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 must-try Hanoi dishes

Hanoi is a city where food is part of everyday culture, and tasting the local cuisine is a must for any visitor. The variety of dishes in Hanoi reflects both history and creativity. Below is a list of the top dishes you shouldn’t miss during your stay.

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.

Recommend places:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha) – 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung District.

• Bun Cha Dac Kim – 1 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Bun Cha Sinh Tu – 57 Nguyen Khuyen Street, Dong Da District.

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.

Recommend places:

• Pho Thin – 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District.

• Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Pho Gia Truyen – 14 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District.

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.

Recommend places:

• Banh Mi 25 – 25 Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Banh Mi Pho Co – 38 Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Banh Mi Minh Nhat – 13 Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem District.

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.

Recommend places:

• Bun Dau Hang Khay – 31 Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Bun Dau Cay Da – 235B Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho District.

• Bun Dau A Vung – 81B Nguyen Khang Street, Cau Giay District.

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.

Recommend places:

• Cha Ca La Vong – 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Cha Ca Thang Long – 21–31 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Cha Ca Anh Vu – 120–122 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh District.

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.

Recommend places:

• Bun Thang Ba Duc – 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Bun Thang Cau Go – 32 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Bun Thang Thai Ha – 29 Hang Hanh Street, Hoan Kiem District.

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.

Recommend places:

• Net Hue Restaurant – 198 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Highway4 – 5 Hang Tre Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Quan An Ngon – 18 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hoan Kiem District.

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.

Recommend places: 

• Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van – 12–14 Hang Ga Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Banh Cuon Ba Hanh – 26B Tho Xuong Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh – 66 To Hien Thanh Street, Hai Ba Trung District.

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.

Recommend places:

• Giang Cafe – 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Cafe Dinh – 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• The Note Coffee – 64 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem District. 

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.

Recommend places:

• Ta Hien Beer Street – Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Bia Hoi Ha Noi – 50 Ly Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem District.

• Bia Hoi Hai Xom – 31 Lang Ha Street, Dong Da District.

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Tips for food lovers in Hanoi

Exploring the local cuisine is one of the most exciting parts of visiting Vietnam’s capital. To enjoy the best dishes in Hanoi, here are some helpful tips:

• Mind the timing – Many eateries only open for breakfast or lunch. Try pho or bun thang in the morning, bun cha or banh cuon for lunch, and cha ca La Vong or Hanoi beer in the evening.

• Embrace street food culture – The tiny stools and busy sidewalks are part of the charm. Some of the most authentic dishes in Hanoi are found in these local street stalls.

• Keep an open mind – Strong-flavored foods like bun dau mam tom may be challenging at first, but they are an essential part of Hanoi’s culinary identity.

• Pair food with local drinks – Don’t miss egg coffee, coconut coffee, or bia hoi (fresh beer) to complement your meals.

• Follow the locals – If a spot is crowded with Hanoians, it’s usually a sign that the food is worth trying.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to discover why dishes in Hanoi are a highlight of any Vietnam trip.

Hanoi is not only Vietnam’s political and cultural heart but also a paradise for food lovers. From the smoky flavors of bun cha to the comforting warmth of pho and the unique sweetness of egg coffee, the wide variety of dishes in Hanoi tells the story of the city’s rich traditions and vibrant daily life. Every meal here is an opportunity to experience authentic local culture.

If you’re planning your journey to Vietnam, why not combine your culinary adventure with a carefully designed tour? With Hanoi Voyages, you can discover the best of Hanoi’s food scene while also exploring the city’s historic landmarks and hidden gems. Let us craft a personalized trip that brings together culture, history, and unforgettable flavors.