“I didn’t expect that level of a local fine dining dinner in a street food city like Hanoi. But it was probably one of the best dinners we’ve had. The place deserves its recognition in culinary world.”, said our food tour client after their gastronomic delight at T.U.N.G Dining – a restaurant Flavors of Hanoi recommended.
Located right on the edge of the Hanoi Old Quarter and the French Quarter, T.U.N.G Dining restaurant is within a 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the famous St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Beside the name of the co-owner working as the head chef, T.U.N.G also represents the restaurant’s philosophy: Twisted, Unique, Natural, and Gastronomy.
It was effortless for us to make a reservation, as we called them about a week ahead. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a warm welcome from the chef working at the open kitchen, and swiftly ushered to our table upstairs. The place’s Nordic style created a simple and calm atmosphere, while its crews’ professionalism brought up a feeling of fine dining standards.
We had our meal at T.U.N.G dining restaurant when the spring menu, a 21-course tasting menu – ‘when the passion blooms’, was being served. It was our first time having that many dishes for dinner, so we were super excited.
We began with oyster on a thin jelly, amaebi with chorizo, then mussel with sauce on a coconut, roasted scallop in a sawtooth sauce, scented yogurt in a molecular bubble coating, monkfish in Massaman sauce …. and finally, soursop with pistachio. All were brilliantly executed like series of minimal dazzling wonders coming to our table.
Each dish was creatively prepared and surprisingly presented, then served with a brief note of the main ingredients. The flavor combinations feature a delicate journey of fine texture, tart, spicy, creamy, crunchy, rich, and sweet. The wonders were bite size and delicious, so we got a comfortable feeling by the time we finished the dinner, not too full, and not wanted anything else.
We spent roughly more than 4 million for our dinner for two, including the beer pairing. Apparently, it was an expensive meal for Hanoi standard, but it was well worth it! Since their fabulous tasting menu changes every three months, we would find an excuse or occasion to come back to try this autumn menu.
Without the entry of T.U.N.G dining and its tasting menu, Hanoi’s culinary scene would be uninspiring. The restaurant is on its way to take Vietnamese cuisine to another level, though the service still has room to improve, we would love to see it gain a couple of Michelin stars.
We, Flavors of Hanoi, would highly recommend T.U.N.G Dining to those looking for a Vietnamese tasting menu restaurant. Best for groups of 2 or 4, parties of 4 or more are required to deposit to secure the reservation. Allergic and some vegetarian requests could be accommodated with a few days notice.
There is a private dining room seats up to 6 guests, and that’s is the largest group size we think would perfectly fit their current 30-seat dining space. Due to the length of the meal and its quiet ambience, children from age 12 are welcome.
Following is the address, phone number, and opening hours (be sure to book your table well beforehand, 3-4 days out is recommended).
- T.U.N.G Dining
- 2C Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- 0859 933 970
- 18h00 – 22h30, Tuesday – Sunday (Dinner only, Monday off)
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