As temperatures plunged, some sought warmth by fire pits, while others embraced the winter air with midnight walks and late-night street food outings.

Although service can be a bit standoffish, once you get the owners, cooks or servers talking, the place becomes as friendly as any other neighborhood joint -- whether in Denver or Hanoi.

Both friends wished to remain anonymous. When I asked locals about the Michelin street food recommendations in Hanoi on the record, their words were more measured. "The list is pretty predictable ...

From French colonial architecture to tasty street food and chic boutiques, Vietnam's capital will surprise you. Few Asian cities seduce visitors the way Hanoi does. With its romantic blend of "old ...