Smiles greeted me —a current of warmth in English without the use of Google translate. Beneath that gracious tide lay a template made for passing feet, and the price tags match. Ordered the bún chả.
It arrived — steaming, yet a quiet ritual of anticipation —but before the moment could land, it was broken. The attendant leaned too close, hovering above the bowls, asking with assumption-laced tone, “Do you know how to eat traditional bún chả?”
Did offer a gentle reply, tracing the dance had known — a little noodle, some greens, pour the sauce… — but before the breath could settle, my words were clipped. Without pause or invitation, the waiter reached into the sacred space of the meal, assembling a bowl on my behalf. A gesture, perhaps meant to be helpful, landed instead as intrusive — my food no longer mine, my rhythm disrupted. What could have been a moment of cultural communion felt instead like performance without consent. Would have much preferred a shared experience, perhaps even gaining consent before accosting the meal, or an invitation to learn through touch, presence, and participation —not to watch my plate be rearranged like a lesson. It softened the joy, left a note of distance in what could have been a beautifully grounded exchange. Especially offensive because had no intention of eating the mock protein which was also added to the small bowl and offered to me to “enjoy.”
189 K đồng later (with s 5% discount given) tasted polite echoes —but my hunger remained.
A 40 K–80 K đồng bowl should never feel đắt đỏ.
Do shy from consuming thịt giả chay because inflammatory mostly, yet find its addition in broths adds a great deal of true umami and flavor.
Being on the side & it’s absence in the broth denies the palate another layer of vegan depth so required in all vegan cooking. The experience was ok, the welcome was genuine, yet do crave tables that offer this dining experience with a deeper understanding of how to honor these flavors with humble Vietnamese mastery in a more authentic way without so much of the fancy place/price tag —a true communion of taste, smiles & and knowledge unburdened by curated facades or...
Read moreThe food was good—I liked it. However, compared to other restaurants in Hanoi, the prices are quite high. My fiancé ordered a drink that never came, and he had to go remind the staff himself. Also, the beer wasn’t cold, and the passion fruit juice wasn’t either. You really have to wait for the ice to make a difference.
I love passion fruit with seeds—I’ve tried it many times in Vietnam and never seen it served without them, but they served without it and that was totally fine not a big problem. Later, I asked if it was okay that if i can have only seeds, and the server told me to mention it next time. She also said passion fruit is really cheap and i can buy outside, which felt like an odd comment.
At most restaurants I’ve been, if something wasn’t right and I mentioned it, they would offer to replace it. If she had offered, I probably would have said no, but instead, she just talked about next time and how cheap it was—that felt a bit off.
Right after that, she kind of pushed me to write a review. That’s okay once, but she repeated and it felt a bit forced and that was also awkward.
Overall, the food was good, and the service was okay. But I don’t think it was very special and worth that price...
Read moreDuring my stay at the Eliana Signature Hotel, I had the pleasure of enjoying breakfast at the Hanoi Oriana Restaurant. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, with a modern, clean aesthetic that makes for a relaxing start to the day.
The breakfast buffet, while not extensive, offers a good variety of fresh and well-prepared dishes. From local Vietnamese favorites to a few Western staples, there’s something for most tastes—though options may feel slightly limited for those expecting a more international spread. That said, the quality and freshness of the food, especially the fruits, more than make up for it. Every item felt thoughtfully selected and well-prepared.
If you’re looking for more flexibility, the à la carte options are a great complement to the buffet. They are freshly made to order and add a nice personalized touch to the meal.
A special mention to Sarah, who was incredibly polite, attentive, and helpful to all guests. Her warm hospitality and professional attitude truly enhanced the dining experience.
Overall, Hanoi Oriana Restaurant offers a satisfying and pleasant breakfast experience—perfect for starting your...
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