Madame Hien - Vietnamese Restaurant Hanoi

A nice setting in a what looks like a converted old home. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. There is a nice sense of history in the building which adds to a nice atmosphere while dining. The staff are friendly and attentive and helpful. The food is presented well. The restaurant is worth trying if you’re looking for contemporary Vietnamese food. When it comes down to the flavours, I still feel the street food in Hanoi is tastier. Definitely worth a visit, but it won’t blow you away. I washed it all down with some Long Island Ice Teas which were surprisingly strong. As a foreigner, the final price was actually quite decent for what you get.

The food was good here but it’s sometimes hard where it’s traditional recipes over engineered for tourists. Having said that it’s still a beautiful venue. We had the red Tuna which we agreed with the tuna would be cooked medium rare. It came out without a touch of pink. It’s hard in a lot of Asian restaurants especially in Vietnam and Thailand to get Tuna cooked rare. Perhaps you will have more luck. The taste was still excellent. My caramelized pork had flavor but only the fatty pieces were tender. The deep fried shrimps were OK. Again a the sesame coating was plentiful but crisp and did in my opinion integrate well with the dish. I’d shell the base of the shrimp more to make it an easier dining experience. The tamarind sauce was good. Finally the chocolate pudding was good. I always do struggle where the portion sizes vs the west are so small. In a desert that costs so little to make you could double the size and keep the customer happy. Especially as the cake did not contain any explosive chocolate center. Ice cream was good. The ambience of the restaurant is good with both outdoor and indoor options. Staff were well presented and friendly. Note Google says it’s open all day. It’s not. They provide a snack menu to cover between lunch service and dinner. Should be made clear.

The food was excellent. We opted for a lunch set, where you can choose one starter and one main dish, which made for a well-balanced meal. Since it wasn’t busy when we arrived, we had the freedom to select our preferred seating, which was a nice touch. The ambiance was pleasant, and the staff were very friendly and accommodating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience. All in all, we had a lovely and relaxing time…….

French colonial decor with antique furniture. Food balanced the fine line of modern and traditional. Turns out that the menu includes French words—a homage to the French owner of this establishment (at least according to the waiter) I recommend the pho and spring roll. 5.5/5 stars.

Tucked away behind the lively streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Madam Hien offers a charming, authentic escape — both in atmosphere and on the plate. We visited twice for lunch, each time greeted by a special, curated menu offering a smaller but thoughtful selection of dishes. What struck us immediately was the unwavering freshness of the ingredients and the brilliant balance of flavors: every bite felt like a true homage to traditional Vietnamese home cooking. There was a feeling, almost unmistakable, that you had stepped into a beloved grandmother’s kitchen — where simplicity, heart, and flavor reign above all else. The dishes ranged from vibrant green mango and pomelo salads — bursting with crunch, acidity, and a whisper of sweetness — to perfectly fried prawns, light yet rich, layered over herbaceous notes of mint, cilantro, and roasted peanuts. The presentation was elegant yet honest, often using banana leaves and simple, earthy bowls that reinforced the unpretentious spirit of the restaurant. The setting adds even more to the experience. The small courtyard is peaceful and secluded, a rare find in the high-energy chaos of Hanoi. Inside, the interiors are simple, traditionally styled, and welcoming without feeling staged or overly decorated. Service was warm and efficient, echoing the care and hospitality we found across much of Hanoi but with a slightly more polished edge here. Value for money is excellent: quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a charming setting — all at a price point that feels more than fair for the experience delivered. Overall, Madam Hien is not a show-off restaurant. It doesn’t need to be. It delivers what truly matters: real Vietnamese flavors, a cozy, welcoming setting, and a meal that lingers in your memory long after the table is cleared.

This Vietnamese restaurant is a true hidden gem! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is simple yet charming, creating a cozy and comfortable dining experience. The food was absolutely outstanding. The banana blossom salad was beautifully balanced, with crisp textures and a refreshing, tangy dressing. Every dish felt thoughtfully crafted, making the wait completely worthwhile. The flavors were authentic and every dish was beautifully presented. Every ingredient tasted fresh, and the portions were generous. The staff was friendly and attentive, always making sure we had everything we needed. If you’re looking for a place where quality takes priority over speed, this restaurant is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

I visited this place exactly ten years ago. At the time, I was on a business trip and stumbled upon it while walking through the streets of Hanoi looking for a place to eat. The unique design of the entrance instantly caught my eye, and since I had always been fascinated by Vietnamese home-style cuisine, I walked in without hesitation. Back then, I didn’t have much knowledge of Vietnamese food, and restaurant reviews weren’t as accessible as they are now. So, I just had to take my chances and order randomly. But the food turned out to be absolutely incredible. The clean presentation and warm service left such a lasting impression that I could never forget the experience. So naturally, when I had the chance to visit Hanoi again for the second time, this restaurant was at the top of my list. Thankfully, I was able to find it easily on Google Maps. However, when I arrived, the exterior looked different and made me wonder if I had come to the right place. A staff member explained that they had moved to this new location during the pandemic. When I showed them a photo from my visit ten years ago and told them I had returned, they welcomed me with genuine warmth. As I sat down to order, they kindly offered a photo menu, which made ordering very easy. Since I was alone, I couldn’t try too many dishes, but I still managed to enjoy as much as I could—from starter to dessert. The highlight for me was the mushroom and shallots. They were so soft, so flavorful, that for a moment, I was tempted to cancel everything else and order just that, over and over again. From the first bite to the last spoonful of the green tea ice cream dessert, I was simply happy. To be honest, I enjoyed this meal even more than the one I had at a Michelin 3-star restaurant during this trip. It was more delicious and far more satisfying. I can say with confidence: the next time I come to Hanoi, I will definitely visit Madame Hien again. In fact, I might come back to Hanoi just to dine here. P.S. If you meet the kitten(boy), plz say hello. But he won’t play with you. He is a CAT :p

We had a special evening in a charming place, here, in Hanoi. We felt very good, the ones who received us and served us are very kind, careful and attentive. We learned about the gastronomic culture of Vietnamese, of Vietnamese women, how this restaurant was born, who was the distinguished Mrs. Hien. Respect and consideration for all Vietnamese, Asian women in general! We saw how dedication, devotion, hard- working cook delicious preparations right in the street. We had a special menu, Hanoi, 36 Streets, Menu composed of several dishes, including dessert. Everything was delicious! ( I forgot to make a picture with fish 😀) Chapeau! 🎩 Congratulations, you're doing an extraordinary job! 💯👏👍🫶🙏