Down the end of To Ngoc Van and overlooking Quang Ba Lake, Quan Ngon Thai has got just about everything right.

The view is gorgeous, but with only two tables on the balcony, expect some competition for seats. The ample interior seating, however, at least means you will still get to enjoy some great dishes.

The chef is Vietnamese, but he has spent a good deal of time in Thailand, learning the secret to great Thai cuisine.

Classic basil dish, pad kra pao, is available in a number of varieties starting at VND65,000. The essential pad thai starts at VND55,000, and comes with vegetables, beef, chicken, shrimp or seafood.

There’s no Singha beer, but you can get cocktails from VND70,000.

For hotpot fans, there’s a tom yum-style hotpot with seafood, frog, beef or chicken, ranging in price from VND195,000 for two people, to VND595,000 for six.

Quan Ngon Thai is at 56/52 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Hanoi. Open daily from 7am until 2.30pm, and from 5pm until 11pm.