North Vietnam Recommendations?

[pusherman]

Hi Chowhounders-

I've been reading over the boards and found some good stuff, but I also wanted to toss out an ask for recommendations-

My wife and I will be in Northern Vietnam starting next week. We will be staying in Hanoi, Ha Long, and Sapa (I know, the tourist triangle).

We'd really appreciate recommendations for can't miss places to eat in all three, especially Hanoi. We eat lots of Vietnamese here in the U.S. so are somewhat familiar with the food. We are adventurous eaters, but have two restrictions - I don't eat seafood at all, and we don't speak any Vietnamese.

Can anyone help us? We love Vietnamese food, and are so excited to get to try the real thing!

Thanks-

[1sweetpea]

Does seafood include fish? If you eat fish, you shouldn't miss Cha Ca La Vong. There is a street dedicated to Cha Ca. Every place has its own spin on the famous catfish dish. It is expensive, by Vietnamese standards, but a fun experience that shouldn't be missed ... unless you don't care for fish. I'm assuming you're not allergic to fish, as many, if not most, dishes contain fish sauce. Hanoi is also a great city for banh cuon. We found a little open restaurant that had a banh cuon station set up amidst the tables. You give your order, sit, watch them being made, then enjoy. Very tasty. We did most of our dining right on the street, which was rewarding. We found a back street that was setting up for hot pots after dark. We ate lunch at a busy sidewalk set-up that sold pho, a couple of other soups, fried rice, fried noodles, soft drinks, water and beer.

My experience throughout Vietnam was that most restaurants had similar items on their menus. It was more rewarding to wander the streets, choose meals by smell and by eye and eat at low tables right on the streets like all the locals do.

Another good idea is to make friends with local people who are passionate about good food. They will know the best stalls and what foods are must haves while travelling in North Vietnam.

[erica]

My favorite restaurant in Hanoi was Quan An Ngon, a branch of the famous Saigon eatery of that name. I would consider it a must. It is mostly open air and seating is on rather hard benches but the food is stellar and staff are very patient with clueless foreigners. Book ahead.