Located at 40 Ngo Huyen Street the Hoan Kiem District, this eatery specializes in serving traditional Vietnamese dishes that evoke a sense of family and nostalgia. Since its establishment in 2016, it has been owned by Tran Bich Hanh.
Hanh, born in 1969, stands behind the counter, swiftly serving food to guests while engaging in conversations with regular customers.
“The restaurant was born out of my passion for cooking and my desire to bring the taste of home to diners. Our food is prepared in the northern style, remaining true to the traditional flavors of old Hanoi. People from the central and southern regions also find it delightful. If there's any dish that receives criticism or fails to satisfy our customers, I adjust its taste or remove it from the menu," Hanh said.
To ensure the quality and taste of the dishes, all ingredients are sourced daily from trusted suppliers. The quantity of food cooked each day is carefully measured to meet demand, and any leftovers are discarded to guarantee freshness for the following day, according to Hanh.
The cooking process takes place in a small corner near the entrance, allowing guests to observe as their food is being prepared. The dishes are cooked on-site rather than being pre-made.
The restaurant has a menu featuring over 30 dishes, stored in glass, porcelain, and enamel bowls. Among the favorites are fried sweet and sour ribs, stuffed tofu, braised fish, stir fried char siu meat, and pork spare rib soup with potatoes. The menu changes daily to provide diners with a new experience each visit.
"The most challenging thing is retaining customers and making them want to return. That's why I strive to maintain the freshness and consistency of our food. Regardless of how many years pass, I want customers to feel just as satisfied as they did on their first visit," Hanh said.
With approximately 20 tables, the restaurant can accommodate around 50 people. Many customers also opt to purchase food for takeout.
The busiest periods at the restaurant are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During these hours, all tables are occupied, and the staff work tirelessly.
Quynh Anh, from Bach Mai Street in the Hai Ba Trung District, praised the restaurant's food for its deliciousness, cleanliness, and fulfilling portions. "Usually, my family doesn't cook for lunch, so whenever we crave a home cooked meal, we stop by here. Today's lunch included sweet and sour fried ribs, braised ginger chicken, vegetables, stir fried bamboo shoots, braised fish, and crab soup, totaling VND300,000 ($12.73)," Quynh Anh said.
"Whenever I visit Hanoi for work, I make it a point to have a meal here. The food tastes just like a homemade meal, true to northern Vietnamese cuisine. I particularly enjoy the addition of roasted peanuts, pickled mustard greens and baby eggplants. As for the taste, it's almost the same, although the food in the central region is just a little bit spicier," said Tran Thi Thanh Thao from Da Nang.
To Thi Thoa, a Bac Tu Liem District resident, was introduced to the restaurant by a colleague. Thoa and her colleague ordered braised scad fish, stir fried bamboo shoots, malabar spinach soup, and stir-fried beans. "The taste of the food is comforting, just like homemade cooking. However, I find the prices a bit high when compared to other places," Thoa said.
The restaurant offers a diverse range of dining options, including individual servings, à la carte choices, and takeaway services. After customers make their selections, the staff serve the dishes in either bowls or plates. The pricing is determined by the portion sizes, with an average cost ranging from VND70,000 to VND120,000 ($2.97 to $5.09) per person.
The restaurant provides a spacious and airy dining space, suitable for solo travelers, groups of friends, and families. However, due to its location on a small street, parking space for motorcycles is limited, and those arriving by car must park outside, incurring a fee.
As the restaurant tends to be crowded, diners may occasionally experience longer wait times for their food.
