What to eat in Hanoi: Top 10 dishes you do not miss
- ISEN TRAVEL
- Jul 30
- 9 min read
Hanoi is the bustling capital of Vietnam, is not just famous for its timeless architecture, serene lakes, and rich history but also for its exceptional culinary scene. From the steamy bowls of noodle soups to the aromatic, grilled delicacies, this city is a paradise for food lovers. The essence of Hanoi’s cuisine lies in its simplicity, using fresh ingredients and minimal cooking methods.
Yet, these simple techniques yield extraordinarily flavorful dishes that leave a lasting impression. Picture yourself strolling down a narrow street, the aroma of grilled pork wafting through the air, the sizzle of sizzling tofu greeting your ears, the sight of vendors artfully preparing dishes right before your eyes. Hanoi’s food landscape offers a unique gastronomic journey that not only satisfies the palate but also gives an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese culture and tradition.
Here are 10 must-try dishes that truly define Hanoi’s culinary identity:
1.Pho (Noodle soup)
Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish that you’ll likely enjoy more than once during your stay in Hanoi. Among the most popular versions are Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup). While both are delicious, Phở Bò remains the classic choice, deeply rooted in the culinary identity of the capital.
What makes Pho so special is its broth – a fragrant, slow-cooked blend of beef bones, onions, ginger, and warm spices like cinnamon and star anise. This rich broth is poured over soft rice noodles, thin slices of beef, scallions, and herbs. You’ll be served a side of fresh herbs and condiments like basil, mint, lime, and chili, allowing you to flavor the bowl to your liking. First travelers might prefer brisket (chín) or rare beef (tái), while adventurous eaters can try fatty brisket (gầu), tendon (gân), or tripe (sách).
Simple, hearty, and deeply comforting, Pho is a must-try dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
Recommend some places to enjoy in Hanoi:
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan - Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Pho Thin - Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su - Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Pho bo Khoi Hoi - Address: 50C Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
2.Bun Cha (Grilled pork with rice vermicelli)
Bun cha is another iconic dish that embodies Hanoi’s culinary tradition. Traditionally enjoyed as a lunch option, bun cha comprises grilled pork (often pork patties and slices of pork belly), served on a bed of rice vermicelli noodles.
Bun cha is a beloved Hanoian dish featuring grilled pork that’s marinated and flame-grilled for a smoky, savory flavor. It’s served with a bed of rice vermicelli noodles, a basket of fresh herbs and pickled vegetables, and a bowl of light, sweet-sour fish sauce for dipping. Often accompanied by crispy fried spring rolls (nem), this dish strikes the perfect balance between rich, fresh, and tangy – a must-try for any food lover in Hanoi.
Bun cha gained international fame when former U.S. President Barack Obama enjoyed it during his visit to Hanoi, highlighting its universal appeal.
Best places to try:
Bun cha Huong Lien - Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi. This place is famously known as “Bun Cha Obama” after his visit.
Bun cha Hang Manh Dac Kim: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bun cha Tuyet 34: 34 Hang Than, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
Bun cha 74 Hang Quat: 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bun cha Ta – Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
3.Cha ca La Vong (Grilled fish with dill and turmeric)
Cha ca La Vong is one of Hanoi’s most iconic dishes, known for its bold flavors and interactive dining style. The star ingredient is catfish, marinated in a fragrant blend of turmeric, shrimp paste, and spices, then grilled to golden perfection. What sets this dish apart is the generous use of fresh dill and spring onions, which are stir-fried together with the fish at the table, creating an aromatic, sizzling experience. It’s traditionally served with rice vermicelli, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce, offering a delightful harmony of textures and flavors unique to Hanoi’s cuisine.
Recommended some places to enjoy in Hanoi:
Cha ca La Vong - Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Cha ca Thang Long - Address: 31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Cha ca Anh Vu - Address: 120 Giang Vo, Dong Da, Hanoi.
4.Banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls)
Banh cuon, or steamed rice rolls, is a beloved traditional dish and a staple of Hanoi’s vibrant street food culture. Made from a thin, delicate sheet of fermented rice batter, bánh cuốn is steamed until just set, then filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. Each roll is soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with flavor. Served hot and fresh off the steamer, it’s typically topped with crispy fried shallots and accompanied by chả quế (Vietnamese cinnamon pork sausage) and a bowl of sauce — a light dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, lime, and chili.
Banh cuon is especially popular as a quick and satisfying breakfast among Hanoians, thanks to its affordable price, light texture, and speedy preparation. It’s best enjoyed right after it's cooked, when the rolls are still warm and silky.
If you're visiting Hanoi and want to try this dish at its finest, here are four must-visit spots highly recommended by local food lovers:
Banh cuon Ba Hoanh - Address: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Banh cuon Phuong - Address: 16 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Banh cuon gia truyen Thanh Van: 14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Banh cuon Thuy Khue: 29 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
5.Bun Thang (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup and layered ingredients)
Bun thang, a delicate noodle soup featuring shredded chicken, pork, and egg, is a refined Hanoi specialty that can be enjoyed at any time of day. What sets it apart is its clear yet deeply flavorful broth, meticulously prepared with around 20 ingredients—such as dried shrimp, squid, shrimp paste, ginger, mushrooms, spring onion, coriander, beet, fish sauce, rock sugar, and a splash of vinegar—resulting in a subtle and aromatic harmony.
Visually, Bun thang is just as impressive as its taste. The toppings—vermicelli noodles, tender chicken, thin pork slices, slivers of omelet, and a small dollop of shrimp paste—are artfully arranged to resemble the petals of a flower, making it not only a treat for the palate but also for the eyes. This dish is most commonly found in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where it continues to captivate both locals and visitors with its elegance and complexity.
Best places to try:
Bun Thang Hang Hom: 11 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bun Thang Cau Go: 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bun Thang Ha Hoi: 11 Ha Hoi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
6.Bun rieu cua (Crab noodle soup with Hanoi freshwater crab flavor)
Bun rieu cua, or crab noodle soup, is a beloved Vietnamese comfort food known for its rich flavors and vibrant presentation. This hearty dish features a savory broth made from pounded freshwater crab, simmered with tomatoes to create a slightly tangy and deeply aromatic base. The soup is then poured over soft round rice noodles and topped with tender crab meat, golden crispy tofu cubes, and often cubes of congealed pig’s blood for added texture and depth.
A key element that elevates the flavor of bún riêu is the shrimp paste, typically served on the side so diners can adjust the intensity to their taste. A handful of fresh herbs—like Vietnamese perilla, coriander, and shredded lettuce - along with a squeeze of lime and a dash of chili, add the final fresh and spicy notes to this dish. Often enjoyed as a flavorful breakfast or light lunch, bún riêu cua is a beautiful balance of savory, sour, sweet, and umami - offering a true taste of northern Vietnam in every spoonful.
Recommended some places to enjoy in Hanoi:
Bun rieu Hang Bo - Address: 44 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bun rieu pho Quang Trung- Address: 2F Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bun rieu cua Tuan Anh - Address: 35 - 37 Hong Mai, Hanoi.
Bun rieu pho Nguyen Sieu - Address: 32 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
7.Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
Banh mi is arguably Vietnam’s most iconic street food, representing a perfect harmony between French culinary tradition and Vietnamese creativity. At its core is the light, crisp, golden baguette - introduced during the French colonial era but adapted over time to suit the Vietnamese climate and palate. What makes bánh mì truly special is its filling: a delightful medley of savory proteins such as grilled pork, shredded chicken, beef, or rich, buttery pâté, paired with fresh, crunchy vegetables like cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon, and sprigs of cilantro. These elements are then elevated by flavorful condiments - creamy mayonnaise, spicy chili sauce, and a splash of soy or Maggi seasoning—bringing together a balance of textures and flavors that is both bold and refreshing. Whether you’re grabbing it for breakfast on the go or enjoying it as a midday snack, bánh mì delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite, making it a must-try when visiting Hanoi.
Recommended places to eat in Hanoi:
Banh mi 25 - Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Banh mi Phuong - Address: 11 Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Banh mi Pho – Address: 57C Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Banh mi Lan Ong – Address: 20 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
8.Xoi Xeo (Vietnamese Sticky Rice with mung bean paste)
Xoi Xeo is a beloved Hanoi street food that showcases the humble yet flavorful charm of Vietnamese sticky rice. This vibrant dish features glutinous rice steamed to perfection, topped with smooth mung bean paste and a generous sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for extra aroma and crunch. Traditionally enjoyed with just a dash of soy sauce, xôi xéo can also be customized with a variety of savory toppings like pate, boiled chicken, Vietnamese sausage (giò lụa), marinated pork belly, or boiled eggs - making it both a filling breakfast and a satisfying snack. In some places, you’ll even find a sweet version served as dessert, finished with shredded coconut, roasted sesame seeds, and a touch of sugar. Whether savory or sweet, Xoi Xeo is a comforting and deeply rooted part of Hanoi’s culinary culture.
Best places to try:
Quan Xoi Thai – Address: 37 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Xoi Cat Lam – Address: 24B Duong Thanh, Hanoi
Xoi Yen – Address: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
9.Cafe Trung (Egg Coffee)
Egg coffee (Ca Phe Trung) is one of Hanoi’s most iconic beverages, born from both necessity and creativity. It was first created in 1946 by Mr. Nguyễn Văn Giảng, a former bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, during a time when milk was scarce due to the French War. In response, he ingeniously substituted whipped egg yolks for milk, crafting a unique and indulgent alternative.
While the original version had a stronger egg flavor, the recipe has since evolved. Today’s cup of egg coffee is a smooth blend of robust Vietnamese coffee topped with a rich, creamy foam made from whisked egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and- rumor has it - even a bit of Laughing Cow cheese. The exact recipe remains a well-kept secret. Served hot or cold, this velvety, dessert-like drink has become a beloved part of Hanoi’s coffee culture and is an unmissable experience for any visitor to the capital.
Cafe Giang - Address: Located at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hanoi.
NeoCafe - Address:
Facility 1: No. 33 Le Dai Hanh Street - Hanoi City
Facility 2: No. 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street - Hanoi City
Facility 3: No. 14 Duy Tan - Hanoi City
Facility 4: No. 93 Dao Tan - Hanoi City
Facility 5: No. 46 Pham Huy Thong - Hanoi City
Facility 6: No. 47 Nguyen Du - Hanoi City
10.Kem Trang Tien (Trang Tien Ice Cream)
No trip to Hanoi is complete without a taste of the legendary Trang Tien Ice Cream, especially if you’re wandering through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Located at 35 Tràng Tiền Street, this iconic dessert shop has been serving generations of locals and visitors alike with its unique, nostalgic flavors since 1958. What sets Trang Tien ice cream apart is its smooth, rich texture and the unmistakably fragrant taste that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese ice cream. Whether it’s the creamy coconut, refreshing green rice (cốm), or classic chocolate, each bite is delightfully cooling, especially on a hot Hanoi day.
The menu offers a wide range of flavors, from popsicles to cones and fresh ice cream sticks, but the must-try is undoubtedly the “special” fresh ice cream, which has earned loyal fans for decades. Simple, satisfying, and steeped in tradition, Trang Tien Ice Cream is more than just a dessert—it’s a sweet memory of Hanoi.
Hanoi is not only a city of rich history and culture but also a true paradise for food lovers. From the world-famous phở to the humble yet flavorful bún riêu, each dish tells a story and reflects the soul of the capital. Whether you're indulging in a crispy bánh mì, sipping a creamy cup of cà phê trứng, or savoring the freshness of phở cuốn, the flavors of Hanoi are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, if you're wondering what to eat in Hanoi, start with these top 10 iconic dishes—and let your taste buds guide you through the heart of Vietnamese cuisine.
Comments