If you want a peaceful and quiet place to enjoy a nice lunch in Hanoi, Azabu is the place for you.

While scrolling through the Michelin-recommended spots, I discovered this tranquil spot and decided to try it out. Located on the second floor of the Hôtel du Parc in the Hai Ba Trung District, this restaurant was quite a far Grab ride from where I was staying in the Old Quarter, but I decided that I wanted to venture out from the area to see more of Hanoi.

As I step into the lobby, I’m greeted by an airy, high-ceiling lobby with a double-height floor-to-ceiling glass wall looking out towards a lush garden. The spacious lobby and scenic view offered instant reprieve from the muggy, sticky heat of the rainy season, and I made my way to the second floor where the restaurant is located.

At the entrance, a Bonsai tree is illuminated by the glow of a spotlight and natural light filtering in from a small window that shows the continuity of the garden into the restaurant reception area. I was greeted by a welcoming staff member who showed me to a quiet spot by the window, where I could enjoy a view of the manicured Japanese garden surrounding the dining space.

For lunch, I decide on a black cod bento box with appetizers Tamagoyaki (rolled Japanese omelette), Hiyayakko (chilled tofu), miso soup, pickled vegetables, and minced pork with eggplant. I also didn’t want to miss out on the delicious sushi I saw from other visitors’ photos while researching online, so I ordered two nigiri sushi. The sushi arrived promptly, but I have to say that because my taste buds for sushi have been spoiled both by the fresh catches on the West Coast of Canada and a year spent living in Japan, the nigiri sushi was tasty but not a highlight of the meal. The bento box, on the other hand, did satisfy my cravings for a light, nourishing meal.

I always enjoy a traditional-style Japanese bento box because everything on the platter is healthy. The chilled tofu is perfect for cooling the body on a hot summer day, and hot would be an understatement for the day’s weather, as it was 40 degrees Celsius and at 90 percent humidity. The small serving of pickled vegetables is perfect to kickstart one’s appetite. While I can’t tell you the science behind it, it is a miracle for skin because when I lived in Japan, all my sun spots disappeared after I spent six months enjoying pickled vegetables daily.

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot for lunch, the spacious dining room and traditional bento meals are a great choice. If you’re looking for a more engaged setting to enjoy your meal, you can request a seat at the counter to observe the chefs at work preparing your meal. It was a relaxing dining experience away from the bustling Old Quarter filled with cars, people, and scooters, which was exactly what I needed that day.

VISIT

Azabu

+84 24 3822 3535

84 P. Trần Nhân Tông, Nguyễn Du, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Photography by Florence Leung