The Hanoi Bike Shop

Down a lane off Byres Road, the fist Vietnamese restaurant in town offers taste-crammed food with a creative and individual twist.

The 2017 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Hanoi Bike Shop does a brisk trade turning out aromatic and enticing Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed canteen-style environment. Bicycle wheels hang from the ceiling as a nod to the name, and a jumble of mismatched furniture adds to the informal atmosphere. Sharing is encouraged, with sections of the menu dedicated to small dishes such as crisp pork spring rolls, Vietnamese fish cakes, and chilli and cauliflower fritters. Organic tofu is prepared daily from scratch and served with a variety of sauces, from gentle tomato and ginger to pungent chilli, peanut and mint. Pho is rightly lauded, with several varieties on offer. A giant bowl of classic beef pho is a richly flavoured broth packed with shreds of meat, beansprouts and slippery noodles. It’s served with a side of herbs, lemon and chilli for diners to augment the bowl as they please. The cuisine lends itself to allergen-free cooking, and extensive vegan and gluten-free menus are always available. A bowl of soothing milk sorbet or a strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee is a good end to the meal.

• High point: Homemade organic tofu
• Low point: Small dishes are pricey
• Notable dish: Classic beef pho