It's hardly what you expect in a Beijing hutong, but Susu offers authentic Vietnamese flavors - from rice noodles with richly flavored broths to coconut sago desserts, together with lots of typical dips with crackers and herb-scented rice rolls, fresh or fried. If you are hankering after true blue Vietnamese, this is the place to go check out. But make sure you give yourself lots of time if you are going the first time. It's hidden in a side alley, off a side alley. Call the restaurant if you get lost. - Pauline D. Loh

10, Qianliang West Alley, near junction of Meishuguan Houjie and Meishuguan Dongjie. 010-8400-2699