Travel Guide, Sapa
A Culinary Tour of the Best Restaurants in Sapa
Nov
Welcome to the culinary heart of the Vietnamese highlands, where the mist-kissed landscapes of Sapa serve as the backdrop for an extraordinary gastronomic journey. In this travel guide, we invite you to discover the “Top 10 Best Restaurants in Sapa,” a carefully curated selection that promises to elevate your dining experience amidst the rich cultural tapestry of this charming mountain town. From local eateries dishing out authentic Northern Vietnamese flavors to upscale restaurants offering panoramic views of the breathtaking scenery, Sapa’s culinary scene is as diverse as its topography.
Red Dzao House Restaurant
You have to check out this unique eatery when you visit Sapa. Because of its popularity with fresh and excellent Northwest wild meat dishes like wild pig, wild vegetables, etc., the restaurant is regarded as a delightful restaurant in Sapa. Despite being a dish made with wild meat, it is not particular because it is prepared using traditional methods and is quite simple to consume.
The food at Red Dzao House Restaurant is made with tasty, fresh ingredients from the area. When visiting the restaurant, make sure to sample the local specialties, which include “thang co,” fish salad, sturgeon, stream fish, and more. Restaurants always have wild boars on their must-try list, especially when they are prepared in different ways like stir-frying or grilling. Additionally, Red Dzao House is a great option for vegetarians because of its extensive vegetarian menu.
Contact:
- Address: 4B Thac Bac, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Opening hours: 08h00 – 22h30
- Price: 3 USD – 9 USD
Chic Restaurant
If the ambiance of the restaurant is just as important as the food, this is the place to eat in Sapa. Arguably, the stunning décor alone is enough alone to reserve a table, but happily, the food is equally excellent. The menu features regional specialties with a European flair, like the Sapa forest mushroom soup, which is made from a variety of foraged mushrooms with cream, truffle oil, and crispy almonds, as well as French classics made with local produce, like the free-range confit duck leg with black garlic, croutons, crispy bacon, and a Caesar-style dressing.
In contrast to the Hmong-style air-dried beef and green mango salad, which is plated in a modern manner and features celery, carrot, coriander, crispy shallot, Vietnamese herbs, and sweet chilli sauce, the 65ºC Black Chicken Salad is served with apple, onion, celery, carrot, banana blossom, and shrimp crackers. Make time to have a drink on the terrace of Absinthe, a cocktail bar, either before or after dinner.
Contact:
- Address: 1 Hoang Lien Street, Sapa
- Opening hours: 08.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Quyen Chicken Pho
This is a well-known eatery for tourists as well as a favorite among the locals for their mouthwatering pho. Customers always trust Quyen chicken noodle soup because of its incredibly tasty and appealing pho taste, therefore there’s no need to advertise loudly. The chicken is freed from the mountain, so the meat is really firm, the broth is delicious, and the noodles are soft and chewy. The locals have been eating at this breakfast establishment for a long time.
Contact:
- Address: Tue Tinh Street, Sapa Old Market
- Price: 2 USD/bowl
Sapa Cuisine Restaurant
This restaurant is tucked away, up some stairs in an alleyway, and even though it’s rather empty, most customers are surprised by how wonderful the food is. That can be attributed to the location. It all begins with a grin and a warm welcome, and things only get better from there. The meal is prepared with organic ingredients from nearby farms, making it a healthful option. The menu varies according to the season, but the stir-fried tofu with lemongrass and pumpkin soup are standout items.
Contact:
- Address:
- Sapa Cuisine Restaurant: 70 Fansipan, Sapa Town, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Sapa Kitchen: Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Cau May Sapa Restaurant: 10 Hoang Dieu, Sapa Town, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Phone: 091 952 45 35
- Opening hours: 06.00 a.m. – 09.00 p.m.
- Price: from VND 120,000
Little Sapa
This is another excellent place to sample some regional dishes, with a sizable, mouthwatering menu and prompt, courteous service. At as little as VND40,000 (US$1.76), meals may be enjoyed for one of the lowest prices in Sapa town. The unique Sapa mushroom-tomato soup is a must-try delicacy that will keep you toasty during the cold months. Not to be overlooked is the pho-ga, or chicken noodle soup, which is arguably the best pho dish in the area. Most dishes go well with the spicy garlic sauce that is served on the tables, but be careful!
Contact:
- Address: 05 Dong Loi Road, Sapa
- Opening hours: 10AM- 10PM
Best Restaurants in Sapa – A Quynh
This large, rustic restaurant, which had a brick fireplace and wooden tables and stools, was once known for serving two Hmong specialties: thắng cố, a hearty soup made from the meat, fat, offal, blood, and bones of horses that is simmered for hours with a variety of herbs and spices, such as star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, and a fiery corn wine that is used to wash it down.
The number of products on the menu has grown along with the amount of tourists visiting Sapa throughout time. There are now more options available, particularly hot pot selections (the freshly caught salmon from local farms is highly sought after) and stir-fried meals such pork with chilli and lemongrass, as well as the highly favored smoked buffalo meat with a range of spices. A generous portion of crisp green salad is served with hot pots, making a delightful counterpoint to the hearty fare. Although the restaurant is open all day, from dawn to night, its robust cuisine is most appropriate for an evening meal in the winter.
Contact:
- Location: 15 Thach Son, Sapa, Lao Cai.
- Opening hours: 07h00 – 22h30
- Price: 4 USD – 13 USD
Dong Nhi Restaurant
If salmon is your thing, this is truly heaven on earth. When visiting, this is another one of the must-try dishes from Sapa. Because it offers a wide variety of delectable salmon-related meals, this restaurant routinely ranks among Sapa’s top 10 wonderful places to eat.
For instance, the restaurant serves wonderful and exceptionally fresh salmon that is harvested in Thac Bac. The restaurant has a very interesting layout, and the surrounding natural setting is stunning due to its proximity to Silver Waterfall. When visiting Silver Waterfall, make sure to also see Sapa Dong Nhi Salmon!
Contact:
- Address: Silver Waterfall, Sapa
- Opening hours: 07h00 – 23h00
- Price: 4 USD – 20 USD
Hill Station Signature Restaurant
The ideal location to savor delectable and genuine ethnic Hmong cuisine is the Hill Station Signature Restaurant. Situated beneath Mt. Fansipan, Vietnam’s tallest peak, the restaurant offers breathtaking vistas while guests savor the distinct tastes of the north. Sample the Hmong-style black pudding, ash-baked trout wrapped in banana leaves, and flash-cooked pork with lime. It’ll be the ideal evening if you have some glasses of homemade rice wine to go with it. P.S. These folks have two more eateries in Hanoi and Hoi An, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling from Northern Vietnam to the South.
Contact:
- Address: 37 Fansipang Street, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Le Gecko
This French-owned restaurant offers some local specialties, such as fish served with wild Sapa mushrooms, along with a solid Western cuisine of pizzas, burgers, pastas, steaks, and omelets. Le Gecko’s terrace is a nice spot to relax with a cup of coffee and take in the scenery. Sample the “nama chocolate,” a customer favorite that costs just VND10,000 (US$0.44) per piece. There is another hotel, Le Gecko, with 12 rooms that cost between $18 and $40 per night.
Contact:
- Address: 03 Suoi Ho, Sapa Town, Sapa, Lao Cai Province
- Contact: +84 214 350 2828
- Opening hours: 06.30 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
- Price: from VND 60,000
Ong Ha Restaurant
Renowned for its cuisine, Ong Ha restaurant is regarded by many patrons as the best place to eat when visiting Sapa. The restaurant leaves a lasting impression on diners with its amazing Con Sui meal.
Recall that the aromatic and hot cup rises with every smokey smoke; it’s quite appealing. There’s also a very tasty white noodle soup, which combines chewy and soft noodles with a bowl of savory, sweet bone broth. In addition, a lot of other foods, like dumplings and wonton noodles, are very appetizing. There is nothing like it if you get the chance to visit the best restaurants in Sapa during the winter and try these delicacies!
Contact:
- Address: 591 Dien Bien Phu, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Tel: 0868 684 016
- Opening hours: 06h30 – 22h00
- Price: 1 USD – 2 USD
As our journey through the best restaurants in Sapa comes to a close, we hope this guide has ignited your taste buds and inspired a deeper appreciation for the unique fusion of flavors that defines this enchanting destination. Whether you’ve indulged in traditional delicacies or savored innovative creations, each restaurant on this list contributes to the vibrant culinary narrative of Sapa. As you bid farewell to the misty peaks and colorful markets, carry with you the memories of delectable meals shared in the heart of this mountainous haven. Until your next visit, may the echoes of Sapa’s culinary excellence linger, a reminder of the unforgettable moments woven into each bite.
FAQs
Are English menus available at Sapa’s top restaurants?
Yes, many of Sapa’s top restaurants cater to an international audience by providing English menus. Given the town’s popularity among tourists, restaurateurs recognize the importance of offering clear and accessible menus to enhance the dining experience. English-speaking visitors can typically navigate the diverse culinary offerings, making informed choices about the delectable local and international dishes that Sapa’s top restaurants have to offer. This thoughtful accommodation ensures that guests can fully appreciate and savor the rich flavors of Sapa’s gastronomic scene.
Can I experience traditional Vietnamese dining at the best restaurants in Sapa?
Absolutely, the best restaurants in Sapa often provide an authentic and immersive experience of traditional Vietnamese dining. These establishments go beyond just serving local dishes; they create an atmosphere that reflects the cultural richness of the region. From the warm and welcoming decor to the incorporation of traditional cooking techniques, visitors can expect to enjoy not only the flavors but also the essence of Vietnamese culinary heritage. It’s not just about the food; it’s a holistic encounter that allows guests to delve into the traditions, customs, and hospitality that define the unique charm of Sapa.
Are there family-friendly options among Sapa’s best restaurants?
Certainly, Sapa’s best restaurants often include family-friendly options to cater to a diverse range of visitors. Families traveling with children can expect to find establishments with welcoming atmospheres, accommodating staff, and menus that offer a mix of familiar and local dishes suitable for all ages. Many of these restaurants prioritize a relaxed setting, ensuring that families can enjoy a delightful dining experience together. With a focus on varied menu choices, pleasant ambiance, and often spacious seating arrangements, Sapa’s best restaurants aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for families seeking to share a meal in this picturesque mountain town.
Do Sapa’s top restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan tasting menus?
Several best restaurants in Sapa recognize the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options, and as a result, they often offer specialized tasting menus tailored to these dietary preferences. These menus showcase the culinary creativity of the chefs, presenting a delightful array of plant-based dishes that capture the essence of Vietnamese flavors.
Are there any rooftop or scenic-view restaurants among the best in Sapa?
Indeed, some best restaurants in Sapa boast breathtaking rooftop settings or scenic-view locations, enhancing the dining experience with stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. These elevated vantage points allow visitors to enjoy not only delectable cuisine but also the picturesque beauty of Sapa’s misty mountains and lush valleys. Whether nestled in the heart of the town or perched on the hillsides, these restaurants offer a unique blend of culinary excellence and awe-inspiring vistas, making them sought-after destinations for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience with a touch of natural grandeur.
