WHERE TO EAT The best Tomato and Crab Noodle Soup (Bún riêu) in the world (according to food experts)

"Freshwater paddy crab and shrimp paste that’s served in tomato broth. A breakfast staple amongst locals."

"Get to this incredibly popular spot early, as its sole dish of bun rieu cua (noodle soup with beef in a spicy crab broth) is only served for a couple of hours from 7am. A Hanoi classic."

"The broth, even before I spruced it up with all the condiments, was wonderful. It was light yet with well rounded flavor, not too oily, but tart and sour, a tiny bit sweet, and spicy from the addition of fresh chilies."

"Try Bún riêu Gánh beside Ben Thanh Market. I had high hopes from reading the reviews and I wasn’t disappointed! I loved that the restaurant only serves one dish – so much better than those places with menus so long that none of it can be fresh!"

"Add to that the requisite plateful of lime wedges, chili and greens -- like banana blossoms and mint -- and you have a perfect meal."

"This no-fuss restaurant’s name refers to the ‘fat’ (beo) owner Hai who serves delicious hot bowls of bun rieu (crab noodle soup). Choose your protein – meat, blood jelly or tofu ­– to go with the herbs, rice noodles and dissolving cakes of crushed crab (shell and all) in tomato broth."

"Served with fried tofu and thinly sliced beef fillets. The favourite place to have bún riêu for local students is in Hoè Nhai street. Although portions may be smaller, the prices here are unbeatable."