Hanoi: The Lifestyle & The Food is a breathtaking look beneath the skin of Vietnam’s sometimes misunderstood - and often underrated - capital city, told through a lens with love and affection. Ngoc Tran’s superb new book eschews the picture-postcard style of many photographers, preferring instead a more intimate look at life, culture and food. Each page of this book is a rich tribute to Hanoians and their city, and a resounding endorsement of the old adage that every picture speaks a thousand words. The photos are supported by perceptive anecdotes drawn from Ngoc’s memories occasionally prompting the reader to laugh out loud. Beautifully styled food photography of popular local dishes juxtaposed with images of the lives of those who create the food - and those who enjoy it - add an authentic and reverent vision of a culture that has captured the hearts of many visitors, including, famously, former US President Barack Obama and CNN food guru, the late Anthony Bourdain. Through Ngoc’s passion for both food and her camera, the reader is presented with a truly unique introduction to the lives of Hanoians, presented in an uncomplicated blend of warmth, sentimentality and respect. By the time you reach the last page, you’ll be itching to pack your bags and book a ticket to Hanoi - and eager to get your eyes on Ngoc’s next book, which will focus on Saigon.

Hanoi can be both incredibly charming and infuriatingly chaotic. While most visitors only experience a sliver of what this ancient capital has to offer outside of its well-traveled, “must-see” sights, Ngoc has a wonderful talent for peeling away the obvious and introducing her readers to what makes Hanoi a wonderful place to not just visit, but to actually live. Even if you’ve been to Hanoi many times before, Ngoc’s latest book will have you falling in love with the city all over again through her beautiful images tinged with nostalgic memories and local insight.

The photobook of Ngoc Tran - Hanoi, the lifestyle & food. What a fantastic discovery for all Vietnam and food lovers from around the world. Having traveled through Vietnam, I fell in love with the friendly people, the layer back vibe, the tranquility in the chaos and especially the richness and freshness of their food. Oh, the food.... What an amazing experience it was. In Ngoc’s photobook I have found familiar places and such good shots of the delicacies served in Hanoi, just seeing these photos, I closed my eyes and could almost smell and remember the taste. Throughout the book I read the interesting stories of people and their daily routines, a glimpse into their culture and traditions, very well written. I can highly recommend taking time and escape into the beautiful pictures and stories.

Opening each page of this book, you are going to explore Hanoi through her smallest alley-ways of specialty while experiencing yourself in a stunning little world that is full of energetic vibes and yet peaceful in its exotic beauty. Ngoc Tran is diving you into rhythm of Hanoi life – how the genuine Hanoians have been living their lives in the modern years while breathing the colors of traditions. Ngoc Tran’s lenses reveal her endearing passion for the city from its most amazing sceneries to the simplest beats of life. The true soul of Hanoi could not have been captured & expressed more beautifully and yet down-to-earth than this!

It is less a book on cuisine and more a love letter to the people, culture, and food of Hanoi. This book is very clearly a labour of love and a superb starting point for all of those who wish to get to know the beautiful, timeless Hanoi beyond skin deep.