The place is serene and not much crowded. It is right at the main road and adjacent to a water body. Visited Tran Quoc Pagoda last week and absolutely loved it! The pagoda sits right on West Lake, so the view is amazing, especially in the morning when the water is calm and the temple reflects beautifully. The place feels so peaceful, perfect for a quiet stroll or some meditation. The architecture is stunning—lots of intricate carvings, Buddha statues, and the 11-story tower is impressive. It’s not a huge place, so you can explore everything in about 45 minutes to an hour. There are a few signs in English, but having a guide or just reading about it beforehand helps understand the history. Pros: peaceful, scenic, historical, photogenic Cons: can get crowded during weekends/festivals Overall, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Hanoi. A nice mix of culture, history, and serenity!

If you are visiting Hanoi and have interest in history, architecture or Buddhism, visiting Trấn Quốc Pagoda is highly recommended. It gives a mix of spiritual ambience, cultural heritage and scenic location. While it may not be the most secluded or off-the-beaten-path site (thanks to its popularity), it stands out because of its legacy and charm. Located reasonably close to central Hanoi, making it convenient to include in a city visit.Free to enter and open daily. For a full day outing, I’d suggest arriving early, spending some time in the temple grounds, then strolling around West Lake,visiting the surrounding cafés n possibly catching the sunset. If you prefer serenity, avoid the busiest hours. Dress appropriately: Shoulders and knees should be covered; remove hats inside halls if required. You need to take off ur footware when entering inside the Pagoda.

Trấn Quốc Pagoda is an absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone seeking a moment of tranquility in bustling Hanoi. As the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, its history, dating back over 1,500 years, adds a profound depth to the experience. ​The serene setting, situated on a small islet in West Lake, is simply breathtaking. The majestic eleven-story red stupa, adorned with Buddha statues, rises beautifully against the water. Visiting at sunset is particularly magical, as the golden light bathes the entire complex, creating a truly sacred and picturesque atmosphere. Don't miss the Bodhi tree, said to be an offspring of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment! It's a peaceful, spiritual, and beautifully preserved piece of Vietnamese heritage.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit in Hanoi. Located by the lake, it offers stunning views and a calm atmosphere. The architecture is impressive, and it’s one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. A must-visit for those interested in culture and history. Best enjoyed in the early morning or evening for a quiet experience. Entrance is free.

Pagoda has so much history and it has a fabulous architecture. You can walk on the bridge and see a wonderful view of the lake. This is definitely a to do spot in Hanio. It has a couple of historical temples inside you must see them before leaving. You can take good shots of images outside and inside of the place. Under the tree is probably a hot spot!

I liked this place especially because of the history behind it. It has a tree in the centre which is considered very holy and has some link to India helping as well to the city of Vietnam. It is believed that if you pray and make three rounds around the tree your wish will be granted. A lot of other Buddha workship places are there and many devotees come always. A very peaceful and culture filled placed.

Trấn Quốc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi, is a serene sanctuary nestled on a small islet in West Lake. Originally founded in the 6th century under the name Khai Quốc (National Founding), the pagoda was relocated in the 17th century to its current picturesque spot. Its most striking architectural feature is the 11-story red stupa known as Bảo Tháp Lục Độ Đài Sen, built in 1998, with each level housing a statue of Amitabha Buddha. The grounds also feature a sacred Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the original tree in India where the Buddha achieved enlightenment. As a spiritual and cultural symbol, Trấn Quốc Pagoda attracts both local Buddhists and visitors seeking a tranquil escape from the city's bustle, offering beautiful sunset views over the lake. do not forget to visit here at the sunset time.

A fascinating and respectful place to visit. The complex is well maintained and the atmosphere is calm and dignified. The queue was long but moved quickly, and the guards were very professional. It took around two hours in total, including security checks and walking through the site. It was quite hot and humid, so bring water and dress comfortably. A meaningful and highly recommended experience to learn about an important part of Vietnam’s history.

Beautiful grounds with the palace and mausoleum. We went right when it opened at 7:30 and there were no crowds. It was easier to appreciate the grandness of it all without tons of your groups. Much of the grounds are blocked off, but guards were friendly and made it clear where to go.

I'm Anthony, and these are my kneecaps. I was allowed in. My shorts were just touching the tops of my kneecaps. I asked the guard if it was a bit higher, then demonstrated to him, would I be let in? He said no. The security is strict at the metal detector. Ba Dinh Square itself is free to visit. The Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Stilt House area are an additional charge. Viewing the HCM mausoleum from the outside is free. There was a very nice volunteer tour orginazation giving free tours. Definitely recommend reaching out to them.

I so loved the deep culture of this place and respect the Vietnamese people give to their first president. He is often known as an Uncle too in every Vietnamese family. Good place to visit and see once when at Vietnam

Visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a truly respectful and historical site in Hanoi. Entry is *free of charge*, and no tickets are required. The atmosphere is calm and well-organized, with clear security procedures. It’s a must-visit to understand Vietnam’s history and pay respects to their beloved leader. Dress modestly and arrive early as it can get crowded.

Nice place to visit - well laid out wide avenues with the parliament building, ministry of defence and then main attraction - the mausoleum are very good. I believe parade happens here on special occasions like independence day and other special national events day. That must be a grand spectacle!

Awesome place to learn and appreciate the impact and contribution of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. It is a large complex so be prepared to walk. Note that security is super strict - dress modestly, keep phones in your bags during security check, follow the line, no taking of pictures inside the mausoleum.

A very peaceful historical site with many monuments and beautiful views. There weren’t many tourists, so we were able to fully enjoy the area, explore all the buildings, and even visit the underground bunker. Definitely worth seeing for anyone interested in history and unique architecture, offering both a quiet atmosphere and fascinating sights that make it a memorable experience. .

Honestly, when I think of the many incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites in Asia, this was something of a disappointment. I understand it's cultural importance and archaeological value but it isn't getting very much care and attention. I kid you not when I say that it's a rubbish dump in one corner and a great many of the buildings are in a state of considerable disrepair. I would happily pay more to enter in order that they spend some money on upkeep. Also the garden in front is basically a stage for sports, concerts and events with a stage completely blocking the view of the principle building. It definitely has atmosphere, some interesting artifacts and great history but I am not convinced they are doing it justice.....

Fascinating place with so much history. Between the photos of “then and now” you can see the old majesty of the citadel. As others have said it appears much of the archaeological site is in much need of funding but well worth the visit. Ensure you see the bunkers as well. An eye into a much more recent past.

The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is a truly extraordinary and unmissable UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms the spiritual and political heart of Hanoi. This vast complex offers a fascinating journey through over a thousand years of Vietnamese history, with layers of culture from the Lý, Trần, and Lê Dynasties all in one place. ​Walking through the magnificent Đoan Môn (Main Gate) and admiring the ancient Hanoi Flag Tower is a powerful experience, making you feel the grandeur of the imperial past. However, the site's real strength lies in its blend of history, from the 11th-century foundations and the famous Stone Dragon Steps of the Kinh Thiên Palace, to the D67 Revolutionary House and Bunker used by the Vietnamese military leadership during the war. ​The atmosphere is peaceful and offers a wonderful escape from the city noise. I highly recommend taking the time to explore the archaeological excavation site across the street to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of this incredible historical landmark. It is a profoundly moving and educational visit!

This is one of the must see for those history buff and loves old architecture and green space. Else, avoid this place as it might bored you after taking pictures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as the political heart of Vietnam for nearly 13 consecutive centuries. A lot 2-3 hours to be able to enjoy the whole complex. Bring water and food bites in case you feel thirsty and hungry. Admission fee as follows: a. Adults: 70,000 VND (~2.66USD) b. Children under 16: Free admission

Though not huge the Imperial Citadel is good to explore. Most of the buildings have been restored, though the North Gate and the Flag Tower are still original. The North Gate is a nice place for people watching; locals come here to do photoshoots with flowers. The bunkers that were used during Vietnamwar give additional historic value. Local schools come to the citadel for day trips. The kids might ask you to do a short interview to practice their English. I thoroughly enjoyed that. I visited here on a weekday and it wasn't too busy. Even though entry is ticketed (100.000 VND), this doesn't seem to be ensured too strictly (as in: you could easily walk past the entry gate without buying a ticket). Also please be aware of a scam that specifically is targeting tourists. I was approached by a man asking me where I came from. I'd considered that he was part of the school trip. First he asked me to fill a questionnaire. Then he indicated he was collecting donations for the Red Cross, even showing me a (fake) badge. He showed me a notebook with all previous donations. It showed big amounts, like $20, €40, 500.000 VND. He proceeded asking a donation from me too. I just gave a small amount (50.000 VND) though he tried to get more. Then he quickly buzzed off and I realized I was scammed. Please be aware of this scam.

Went here after exploring the Ho Chi Minh Complex. So we get to learn Vietnam's history during his time and the time before that. Super cool! We loved the exhibits and was super fascinated of the archaeological site!

Train Street is about collective silence followed by a rush of adrenaline. People gather in the quaint cafes lining the tracks, enjoying a drink or egg coffee. The environment is calm, perhaps even picturesque, until the train is minutes away. ​The atmosphere suddenly shifts to one of controlled panic: tables are snatched back, everyone presses against the wall, and an electric tension grips the air. The final moment—the sight and sound of the train thundering past, so close you can feel the wind—is an unmatched, high-stakes thrill. It is a spectacle where the surrounding chaos serves to highlight the singular, fleeting moment of the train's passage.

One of the places that you must see and visit when in Hanoi. There are a lot of cafes that you can hangout and have a refreshing drink while waiting for the train arrives. Don’t forget to save one or couple beer caps. Let it lay on top of the railway and once the train comes, it’ll flatten it. Voila! You’ll have a small remembrance to keep from Train street.

It’s a worthy experience, with train passing so close to you. Decoration and people makes the vibe of this place. One time experience is must. Timings of the train keeps changing and hence recommended to check before and reach at least 45 minutes earlier to bag a good place. Usually place is crowded if you reach late.

Great experience, must visit at least once when you are in Hanoi. Make sure to check train schedule as it may change from time to time and you may end up not seeing the train if you do not check train schedules. Lots of cafes along the rail so just pick whatever you like. Most of them just serves the same options and prices. Just be careful with some agressive aunties and uncles, we tried entering on one of thr entry point but auntie was so agressive and did not allow us to enter unless we dine on her cafe. Just go to other entrance do not force yourself on the cafe where the owners are very agressive. Prices are higher but not too much so that is fine.

Right in the center of the city, I stumbled upon it while walking around. I went when no trains were scheduled, so I could take photos freely. There are tightly packed seats along the tracks where I could have a coffee or beer, and the prices were reasonable. If I had more time, I would’ve stayed for a drink—probably people-watching more than waiting for a train.

What an incredible experience. You do not realize how close these trains really are. Being a traveller from CANADA, it was a once in a lifetime experience because this would never be allowed. This is a MUST DO when in Hanoi. We did not buy tickets. We just sat at the open air bars and restaurants right beside the track.

There 2 train streets. One part has buildings on one side and the other part has buildings on both sides. Its easier to ask a Cafe owner when the next train is coming vs looking at numerous schedules on social media that may not be updated. We lucked up and it didnt get as crowded as we expected.

The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám) is an absolute must-see in Hanoi, offering a beautiful and tranquil escape from the city's hustle. This isn't just a temple; it is the site of Vietnam's first national university, founded in 1070, and it wonderfully captures the nation's profound and enduring respect for education. ​Walking through the five courtyards, you are treated to stunning, well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, especially the iconic Khue Van Cac (Constellation of Literature Pavilion), which is so significant it's the symbol of Hanoi! The shaded green gardens and the central Well of Heavenly Clarity provide a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. Be sure to see the 82 ancient Doctoral Stelae, set upon stone turtles, which honor the successful graduates of royal exams—a moving testament to centuries of scholarship. ​It is a rich, calming, and deeply meaningful historical site that beautifully tells the story of Vietnam's cultural heritage.

It must have been graduation photo day because it was unbelievably crowded, and there was another event happening inside as well. Still, it definitely felt like I was visiting a major landmark. It’s a place that becomes much more enjoyable when you read the explanations. Since it has a long history and many stories related to Confucius and his disciples, I recommend reading the brochures or information panels. *Free admission for children under 13. *Adults: 70,000 VND.

A beautiful and historically rich landmark dedicated to Vietnam’s first national university. The Temple of Literature blends serene gardens, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and a deep cultural atmosphere. A peaceful place to walk, take photos, and learn about the country’s academic heritage. Truly a must-see in Hanoi.

The Temple of Literature is a remarkable historical site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s first national university, once dedicated entirely to literature and scholarly excellence. Walking through its courtyards and traditional architecture feels like stepping back in time—every detail reflects the artistry and cultural depth of the era. However, not everything was ideal during my visit. This is a popular spot for graduation photos, and at this time of year the place was packed with students, photographers, teachers, and families. Because of the crowds, it was difficult to fully appreciate the calm and beauty the site is known for. Even so, the Temple of Literature remains a wonderful place to explore, full of history, symbolism, and charm. With fewer visitors, it would be an even more meaningful experience.

This is a very pleasant place to visit. We pais 70k per adult and we enjoyed our time foi g around the different buildings. There are souvenir shops inside, as well as a man who will do a writing of your choosing (e.g. prosperity) for 100k per piece - which I think it is a great gift to give to someone (plus it is very interesting to see him doing it).

The Temple of Literature is truly one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I visited in Hanoi. Built in 1070, it is known as Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius and the values of knowledge, discipline, and moral character. Despite being nearly a thousand years old, the compound is incredibly well-preserved — from its iconic red gates to its quiet courtyards, lotus ponds, and traditional Vietnamese architecture. The moment you step inside, the noise of Hanoi fades away and is replaced by a calm, almost sacred atmosphere. What stands out the most is its sense of wisdom and history. The stone steles carried by turtles — engraved with the names of ancient scholars — are powerful reminders of how deeply Vietnam values education. Every corner feels symbolic, meaningful, and surprisingly photogenic without losing its authenticity. Overall, the Temple of Literature is a must-visit in Hanoi. Whether you come for history, culture, architecture, or simply a peaceful break from the busy city, this place leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let me tell you that this museum is exactly what I needed to see in Hà Nội! It’s worth visiting if you’re a student or interested in pedagogy, too, because it shows how far civilisation has come to develop to the levels we have today. I can see why it’s such an important historical landmark, not just in Vietnam, but Asia and worldwide.

In a city full of amazing food, KOTO manages to stand out in terms of unusual but truly delicious flavours. Great for gluten free and vegetarian too. We had tofu poke bowl, beef stir fry, beef tenderloin plus jicama salad. The tofu poke bowl is among the best food I’ve eaten in years!! Drinks - we had passion fruit kombucha (really great!), salted coffee (iced, delicious!), and a Bellini. Dessert - we were pretty stuffed but we shared a banana flambé with ice cream. This place is not to be missed.

This restaurant is part of a training programme for young people, and as such, the service is excellent. The food and drinks were also extremely good, although possibly slightly adjusted for western tastes. A set meal costs 300-350K per person (min 2), and gives a good range of dishes.

Incredible social impact organization that spreads kindness to the underserved through food (and art). I had the kombucha, two way pork, and fruit. I heard the coffee is stellar. Everything was amazing. For North Americans, the booch is mild fizziness which I enjoyed. I also couldn't resist buying a few souvenirs while enjoying my food. I left this place feeling good both in the soul and tummy :-) Lastly, An and team were great, very responsive, and helpful with the menu which doesn't disappoint. I'm wrapping up a solo trip but will absolutely return with the family to enjoy this amazing place.

Amazing food and truly lovely people! It's so nice to see they help and train disadvantaged youths. They have great gifts that support other charities as well, highly recommend!

Noisy, poor service, food is ok but not worth going. They gave us a table close to the door, constantly people walk in and out, even the cleaning lady with trash bins!!! And they don’t allow us to change table. Even if there are other tables upstairs. Their service is poor, the staff seems don’t know what they’re doing, they provided towels to some tables but not the other. Then they don’t look for tables, two of the staff stacked in one table while there are two other tables are calling … They seems has nothing to do. The food is ok but nothing special. In short, Don’t need to go.

Walked in off the street knowing nothing about the place. The staff were so good and obliging and speak reasonable english. The food and drinks were healthy and very tasty. The cleanliness and ambience is top class. This place is a credit to all involved. Highly recommend.

We stopped for breakfast on our way to the Temple of Literature. The place is bright and cheerful. The restaurant is part of ST25 by KOTO which promotes training of youth and features handicrafts from local artists. I spent more on souvenirs than I did on breakfast. Highly recommend.

Awesome vegan Banh Mi- super fresh, flavourful, and perfectly balanced. The staff were really helpful and friendly, making the experience even better. Definitely worth a visit!

Quyen was amazing server. Highly recommend the combo and request the drip coffee. It’s worth the wait if you like it strong and flavorful. The Bahn mi was absolutely perfect, crunch yet soft bread and slightly spicy. Yum yum yum

There are loads of places to go for Banh Mi’s in Hanoi, this is a good quality option. It’s only been open one year (Nov ‘25), the BBQ pork with pate is lovely. I had my first salted coffee, it was different but I like to try different things. Recommend!

These are the best Banh Mi we’ve had in Vietnam! The bread is perfectly crispy, the fillings are super fresh, and the flavors are just incredible. We’ve tried many Banh Mi during our trip, but nothing compares to this. It’s a must-try if you’re in the area, you won’t regret it!

Tried a lot of the popular Banh mi spots in Hanoi, this is by far the best, with the most loaded fillings, spicy sauce and soft bread. Still can’t figure out why this place isn’t more well known!

ate banh mi in hanoi for the first time and this is the first place we got it from. the banh mi we ordered were recommended by dat, who served us as well, and were very very good. highly recommended if you could come by!

Do not make the same mistake other tourists make, forget any other banh mi places with mama or 25s in their name, those are not worth the wait. Instead come here and get the saigon and you will definitely not regret 😤

Standing Bar in Hanoi is a fantastic spot for craft beer enthusiasts! Their selection of craft beer deserves a full 5 stars—19 rotating taps featuring an impressive variety of local brews, from seasonal specialties to hard-to-find limited editions. It’s a dream for anyone wanting to explore Vietnam’s growing craft beer scene. The ambiance is cozy yet lively, with the upstairs terrace offering a gorgeous view of Trúc Bạch Lake. It’s a great place to hang out, especially at sunset. The Japanese-inspired standing concept is fun, but don’t worry—there’s plenty of seating if you prefer to relax. The food menu is creative and well-thought-out, with a mix of Vietnamese and international flavors, but I felt it could use a bit more consistency. While the grilled skewers and tapas were delicious, some dishes lacked the boldness of flavor you’d expect for the price. Events like live music and vinyl DJ nights add a unique charm, making it a vibrant hangout spot. The service, while friendly, was a bit slow during peak hours, which slightly impacted the overall experience. Overall, Standing Bar is a must-visit for beer lovers in Hanoi. Just a touch more attention to service and consistency in the food could make it a five-star experience.

We had a little snack with the mini burgers... they were definitely mini. Plenty of drink options for craft beer lovers. Nice views and good spot

Walking past this place to get to another but decided to stop for a craft beer and some food, we had the juicy peach and cheekie Blonde beers, for food we had the craft sausage combo and was so tasty! staff are helpful and attentive, great views of the lake with sunset. Couldn’t ask for more!

🍺 🕺 💃 Good beer, good music, and great views of the lake. They have a great selection of beer, different types and different breweries. I recommend going upstairs in the balcony if the weather permits. They also have a ton of food options to snack on while you drink!

Cool place, good craft beer selection… looks like they host StandUp comedy, I wish I could go see it if in English… fair prices

The best taphouse in town. Squid, Grilled Mushroon and Chicken Satay are “must try”

Best sunsets of the city and amazing craft beers. Helpful and friendly staff, a 10/10 spot!

I had too much meats on the day itself before entering. Saw the 4 courses of Vegetarian options, I did not hesitate to order it immediately. Every single dishes was crafted with efforts, nicely touch, great tastes. Never had the chance to taste greenery beyond the next level. Every dishes was well described by the staffs. Love the single details explanation from the team. Services was attentive, refill my glass promptly with the bottle of water ordered. This is a truly not to be missed restaurants in Hanoi 🇻🇳

La Badiane is a charming French restaurant tucked inside a restored colonial villa on Nam Ngu Street. The atmosphere feels elegant but not stiff — refined enough for a date or a business lunch, yet still relaxed and welcoming. The food is well-executed French cuisine with a modern touch. Seafood dishes, foie gras and desserts are consistent highlights, beautifully plated and balanced in flavor. The wine list is thoughtful, and the staff are professional and happy to recommend pairings. Prices are on the higher side for Hanoi, and the menu plays it safe — don’t expect groundbreaking creativity if you’re used to top-end French dining. The space is cozy and intimate but might feel a bit tight for large groups. Overall, it’s a reliable spot for a polished dining experience in Hanoi — great service, quality food, and a quiet, refined vibe without being overly formal.

Located in a quiet street, we found oursleves walking into a charming colonial "villa" through a lush courtyard that opens into a casual and elegant fine dining space. The 3-course lunch set has every dish artistically plated. Starters - Le Tzatziki is a beetroot ravioli with cucumber tzatziki, pink berry biscuit and kumquat vinaigrette. A uniquely beautiful dish. Flavours were light, vibrant and fresh. - Le Veloute is a cauliflower veloute that was creamy, rich and comforting. The snail butter mushroom parmentier added texture and earthiness to it. Mains - La-Gambas features breaded sesame prawns served with herb salad, sweet potato mousseline, green asparagus and a tomato-smoked parika coconut milk cream. An interplay of flavours and texture. Not bad but not mind-blowing. - La Paëlla is a scallops and mussels risotto with grilled chorizo, piperade and cognac bisque emulsion. It's rich with flavour of the sea with some tang and spicy-smokiness. A little more heat could help to cut through the richness. Desserts - La Banane tasted familiar like pisang goreng (fried banana). It's decadent with some crunch though a tad sweet. The taste of rum was quite muted but love the creamy coconut ice cream. - Le Tiramisu, La Badiane's version, has the layers and taste of my favourite dessert. Just that it was overly sweet and could do more of the liquor, coffee and chocolate to balance the sweetness. Service was exceptional and thoughtful. They asked if we would like to take a break before serving the desserts. Even giving us a complimentary dessert (love the sorbet!) as my friend indicated "Celebrating friendship" as the occasion. Definitely caught us by surprise and brought a smile to our faces. No wonder there were rose petals on our table.

Did a walk in and we had the set lunch (2 items). Good sized and nicely plated for the food. Service staffs are helpful and attentive. My friend raved about the tomato soup which you can check it out. Worth a visit if you are in Hanoi.

Pretty disappointed with the food here for this price range in Vietnam. I had the five-course meal — the scallop dish was the best. The Wagyu beef honestly tasted like the braised beef brisket you get in Taiwanese beef noodle soup.

Delicious, authentic French restaurant with unique character. Benjamin the headnchef - comes out to deliver the plates and greet you Staff are immaculate and made us feel very at least We had a 3 course set menu lunch and everything was perfect. Will certainly return here again when we visit Hanoi next. Beef carpaccio is a must try!

La Badiane delivered a stellar fine dining experience — French elegance with Vietnamese flair — and every course showed thought, balance, and execution. Salmon Gravlax — Fresh, bright, and layered. The salmon was silky, with wasabi that came through clearly but never overpowered. Pomelo added acid and brightness, while dill Chantilly was an exceptional touch: creamy yet fresh, the perfect complement to fish. Pink peppercorn gave just the right spice, the sesame crust added crunch, and the ginger, red onion, and beetroot added freshness with a slight pickled note. It all came together in one perfect bite. Scallop & Prawn Ravioli — A dish that was giving lobster bisque in the best way. The smoked paprika brought depth, the prawns gave the broth its seafood body, and the scallop was succulent, buttery, and perfectly cooked. Honestly, there should have been two. The grilled chorizo added meaty flare that made the dish bold, while the lemon-peanut crumble added subtle texture. The only element that didn’t sing as strongly was the olive ratatouille, which I pushed aside so it wouldn’t dominate, but it paired beautifully with the baguette. Foie Gras Terrine — Foie gras can overwhelm, but here it was rich, savory, and decadent in the best way — and made even better by its accompaniments. The raspberry frangipane added nuttiness and brightness, raspberry being a natural match for duck. The strawberry-thyme chutney was smooth, sweet, and aromatic. The balsamic glaze woke up the palate, balancing the berries and nuts, while pistachio provided the perfect crunch and a peppery finish. Taken together, it was smooth and crunchy, savory and sweet, bright and acidic, umami-rich and layered — truly a flavor bomb. Beef Tenderloin — They absolutely showed out here. The steak was perfectly medium rare, juicy, flavorful, and so tender it didn’t need a steak knife. The truffle-pea risotto just made sense alongside mushroom duxelles and beef — creamy, earthy, and balanced. All together, it became the perfect steak dinner. But then they went further: a five-pepper sauce as the bed of the dish added body, warmth, and spice that coated every bite, while a Parmesan foam gave a final elegant flourish. A showstopper course, flawless at every level. Mango Lychee Dessert — I didn’t think it could get better, but the finale proved me wrong. This was the perfect series finale — bright, tropical, and light, but with depth and richness from the salted caramel ice cream. The pineapple was sweet without being too acidic, the mango was tender and perfectly ripe, and the lychee — flawless — made the last bite unforgettable. The Malibu coconut milk added subtle texture, the crispy rice gave fun crunch inside the ice cream, and the passionfruit sauce transported me straight to the beach. A butter crumble and cream layered it into a true dessert. Playful, seasonal, distinctly Vietnamese — a perfect ending to the meal. La Badiane doesn’t rely on theatrics — it delivers consistency, refinement, and balance across the board. A cozy villa setting on a rainy night, French technique married to Vietnamese flavors, and service that makes you feel unhurried. Absolutely worth the splurge, especially if you love French food with elegance and flair.