Step inside Chao Ban Hanoi, and you’ll quickly realize — you’re not just entering a restaurant, you’re stepping into a story. One that blends the elegance of French culinary tradition with the warmth, depth, and heritage of Vietnamese home cooking.
At the heart of it all is Vincent, a French-Vietnamese chef and founder whose roots stretch across two continents and two food cultures. With Chao Ban, he’s created more than just a dining destination — he’s crafted a love letter to both his homes.
The Concept: A Tale of Two Traditions
“Chao ban” translates to “hello, friend” — a fitting name for a place that immediately wraps you in familiarity and flavor. The concept behind this French-Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi is as layered as its dishes: upscale Vietnamese comfort food reimagined with a French bistro touch.
Think pork ribs, bun bo nam bo, Vietnamese clay pot dishes, and duck — all with a refined twist. These are not fusion dishes in the trendy, chaotic sense — but thoughtful, intentional creations that highlight the best of both worlds.
Here, fish sauce meets fine wine. Hearty northern Vietnamese broths are served with the elegance of a Parisian table setting. The portions are generous, the plating precise, and the service effortlessly elevated.
The Space: Bistro Vibes, Vietnamese Warmth
With soft lighting, earthy tones, and elegant minimalism, the interior strikes a perfect balance between chic and cozy. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a special date night as it does for a long, lingering lunch in Tay Ho with visiting family.
You’ll spot subtle nods to both France and Vietnam throughout — from art and sleek tableware to traditional ceramics and local woodwork that add a sense of place.
It’s elevated — but never pretentious. Always welcoming. And just like the name promises, you feel like a friend the moment you walk in.
Why We Love It
There’s no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi. Nor are we lacking in French-influenced cafés and bakeries.
But what Chao Ban does is something rarer — it bridges both with grace, gratitude, and bold, beautiful flavors.
It’s for those who want to savor the familiar, but differently. For those who want a meal that feels like home and still surprises them. It’s for the Vietnamese diaspora, the curious foodie, and anyone who believes that food can tell a story.
Vincent’s story is one of roots, return, and reinvention — and Chao Ban in Hanoi brings it all to the table.
Find Chao Ban at Villa 28, Ngõ 11 – Tô Ngọc Vân, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Follow @chaoban.hanoi on Instagram for weekly specials and behind-the-scenes bites.
