When visiting Hanoi, understanding local dining customs can enhance your culinary experience and show respect for Vietnamese culture. As a restaurant in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we’re happy to share essential dining etiquette tips to help you navigate the city’s rich food culture with confidence.
Before Your Meal
Arrival and Seating In Hanoi, meal times are typically between 11:30-13:30 for lunch and 18:00-20:30 for dinner. While many casual eateries don’t require reservations, it’s recommended for higher-end restaurants, especially during peak hours. When dining with Vietnamese hosts, wait to be seated, as there might be specific seating arrangements based on seniority or guest status.
Menu Navigation Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations – Vietnamese restaurant staff are typically eager to help international guests discover local specialties. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s helpful to communicate these clearly when ordering. Water or tea is usually served automatically and kept refilled throughout the meal.
During the Meal
Chopstick Etiquette Hold chopsticks near their upper ends, never in the middle or front. Avoid pointing with chopsticks or leaving them standing vertically in rice – this resembles incense sticks at funerals and is considered unlucky. When not using chopsticks, rest them horizontally on your bowl or chopstick rest.
Sharing Culture Vietnamese meals are typically served family-style, with shared dishes in the center. Wait for elderly or honored guests to begin eating. When serving others, use the communal serving spoons provided, not your personal chopsticks. It’s polite to try a bit of everything offered.
Essential Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
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Wait for others when starting the meal
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Pass dishes with both hands
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Thank the host or server
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Leave a small amount of food to show satisfaction
Don’t:
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Begin eating before others
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Stick chopsticks vertically in rice
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Reach far across the table (ask for dishes to be passed)
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Talk with food in your mouth
Special Considerations
Drinking Culture If alcoholic beverages are served, wait for toasts before drinking. Common toasts include “Một, hai, ba, vô!” (One, two, three, cheers!). It’s polite to clink glasses with everyone at your table, holding your glass slightly lower than elderly or senior members’ glasses.
Business Meals During business meals, let the host order and guide the pace of the meal. Business discussions typically begin after food has been served. Tipping isn’t traditionally expected but is becoming more common in tourist areas and upscale restaurants (5-10% is appropriate).
Your Hanoi Dining Experience
At Gánh Hà Nội Restaurant, we welcome you to practice these customs while enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine in our comfortable setting. Our staff is always happy to guide you through local dining traditions and our menu selections.
Experience why we’re considered one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hoan Kiem, combining traditional hospitality with modern comfort. Let us be your guide to authentic Vietnamese dining culture in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Visit us at:
Gánh Hà Nội Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Food
Address: 115 Hàng Buồm Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội
Phone: 0904.528.191
Website: https://ganhhanoirestaurant.com/
Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.vn/Restaurant_Review-g27501570-d26802766-Reviews-Ganh_Ha_N_i_Restaurant-Hoan_Kiem_Hanoi.html
Opening hours:
10.00 AM – 10.30 PM on Monday – Thursday
10.00 AM – 11 PM on Friday – Sunday
