Hanoi banh cuon eatery wins MICHELIN star

Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh eastery which specializes in banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls) has been declared in the announcement of the MICHELIN Guide 2024 on June 27th in Ho Chi Minh City. 

The MICHELIN Guide 2024 award ceremony in HCMC.

The new MICHELIN Selected restaurants in Hanoi include Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh or Mrs. Hoanh's Banh Cuon, a street eatery serving delectable banh cuon; Hanoi Garden, a restaurant offering a mix of classic and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine; and Le Beaulieu, a restaurant known for its fine French cuisine and extensive wine list.

Those in Ho Chi Minh City include Du Yen, a restaurant offering tasty vegetarian dishes; Kobe Bistro, a bistro specializing in French cuisine; and Oryz, a restaurant with an Eastern Asian dining concept inspired by the culinary traditions of Asia.

Visitors to Hanoi are advised to try banh cuon as this fantastic dish is inexpensive and Hanoians usually eat it for breakfast or late supper. The price of a dish of Mrs. Hoanh's steamed rice crepe with a few slices of cha lua is VND35,000 (US$1.5). Banh cuon Ba Hoanh restaurants are located at 37 & 66 To Hien Thanh Street, Hai Ba Trung District. Opening hours are from 6:00 am to 21:00 pm daily. 

The restaurant serves simple but delicious Hanoi specialties. Photo: Duy Khanh

In 2024, there will be 33 dining establishments in Hanoi on the list of 99 restaurants in the MICHELIN Selected category. These restaurants earn their place on the list by demonstrating the potential to become either a MICHELIN Star or a Bib Gourmand.

According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN guides, the cuisine of the three cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, each has its own characteristics.

"The country's culinary scene continues to surprise the market with its vitality, passion, and creativity. Not to mention that renowned chefs are increasingly opening restaurants in Vietnam, coupled with a new generation of Vietnamese chefs emerging with a growing customer base," he said.

"As a result, Vietnam is indeed becoming a more interesting destination on the world's food map and one to keep a close eye on," he added.

Hanoi's rustic dish of banh cuon is served at Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh. Photo: Tung Boo

Three restaurants have been added to the One MICHELIN Star list, bringing the total number of such restaurants in Vietnam to seven. The three new MICHELIN Star restaurants are Akuna in Ho Chi Minh City, a restaurant offering creative European dishes with Vietnamese influences and optional wine pairings; La Maison 1888 in Da Nang, a restaurant serving a 5 or 7-course menu using the finest ingredients from Vietnam, France, and Japan. The Royal Pavilion in Ho Chi Minh City is a restaurant offering a wide range of a la carte and set menus that respect the culinary heritage of Canton, with its dim sum menu available only at lunchtime.

In particular, Nen Da Nang is the first restaurant in Vietnam to be awarded the MICHELIN Green Star. The restaurant is said to be "sharing information about its own farm with the media and encouraging everyone to support a greener and more sustainable future. It not only conveys a positive message of sustainable gastronomy to its guests but has also made a strong move to cooperate with local schools and share information with the younger generation to spread green concepts".

The green dish is served at Nen Danang Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

In addition, the number of Bib Gourmand restaurants has doubled compared to last year's list, with a total of 58 establishments: 18 in Hanoi, 24 in Ho Chi Minh City, and 16 in Danang.
Of the 29 new entries, 16 are from Danang, five from Hanoi, and eight from Ho Chi Minh City.

As well as recommending quality restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide also aims to highlight the talents of those who contribute to the gastronomic experience. It also recognizes the diversity of professions and skills in the restaurant industry.

This year, the MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award went to Chef Duy Nguyen of Little Bear, a new MICHELIN Selected restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. The Sommelier Award was presented to Toan Nguyen of La Maison 1888, the only MICHELIN-starred restaurant in Danang. The Service Award was given to Anh Nguyen of Si Dining, a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in Danang, who is described as very friendly, energetic, and welcoming.

The MICHELIN Guide is held in high esteem by tourists and culinary experts, which means that the reputation of the restaurant listed in the guide is greatly enhanced. To be awarded a MICHELIN star is an honor for any restaurant in the world.

The interior of the restaurant La Maison 1888. Photo: La Maison 1888