Taste Of Hanoi: Top 10 Essential Hanoi Dishes You Can’t Miss

Within Hanoi’s bustling streets is a culinary tapestry as rich and diverse as the city itself. The vibrant food scene in Vietnam’s capital is well-known, with a delectable array of dishes that capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. From fragrant bowls of steaming Pho to the crispy indulgence of Banh Mi, Hanoi invites you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Join Hanoi Voyages as we explore the essential Hanoi dishes that define the enticing flavors of this gastronomic paradise.

Top Hanoi dishes must try

Bun cha

Bun Cha is a must-try dish in Hanoi for any visitor exploring the city’s culinary offerings. It’s a dish that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Bun Cha is made up of succulent grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served in a flavorful broth or dipping sauce, with a plate of vermicelli noodles and a generous assortment of fresh herbs such as mint, coriander, and lettuce.

For an authentic Bun Cha experience in Hanoi, many locals and visitors recommend places like Bun Cha Huong Lien, where former U.S. President Barack Obama famously dined during his visit to Vietnam, or Bun Cha Dac Kim, known for its traditional preparation and rich flavors.

Pho

Pho is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s most famous dishes, and tasting it in its birthplace of Hanoi is an unforgettable experience.

Pho is a fragrant soup made with a clear broth, rice noodles, and either beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga). After hours of brewing, the broth is infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, resulting in a flavorful, aromatic base.

Some of the best places to eat Pho in Hanoi are Pho Gia Truyen and Pho Thin, which are known for their authentic recipes and dedication to preserving the traditional flavors of this beloved dish.

Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

Banh Mi in Hanoi is a culinary delight that fuses French influence with Vietnamese flavors, resulting in a beloved street food sensation.

Traditional Banh Mi in Hanoi includes a variety of fillings such as pate, slices of Vietnamese ham or pork, grilled or roasted pork, pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, cucumbers, and sometimes a dash of soy sauce or mayonnaise for added creaminess.

Banh Mi is a harmonious blend of cultural influences and flavors that is a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant street food scene in Hanoi.

Bun dau mam tom

Bun dau mam tom is a popular and distinctive dish in Hanoi, known for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that might challenge the taste buds of some, but it’s beloved by locals and adventurous food enthusiasts.

This dish is typically made up of several components. It includes vermicelli rice noodles and “Dau” refers to fried tofu. Mam tom (fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce) is the dish’s star (and perhaps the most difficult part for some palates). Mam tom has a strong, salty flavor and a pungent aroma. To balance its strong flavors, it is frequently combined with lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili.

In Hanoi, you can find bun dau mam tom in various neighborhoods, especially in areas with a bustling street food scene like the Old Quarter or around Dong Xuan Market.

Cha ca La Vong

Cha ca is also known as turmeric fish. This dish is an excellent example of the traditional cuisine of Northern Vietnam, and it offers a unique culinary experience with distinctive flavors and deep history. In particular, it is a famous and popular dish in Hanoi, in which white fish is stir-fried in butter with dill and spring onions before being served with rice noodles and a scattering of peanuts.

It’s called Cha ca La Vong because it originated from La Vong restaurant in Hanoi, where this dish has been served since the 19th century. This dish has become an important part of Hanoi cuisine and an interesting part of Vietnamese culinary culture.

Bun thang

“Bun thang” is a delicate and visually stunning noodle soup from Hanoi that is often enjoyed as a celebratory dish.

This dish is well-known for its intricate preparation and presentation, which includes thin rice vermicelli noodles immersed in a clear, subtly flavored broth made from chicken or pork bones. Bun thang is distinguished by its colorful and finely sliced toppings, which include shredded chicken, omelette strips, pork sausage (Cha Lua), and wood ear mushrooms.

While not as common as some other Hanoi specialties, bun thang can still be found in some traditional Vietnamese restaurants across Hanoi, especially those that pride themselves on serving authentic and traditional dishes.

Goi cuon

Goi cuon, also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls or summer rolls, is a refreshing and healthy dish that’s popular not only in Hanoi but throughout Vietnam. Fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, protein (usually shrimp, pork, or both), and sometimes lettuce or other vegetables are tightly wrapped in softened rice paper to make these rolls.

Goi cuon can be found in numerous Hanoi street food stalls, local eateries, and restaurants specializing in Vietnamese cuisine. When exploring Hanoi’s food scene, trying goi cuon from various places can give you a sense of the different styles and interpretations of this classic Vietnamese dish.

Banh cuon

“Banh cuon” is a popular Vietnamese breakfast or light meal that consists of delicate rice flour sheets filled with a savory mixture. Traditional fillings for these thin, steamed rice rolls include seasoned ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots.

Banh cuon is typically served with a side of nuoc cham, a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili, which adds a tangy and savory dimension to the dish.

One of the most renowned places to try banh cuon in Hanoi is Banh Cuon Gia Truyen, a small eatery that’s earned a reputation for serving delicious and authentic banh cuon for generations, showcasing the traditional flavors of this dish.

Ca phe trung (Egg coffee)

Ca phe trung or egg coffee is a delightful and unique beverage that originated in Hanoi, adding a twist to traditional Vietnamese coffee. It’s a decadent concoction of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a frothy mixture made of egg yolks and condensed milk.

The resulting drink is creamy, sweet, and decadent, with a strong coffee flavor that contrasts with the rich, almost custard-like egg topping. It’s usually served hot, making it a comforting treat, especially during cooler weather.

Hanoi beer

Hanoi Beer, also known locally as “Bia Ha Noi,” is a popular and iconic beer in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, the capital city. It is a staple of Vietnamese drinking culture and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

Hanoi beer is characterized by its light golden color, mild bitterness, and clean, smooth finish. Its moderate alcohol content makes it an ideal choice for social gatherings and meals, pairing well with many of the flavorful Vietnamese dishes, from the spicy to the savory.

Bia Ha Noi can be found in a variety of local eateries, bars, and convenience stores throughout Hanoi. It’s an integral part of the dining and social experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying a cold and satisfying beverage.

The dishes listed above are all dishes with bold flavors of Hanoi dishes, please come and try them. Eat your heart out!