Restaurants on the Michelin Selected list are evaluated on ingredient quality, cooking, flavor balance, the chef’s style, and consistency.
Michelin added nine new eateries to its Selected list this year, with three in Hanoi, five in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in Da Nang.
Pho Ga Huyen Huong
Location: 20 Bao Khanh Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi
Pho Ga Huyen Huong specializes in chicken pho with a broth described as rich and full-bodied. Beef pho is also on the menu. Inspectors praised the portions and noted the availability of a private room for reservations. Its limited seating often leads to queues during peak hours.
Photos courtesy of eatwithmynoreo, pho ga Huyen huong
Mau Gastro Wine Bar
Location: 5 Van Mieu Street, Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Hanoi
Mau Gastro Wine B takes a contemporary approach, offering both a la carte and chef’s menus. The food is built around a balance of modern technique and Asian flavors, with a focus on Vietnamese ingredients. A wine list is available, and staff can recommend pairings. The counter seats are recommended, giving diners a front-row view of the kitchen’s output.
Photo courtesy of MAU
Zao
Location: 4 Ngo Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi
The chef behind Zao is a Hanoi native who applies techniques learned abroad to local ingredients. The restaurant positions itself within the contemporary Vietnamese dining scene.
The menu draws attention for its combinations, such as a tomato bingsu layered with mozzarella and basil-lime shaved ice, or salmon served with sprouts.
Photo courtesy of Viet Hai Pham
Tales by Chapter
Location: 10 Nguyen Thanh Y Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Tales by Chapter is a plant-based fine dining restaurant serving a seasonal tasting menu. Beverage pairings are available with or without alcohol. The kitchen sources from local farms and relies on fermentation techniques.
True to a zero-waste philosophy, vegetable stems and roots are turned into fermented drinks, while solids are composted. The restaurant also received a Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy this year.
Photos by Bich Phuong
Apero
Location: 45 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Open since 2022, Apero features an open kitchen with large windows. The menu centers on Italian cuisine, with pasta as its signature. Michelin’s recommendation is the carbonara, made with pancetta and parmesan.
Photo courtesy of Apero
NOM
Location: 53 Tran Nhat Duat Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
NOM serves a tasting menu inspired by Vietnamese classics. Each floor is designed to evoke a different region of the country.
The restaurant also took home the “Opening of the Year Award” at this year’s Michelin ceremony, the first time the category has been introduced in Vietnam.
Photo courtesy of Nom Dining
Sóno
Location: 215B37 Nguyen Van Huong Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Chef Phan Kien has led Sono since it opened in 2022, focusing on contemporary European cuisine and wood-fire cooking. Guests can choose between a themed tasting menu and a la carte grilled dishes, with a focus on Vietnamese ingredients. The wine list runs to over 100 labels.
Photo courtesy of Sóno
Quan An Ngu Binh
Location: 82 Cu Xa Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phu Nhuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
A family-run restaurant serves Hue and central Vietnamese dishes. Among the recommended dishes is banh beo – steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallion oil, and pork cracklings, served with a sweet fish sauce.
Other favorites include bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup, and nem nuong, grilled pork skewers seasoned with lemongrass.
Photos by Mai Ng, Thanh Huong Thien Nguyen
Banh Trang Kep Di Hoa
Location: 62/2A Nui Thanh Street, Hoa Cuong Ward, Da Nang
The only Da Nang entry on this year’s Michelin Selected list is a street food stall that has been serving customers for 31 years. Its signature dishes are dry rice paper and soft rice paper, both filled with pate, dried beef, and fried shallots. A fish sauce with sweet and spicy notes is a key part of the dish. Minced mango mixed with fish sauce is also a popular side.
Photos by Phong Chu, Lyna P
