CHÉN - CHEN Vietnamese Restaurant

Amazing North Vietnamese pho and noodle dishes and a yummy caramel flan. The place was very busy and staff were wonderful being friendly and efficient. The vibe was busy noisy but joyful. The prices were reasonable given the quality of the food.

4.5/5 for the food and 0.5/5 for service. We came twice, once as a couple on the 2nd day they opened and once as a group 1 week later. The food was yummy and authentic flavors, but quality wasn't consistent between 2 times, that's why it's only 4.5 instead of 5. Bún chả was perfect the 1st time but burnt and dried the 2nd time. Flan was amazingly smooth 1st time, then not as good the 2nd time. I still 100% recommend this restaurant if you're looking for Hanoi styled food like bún chả, bún đậu mắm tôm, phở, cafe trứng. Many items on the menu weren't available in both times we came. Given they just opened and still need to utilize the operation, their staff were probably overwhelmed, and the service needs to be improved. We ordered, and the waiter forgot to punch the dishes to the computer, so we had to remind and waited an extra 30 mins. They forgot to give us water. We had to ask 3 times to 2 different waitress/waiter to get our table cleaned to have desserts. I'll come back in a month or so, to give them time to utilize their services.

Newly opened Vietnamese restaurant with a creative Old Quarter–Hanoi theme. The space leans into nostalgia—antique pots, bowls, and vintage‑style décor—and the owner really nails the vibe. The menu highlights Northern specialties you don’t see everywhere, like Bún đậu mắm tôm and Chả cá Lã Vọng (turmeric‑dill fish). I tried the Bún đậu mắm tôm and a couple of pork dishes—everything was flavorful and well executed. Prices run a bit higher than average, but the quality and specialty dishes make it reasonable. Service was quick, polite, and genuinely friendly. They’re happy to walk newcomers through the dishes if you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town. Feels like a mini Hanoi postcard tucked into the neighborhood.

A place that reminded me of childhood, in my 2nd home country. Một nơi mang lại những ký ức và kỷ niệm thời thơ ấu. The settings and interior designs are well thought out, timeless and have pockets of spaces that made a faraway son reminisce. The lighting fixture designs are also light, lofi and warm. Setting up a very family, homey aesthetic. Despite the small and bustling spot, the volume of chatters are very minimal - providing an authentic, classy northern vietnamese energy. Staffs are very friendly, the owners are professional and warm. And drinks, foods very appetizing. Haven't had Vietnamese coffee that is this balanced in flavour profile. Not too sweet, not too bitter nor grainy, just right. The broth of the bún măng gà is exceptionally rich and aromatic. Additionally, the side condiments including pickled chilli and garlic are very authentic. Overall, highly rated Northern Vietnamese cuisine spot with high revisit value. Ideal for family gatherings and for wayward sons and daughters of Vietnam.

Always a good sign to see a packed restaurant. Tried the bun cha nem and it was really good! The noodles are surprisingly filling and the dipping broth was SO flavorful. Definitely recommend adding the mint/other aromatics in. And even drinking the broth. The crab parcels were light and very good too. only complaint is i wish they gave more than just 2 pieces. All that for 24$. Pretty average price of a main these days in vancouver. Service was good. Alil bit of a hold up in the kitchen (and they seemed like a place with high table turnover, hence fast service), but food did get here under 20 mins. Atmosphere is rustic with abit of a doover. So not as dusty as those authentic hole in the wall places, but not so glam that they compromise food quality. Tables are pretty tight but not too noisy such that you can't have a conversation. Would come back!

If you're not Vietnamese, this is the perfect place to experience signature dishes from Northern Vietnam at their finest. And if you are Vietnamese, it’ll feel like you're enjoying a top-tier meal right in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. There may be a short wait—understandable for a newly opened spot—but it’s well worth it. The authentic cuisine, inventive drinks, and warm atmosphere make this a must-try. Highly recommended!

Came to Chen during their soft opening and had an amazing experience at the restaurant. The staff were super friendly from the moment we walked in. The food was great - we tried the shrimp paste platter and the chicken bamboo noodle soup. Very authentic flavors. It’s great to see so many new Vietnamese spots opening up around town as they’re definitely taking the cuisine in a whole new direction beyond pho! Will definitely be coming back!

What a fantastic new restaurant serving Northern Vietnamese cuisine! We ordered the Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Traditional Hanoi Style Noodle Soup) and Pork Rib Soup with Hanoi Style meatballs. The food was impeccable - with many depths of flavour. The spicy bun bo hue was spicy but it did not overwhelm the actual flavours of the toppings. Apparently, according to the staff we spoke to the restaurant had to reformulate their recipe as it was too spicy! The Pork Rib soup was delicious and clean. All the toppings held their structure and did not turn into mush. The melon veggie slices were thin and kept their taste and shape which indicates it was not overcooked. The meatballs were tasty and bite sized. Though, the pork rib were was tough to chew and was not 'fall off the bone' as I had hoped for.

Visited during their soft opening and their ambiance was 5 stars. Plus their choice of special ceramic bowls and tea pots definitely added to the overall warm and cozy decor but there are some tables in the middle that are very close together and feels too cramped to my liking. There was a large beautiful mural of paper flowers with folk art illustrations of motor bikes, bamboo lanterns, and vintage wooden cabinets that I wish I could capture in a video but it was too busy during my lunchtime visit to share its decor in more photos or videos. Unfortunately, it was perhaps too busy during their soft opening and my food wasn't as good or memorable. I ordered #15 in hopes of getting a true taste of their speciality dish from Northern Vietnam but it wasn't spicy at all... disappointing when menu said it would come in spicy broth. Servers were nice and have good attitudes but they were too busy or not experienced enough to top up our teas; also it would be more helpful if their servers knew the dishes or learn the menu better. 3 stars for soft opening but hopefully, I can update review with higher rating when they officially open. From its decor and special menus, I can see the owner has put a lot of thought in bringing this new restaurant to Hastings Street. I would still like to return to try the unique dishes on their menu, there are not often found at other Vietnamese restaurants offering Pho noodles. This seems like a cute place that promises an authentic meal experience from Northern Vietnam.