Lamai Garden — Restaurant in Hà Nội

Lamai Garden, nestled in a quiet corner of Hanoi, has garnered significant attention in the culinary world, earning both a Michelin Selected distinction and, notably, Vietnam's first-ever Michelin Green Star in the 2025 guide. This unique recognition highlights not only its exquisite contemporary Vietnamese cuisine but also its profound commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

The Farm-to-Table Culinary Experience At the helm of Lamai Garden is Chef-owner Hieu Trung Tran (also known as T.H. Trung), who reimagined the restaurant in 2022 to embody his personal perspective on Vietnamese gastronomy. Trained in Paris, Chef Trung brings a refined approach to traditional Vietnamese flavors, with a strong emphasis on hyper-local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's philosophy is truly "farm-to-table," with a significant portion of its herbs, vegetables, ducks, and black pigs sourced directly from its own gardens in Hanoi and a farm in nearby Phu Tho Province.

Lamai Garden offers a concise yet impactful dining experience through its single seasonal menu, available in both a tasting menu and a dedicated vegetarian option. The dishes are characterized by their delicate and soft flavors, showcasing the natural essence of each ingredient without being overpowering. Guests can expect:

Creative Vietnamese interpretations: Dishes that provide an exotic twist to distinctly Vietnamese tastes, striking a balance between familiar and foreign.

Emphasis on natural flavors: Ingredients are prepared to highlight their inherent taste, reflecting the chef's sophisticated talents.

Seasonal highlights: The menu adapts to what nature provides, ensuring the freshest and most vibrant flavors in dishes like fish ceviche, squid noodle, wild duck, and charcoal black pork.

Zero-waste philosophy: Every trimming is transformed into compost, feeding the gardens and fostering a closed-loop ecosystem.

The dedication to using 99% local ingredients and the continuous exploration of rare, hyper-local produce underscore Lamai Garden's commitment to sustainable gastronomy.

Serene Ambiance and Personalized Service Lamai Garden is tucked away on De Quai Street by the Red River, offering a welcome escape from the bustling energy of Hanoi. Guests enter through a lush garden into a homey and intimate space. The restaurant itself is part of Chef Trung and his wife Nguyen Mai Huong's family home, with over half of the 130 square meters dedicated to cultivating herbs and vegetables. This creates a deeply personal and comforting atmosphere.

The interior is characterized by its simple yet elegant decoration, with theatrical lighting that sets a tranquil mood. With only 14 seats, including a counter overlooking the open kitchen, the dining experience is highly intimate, allowing diners to observe the culinary process firsthand.

The service at Lamai Garden is consistently praised for being friendly, warm, and impeccable. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable, providing detailed explanations of each course and its inspiration. They strive to make guests feel at home rather than overwhelmed by formality, contributing to a cozy, quiet, and enjoyable dining experience. Lamai Garden truly stands out as a "green bloom" in Hanoi's culinary scene, offering a unique blend of refined Vietnamese cuisine and a profound dedication to environmental...

Lamai Garden was one of, if not the very best dining experiences I've had in Hanoi. Stepping through the doors is like stepping into a different era, one steeped in peace and tranquillity. Everything's in perfect harmony, from the lush garden to the elegantly laid tables, and the ambience inside is simply spectacular.

Our waiter, Trung, made the whole experience even more delightful. He, along with the rest of the staff, was impeccably trained and utterly unflappable, a stark contrast to the frenetic pace of life on Hanoi's streets. This was a truly relaxed dining experience, a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

THE FOOD

The head chef is nothing short of a genius. Most Vietnamese dishes feature boiled vegetables, often overcooked to the point where their natural flavour is all but obliterated. But at Lamai Garden, you get to experience local vegetables in their purest form: crisp, light, and bursting with freshness. Straight from their own garden, mind you!

The fish dishes were exceptional, particularly the ones that incorporated star fruit's unique acidity. Each course was meticulously balanced, adhering to the five fundamental elements of Vietnamese cuisine. And to top it all off, the prices were remarkably reasonable.

I'll definitely be back to try their summer menu. This restaurant truly deserves all the success it can...

My highest compliments to the chef and the entire team for delivering such an exceptional dining experience.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the restaurant's stunning garden surroundings, a truly lovely and unexpected surprise. The warm hospitality set the stage for a meal where I thoroughly enjoyed every dish (maybe except for the hay sorbet which contradicted the other refreshing taste). The menu, while clearly celebrating summer, struck a beautiful balance with refreshing flavors and themes throughout.

I chose the non-alcoholic pairing, which was equally exceptional, with each drink thoughtfully complementing the food. Both the dishes and drinks were rich in umami, leaving a delightful, lingering aftertaste.

By the third course, I was completely full and had to ask the kitchen to slow down the pace. The food was so delicious that I found myself scraping every last drop on the plate, forgetting my fine dining etiquette. I was so enthralled that I have been using my hands and lifting the bowl to devour every bit.

After the meal, I found myself wondering if this might be the best meal I'll have in Hanoi, despite it being my very first restaurant visit of the trip. My palate has been thoroughly and...