Exploring 8 Unmissable Street Foods When Traveling to Hanoi

Hanoi's street food embodies rich culinary traditions, offering an immersive cultural experience. Diners gather at bustling street corners to savor dishes prepared by skilled vendors. Affordable and authentic, street food fosters community. Tourists relish guided food tours, celebrating Hanoi's bold flavors and diversity, often ranking it among Asia's best. Discover Hanoi's iconic dishes on your visit!

Pho Hanoi - One of the typical dishes of Vietnamese cuisine

Pho is a quintessential Vietnamese dish that holds a special place in the hearts of Hanoians and visitors alike. Originating in Hanoi, pho is a fragrant noodle soup made with delicate rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and a rich, aromatic broth infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.

For visitors to Hanoi, sampling pho is a must-do culinary adventure. Whether you prefer the classic pho bo (beef pho) or pho ga (chicken pho), each bowl offers a taste of tradition and a glimpse into the culinary heritage of Vietnam's capital city. Be sure to pair your pho with a side of fresh herbs, lime wedges, and chili sauce to customize the flavors to your liking.

Below are some suggestions for delicious and famous pho in Hanoi:

  • Pho Thin : 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem districtOpen time: 6:00 AM - 13:00 PM, 17:30 PM - 22:00 PM (see in map)
    4.2* from nearly 2500 rates in google
  • Pho Gia Truyen : 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem districtOpen time: 06:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 18:00 PM - 20:30 PM (see in map)
    4.3* from nearly 4500 rates in google
  • Pho Vui : 25 Hang Giay, Hoan Kiem districtOpen time: 06:00 AM - 1:00 AM (see in map)
    4.4* from nearly 300 rates in google
  • Pho Hanoi (Source: Collected)

    Pho cuon Hanoi

    Pho cuon, or Hanoi-style pho rolls, are a delightful variation of the beloved pho noodle soup, showcasing the creativity and versatility of Vietnamese cuisine. Unlike the traditional pho served in a bowl of broth, pho cuon features thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs, and rice noodles all rolled up in a soft, translucent rice paper wrapper.

    Pho cuon is typically served with a side of nuoc cham, a savory and slightly sweet dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. This dipping sauce enhances the flavors of the pho cuon, adding a tangy and umami dimension to each bite.

    To enjoy pho cuon like a local in Hanoi, visit one of the city's renowned eateries specializing in this dish. The fresh, vibrant flavors of the herbs combined with the tender beef and chewy rice noodles make pho cuon a refreshing and satisfying treat, perfect for a light lunch or afternoon snack.

    For travelers exploring Hanoi's culinary scene, pho cuon offers a unique and delicious way to experience the essence of pho in a portable and convenient format. Don't miss the opportunity to savor this delightful Hanoi specialty during your visit to Vietnam's capital city.

    Some suggestions for pho cuon in Hanoi:

  • Pho cuon Huong Mai : 25 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh district Open time: 9:00 AM - 23:00 PM (see in map)
    4.2* from nearly 3000 rates in google
  • Pho cuon Hung Ben : 35 Nguyen Khac Hieu, Ba Dinh districtOpen time: 9:00 AM - 23:00 PM (see in map)
    4.5* from nearly 500 rates in google
  • Pho cuon Hanoi (Source: Collected)

    Bun cha Hanoi

    Bun cha is another iconic dish from Hanoi that is beloved by locals and cherished by visitors exploring the city's culinary offerings. This traditional Vietnamese dish consists of grilled pork patties (cha), slices of succulent pork belly (also cha), vermicelli noodles (bun), fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

    To enjoy bun cha like a local, diners typically assemble each bite by wrapping a piece of grilled pork and herbs in a bundle of vermicelli noodles before dipping it into the accompanying sweet and tangy dipping sauce. The combination of savory pork, aromatic herbs, chewy noodles, and flavorful sauce creates a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that epitomize Vietnamese street food.

    In Hanoi, bun cha is often served at casual street-side eateries or small family-run restaurants, where patrons can enjoy this beloved dish in an authentic and laid-back setting. For many visitors, sampling bun cha is a must-do experience when visiting Hanoi, offering a delicious introduction to the city's culinary heritage and local flavors.

    Some suggestions for bun cha in Hanoi:

  • Bun cha Cua Dong : 41 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 10:30 AM - 21:00 PM (see in map)
    4.2* from nearly 1000 rates in google
  • Bun cha Dac Kim : 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 9:00 AM - 21:00 PM (see in map)
    3.9* from nearly 5500 rates in google
  • Bun cha Hanoi (Source: Collected)

    Mien luon Hanoi - Eel Vermicelli Recipe

    Mien luon, or Hanoi-style eel vermicelli noodles, is a traditional dish that showcases the unique flavors of freshwater eel and delicate rice vermicelli in a light and flavorful broth. This dish is a specialty of Hanoi, where it's enjoyed by locals and sought after by food enthusiasts exploring the city's diverse culinary scene.

    The star of mien luon is the freshwater eel, which is grilled or fried until crispy and golden before being added to the noodle soup. The eel's savory flavor and tender texture complement the light and refreshing qualities of the broth, creating a harmonious balance of tastes.

    To enjoy mien luon in Hanoi, visit local eateries specializing in this dish, particularly those found in the Old Quarter or along bustling streets. The combination of eel, vermicelli noodles, and fragrant broth makes mien luon a comforting and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Hanoi's culinary heritage. If you're looking to explore unique and authentic Vietnamese flavors during your visit to Hanoi, mien luon is definitely worth trying.

    Some suggestions for mien luon in Hanoi:

  • Mien luon Phu Doan : 9 Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 6:00 AM - 22:00 PM (see in map)
    4.3* from nearly 300 rates in google
  • Quan luon : 34 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh district Open time: 11:00 AM - 13:30 PM , 17:00 PM–21:00 PM (see in map)
    4.2* from more than 200 rates in google
  • Mien luon Chan Cam : 41 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 7:00 AM - 22:00 PM (see in map)
    4.1* from nearly 350 rates in google
  • Mien luon Hanoi (Source: Collected)

    Bun rieu cua Hanoi

    Bun rieu cua is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup that features a flavorful broth made from freshwater crab (cua) and tomatoes, served with vermicelli noodles (bun) and a variety of toppings. This dish is particularly popular in Hanoi, where it's enjoyed for its rich and tangy flavors.

    If you're looking to experience authentic Hanoi street food, don't miss the opportunity to try bun rieu cua. The combination of crab-infused broth, vermicelli noodles, and vibrant toppings makes this dish a favorite among locals and a must-try for visitors exploring the culinary delights of Vietnam's capital city.

    Some suggestions for bun rieu cua in Hanoi:

  • Bun rieu cua Hang Bac : 11 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 7:00 AM - 22:30 PM (see in map)
    4.2* from nearly 400 rates in google
  • Bun rieu Nga : Ng. Dinh Dai, Hai Ba Trung district Open time: 17:00 PM - 23:45 PM (see in map)
    4.4* from nearly 400 rates in google
  • Bun rieu cua Hanoi (Image: Loan Tran)

    Banh cuon Thanh Tri

    "Banh cuon Thanh Tri" refers to a type of Vietnamese steamed rice roll that originates from Thanh Tri, a district in Hanoi known for its culinary traditions. This dish is a popular breakfast or snack option enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, showcasing the delicate flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine.

    Banh cuon Thanh Tri features thin, silky rice flour sheets filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. The rice sheets are made by pouring a thin layer of rice batter onto a cloth stretched over a pot of boiling water, creating a soft and translucent wrapper that is then filled and rolled into cylindrical shapes.

    One of the defining characteristics of banh cuon Thanh Tri is its lightness and freshness, with the rice rolls offering a delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling and aromatic herbs. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, showcasing the skillful preparation and attention to detail that goes into this traditional dish.

    To experience banh cuon Thanh Tri in Hanoi, head to local eateries or street vendors specializing in this regional specialty. The dish embodies the essence of Vietnamese street food—simple yet bursting with flavor—and is a delightful addition to any culinary exploration of Hanoi's diverse food scene.

    Some suggestions for banh cuon Thanh Tri in Hanoi:

  • Banh cuon ba Hoanh : 66 To Hien Thanh, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 6:00 AM - 20:00 PM (see in map)
    4.1* from nearly 2000 rates in google
  • Banh cuon gia truyen Thanh Van : 14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 07:00 AM - 13:00PM, 17:00 PM - 21:00 PM (see in map)
    4.4* from nearly 400 rates in google
  • Banh cuon ba Xuan : Hoe Nhai, Ba Dinh district Open time: 06:30 AM - 13:30 PM, 15:30 PM - 23:30PM (see in map)
    4.2* from nearly 800 rates in google
  • Banh cuon Thanh Tri (Source: Collected)

    Bun thang Hanoi

    Bun thang is a traditional and elegant noodle soup that is considered a culinary gem of Hanoi's cuisine. This dish is typically enjoyed for its delicate flavors and refined presentation, making it a favorite choice for special occasions and celebrations.

    The name "bun thang" translates to "ladder noodle soup," which refers to the labor-intensive process of assembling this dish with multiple layers of ingredients. The broth for bun thang is clear and subtly flavored, often made from chicken or pork bones simmered with aromatics like ginger, shallots, and sometimes dried shrimp or squid.

    What distinguishes bun thang is its meticulous preparation and the balance of textures and flavors. Despite its complex appearance, bun thang is appreciated for its lightness and subtlety, allowing each ingredient to shine without overwhelming the palate.

    To experience bun thang in Hanoi, seek out restaurants or street vendors known for their expertise in this specialty dish. Whether enjoyed as a comforting bowl of soup for breakfast or as part of a satisfying lunch, bun thang offers a taste of Hanoi's culinary sophistication and cultural heritage.

    Some suggestions for bun thang in Hanoi:

  • Bun thang Thanh Thanh gia truyen : 2 Ton That Thiep, Ba Dinh district Open time: 7:00 AM - 14:00 PM (see in map)
    4.9* from nearly 300 rates in google
  • Quan bun thang Ba Duc : 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 18:00 PM - 22:00 PM (see in map)
    3.3* from nearly 500 rates in google
  • Bun thang Hanoi(Source: Collected)

    Bun dau mam tom Hanoi

    Bun dau mam tom is a beloved and flavorful dish that is popular in Hanoi, especially among locals who appreciate its unique combination of textures and flavors. This dish consists of several components that come together to create a satisfying and hearty meal.

    To enjoy bun dau mam tom in Hanoi, visit local eateries or street vendors that specialize in this dish. Diners can customize their meal by combining different elements—such as dipping the tofu and pork into the mam tom sauce and wrapping them with herbs in rice vermicelli noodles—or enjoy each component separately.

    Bun dau mam tom is a flavorful and satisfying dish that exemplifies the diversity and creativity of Hanoi's street food scene. It's a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic Vietnamese cuisine and experience the bold flavors that define this iconic dish.

    Some suggestions for bun dau mam tom in Hanoi:

  • Bun dau Co Tuyen : Lane 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem district Open time: 9:00 AM - 21:00 PM (see in map)
    4.0* from nearly 1200 rates in google
  • Bun dau mam tom Hanoi(Source: Collected)

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