Hanoi Food Guide: Discover the Delicious Culinary Delights of Vietnam's Capital City

10 Must-Try Street Foods in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is famous for its vibrant street food scene. From delicious pho to mouthwatering banh mi, the city offers a wide array of street food options that will satisfy any culinary craving. Here are 10 must-try street foods in Hanoi:

1. Pho

No visit to Hanoi is complete without trying a bowl of pho, Vietnam's most iconic dish. Made with rice noodles, a flavorful broth, and your choice of beef or chicken, pho is a staple breakfast food in Hanoi. Head to Pho Gia Truyen, a popular spot among locals, to savor the authentic taste of this Vietnamese classic.

2. Bun Cha

Bun Cha is another Hanoi specialty that you shouldn't miss. This dish consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a savory dipping sauce. One of the best places to sample Bun Cha is at Bun Cha Huong Lien, which gained international fame after former US President Barack Obama dined here.

3. Banh Mi

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has gained popularity worldwide. The Hanoi version of Banh Mi typically includes various fillings such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and herbs, all stuffed into a crusty baguette. For a mouthwatering Banh Mi experience, head to Banh Mi 25, a street food stall known for its delicious sandwiches.

4. Xoi Xeo

Xoi Xeo is a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice dish that is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It is made by steaming glutinous rice with turmeric powder and topping it with fried shallots, mung bean paste, and shredded chicken or pork. To try this unique dish, visit Xoi Yen, a famous street food vendor in the heart of Hanoi.

5. Nem Ran

Nem Ran, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, are a popular street food snack in Hanoi. These crispy rolls are filled with ground pork, shrimp, vegetables, and various spices. They are then deep-fried until golden brown and served with a tangy dipping sauce. You can find delicious Nem Ran at Quan Goc Da, a well-known street food spot in the Old Quarter.

6. Cha Ca

Cha Ca is a Hanoi specialty that showcases the city's seafood offerings. This dish features marinated chunks of fish, typically catfish, that are grilled tableside with dill, turmeric, and other herbs. Cha Ca is served with rice noodles, peanuts, and a fish sauce-based dressing. To taste this delectable dish, head to Cha Ca La Vong, a renowned restaurant that has been serving Cha Ca for over a century.

7. Bánh Cuốn

Banh Cuon is a popular Vietnamese dish that consists of steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms. This delicate dish is served with fried shallots, fresh herbs, and a side of fish sauce for dipping. To indulge in Banh Cuon, visit Banh Cuon Gia Truyen, a local eatery known for its mouthwatering rice rolls.

8. Bun Bo Nam Bo

Bun Bo Nam Bo is a flavorful noodle dish that originated in Southern Vietnam but can also be found in Hanoi. It is made with vermicelli noodles, stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts, all tossed in a tangy dressing. Try this delicious dish at Bun Bo Nam Bo, a popular restaurant specializing in this Hanoi favorite.

9. Bun Dau Mam Tom

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a unique Hanoi street food that consists of rice vermicelli noodles served with tofu, pork, herbs, and a shrimp paste dipping sauce. Although the pungent shrimp paste may be an acquired taste, it is definitely worth trying for the full Hanoi street food experience. Visit Bun Dau Nam Bo, a well-known restaurant, to savor this one-of-a-kind dish.

10. Banh Goi

Banh Goi, also known as pillow cake, is a popular snack in Hanoi. It is a deep-fried pastry filled with minced pork, mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, and other savory ingredients. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make Banh Goi a must-try street food. Head to Banh Goi Nguyen Cao for a taste of this delicious Hanoi treat.

Top Restaurants to Eat in Hanoi

Hanoi is not only known for its street food, but also for its thriving restaurant scene. From traditional Vietnamese eateries to international fine dining establishments, the city offers a diverse range of dining options. Here are some top restaurants to eat in Hanoi:

Nhà Hàng Ngon

Nhà Hàng Ngon is a popular restaurant in Hanoi that offers a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes. Located in a beautiful colonial building, the restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere where diners can enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine prepared with high-quality ingredients. From pho to spring rolls, Nhà Hàng Ngon has something for everyone.

Giang Cafe

Giang Cafe is a historic coffee shop in Hanoi that is famous for its egg coffee. This unique drink is made by beating egg yolks with condensed milk and Vietnamese coffee, resulting in a rich and creamy concoction. Giang Cafe has been serving its signature egg coffee for over 70 years and is a must-visit spot for coffee lovers.

Green Tangerine

Green Tangerine is a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant located in a charming colonial villa in Hanoi. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a menu that combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with French culinary techniques. From crispy pork belly to lemongrass chicken, the dishes at Green Tangerine are both visually stunning and delicious.

Nola Cafe & Restaurant

Nola Cafe & Restaurant is a trendy eatery in Hanoi that serves up a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisines. With its modern and stylish ambiance, Nola is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The menu features a range of dishes, including burgers, tacos, and Vietnamese classics with a modern twist.

Sen Restaurant

Sen Restaurant is a renowned dining establishment in Hanoi that focuses on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Located in a restored French villa, the restaurant offers an elegant setting where diners can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. From fresh seafood to flavorful soups, Sen Restaurant showcases the best of Vietnamese gastronomy.

Authentic Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Hanoi

Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some must-try dishes to experience the true flavors of Vietnam in Hanoi:

Bun Rieu Cua

Bun Rieu Cua is a popular crab noodle soup that originated in Northern Vietnam. It is made with a flavorful broth infused with crab paste and served with rice vermicelli noodles, crab meat, tofu, and fresh herbs. The unique combination of flavors makes Bun Rieu Cua a beloved dish among locals and visitors alike.

Cha Ca Thang Long

Cha Ca Thang Long is a specialty dish that showcases the flavors of grilled fish in Hanoi. The dish features marinated chunks of fish, typically snakehead fish, that are cooked with turmeric, dill, and other herbs. Cha Ca Thang Long is served with rice noodles, peanuts, and a tangy shrimp paste sauce. This iconic dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a savory Vietnamese pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. The pancake is filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs, before being folded and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. To savor this tasty treat, visit Banh Xeo Zon, a popular street food restaurant in Hanoi.

Pho Cuon

Pho Cuon is a unique twist on the classic pho dish. Instead of being served in a bowl of broth, Pho Cuon features fresh rice noodles rolled with slices of tender beef, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. Pho Cuon Huong Mai is a well-known restaurant in Hanoi that specializes in this delicious and refreshing dish.

Ca Phe Trung

Ca Phe Trung, also known as Vietnamese egg coffee, is a must-try beverage in Hanoi. The coffee is made by whisking an egg yolk with condensed milk and Vietnamese coffee, resulting in a rich and creamy concoction that is served hot or over ice. Visit Cafe Pho Co, a hidden gem in the city, to enjoy this unique Vietnamese coffee experience.

Whether you're exploring the bustling street food scene, dining in top-notch restaurants, or sampling authentic Vietnamese dishes, Hanoi offers a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From the iconic pho to the tantalizing banh mi, Hanoi is a food lover's paradise waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant food scene of Hanoi, Eat Hanoi is your ultimate guide. With a wide range of culinary options, from local street food to high-end restaurants, this platform provides an extensive list of places to visit in hanoi for food lovers. Whether you prefer exploring the bustling hanoi street tour or indulging in a fine dining experience, there is something for everyone on Eat Hanoi.

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, don't miss the opportunity to explore the delicious cuisine of Hanoi. From Ho Chi Minh to Sapa, you can find amazing food at every destination, and Eat Hanoi will be there to help you discover hidden culinary gems. To make your visit even more memorable, consider staying at one of the many incredible hotels in Hanoi, where you can indulge in luxury and comfort after a day of culinary adventures.

Eat Hanoi is your go-to resource for all things related to food in this vibrant city. So, whether you are a food enthusiast or simply looking for a unique culinary experience, let Eat Hanoi be your guide to the best food destinations, street tours, and hotels in Hanoi. Start planning your gastronomic journey with Eat Hanoi today!