Exploring the Top 10 Lunch Stops in Vietnam Offering Tasty Dishes
Lunchtime is when Vietnam becomes more alive than ever. More often, you’ll see office workers rushing to the nearest restaurants, students crowding the food stalls, and tourists looking for the most authentic gems down the narrow alleyways.
You wouldn’t want to miss this genuine experience, and to help you start your lunch adventure, let me introduce you to these lunch spots in Vietnam that won’t disappoint!
1. Morning Glory – Hội An
– Media credit: Taste Vietnam
Website: https://tastevietnam.asia/morning-glory-restaurant-hoi-an
Address: 106 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Phone: +842352241555
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Morning Glory takes its name from one of Vietnam’s commonly eaten greens, locally known as rau muống. The restaurant aims to showcase Hoi An food specialties made in the open kitchen, bringing local street food and family recipes into a more comfortable setting.
In fact, many tourists choose this place as their “safe bet” in Hội An since the alleyway food stalls can be overwhelming.
From their menu, you’ll find regional specialties, such as white rose dumpling, crispy wonton, cao lầu, and so much more.
Their most highly recommended dish is the deep-fried snapper with mango salad — a combination of crunchy texture and tangy flavor that many customers love. Aside from this, their famous bánh mì and noodle dish cao lầu are also must-tries.
Pro tip:
Many have mentioned that diners are approached at their tables by street vendors selling random products. You can avoid this by dining inside instead of at the outdoor tables.
2. HOME Saigon – Hồ Chí Minh
– Media credit: Home Vietnam Restaurant
Website: https://homevietnameserestaurants.com/
Address: 216/4 Điện Biên Phủ, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84857275999
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Vietnam cuisine isn’t just about alleyways; you can also experience it in an elevated style at HOME Restaurant in Saigon.
By redefining traditional food, you’ll still see familiar names in the menu — grilled fish, stir-fried vegetables, rich noodle dishes — but with careful plating and better ingredient choices.
Even though the vibe and decor feel upscale, it’s just a casual and relaxed dining spot that’s less hectic than many downtown restaurants — a great option if you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy lunch.
Pro tip:
If you’re hosting a group or business lunch, HOME offers a space that can accommodate from two up to 120 guests.
3. Tung’s Kitchen – Hà Nội
– Media credit: Tung’s Kitchen Vietnamese Cuisine
Website: https://tungskitchen.com/
Address: 2 P. Hàng Bông, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Phone: +84846599595
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
This restaurant is among the most popular dining spots in Hà Nội, especially among tourists looking for authentic flavors. Tung’s Kitchen not only offers Hà Nội specialties, but other delicacies from North, South, and Central Vietnam.
At Tung’s Kitchen, you can expect the usual Hà Nội staples: noodle dishes, spring rolls, rice plates, and more. But what really makes this place popular is that aside from the flavorful dishes, the portions are good and the prices are affordable.
It’s a solid middle ground between street food energy and comfort.
Pro tip:
Get a seat on the balcony and watch how the busy streets of Hà Nội unfold as you enjoy your meal. You can book it in advance to secure it!
4. Mekong Taste Restaurant – Tien Giang
– Media credit: Kyle
Social media: https://web.facebook.com/mekongtaste/
Address: Ấp Thới Thạnh, Mỹ Tho, Tien Giang
Phone: +84909541974
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Tuesday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Wednesday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Mekong Delta region is known for its abundant production of rice, fruits, and vegetables. And due to its vast area of rivers and swamps, it’s also popular for its community living along the waterways (floating markets, restaurants, and houses).
Mekong Taste Restaurant is one of the places where you’ll get to experience the authentic delicacies of the region: river fish and shellfish, tropical fruits, sweet herbs, and other things that you won’t typically find inland.
It’s one of those dining opportunities that you wouldn’t wanna miss, because you’ll get to enjoy fresh ingredients close to the sources, and I mean that literally because even their dining areas are floating above the water!
Pro tip:
After dining at Mekong Taste, you’ll immediately get a 10% discount on their West River Tours. Another plus if you don’t want to continue the day exploring the region.
5. Bun Cha Ta – Hà Nội
– Media credit: Jane Eatsfood
Website: http://www.bunchata.com/
Address: 21 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Phone: +84966848389
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
We all know that bún chả is one of the classic Vietnamese dishes that originated in Hà Nội, and Bun Cha Ta is among the best places to try it. It’s a favorite among tourists and locals.
Bún chả, in particular, is a staple lunch item in Hà Nội, so you’ll mostly find the restaurant packed at lunch time. Still, it’s worth the chaos and waiting.
Their classic and bestselling set is grilled pork (both patties and slices), rice vermicelli, herbs, and fish sauce dipping broth.
However, they also have variations in their menu to cater to customers’ personal preferences, so there are also chicken and vegetarian options. It’s also a popular thing to follow it with the famous egg coffee from nearby.
Pro tip:
Here’s how to eat bún chả like a local: first, season your broth with the accompanying herbs and condiments. Then assemble your meat, herbs, and noodles in a lettuce wrap. Dip and enjoy.
6. Bếp Mẹ Ỉn – Hồ Chí Minh
– Media credit: Bep Me In
Website: https://bep.mein.vn/
Address: 136/9 Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +842822111119
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 am – 10:30 pm
If you’re looking for a Vietnamese restaurant offering family-style dining, Bếp Mẹ Ỉn is the place for you. They serve a variety of street food specialties and classic dishes that are perfect for sharing among friends and family.
Bếp Mẹ Ỉn is known for serving Vietnamese soul food, and most of the dishes offered are inspired by what Vietnamese moms typically make for their families, evoking nostalgia and comfort for the locals.
One of their signature dishes is the bánh xèo, or Vietnamese savory pancake, folded with meat and vegetables inside. Another famous dish is the fried rice served in a coconut shell — aromatic and full of flavor.
Most of the menu items have a vegetarian version, in case customers prefer non-meat options.
Pro tip:
Bếp Mẹ Ỉn can be tricky to find. To get there, look for the alley at 136 on Le Thanh Ton Street, walk into it, and you’ll get there at about 30 meters on your right.
7. Maazi – Đà Nẵng
– Media credit: Maazi Da Nang
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090231345906
Address: 264 Trần Phú, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng
Phone: +842363522211
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
If you’re looking for something different and stronger than Vietnamese flavors, Maazi offers an authentic Indian dining experience.
Maazi’s offerings are strong in broader Indian specialties; the menu features curries, biryanis, tandoor specialties, and a lot of vegan/vegetarian options.
And because Đà Nẵng is rich in fresh produce and seafood, local ingredients are often incorporated into the dishes to ensure freshness without losing their authenticity. Even the bread options (naan and roti) are baked fresh daily.
During lunchtime, these classic Indian dishes are often paired with craft beers and ciders that are brewed in Đà Nẵng.
Pro tip:
Spicy means SPICY in Maazi, so make sure you ask for a spice level that you can definitely handle.
8. Poke Saigon – Hồ Chí Minh
– Media credit: Poke Saigon
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/pokesaigon/?hl=en
Address: 39A Nguyễn Duy Hiệu, Quận 2, Thủ Đức, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84902474388
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
If you’re looking for something refreshing and lighter, I’m sure a poke bowl won’t miss the mark.
At Poke Saigon, the menu is about customizable poke bowls in a Hawaiian-inspired style — with bases like sushi rice, brown rice, or salad, and then a selection of raw fish (salmon, ahi tuna, etc.). There’s also a decent selection of sauces and toppings.
A standard bowl comes with rice, two scoops of fish, plus toppings. It’s a little pricier compared to many Vietnamese dining spots, but you get what you pay for: fresh ingredients and healthy food.
Pro tip:
Vegetarian option? Sure. You can try their falafel poke bowl or replace the fish with tofu.
9. La Cabaña – Da Nang
– Media credit: La Cabaña
Website: https://lacabana.vn/
Address: 505 Đ. Trần Hưng Đạo, An Hải Trung, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
Phone: +84934935198
Of course, there’s also something for the meat lovers. La Cabaña is an Argentinian steakhouse serving high-quality grilled meat courses and a great wine selection.
Not only do you get to enjoy premium quality steaks, but you’ll get a sweeping view of the Han River and the Dragon Bridge as well.
Their bestseller is the tomahawk steak, a 1.5kg cut that’s perfect for sharing among friends and family. The set comes with grilled veggies, one pasta of your choice, and two choices of sauces. It sounds pretty hearty, but it’s worth it!
With authentic Argentinian flavors, meats are juicy, tender, and definitely mouth-watering. And aside from the signature premium black angus beef steaks, there are also other options, such as pork, lamb, chicken, and even seafood.
Pro tip:
If you come back within five days after your last visit, you’ll get a 10% discount as a returning guest. So, if you’re planning to do so, keep your invoice and bring it with you when you come back.
10. Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro – Hồ Chí Minh
– Media credit: Propaganda Bistro
Website: https://propagandabistros.com/
Address: 21 Đ. Hàn Thuyên, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +842838229048
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am – 10:00 pm
Propaganda Bistro is one of those quirky restaurants in Vietnam that reinterprets political and historical elements into fun slogans and creative art pieces, making the place easy-going and inviting to visitors.
Their menu is all about showing the spirit and flavors of home cooking: simple but wholesome and flavorful. All ingredients are local and sourced fresh regularly.
Their signature dish is the “propaganda salad,” a healthy mix of edamame, black rice, roasted cherry tomatoes, and homemade tofu.
Most of the portions here are meant to be shareable, so bring someone with you when you visit!
Pro tip:
Don’t forget the dessert, frequent goers love their sweet selection as well, especially the mango sticky rice and the homemade ice cream.