Sometimes you just get a bit "riced-out" and crave comfort food. Head for Pepperonis in the Old Quarter's leafy Ly Quoc Su Street. Welcome to your comfort zone: cosy, bistro surroundings, managed by amiable Australian Micheal (from Melboune) and ever-smiling, western-trained staff. Great value is the pizza range (thick or thin crust); the three sizes start from just VND 20,000 and there's the "pizza special" (draught beer and medium pizza at VND 50,000). And from the salad selection, the tasty, filling tuna pasta salad is a steal at VND 20,000. The Mains range will keeep big appetites satisfied, with Texas ribs or beer battered sea bass, both with fries and salad (VND 55,000). Those salivating over the thought of western food will be more than happy with the burger range, including the steak burger (VND 60,000) or the bacon cheeseburger (VND 45,000), or the good value Pastas selection (spaghettis and lasagna (VND 25,000 - 35,000).

Weekly specials are on the board and there's a brunch/sandwich menu. Things are so good, the local Vietnamese have cottoned-on to the decent nosh on offer, but there's always the ASian corner to fall back on (including Singaporean noodles VND 35,000). One of the best bargains in Hanoi, Pepperonis Pasta and Salad buffet runs Monday to Friday (11.30am - 1.30pm) at the low, low price of VND 20,000. Help yourself to the hot and cold spread, but make sure you get there in good time, not surprisingly this is heavy every lunchtime. And don't miss the jugs of vodka and fruit juice at VND 30,000, to be enjoyed out on the balcony. There's free delivery service and an informal third-floor function room. Look out for Pepperonis II opening shortly in nearby Bao Khanh Street: same great format, but in addition, with a late-night fast food take-out.