Some places exude a memorable vibe. Other places provide exceptionally delicious food. Very few can combine both these elements the way Quan An Ngon does. There's a reason it's highly rated and cited as one of the best dining options in Hanoi. Reservations highly recommended especially if you have a larger party. Otherwise, show up earlier rather than later for dinner and a better chance at snagging a table. Cash & credit cards accepted, and probably e-wallet options as well. English spoken.
If you have the opportunity before or after your dining experience, circle the perimeter of the courtyard and view the dozen or more stations where specific dishes are prepared. Admire the shining clams and mounds of snails at one. Watch fish being grilled at another. It's a memorable explosion of colors, scents and sounds.
An extensive menu featuring something for nearly everyone's taste buds and food requirements or limitations. Indoor (AC) and outdoor seating, though without a reservation you're more likely to end up outside. After dark this is no problem though as the temperature is reasonable and they have a variety of mechanisms to protect from rain.
Experiment with different options. Try the braised beef served with a small baguette. Clams in lemongrass are sweet and incredibly fresh tasting. Their spring rolls are technically perfect but probably the smallest in size of any I've ever encountered. And their banana in coconut sauce dessert is sweet, creamy and sends you away from the table like a security blanket for your stomach.
Beers, juices, sodas and smoothies for beverages. Alcohol sold only by the bottle - no individual cocktails. Prices are high for Hanoi but the quality is definitely worth it.
Just watching the service staff is worth the price of your food. It's like a ballet between the waiters and waitresses, busboys and countless others. On a Friday night there must have been close to 100 staff racing around the place delivering food expertly as well as...
Read moreIf you’re looking to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine from all three regions—North, Central, and South—in a beautifully traditional setting, Quán Ăn Ngon is a must-visit.
Ambience:
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The architecture draws inspiration from Vietnamese village aesthetics, with tiled roofs, wooden furniture, lanterns, and rustic brick walls. The layout is spacious and well-organized, allowing diners to enjoy their meals comfortably even during peak hours.
Menu & Food:
The menu is extensive and well-curated, showcasing regional specialties from across Vietnam. Some highlights include: • Northern dishes: Hanoi-style bún chả, phở bò, fried spring rolls • Central dishes: bún bò Huế, bánh xèo, cơm hến • Southern dishes: gỏi cuốn, cơm tấm, bánh khọt
Every dish is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the flavors are both authentic and refined. The presentation is also elegant, adding to the overall experience. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’ll find something that both surprises and satisfies your taste buds.
Service:
Despite being a popular spot that’s often busy, the staff are efficient, polite, and attentive. Food is served quickly, and the team is helpful when recommending dishes or explaining ingredients.
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Final Thoughts:
Quán Ăn Ngon offers more than just a meal — it delivers a culinary journey through Vietnam’s rich food culture. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese flavors in a comfortable, traditional, and beautifully...
Read moreIt was the second time at this restaurant. I found it when I first visited Vietnam almost a decade ago after a Lonely Planet recommendation. Then I ordered what everyone did, the so called Vietnamese pancake, banh xeo. I enjoyed this so much that ever since I’ve tried to order this dish wherever I went around the world in a Vietnamese restaurant- nowhere came even close to how they make it. I was happy to go back to this restaurant again when in Hanoi. It seems that this place became now a tourist hot spot, I think even tourist groups are coming here so basically numerous tables are already reserved if you just show up. The service is pretty fast, but not terribly attentive- a decade ago, I remember that the waiter explained everything in terms of how to eat the dish, this time no guidance was given and even though the food was served very quickly it was hard work to catch the eyes of the waiters for extra orders (actually we wanted to have desserts but gave up after all the waving to various staff members without getting noticed). They work really hard so they have a good turn around of guests, but the place really feels like a touristy money making machine rather than an attentive, client centred restaurant. Their banh xeo is still the best though!! (I went with a Muslim friend, so they made it shrimp only for us. Otherwise they have loads of pork dishes, very limited options for non-pork eaters). They also give you wet wipes to clean your hands, it turns out they charge for these 2000...
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