Recent Works

This collaboration between The Bottle Shop and Chef Kumar in bringing his beloved food to Hà Nội is a delight.

However, I’m no meteorologist, so I thought I’d seek out an expert opinion for our readers in the musings of the man himself - ‘Hà Nội’s Weatherdude’.

Driven by the fondness that absence grows from in the 'expat’ community, we have our own festivities and, dare I say, traditions to look forward to.

This is the house that cider built and a place where the only thing coming home to roost is flavour. 

For the uninitiated or freshly landed ‘expats’ who’ve yet to receive their baptism by firewater, here’s a primer on the choreographed chaos you’ve been witnessing, and perhaps, soon participating in.

These block parties are more than just social events; they are the pulsating heart of community spirit, challenging the norms of competitive enterprise.

Bánh Cuốn is a morning revelation, Bun Cha asserts its dominance before 10am, and the best Phở spots run dry by nine.

The things they share often come from a place of passion, something far more noble and honest than gatekeeping or taking smug pleasure from being 'in the know'.

'Trà đá vỉa hè' (sidewalk iced tea) is a culture all of itself, with these much-loved and usually modest set-ups existing not merely for their thirst-quenching qualities but as a social lubricant

Put your burger where your mouth is? Sliders at dawn? I’m not exactly sure where this is going but for our sins we got the latest edition of the Hà Nội Events team’s contributions to the culinary calendar – Burger Fest 2024.

Patriotism is not about saying my country is better than yours, it’s about saying “I love my country” and when your country is Vietnam, there’s a lot to love.

Venturing beyond the city on my bike has deepened my connection with Việt Nam. From the winding mountain paths in the north and cool climates through the highlands to the sun-kissed southern coasts.

A combination that complements about as well as a mosquito-filled squat toilet and the dawning realisation that you forgot to check for toilet paper.

The sudden affordability of smashed avocado on toast without the side of working-class guilt has been a little too tempting recently.

Observe the contrast of working solitude and youthful companionship on display together as two different chapters of life in the city

Hà Nội, in its essence, is a testament to tradition's resilience in the face of relentless modernisation. It's a city where old ways aren't merely preserved; they're celebrated.

North Korean restaurants were a visceral simulator for territory that the vast majority of world foodies will never chart.

This is no endorsement of anything, only an observation on the lack of division that can spill down from the sweat glands of government and into the pores of the masses. 

Convenience, though, is such a mighty force in our modern existence, I can’t help but wonder if it stifles such love affairs as the one I have with Hà Nội.

Aside from the hearth of the local pub or the embrace of family, there’s only one winner here and I can’t wait to be back next week.

For over three decades, this family-owned gem has been serving up the city’s distinctive flavours, offering a taste of the Mekong Delta in the heart of southern Việt Nam.

I've become more Hanoian than British, and the subtle nuances of daily life here that once seemed at best charming, are now intricately woven into the fabric of my existence.

Good customer testimonies, and I’m intrigued. A flurry of messages and a short wait later, I’m tucking in, and I’m hooked.

There’s even a ‘Grab Translations’ Facebook group dedicated to our ‘heroes in green’ which I implore anybody to spend an hour reading through.

Vietnam's best restaurant 2023. Asia's Top 50 Best Restaurants. A charismatic head chef. 

Michelin Series: 3/4

The best kept secret in Hanoi - A succulent Chinese meal by the side of the road. Bring your appetite.

On the 5th anniversary of 'Bourdain Day' I tried to express the thoughts and feelings of many - especially those sharing his connection to Vietnam.

I took a visit to the fine dining selection from the Michelin Guides first ever Vietnamese awardees - and it did not disappoint.

Michelin Series: 2/4

Tầm Vị was one of the first Vietnamese restaurants to ever be awarded a coveted Michelin star. I went along to find out why.

Michelin Series: 1/4

Hà Nội’s little slice of Tuscany. Lots of truffle, serious beef steak. Old school Italian hospitality in a modern setting. Get down.

Phở Thìn Tokyo is an excellent homage to one of the best bowls of noodles on the wider continent. We’re fortunate to have the original on our doorstep.

To those of us with a love for it, football is more than just a game. It’s the game; the beautiful game. It’s a whole other universe with a rich tapestry of stories, iconic moments and accepted wisdom

Some may even say he accentuates the flavours around him. That's certainly the feeling in France right now.

Will Brazil bring an end to the nation's longest ever World Cup drought?

As the Qatar 2022 kicks off, I make my predictions alongside a selection of other local pundits.

Scroll down and find my earliest contribution to Vietnam News, recanting fond memories of Tết holiday.