Hanoi House

Walked-in for dinner for 2 on Friday around 9pm, waitlist says 25 mins but it was more like 10. We sat outdoors, and hostess offered blankets. Ordered morning glory, and 2 bowls of classic pho (with fillet mignon, oxtail and tendon; we asked for cilantro) with a cocktail and an ice Vietnamese coffee. Morning glory was tasty (garlicky). Pho was ok, they serve with thin, flat rice noodles; broth is very clear, and mildly flavoured I have to say. There’s spicy sauce and garlic they offered on the side (no bean sprout/lemon/lime/basil). Fillet mignon came rare which I love! Oxtail was very well done, and so are the tendons. Dining outdoor makes it feel you’re part of the action in lower east, nice for catchup/gathering but not necessarily a date night place (not sure about indoor, only managed to see the bar counter area).

Walked in on a busy Friday night with no reservation and got seated right away at the bar! Ordered the house noodles, bun cha, and papaya & pig ear salad. Everything was absolutely delicious—worth every minute of the wait (and yes, the kitchen was backed up, so be patient).