Hanoi has officially entered summer. The sweltering heat stretches from early morning until late afternoon, leaving most of us with a rather dull appetite. So, when I heard that Chef Vincent Cao Minh had just launched a new summer menu inspired by a tropical garden, my friend and I immediately headed to Chào Bạn to breathe some new life into our weekend dining.
Tucked away in a lush, green space beneath a canopy of large trees right by a sparkling pool, the restaurant offered us a sanctuary of pure relaxation to fully savor a leisurely Sunday lunch.
To quench our thirst right off the bat, I went for the Lychee Lemonade Mocktail. The very first sip brought a vibrant, tangy burst of lemon on the tip of my tongue, followed instantly by the sweet, aromatic aftertaste of lychee. This ice-cold drink felt like a total lifesaver, instantly washing away the blistering heat outside. My friend chose the Lychee Caipirinha Cocktail—a subtly boozy, spirited version that was absolutely perfect for sipping and unwinding as the dishes began to arrive.
Our appetizer made its grand entrance: the Fresh Garden Salad. Looking at the plate, it felt like staring at a vibrant summer garden in miniature. Chef Vincent Cao Minh took simple, familiar ingredients from Vietnamese gardens—rich and creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet and plump fresh shrimp, onions, and local herbs—and artfully brought them together. What tied this beautiful mess together perfectly was his signature lime dressing. The mild, refreshing tang of the dressing awakened all our senses, setting a high bar for what was to come next.
The next dish truly blew me away: the Tropical Summer Mustard Leaves Rolls. I’ve always been a fan of Chào Bạn’s signature rolls, but this summer version is an entirely different experience. Instead of being deep-fried like nem rán or bò lá lốt, this new creation is incredibly clean, light, and palate-cleansing—the ultimate antidote to a hot day.
The beef is masterfully pan-seared to medium perfection, locking in all its tenderness, juiciness, and natural sweetness. Rolled up with a crisp medley of sweet-and-sour pineapple, crunchy cucumbers, and just-ripe mango, the whole bite explodes with flavor when met with the distinct, peppery kick of the fresh mustard greens. It was utterly refreshing.
Another standout highlight of Chào Bạn’s summer menu is the Pumpkin Broth with Pork Shank. Pumpkin soup is a classic, comforting staple on the Vietnamese family dinner table, but here it gets a creative makeover by Chef Vincent Cao Minh. The pumpkin is slow-simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender and naturally sweet, paired with premium pork shank that is beautifully prepared—tender and succulent without being heavy or greasy. The broth is light, carrying a deep, comforting sweetness from the bones and the pumpkin, giving diners a deeply satisfying, wholesome conclusion to the savory courses.
Of course, leaving without dessert would be a cardinal sin. The summer menu features a selection of fruit ice creams, with flavors ranging from avocado and blueberry to passion fruit. I opted for the Passion Fruit Ice Cream. Velvety smooth, perfectly tart, and bursting with the natural aroma of passion fruit, it was like a bright, joyful musical note closing out a memorable lunch.
Talking with Chef Vincent Cao Minh, he shared that this menu was heavily inspired by the tropical gardens of Vietnam. Every ingredient used can easily be found in any local backyard. These summer creations intentionally focus on freshness and lightness to make dining a joyful experience, even on the hottest days.
Leaving behind the exhausting, sticky heat of Hanoi, Chef Vincent Cao Minh’s summer menu at Chào Bạn truly feels like the ultimate culinary sanctuary. It doesn’t rely on extravagant ingredients or overly showy techniques. Instead, it’s the chef’s deep understanding of local Vietnamese produce and his refined, creative mindset that bring these genuinely “fresh” dishes to life.
If you are also looking to escape the Hanoi heat, do yourself a favor and stop by Chào Bạn to taste this summer garden. It definitely won’t disappoint.
Chào Bạn Vietnamese Restaurant
Address: Villa 28, Alley 11 To Ngoc Van, Hanoi.
Website: Chaobanhanoi.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaobanofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaobanhanoiofficial
Hotline: +84 (024) 35528028
