I’ll be thinking about this meal for a long time.

It was my third day in Hanoi, Vietnam, exploring the city as a solo traveller. I would start early in the day to absorb as much of the city’s culture and sights as I could and find myself a quiet and relaxing dining spot as the perfect end note to my day. This evening, my Grab driver dropped me off outside a three-storey building with a slatted geometric facade. Labri’s neon sign on the second floor beckoned for me to enter.

The restaurant is rectangular, with the reception area up front, the dining room, and the open kitchen at the back. Four large chandeliers anchor the space, and instead of framing the artwork, a soft glow surrounds each piece. Spotlights also highlight the kitchen counter where the dishes are being prepared, and you can observe as chefs mill about in the kitchen. I had made an early appointment that evening, so I had the entire space to myself before all the couples started arriving to celebrate their anniversaries. I’m certain that during my meals there were at least three couples celebrating a special occasion.

Since I was there to treat myself on this long-awaited break from work, I opted for the seven-course Daily Course Menu with Wagyu, which includes a trio of small starter bites. The menu rotates based on seasonal ingredients, but for me, the starters included a fresh oyster, amaebi cracker, and a decadent foie gras tart. Impressed by the flavours and freshness of the dishes, I knew the evening was off to a great start.

The server brought warm bread and a duo of butter for dipping, one of which had a spicy kick that made my mouth water. I may have finished two slices of bread before the server set down the next plate, but it was really that good.

The seafood yuzu truffle carpaccio was another dish that made my eyes and palate light up with the first taste. The aromas and the balance between the luxurious truffle and sweet yet tangy yuzu was a culinary medley I won’t soon forget. In other words, I loved it. The carpaccio was also very fresh, which added to the dish's appeal.

Next up was my favourite—the Abalone cold pasta. First, I would eat pasta every day if I could, and second, who knew cold pasta could taste this good? You get a generous serving with a full abalone, not just a few diced cubes. I paired each bite of pasta with a slice of abalone, and for a moment, I was in culinary heaven.

While I had high expectations of the Wagyu tri-tip, I discovered that the appetizer and start plates were more to my taste. From my restaurant visits in Vietnam, my tip would be to opt for seafood dishes, as the beef tends to be chewier compared to what I am used to in North America, where the meat is more tender.

Although the dishes separately weren’t filling and didn’t appear large, I was quite full when I reached the dessert course. Polishing off the single scoop of ice cream, I was ready to head back to my hotel to prepare for the next day’s adventures.

For those looking for a cozy yet upscale ambiance to celebrate a special occasion or just want to treat themselves to a stellar meal (like me), Labri Bistro offers a thoughtful curation of flavours. Here, you can experience French dining infused with Asian flavours and executed with the finest Vietnamese ingredients.

VISIT

Labri Bistro

113 P. Bùi Thị Xuân, Bùi Thị Xuân, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

+84 931 353 113

Photography by Florence Leung