Brother´s Cafe, Hanoi

Yes, sitting in a 250 year old Buddhist temple to eat lunch is a bit of a thrill, and yes, it was very atmospheric...but I just didn't think the food was that good...and I'm not fussy! As far as buffet goes, it is definitely over rated. I was so unimpressed that I even forgot to take pictures! Maybe i got them on a bad day? :-)

This is actually a good place that serves a wide array of Vietnamese cuisine (buffet style) in the couryard of an old house. Some of the stations are set up like street vendors (but without any worries). They have the usual pho (rice noodles), fried spring rolls, bahn cuon, fish balls, dumplings, etc, but also a wide array of other things such as roast suckling pig, and barbecued shrimp, snails, sausages, etc. But soft drinks are about $3 each (really high for Hanoi) and service is between harried and rude. You need to decide for yourself if you want to put up with that. Figure about $17 - $20 per person with drinks. They are a bit out of the way, on Nguyen Thai Hoc to the west of the city. It was about a 15-minute walk from the Melia.

Favorite Dish: The grilled shrimp and surpisingly the grilled snails were really good.

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I have to say this is a place for everyone to go when they are in Hanoi to explore gourmet Vietnamese cuisine. Lunch includes dishes such as salted chicken, sweet-and-sour bean sprouts, shrimp, noodles, and spring rolls; a full dessert table of sweet tofu, sweet baby rice, dragon fruit, and other exotic offerings; and fresh lemon or melon juice. There are faux street stalls encircling the garden with Vietnamese favorites like pho (noodle soup) and bun cha (cold rice noodles, spring rolls, and lettuce eaten by dipping into a slightly sweet sauce with meat). Don't expect anyone to explain anything; the staff here does little more than schlep drinks and smilingly point to the buffet, but it's about the food, really, and a meal here is not without nice details like pressed linen napkins and tiny fresh flowers. Sit in the courtyard or in the casual corners of this lushly restored temple. The word is out, though, so especially at lunch, it's not uncommon to see tour buses pulled up in front. Get here early or get ready for an old-time smorgasbord push and shove.

Favorite Dish: All of it... but the pork noodle is pretty good.

We had lunch at this restaurant and things started off very well. We were seated outdoors in the courtyard and while the weather that afternoon was warm, there were standing fans to keep us cool. The food was also good, particularly the mini stalls on the perimeter of the courtyard serving fresh local food. The buffet indoors was also decent, though the selection of desserts was a little disappointing.

Matters however got a little unpleasant once the main lunch crowd arrived, and we had to put up with rather ungracious patrons attacking the buffet and piling their plates like they were afraid the food would disappear. Things also heated up outdoors and there was a lack of fans to cool all the diners. Perhaps it may be better to have dinner here for a better experience.

The name Brother's Cafe did not strike me as a very catchy name to a restaurant. However, when I visited Brother's Cafe for dinner, I was totally surprised at the elegant ambience of dining in the courtyard of a refurbished ancient Vietnamese temple. Dining under the stars in the open courtyard was a very romantic experience indeed. The food served is a buffet of Western and Vietnamese dishes including roast prime rib of beef, BBQ beef and prawns, sauted fish and the ubiquitous pho.

Favorite Dish: The dessert spread was delicious. There were both Western desserts like ice-cream, chocolate mousse, apple pie as well as traditional Vietnamese rice cake desserts. At $11.50 per person, it was great value for money.

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I think Brother's cafe is for tourist because the price is a little bit high for local but cant resist its atmosphere. We reached there at 5.30pm but it open from 6.30pm so we waited and saw how they manage the food and fruit.
Veitnamese standard is not European standard or even Japanese standard too so if you see they use their hand put fresh fruit on the plate---do not try to complain they will ignore you as well.

Favorite Dish: My favorite is rice noodle with fried tofu and something taste like tomato.

Today, Sunday. We took a meter cab from Hang Giay to Nguyen Thai Hoc for Brother's Cafe (24,000VND). I will post in the transportation tip in regards to taking cab.

Brothers Cafe - The facade of the building looks really cool - its grey in colour and has ornaments carved on the pillar and part of the building. However, it wasnt opened during the hour I went (1pm). It said close on Sunday morning on a signboard.

Had the Dinner Buffet. Price is on a high side in Vietnamese standard (USD11.50/pax). Drinks are excluded. Their Milk Coffee is VND15000 (US1.20). Vietnamese standard - the coffee sucks! Lemon Juice is VND20000 (US1.50). No plain water served though. LOVE the Al Fresco ambience - soothing, romantic, relaxed and they have good Music selection!! Food wise - i really adore the "interactive" concept. They have mini stalls of Cha Ca , Pho Bo/Ga, Wantan Mee. The setting is just great! (THUMBS UP). Lastly, the no. of staff serving is more than the customers! good for us! heh

However, if to satisfy the tastebud - I would anytime still prefer street food!

Favorite Dish: They have Asian Flavoured ribs. Vietnamese cuisine. Barbecue/grill seafood. Kebabs. Salad corner. Noodles & Soup corner. Local dessert. Local druits. Chocolate cake. The display is very neat.

Did I ever mention that the Cha Ca ( Fried Fish Noodle ) here is excellent? It's included in the buffet and cooked on the spot for you by a little lady sitting at a designated spot. You have to try it , it's delicious and chok full of fish, dill and peanuts. Yes, it is even better than the one at the famed CHA CA VA LONG since your fish is not being fried to death.

Tip: Ditch your dinner plans at Cha Ca Va Long and try the Cha Ca here. It is to die for.

Cost:USD11 for a dinner buffet.