Hanoi is a large and fast paced city of nearly 8 million. There is something for everyone and as with nearly every other city, I could have spent more time in Hanoi. We hit the major tourist things, but there was more I would have liked to see, like a showing of a water puppet theatre and the Imperial Citadel.
What I ate
For basic information and tips for traveling gluten free in Vietnam HERE. For general info, check out TRAVEL TIPS.
Gecko Hotel & Restaurant
89 Hàng Bồ, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
This quirky little restaurant looks like place backpackers might hang out at. I can say that, because I’ve been one! The food was also great! I had the chicken and curry, and I think most everyone was really happy with what they got. Of course, I took a million pictures in the restaurant and of the street, and even of the menu, but totally forgot to take pictures of the food.
Avalon Cafe and Lounge
73 Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
If you’re looking for a fantastic meal overlooking Hoan Kiem lake, this is your place! The staff spoke fantastic English which helped tremendously in my translation. We tried the pho cuon and pho chien phong ha noi for a starter (pho rolls with beef and crispy pho fried with beef and vegetables) and for dinner the Bun bo nam bo (rice noodles, sliced beef, peanuts and sweet and sour sauce).
Church Boutique Hotel
21 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hà Nội, Vietnam
A few of us were just wandering and happened to stop in here for coffee, then decided to get lunch as well. Of course I forgot to write down what I ate or take a picture of it.
Green Mango
22 Tống Duy Tân, Hà Nội, Hanoi City 100000, Vietnam
My pictures turned out quite terrible because it was really dark in here at night, but the food was fantastic! We tried the goat cheese rolls for an appetizer and the bun bon am bo again (yup, same dish as I had the previous night at Avalon) because it was just that good! It was pretty obvious this was a place where tourists with food issues came, they weren’t at all confused by my request.
Restaurants I researched
These are restaurants I wrote down, but didn't end up visiting:
51 Xuan Dieu St, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
This store carries a large display of gourmet groceries, cheese, organic products, gluten free products, fruit and vegetables, gourmet deli, wine and other beverages.
59 Van Mieu St, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Quote from a blog: “KOTO is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to providing hospitality training and life skills to disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. We had a Vietnamese set menu lunch, and it was both delicious and safe. The managing staff spoke English well, and the concept of gluten free was not new to them.”
35-37 Hang Trong St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Quote from a blog: “We had a Vietnamese set menu dinner, and waiting staff and the chef were able to create gluten free dishes to suit. The buffet breakfasts were excellent from a gluten free perspective. Choices included fried rice, bacon, eggs cooked to your liking, omelettes, plain rice porridge (congee) with other add-in ingredients, noodle soup (need to check that rice noodles are gluten free), fresh fruit, yoghurt and cheeses.”
23 Nha Tho St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Quote from a blog: “We ate here several times, because their grasp of gluten free was excellent. Offering authentic Italian cuisine, the food was delicious! There was a variety of risotto and salads. As well, the staff cooked rice as a pasta alternative, with many of the pasta sauces being gluten free. While the owner was a little reluctant to change from traditional Italian food, he did recognize the significance of a gluten free diet, and would change dishes to suit.
You might also be interested in my posts on Can Tho, Saigon, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, and Halong Bay! For what we did in Hanoi, check out THIS post. For specifics on each city, check out each post! Or find basic information and tips for traveling gluten free in Vietnam HERE.
