Set within a lush and tranquil villa in Tây Hồ, Chào Bạn Vietnamese Restaurant is well-known among both international and local diners as a destination for refined, thoughtful, and distinctly Vietnamese cuisine. Alongside reimagined traditional dishes, Chào Bạn’s selection of grilled specialties consistently leaves a lasting impression, thanks to carefully sourced ingredients, restrained seasoning, and grilling techniques that honor natural flavors.
Below are six grilled dishes highly praised by diners and widely regarded as must-try choices when visiting Chào Bạn.
1. Grilled Pork with mắc mật leaves
Grilled pork with mắc mật leaves is one of Chào Bạn’s signature grilled dishes, reflecting the culinary spirit of Vietnam’s northern highlands through a contemporary lens. The pork and mac mat leaves are grilled together using a simple approach requiring precise control of heat and timing.
As the dish grills, the mac mat leaves release their distinctive aroma, gently infusing the meat and creating a flavor that is both rustic and nuanced. The pork remains tender and naturally sweet, never dry or overpoweringly seasoned.
In a review on Restaurant Guru, diner Tommaso Prando noted that the grilled meats at Chào Bạn are “exceptionally tender, flavorful, and delicately prepared”, leaving him “truly impressed from the very first dishes.”
2. Organic Hà Giang black pork belly grilled over charcoal
This Hà Giang black pork belly grilled with mac khen pepper carries a strong sense of the Northwest highlands. Native black pork has a thin layer of fat and firm, naturally sweet meat, which retains a pleasant richness when grilled without becoming heavy.
Mac khen—a distinctive wild forest pepper—offers a gentle spiciness and subtle numbing sensation on the palate, enhancing rather than overpowering the pork’s flavor. Grilled over charcoal, the rendered fat keeps the meat moist while creating an appealing balance of crispness and tenderness.
A diner named w T shared that he was “particularly impressed by the grilled meats for their consistent flavors and ease of enjoyment”, adding that the quality fully lives up to Chào Bạn’s Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
3. Oven Sea Bass in banana leaf
Oven sea bass in banana leaf showcases Chào Bạn’s refined approach to flavor composition. The fish is topped with finely sliced wood ear mushrooms and carrots lightly dressed in a tangy passion fruit sauce, accompanied by small pieces of mango and sliced tomatoes for a refreshing contrast. Tofu is added as a balancing element that softens the acidity and lends a gentle texture to the dish.
Beneath the toppings, the sea bass is flaky and naturally sweet, accented by a subtle hint of black pepper. Grilling the fish in banana leaf helps retain moisture while imparting a delicate aroma that never masks the fish’s natural taste.
In a review, Yvann Lantz commented that the fish dishes at Chào Bạn are “cooked with great precision, preserving the true flavor of the ingredients and beautifully presented”, making them especially appealing to fans of modern Vietnamese cuisine.
4. Grilled Sa Pa sturgeon
Grilled Sa Pa sturgeon is a favorite among international guests at Chào Bạn. The sturgeon’s firm yet lightly fatty flesh retains its moisture and natural sweetness when grilled over charcoal.
Rather than relying on bold seasoning, the restaurant’s technique highlights the quality of the fish itself. The skin is grilled to just the right point, while the flesh remains tender without becoming mushy, complemented by a subtle, elegant smokiness.
According to Tobey Thapakorn, the fish dishes here are “skillfully prepared, not overly seasoned, yet deeply flavorful”, offering a consistently pleasant dining experience.
5. Grilled Squid and Seasonal Vegetables
Grilled squid and seasonal vegetables is a well-balanced option combining seafood and fresh produce, ideal for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying meal. Fresh squid is grilled just long enough to maintain its natural sweetness and pleasing crunch.
It is served alongside seasonal vegetables grilled at the same time, preserving their color, crispness, and original flavors.
A diner named JJ remarked that the squid at Chào Bạn is “very fresh and not dry at all,” praising the restaurant’s approach to grilling as “gentle yet full of flavor.”
6. Charcoal-Grilled Prawns
Rounding out the list are Charcoal-grilled prawns, a dish loved for its balanced seasoning and approachability. Before grilling, the prawns are split and lightly marinated, ensuring the flesh is already well-seasoned without the need for heavy dipping sauces.
Once grilled, the prawn meat firms up with a delicate smoky aroma, while the shell becomes lightly crisp and easy to remove.
One international diner on Restaurant Guru shared that the grilled seafood at Chào Bạn is “exceptionally fresh and well-seasoned”, noting that the grilled prawns were a dish they “wanted to order again”.
A shared characteristic of Chào Bạn’s grilled dishes is their avoidance of showy presentation or overly complex techniques. Instead, the focus remains on high-quality ingredients, precise grilling, and overall harmony. The consistently positive feedback from both international and local diners stands as clear evidence of the restaurant’s culinary philosophy—one that respects and preserves natural flavors.
If you are looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience with thoughtfully prepared, refined grilled dishes, this Top 6 selection is not to be missed.
Chào Bạn Vietnamese Restaurant is located at Villa 28, Alley 11 Tô Ngọc Vân Street, Tây Hồ District, Hà Nội. Set within a quiet alley away from the main road, the restaurant offers a sense of privacy and calm from the moment you arrive.
When traveling by taxi or Grab, guests are advised to enter the exact address “28, Alley 11 Tô Ngọc Vân” to avoid confusion. The most recognizable landmark is the villa’s green gate, opening into a lush garden and a clear swimming pool in front of the house—elements that together create a peaceful and distinctive dining atmosphere in the heart of Hà Nội.
