The Word Ha Noi

A good slice of otoro should literally melt in your mouth.

Fancy some Malaysian cuisine as it is cooked in Malaysia? This month our mystery reviewer visits the self-styled kopitiam, My Place. Photos by Elisabeth Rosen

It’s rare to discover a new cuisine in Hanoi. Most city dwellers have grown accustomed to a limited array of culinary options and reconciled themselves to the fact that most ethnic delicacies will likely be toned down for local palates. But walk along Truc Bach and you’ll find a small, cheerfully decorated restaurant that aims to change this situation. Although it’s modest in scale, the eatery serves flavourful curries in ample portions. What’s more, it represents what could be a completely new dining trend for Hanoi — if only more people were aware of its existence.

Our secret reviewer checks out the third restaurant in the chain that also includes Wild Rice and Wild Lotus. Photos by Francis Roux

The unusually named Le Paul Conti has rightly gained plaudits for its quality and well-thought out wine list. But what about the cuisine? Photos by Francis Roux