FOUR TO TRY IN THE UAE
Hoi An, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai
Hoi An isn’t a new restaurant, nor is it a budget one, yet it remains an enduring favourite with many, which certainly says something. This small high-end spot showcases the food of Vietnam with an extensive menu that includes plenty of authentic dishes executed in refined style, often with a slight French colonial slant.
The Noodle House, various locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
While most are probably familiar with The Noodle House chain of restaurants, you might not know that following a recent revamp, their new pan-Asian menu now includes a number of Vietnamese dishes. For a gentle but tasty introduction to the cuisine, try the generously filled chicken bánh mì. Vietnamese Foodies, Lake Terrace Tower, Cluster D, JLT, Dubai
Lily Hoa Nguyen’s charming little restaurant is well worth a visit. The menu has clearly been put together by someone with a real knowledge of the cuisine, and an awareness of authenticity and healthy eating, too. Prices are reasonable, the food arrives swiftly and the rice paper shrimp rolls and four varieties of pho (made from broth simmered for 14 hours) tick all the right boxes.
Hanoi Naturally, locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras al Khaimah
If you’re in the mood for a bowl of noodle soup that will set you up for the day, this is a good place to go; you’ll find traditional beef and chicken pho, as well as tiger prawn mien, vegetarian broth with tofu mi, and more.