During a short two-day trip to Hanoi, Megan, a British expatriate working in Ho Chi Minh City, made a stop at the historic home to try its vegan offerings.

“The space feels like a trip back in time. The food counter gives off a warm aroma, and the dishes look so traditional. It’s also packed - people keep coming and going,” she shared.

Photos of steaming bowls of vegan bún riêu (crab noodle soup), hearty vegan bún bò Huế, and the nostalgic setting of the old house are widely shared on social media.

This space was created by Le Huu Tue, 28, and a group of friends who are passionate about plant-based cuisine.

“Our goal is to introduce more people, especially young ones, to vegan food and cooking methods. We chose a traditional Hanoi home to make visitors feel like they’re eating at home,” Tue said.

From sidewalk to heritage house

Originally, Tue and his team served vegan food on the sidewalk in front of a French colonial villa on the same street. Diners would gather around a wooden counter, enjoying simple yet heartwarming dishes like vegan bún riêu, phở, spring rolls, and grilled noodle dishes.

Later, the team moved into a house built in the 1920s, which still features its original tiled kitchen, aged wooden doors, and classic furnishings. The upstairs dining room, renovated about 30 years ago, retains old calligraphy scrolls, wooden furniture, and a distinctly nostalgic feel.

At the entrance, steaming pots of broth greet visitors. More than ten plant-based dishes are displayed on rustic wooden tables.

Main dishes include vegan bún riêu, phở (served Mondays and Tuesdays), bún bò Huế (served Wednesdays to Sundays), grilled vegan bún chả, mixed noodle bowls, vegan pate sandwiches, and mushroom porridge. Prices range from 25,000 to 40,000 VND (approx. $1–$1.60).

Side dishes like fermented mushroom leaf rolls, fried spring rolls, and crispy fritters are available for 15,000–30,000 VND.

“Bún riêu and bún bò Huế are customer favorites,” Tue noted.

The bún riêu broth is made from tomatoes, onions, and simmered vegetables, with a splash of fermented rice vinegar for a gentle tang. The bún bò Huế broth uses chayote, onions, pineapple, and lemongrass, flavored with vegan shrimp paste.

A homemade dining experience

In the evenings, diners can enjoy steaming hot vegan hotpot, especially popular in Hanoi’s autumn and winter.

Another popular dish is the vegan pâté bánh mì, filled with aromatic vegan pâté, chewy vegan cold cuts, fresh herbs, and cucumber.

What sets this place apart is its self-service model. Diners pick their dishes, grab bowls and utensils, and clean up after eating.

“I first saw photos of this place on social media and decided to visit. I was confused at first about how to order, but the staff guided me kindly,” said Nguyen Thuy Linh, 20.

“Now on my second visit, I brought a friend. It’s like eating at home - so cozy,” she added.

She and her friend Quynh Anh both praised the flavorful, colorful, and affordable vegan dishes.

“I used to think vegan food was bland or expensive, but this place proves otherwise,” Quỳnh Anh said.

A peaceful escape in the heart of Hanoi

Cao Thi Van, a local, came with more than ten friends. They were all impressed by the nostalgic setting.

“Stepping into the backyard felt peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling city. The food was hot, well-balanced, and very reasonably priced,” she said.

The group enjoyed the self-service style, which also intrigued many foreign visitors.

The vegan eatery is open from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (closed Sunday midday) and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Popular drinks like cashew milk, salted tamarind, and mulberry juice are also available.

Note: The restaurant gets very crowded during peak hours. There’s no parking, so diners must use nearby private lots (approx. 5,000 VND per motorbike).

Linh Trang - Nguyen Huy