KHAN Asian Food & Bar

The city is full of Asian restaurants, but the truly good ones tend to spread by word of mouth. That is exactly how it happened with Sáo back in the day. After its success in the buzzing Gozsdu Courtyard came KHAN, followed by QUÍ and OPIUM. These restaurants – run by the same ownership group – map out a steady rise in Budapest’s Asian dining scene, and KHAN stands out as the one located farthest from the busy downtown. Tucked away in the quieter part of Újlipótváros, it is still easily accessible by public transport. KHAN is a vibrant gastro bar located on the ground floor of a six-story residential building, a place where your eyes get nearly as full as your stomach. The menu is centered around Vietnamese cuisine, with occasional nods to Chinese flavours. The staff are friendly, upbeat, and helpful in navigating the diverse selection. Beyond the food, the drinks menu is also full of surprises: in addition to soft drinks, you will find spiced coolers, refreshing herbal infusions, Vietnamese coffees, sakes, trendy spirits, and a well-curated cocktail list. The wine selection is sleek and focused, with three whites, three reds, three rosés, and three sparkling options. From the seats facing the kitchen, guests can watch the Vietnamese chefs at work, see the final touches added at the plating station, and admire the careful dish presentation. Among the dishes we tried, the Jian Jiao dumpling, filled with pork and shrimp, stood out. It plays beautifully with texture: crispy on the outside, while the inside strikes a balance between light, rich, and meltingly tender. KHAN is a cozy bar and an excellent introduction to the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.