Madame Hien
A culinary tribute to Vietnamese women, offering refined traditional cuisine with French influences in a historic Old Quarter setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full menu and lively atmosphere
Madame Hien
Best Time
Full menu and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A culinary tribute to Vietnamese women, offering refined traditional cuisine with French influences in a historic Old Quarter setting.
"Excellent atmosphere, service and food. A restaurant not to be missed in Hanoi."
🎯 Book Outdoor Seating
Enjoy the lovely ambiance, but bring a sweater as it can get cool.
💰 Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free drinks from 5:30 PM.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Foie Gras Pho
Main Courses
A luxurious twist on a Vietnamese classic, rich and unforgettable.
Duck 3 Ways
Main Courses
An exploration of duck prepared in distinct, delicious styles.
Coconut Coffee
Desserts/Drinks
The perfect, creamy, and refreshing end to your Vietnamese meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Set Menu vs. A La Carte
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Outdoor Seating
Enjoy the lovely ambiance, but bring a sweater as it can get cool.
💰 Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free drinks from 5:30 PM.
🍽️ Set Menu Value
The tasting menu is plentiful and a great way to sample many dishes.
🗣️ Attentive Service
Staff like 'Lam' are praised for good English and attentiveness.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Outdoor Seating
Enjoy the lovely ambiance, but bring a sweater as it can get cool.
💰 Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free drinks from 5:30 PM.
🍽️ Set Menu Value
The tasting menu is plentiful and a great way to sample many dishes.
🗣️ Attentive Service
Staff like 'Lam' are praised for good English and attentiveness.
✨ French Presidential Visit
Even French President Macron has dined here!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Madame Hien is praised for its refined Vietnamese cuisine, particularly the luxurious Foie Gras Pho and Duck 3 Ways, set in a charming historic ambiance. While many highlight attentive service and a memorable dining experience, some guests have noted occasional delays in food delivery between courses, which can detract from the overall upscale feel.
"My husband and I ate at this restaurant recently. We had spring rolls and Pho. The Pho was probably the best I had in Hanoi. Also the coconut coffee was perfection.
Our waiter ‘Lam’ was attentive without being intrusive and spoke very good English.
The outside setting had a lovely ambience.
Thoroughly enjoyed our experience."
Madam Pups
"We got there at 5 pm as Google said they were open but we were told the set menu dinner service starts only from 6 pm and the happy hour (buy 1 get 1 free) from 5:30 pm. We were offered a seat inside even though we got there early than said the opening hours. We had the Signature tasting set menu 900,000VND per person and boy, there was so much food! The food was fresh, chef's great skill and high quality products put in. Foie gras pho was out of this world and in fact, everything we had on the set menu was amazing. We were happy, satisfied and full after the dinner!"
Olivia Ort
"This is a restaurant not to be missed in Hanoi. Excellent atmosphere, service and food. We got it recommended while in Hanoi and are grateful we got here.
You can sit both outdoor and indoor.
We had a lovely lunch as you can see from the pictures."
Christer Sjodoff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Madame Hien is located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. You can easily reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by walking if you're staying nearby. The restaurant is situated on the raft street, making it a distinctive landmark.
Yes, its central location in the Old Quarter makes it very accessible for tourists exploring Hanoi. Many hotels are within walking distance or a short ride away.
From Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), the most convenient options are a taxi or a pre-booked airport transfer. Grab is also a reliable option. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Absolutely! Madame Hien is very close to Hoan Kiem Lake. It's a pleasant walk through the charming streets of the Old Quarter, taking about 10-15 minutes.
Parking in the Old Quarter can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use ride-sharing services or taxis, or to park at a designated lot and walk the rest of the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Madame Hien is a restaurant, not an attraction requiring tickets. You simply make a reservation or walk in to dine.
Google might list earlier opening hours, but dinner service and the full menu typically start from 6 PM. Happy hour runs from 5:30 PM. It's best to confirm current hours directly with the restaurant.
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially for dinner or if you wish to secure outdoor seating.
Madame Hien is considered a mid-to-high-end dining experience. The Signature tasting set menu is around 900,000 VND per person, with à la carte dishes varying in price.
There isn't a strict dress code, but given the restaurant's ambiance and reputation, smart casual attire is generally appropriate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highly recommended dishes include the Foie Gras Pho, Duck 3 Ways, and the Coconut Coffee. The Signature tasting set menu is also a popular choice for experiencing a variety of their offerings.
While the menu focuses on traditional Vietnamese cuisine, it's advisable to inquire about vegetarian or vegan options when making your reservation or upon arrival.
The set menu is a generous multi-course meal featuring a selection of the chef's best dishes, offering a comprehensive taste of Madame Hien's culinary expertise. It's known for being very filling.
Madame Hien offers contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with French influences, reflecting a tribute to Vietnamese women and their ancestral cooking. It's a refined take on traditional flavors.
Service is generally described as attentive and friendly, with staff often speaking good English. However, some reviews mention occasional delays in food delivery between courses.
📸 📸 Photography
The outdoor seating area, with its charming ambiance and traditional architecture, offers beautiful photo opportunities. The interior also has a unique, historic feel.
Yes, taking photos of your food is perfectly acceptable and encouraged, especially for visually appealing dishes like the Foie Gras Pho or Duck 3 Ways.
Evening light can create a magical atmosphere, especially with the outdoor seating. However, daytime visits offer natural light that can highlight the architectural details.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other diners' privacy.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most visitors. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you can capture more detailed shots, especially of the food and ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the restaurant has a lovely ambiance, it's important to note that some reviewers have mentioned potential delays in food service between courses. This could be a factor to consider if dining with very young children who have shorter attention spans. Opting for an earlier dinner slot might help mitigate this.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of the set menu, consider ordering a few select à la carte dishes to share. This allows you to control costs while still sampling some of their signature flavors. While the final bill might be higher than street food, the quality of food, service, and ambiance can make it a worthwhile splurge for a special meal.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Dinners
Sharing dishes from the à la carte menu or indulging in the Signature tasting set menu can be a shared culinary adventure. The Foie Gras Pho and Duck 3 Ways are particularly memorable dishes to experience together. Don't forget to try the Coconut Coffee for a sweet ending to your romantic meal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Philosophy of Madame Hien
Visitors often rave about specific dishes that exemplify this philosophy. The Foie Gras Pho is a standout, elevating the humble noodle soup into a luxurious experience. Similarly, the Duck 3 Ways showcases the versatility of a key ingredient through different preparation methods. Even simple drinks like the Coconut Coffee are perfected, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess.
While the food is a primary draw, the restaurant's commitment to its theme extends to the overall dining experience. The ambiance, often described as having a lovely atmosphere, complements the culinary journey. It's a place where the essence of Vietnamese culture is celebrated through its most beloved medium: food.
Ambiance and Setting: Indoor vs. Outdoor
The indoor dining area is housed within what appears to be a converted old home, retaining a sense of history and character. This setting provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere, shielded from the elements. While the outdoor setting might offer a more picturesque view, the indoor space ensures comfort regardless of the weather.
Regardless of where you choose to sit, the restaurant's setting is a significant part of its appeal. The combination of traditional architecture and thoughtful decor creates an inviting backdrop for enjoying the exquisite Vietnamese cuisine. It's this attention to detail in both food and environment that makes Madame Hien a recommended spot for many visitors.
Navigating the Menu: Set Menu vs. A La Carte
On the other hand, ordering à la carte allows for more flexibility and customization. This approach is ideal if you have specific dishes in mind, like the highly praised Foie Gras Pho or Duck 3 Ways, or if you prefer a lighter meal. It also allows you to control your spending more precisely. However, some diners have noted that the timing of food delivery for à la carte orders can sometimes be inconsistent, with dishes arriving at different times.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your dining preferences and appetite. The set menu offers a curated journey through the restaurant's best, while à la carte provides freedom to choose. Whichever you opt for, the quality of ingredients and the chef's skill are consistently highlighted as exceptional.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit