5 HANG TRE, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel > (+84 4) 926.0639/210.8681

Lying to the north-east of the central Hoan Kiem Lake, #5 Hang Tre St is a 3-storey French colonial era house, built in 1951, on the easternmost street of Hanoi's legendary Old Quarter.

The first floor bar room offers lacquer-surfaced tables and chairs adorned with H'Mong upholstery, making a comfortable setting for drinking or dining.

Passing the open-air display kitchen the dining experience on the second floor changes to a more traditional form. Sit on grass cushions at low bamboo tables set on raised wooden platforms and enjoy local artistic works on both poonah paper and natural lacquer - art forms for which Vietnam is renowned. During the summer months this room is air-conditioned, whilst enjoying a gentle breeze during spring and autumn.

The third floor roof terrace boasts low tables surrounding an ancient temple. Open sides and an overhanging roof make this area suitable for dining in all weather conditions, and perhaps the best spot in town on a warm evening.