Travel to the southeast to green Vietnam popular for its light food with robust flavors. Hold on, hold on now! You don’t have to open up your jam-packed iCalendar just yet and fret over your lack of free time. We’re not talking about taking a three and half hour tiring flight to rewind when the roads of Delhi will take you directly to the lakes of Hanoi or the narrow alleys of Ho Chi Minh City.
Restaurants in the city are now serving exquisite Vietnamese dishes that will keep you wanting more.
1. Blue Ginger – Taj Palace Hotel
By far the best go-to place for downright authentic Vietnamese food. The décor is surreal with blue and golden colours, which takes you away from the chaos and stress of work. The chef only uses extremely fresh produce and you can tell so from the hearty flavours of his dishes. The staff is friendly and they are also well-versed with the menu, so if you are looking for a complete fine-dining experience then this is the place for you.
Must try: Phó – This dish is Vietnam for you on a plate. DSSC recommends this for strong, earthy flavours that will make you feel like a lemon tree in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site and also a popular tourist destination.
Where: Sardar Patel Marg, Taj Palace Hotel
2. Rice
We recommend this place because it’s one of the few authentic Asian restaurants in Dwarka serving different dishes that you don’t often find on the menu of a Vietnamese restaurant. Parts of their interiors are pagoda-inspired which will give a slightly spiritual touch to your dining experience.
Must try: Braised water chestnuts, pak choi and bamboo shoots – now where else have you seen this beauty?
Where: Radisson Blu, Dwarka
3. Asia Central
Great food that won’t burn a hole in your pocket is what you’ll find here. If you’re looking for comfort in food ever in your life, then head straight to Asia Central without blinking an eyelid. Big city, fast-paced life means you can’t always afford a holiday but you sure as hell deserve good, authentic food.
Must try: Vietnamese rice paper rolls – Not many places can serve good rice paper rolls for it’s a tricky dish to serve up. Nothing is fried or cooked; it’s all about the real flavours of produce. Our kudos to Asia Central for being brave enough to serve these bad boys up, and serving them right.
Where: Shahpur Jat
4. Diva Spiced
Chef Ritu Dalmia is one of the few chefs in Delhi that has played a huge part in revamping its food scene and bringing authentic flavours to your dining table.
She really understands the pleasure food can induce so we think you should hop over to her restaurant and try the Asian Tapas, an awesome style of serving food that lets you try many different dishes in small bites.
Must try: Rice paper rolls filled with Enoki – these healthy bites of sheer deliciousness are our favourite dish on the menu. We bet it’ll be yours too!
Where: 79 & 80, Meharchand Market
5. Honk – Pullman New Delhi Aerocity
It’s ironic that this place is called Honk because what it offers is the complete opposite. With peaceful and serene interiors and delicate food, a meal here will make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of a spa retreat. We also suggest this place for its location – it’s tucked away close to the airport and away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
Must try: Ma po tofu – we realise that tofu is an acquired taste but this dish has a black bean and spicy sauce that will even switch tofu haters to lovers!
Where: IGI Airport, Aerocity Hospitality District
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