Buffet Restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a culinary haven that offers a wide array of choices and within this, you will quickly find out that the buffet restaurants stand out as a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. These establishments not only allow diners to indulge in a diverse range of dishes but also provide you with an opportunity to experiment with a wide range of items that you would not normally choose. However, you will soon find that there is a huge range of places with various budgets so this article will help you explore some of the top buffet restaurants in Hanoi, where you can embark on a gastronomic adventure.

Sen Tay Ho

Although there are a few Sen buffet places in Hanoi, this one located on the outskirts of Hanoi’s West Lake is the most popular. 

One of the very impressive aspects is the huge range of photo opportunities within the grounds from mock up house fronts to full sized models of people and decorated trees etc, This area is totally free and enables you to take a lot of photographs ( something incredibly popular in Vietnam ) with your group. 

The dining area itself has a very serene setting, overlooking the tranquil waters of the lake and offering a wide range of foods. Although you can try various traditional dishes such as pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy pancake), and various grilled meats, the Sen group is well known for its expansive selection of seafood. You can find a huge selection of seafood from prawns and snails, though various types of complete crabs. Although oysters are an expensive delicacy in many parts of the world, they are able in various forms at Sen Tay Ho – from raw oysters to cooked as well as creamed oysters!

Red Bean Restaurant

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Red Bean Restaurant is a chic and elegant eatery. As opposed to the Sen which really caters predominantly to the Vietnamese diet, the buffet at Red Bean Restaurant showcases a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisines, combining traditional flavours with modern twists. It offers an enticing mix of dishes, ranging from traditional Vietnamese soups and stir-fried noodles to international favourites like sushi and grilled meats. 

JW Café

A more expensive ( although still very affordable option for a buffet can be found within the elegant JW Marriott Hanoi Hotel.

This truly is a most luxurious buffet restaurant set in a very opulent hotel with impeccable service. The buffet at the JW Marriott hotel offers everything you can possibly think of – with there being a whole range of cooks behind each station to assist you with your choice as well as ready to cook things to your specific taste. From someone making fresh sushi to a seafood chef, there really is something for everyone here. 

The buffet also has an amazing array of dishes for dessert with there also being a do it yourself chocolate foundation where you skewer various sweet items and catch the thick chocolate from the foundation! 

Unlike most of the other buffet options which only offer a lunch or dinner option, the JQ mManrriot buffet also offers a brunch, with there being an option of adding in unlimited drinks – either in non alcoholic or alcoholic form. 

Gia Ngu Restaurant

If it is Vietnamese food that you are wanting to sample then Gia Ngu is the place for you. Nestled in a charming French Colonial villa in Hanoi’s French Quarter, Gia Ngu Restaurant is traditionally decorated with the handing paper lanterns from the Hoi An region. 

The restaurant showcases the best of Vietnamese cuisine, with an emphasis on traditional flavours and presentation. Diners can sample a wide variety of dishes, including delicate spring rolls, flavorful stir-fried noodles, and aromatic broths. The buffet also features a selection of fresh Vietnamese salads and fruits, providing you with a great way to try a huge array of Vietnamese cuisine – and then use the information of what you like to order once again in other restaurants on different days.

KOTO Van Mieu

As in Ho Chi Minh where there are speciality restaurants which also do good work, KOTO Van Mieu is not just a buffet restaurant but also a social enterprise that trains and employs marginalized youths. The buffet focuses on Vietnamese street food- enabling you to sample the things that local Vietnamese eat daily as well as regional specialities. This is unusual as typically restaurants offer local specialities, so this is a great chance to sample the food from around the country.

Buffet restaurants in Hanoi provide a gateway to the diverse and flavoursome world of Vietnamese cuisine. With their extensive selection of dishes, these establishments offer a unique opportunity to explore the country’s culinary landscape. Sen Tay Ho, Red Bean Restaurant, JW Café, Gia Ngu Restaurant, and KOTO Van Mieu are just a few of the many excellent buffet eateries that await you in Hanoi. So, if you find yourself in this vibrant city, be sure to indulge in the abundance of flavours and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave a lasting impression.