe sua da and the Bun Bo Hue. For some reason I was served a bowl oh Pho but with BBH noodles. I’ve had Bun Bo Hue countless times, including IN VIETNAM. I’ve also been married to a Vietnamese woman for 10 years living in Little Saigon. I took a photo of my bowl and sent it to her for further confirmation. We both feel that this is absolutely not BBH except for the noodles. My mother in law is the best Vietnamese chef i know and she laughed at this photo of BBH. Since I am white, I of course also received the special treatment in terms of “spiciness” that I didn’t ask for, and can’t help but feel like the dish was changed to Pho for that same reason. I kindly brought this to the attention of my server, who stood her ground by claiming there is no difference in the broths except for spiciness (which is literally not true???). I expressed that I disagree, and she had the chef tell me the same. In conclusion, the flavors in the bowl provided were good and enjoyable but absolutely not BBH broth. There seems to be a deep misunderstanding of Vietnamese cuisines. I’d be curious to know who owns this establishment — UPDATE: The owner has responded to this review by tripling down on providing basic Pho broth and pretending it’s BBH. I have had BBH in Little Saigon etc. countless times, as the owner has acknowledged, but what the owner fails to acknowledge is that I have had BBH in Saigon, Da Lat, etc. as well - the owner fails to acknowledge that my wife’s family is from Saigon and operate Vietnamese super markets in the US where the best Vietnamese food in the world is. Hanoi Green thinks that because I’m white I wouldn’t notice being skimped. The owner claims that there is a different set of spices used for their BBH as opposed to everywhere else in the world, which seems like nothing but a convenient cop-out. Maybe next time they’ll serve me an authentic dish that I asked for and be more accommodating when called out...

Cosy summer Saturday, Lisbon breathing gently all around me. I found myself at Hanoi Green, just a short stroll from Cais do Sodré, settling into a small terrace table kissed by sunlight and the occasional breeze.

Right from the start, the vibe was warm and inviting. The staff weren’t just friendly—we got into a lively back-and-forth, the kind that makes you forget about time. It's rare, that genuine exchange.

The menu? A delightful journey through Vietnamese flavors. From pho and meat dishes to vegetarian options and desserts that whispered promises, everything had that "you'll come back for me" look.

I began with a set of fresh summer rolls, filled with tofu, vermicelli, and crisp greens, all wrapped up and ready to dip into this rich, creamy peanut sauce. A quiet start, but a deep one.

Then came the main event: fried noodles with chicken and veggies, a generous and colorful plate, topped with crispy shallots. A little bowl of their homemade chili sauce on the side was the kicker. Hot! Not just in heat but full of flavor. When my breathing gave away the fire in my mouth, the lovely waitress offered ice water for my rescue. That little gesture stayed with me.

And of course, to seal the deal: Vietnamese coffee. Bold, black, unapologetically bitter, but the aroma—a dark song that lingers long after the last sip. Perfect ending.

First visit, yes. But not the last. Hanoi Green made an impression.

A little gem, quietly waiting...

Recently visited this Vietnamese restaurant in Lisbon twice and was thoroughly impressed. On our first visit for Friday lunch, we tried the chicken and beef noodle soups. Both were good, with the chicken soup standing out as particularly delicious.

Impressed by our initial experience, we decided to return on Saturday night for our last meal in Lisbon. This time, we ordered a more elaborate chicken noodle soup and bun cha. The flavors were exceptional, truly reminiscent of authentic Hanoi cuisine. It's remarkable to find such genuine Vietnamese tastes so far from Southeast Asia.

The night manager, Kira, provided attentive and friendly service, enhancing our dining experience. It's worth noting that the restaurant gets quite busy in the evenings. We were fortunate to arrive early and secure a table before the rush, but we observed many walk-in customers being turned away due to lack of space.

Overall, this restaurant offers an outstanding culinary experience. The food quality, authenticity, and service are all top-notch. If you're craving Vietnamese cuisine in Lisbon, this place is a must-visit. Just remember to make reservations, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a taste of Vietnam in the heart...