Top 10 delicious street food dishes you should not miss in Hanoi

Created by Nhung Pham at 2024-03-07 17:09:42 , Updated by Tu Nam Nguyen at 2024-12-12 14:24:13
Welcome to the bustling streets of Hanoi, where the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese culture comes alive through the sizzling aromas and flavors of its renowned street food scene.

Hanoi, the country's capital, is a culinary haven where traditional recipes and innovative twists converge to create a symphony for the taste buds. From the iconic Pho to the savory delights of Bun Cha and the irresistible Banh Mi, Hanoi's streets beckon food enthusiasts on a gastronomic journey like no other. Join us as we explore the top delicious street foods that define the essence of Hanoi's culinary landscape, where every bite tells a story of tradition, creativity, and the rich cultural heritage that flavors this captivating city. Venture into the narrow alleys, follow the enticing aromas, and immerse yourself in the culinary treasures that make Hanoi a street food paradise.

1. Pho (rice noodle soup with beef or chicken)

Rice noodle soup with beef

Rice noodle soup with beef 

Step into the vibrant streets of Hanoi, and let the rich, aromatic wafts of Pho beckon you to a culinary adventure like no other. Pho, pronounced "fuh," stands as a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, transcending mere sustenance to become a cultural icon celebrated worldwide.

At its core, Pho is an exquisite noodle soup, boasting a steaming bowl of flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a medley of carefully chosen toppings. Two primary variants grace the Vietnamese culinary stage: Pho Bo (beef) and Pho Ga (chicken). The magic unfolds as thin slices of succulent meat intermingle with the silky strands of rice noodles, all bathed in a broth brewed to perfection.

Best restaurants for beef noodle soup in Hanoi

Pho Thin 

  • Address: 13 Lo Duc street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi city
  • Price: 40,000 – 60,000vnd/person. The waiter will collect your payment right after you order
  • Opening hours: 6h00 a.m to 8.30pm

Pho Suong

  • Branch 1: 24B Trung Yen Alley, Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District
  • Price: 40,000 – 50,000vnd/bowl. The price is average for a bowl of best pho in Hanoi
  • Opening hours: 5.30a.m to 11h00 a.m, 4.30 to 21.30. The restaurant opens and closes a little earlier than others.

2. Bun Cha ( BBQ Pork with rice noodle) & Vietnamese spring rolls.

Bun Cha

Bun Cha combined with fresh raw vegetables

Bun Cha, a savory celebration of grilled goodness, features succulent pork patties and tender slices of grilled pork belly served over a bed of vermicelli noodles. The dish is accompanied by a dipping sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Fresh herbs, crispy greens, and pickled vegetables add layers of texture and freshness to this delightful ensemble.

Picture a communal table adorned with a plate of vibrant greens, a bowl of vermicelli noodles, and a sizzling grill loaded with aromatic pork. The ritual involves assembling your own delectable bites – dipping the grilled meat into the flavorful sauce, wrapping it in rice noodles, and adding a burst of freshness with the accompanying herbs.

Bun Cha Dac Kim 

  • Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Hours: Everyday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
  • Prices: 80,000vnd - 120,000vnd

Bun Cha Huong Lien ( Bun Cha Obama)

  • Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street in Hai Ba Trung District
  • Hours: Everyday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
  • Prices: About 45,000 VND to 80,000 VND

3. Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls)

Bánh Cuốn is served with an array of accompaniments that elevate the dining experience.

Banh Cuon is served with an array of accompaniments that elevate the dining experience.

Banh Cuon, often referred to as steamed rice rolls or rolled cakes, is a dish that involves thin sheets of steamed rice batter filled with a delectable mixture. The filling typically consists of seasoned ground pork, minced wood ear mushrooms, and aromatic shallots. The delicate rice sheets are meticulously crafted, resulting in a texture that is simultaneously silky and resilient.

Those following food stalls are the best choice for Banh Cuon in Hanoi

Banh Cuon Thanh Van.

  • Address : 12-14 Hang Ga street, Hanoi old quarter
  • Hours : 8h00 a.m to 10h00 p.m
  • Price : 45,000vnd - 60,000vnd

Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh

  • Address : 66 To Hien Thanh street, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi
  • Hours :  daily 6h00 a.m to 10h00 p.m
  • Price : 30,000vnd - 60,000vnd

4. Lau (hot pot)

The hot pot promises to treat diners to a delightful feast for the taste buds

The hot pot promises to treat diners to a delightful feast for the taste buds

Lau (hot pot), also known as steamboat in Indonesia, Singapore or Malaysia, consists of a simmering metal pot of stock at the center of the dining table. While the hot pot is kept simmering, ingredients are placed into the pot and are cooked at the table. Hot pot meals are usually eaten in the winter, during supper time. In Vietnam, we have created so many kinds of hot pot using local ingredients ( chicken, seafood, beef, fish or all mixed together).Each one has its own flavour and can not be confused with the others.

You can have good Lau at those restaurants:

Quan Lau Thang Beo

  • Address : 34B Pham Hong Thai street, Hanoi city
  • Hours : 8h00 a.m to 10h00 p.m
  • Price : from 100,000vnd -200,000vnd/person

Phung Hung Pho Restaurant

  • Address: 10 Phung Hung street, Hanoi city
  • Hours : 8h00 a.m to 10.00 p.m
  • Prices : 100,000vnd -150,000vnd/ person

5. Bun Bo Nam Bo (beef noodles in the south)

Bun Bo Nam Bo

Bun Bo Nam Bo 

Bun Bo Nam Bo is a delectable noodle dish that artfully combines vermicelli noodles with marinated and stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, and a medley of crisp vegetables. The dish is a perfect marriage of textures and flavors, with the tender beef imparting a savory richness complemented by the freshness of herbs and the crunch of peanuts.

Components of Bun Bo Nam Bo:
- Vermicelli Noodles: The foundation of the dish, providing a light and satisfying base for the other ingredients.
- Stir-Fried Beef: Marinated and cooked to perfection, the beef adds savory and tender notes to every bite.
- Fresh Herbs: A fragrant assortment of mint, cilantro, and basil, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Vegetables: Crisp bean sprouts, shredded lettuce, and pickled carrots contribute to the dish's vibrant texture.
- Peanuts: Crushed peanuts provide a delightful crunch, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Recommended restaurants for this special dish

Bun Bo Nam Bo Bach Phuong.

  • Address : 67 Hang Dieu street, Hanoi old quarter
  • Hours : 7h30 a.m - 10h30 p.m
  • Price : 35,000vnd- 60,000vnd/bowl

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6. Shrimp Cake 

Banh Tom (fried shrimp cake), an authentic dish from Hanoi, has been recommended by CNN Travel as a must-try dish for foreigners visiting Hanoi city.

Shrimp Cake is often served with a dipping sauce that enhances its tasteShrimp Cake is often served with a dipping sauce that enhances its taste. 

The best place to try banh tom is in the West Lake Shrimp Cake restaurant, which is considered the place where the dish originated. Banh tom was first made in Hanoi in the 1930s when street vendors along Thanh Nien (Youth) road introduced the simple but delicious cake made from the shrimp caught in West Lake. The dish has since grown in popularity and become a specialty in Hanoi capital.The crispy flour coating intermingled with the sweet taste of fresh shrimp creates a distinctive flavor for banh tom. The dish looks truly mouthwatering with the yellow deep-fried flour mixed with the red shrimp. Banh tom is served hot with fresh herbs, pickled carrots and green papaya, and a sweet, sour and spicy sauce

  • Address : 1 Thanh Nien street, Hanoi city
  • Hours : 8h00 a.m to 10h00 p.m
  • Price : 80,000vnd -120,000vnd/person

7. Cha Ca (Grilled Fish)

Cha Ca La Vong Ha Noi

Grilled Fish La Vong Ha Noi 

Cha Ca, or Grilled Fish, is a dish that revolves around succulent pieces of white fish, typically catfish or snakehead fish, marinated in a delicate blend of turmeric, galangal, shrimp paste, and other spices. The marinated fish is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both tender and infused with a symphony of flavors.

Cha Ca La Vong

  • Address: 14 Cha Ca street, Hanoi old quarter
  • Hours : 9h00 -22h00 p.m
  • Price: 175,000vnd

Cha Ca Thang Long

  • Address: 19, 21, and 23 Duong Thanh street, Hanoi old quarter
  • Hours : 9h00 -22h00 p.m
  • Price: 150,000vnd

8. Xoi Yen ( Yen Sticky Rice)

Xoi Yen

Xoi Yen Ha Noi 

Xoi Yen is one of the Hanoians’ favorite sticky rice restaurants in Hanoi. Xôi is basically a sweet or savoury glutinous rice dish that comes with various toppings of your choice ( chicken & eggs, lean pork paste or roasted cinnamon pork ham...) Xoi Yen is known for making great bowls of xoi xeo, which is sticky rice with mung beans and fried shallots. It is eaten as a main dish and is a popular breakfast item in Hanoi.

  • Address: 35 Nguyen Huu Huan street, Hanoi old quarter
  • Hours : 6h00 a.m - 11h00 p.m
  • Price : 28,000vnd - 50,000vnd

9. Banh My (Baguette)

Baguette Vietnam

Baguette Ha Noi 

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that typically features a crisp and airy French baguette as its foundation. What sets Banh Mi apart is its diverse and flavorful filling. Traditionally, the sandwich includes ingredients such as savory grilled or cold meats (pork, chicken, beef), pate, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables (carrots and daikon radish), fresh cilantro, and chili peppers. The result is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, marrying the crusty exterior of the baguette with the savory, sweet, and tangy elements within.

Banh My 25 

  • Address : 25 Hang Ca street, Hanoi old quarter.
  • Hours : 7h00 a.m - 7h00 p.m
  • Price: 25,000 vnd - 30,000vnd

10. Cafe Trung ( Egg Coffee)

Cafe Trung Vietnamese

Cafe Trung Vietnamese 

Cafe Trung is a Vietnamese coffee variation that features a luscious egg-based foam atop a strong and robust cup of coffee. The preparation involves whipping egg yolks with condensed milk and sugar, creating a creamy, almost custard-like froth. This velvety mixture is then generously spooned over a cup of Vietnamese drip coffee, resulting in a beverage that seamlessly marries the bitter notes of coffee with the sweet, velvety richness of the egg-based topping.

  • Address : 39 Nguyen Huu Huan street, Hanoi old quarter
  • Hours : 7h00 a.m - 10h00 p.m
  • Price : 20,000vnd/ cup

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