Must-Try Dishes in Hanoi When Visiting the Capital

Hanoi, with its 36 streets, offers a rich culinary culture that never disappoints visitors. The meticulous combination of ingredients and preparation methods makes Hanoi’s cuisine a highlight for anyone.

It’s hard to describe all the delicious foods of Hanoi in a few pages, but I can mention some dishes that food lovers must try. As a food enthusiast, I’d love to guide you around the city to taste these unique dishes.

Pho

Mentioning Hanoi without talking about pho is impossible. From noodle soup, stir-fried pho, to pho rolls; chicken to beef; rare, brisket to well-done. You could eat pho every day for a month and not get bored due to the variety.

Here are some great pho spots:

Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan, open 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM, priced around $1.30 – $2.40 per bowl.
Pho Thin: 13 Lo Duc, open 5 AM – 9 PM, priced around $1.70 – $2.60 per bowl.
Pho Ly Quoc Su: $2.10 – $3.30 per bowl, open 6 AM – 2 PM and 5:30 PM – 10 PM, with locations at 10 Ly Quoc Su, 42 Hang Voi, and N2A Hoang Minh Giam.
Pho Suong: Locations at Ngo Trung Yen, Dinh Liet (Old Quarter), or Nguyen Hong, priced around $1.70 – $2.40 per bowl.
Pho Cuon Huong Mai: 25 Ngu Xa, priced around $0.90 – $2.40 per dish.

Bun Thang

For me, bun thang embodies the meticulous and careful nature of Hanoians. This dish blends colors, flavors, and presentation—yellow from sliced omelet, white from pork, green from sliced onions, and brown from mushrooms. It creates a sophisticated dish that everyone wants to try.

Some places to enjoy bun thang in Hanoi:

Bun Thang Cau Go: No specific address, but there are many stalls along Cau Go Street, especially at numbers 32 and 48. Prices range from $1.30 – $2.40 per bowl.
Bun Thang Hang Hom: 11 Hang Hom, priced around $0.90 – $1.50 per bowl.
Bun Thang Giang Vo: A bit hidden at the beginning of D2 Giang Vo, priced around $1.70 per bowl.

Bún Ốc Chuối Đậu

Bún ốc chuối đậu is a signature Hanoi dish known for its intricate preparation and unique flavor. The creamy snails, crispy fried tofu, and tangy broth create a memorable taste. It’s often enjoyed with green bananas and fresh herbs.

Bún ốc cô Thêm: Hang Chai alley, around $1.30 per bowl, though seating is limited.
Bún ốc tóp mỡ ngõ Mai Hương: Bach Mai Street, priced around $1.10 – $1.70 per bowl.
Bún ốc nguội ở Ô Quan Chưởng: Around $1.50 – $2.10 per bowl.

Bún Riêu

Bún riêu is perfect for any weather. The blend of crab, tomato, and shrimp paste creates a rich flavor that’s unforgettable.

Here are some favorite spots:

Bún riêu Quang Trung: 2F Quang Trung Street, with plenty of crab, open 7 AM – 9 AM, priced $1.30 – $1.90 per bowl.
Bún riêu Nguyễn Siêu: 32 Nguyễn Siêu, Hoan Kiem, priced at $0.90 – $1.10 per bowl.
Bún riêu Thi Sách: 2 Thi Sach, priced around $0.90 – $1.30 per bowl.

Bún Mọc

Bún mọc is a popular breakfast choice, especially in summer. It includes meatballs, chicken, ribs, bamboo shoots, and more, enhancing the light, sweet broth.

Bún mọc 57 Hàng Lược: Priced from $1.10 – $2.10 per bowl.
Bún mọc 32 Cầu Gỗ: Priced from $1.30 – $2.80 per bowl.
Bún mọc 11 Hàng Trống: Priced from $0.90 – $1.70 per bowl.
Bún mọc chân gà 45A Mai Hắc Đế: Around $1.10 per bowl.

Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm

Originally a street food for the working class, bún đậu mắm tôm has won over even the most discerning palates with its rich, unique flavors.

Bún đậu Hàng Khay: Alley 31 Hàng Khay, open 10:30 AM – 9 PM, priced around $1.90 per serving.
Bún đậu Trung Hương: Phất Lộc alley, priced from $0.90 – $2.10 per serving.
Other locations:
- Bún đậu mắm tôm Cây Bàng: Dai La, open 10 AM – 2 PM, $1.30 per full bowl, free parking.
- Bún đậu gốc đa Ngõ Gạch: $2.10 per serving, includes rice noodles, tofu, pork rolls, boiled meat, open from 10 AM.
- Bún đậu lòng nướng Hoàng Cầu: Alley 16 Hoàng Cầu, $2.60 per plate, open 10 AM – 2 PM.

Bún Cá

Originally from Hai Phong, bún cá is popular in Hanoi. Crispy fried fish, tofu, and pork ear sausage are served with water spinach, rice noodles, and a tangy broth.

Here are some recommended spots:

Bún cá Văn: 105/2 Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, priced at $1.50 per bowl.
Bún cá trộn Thái Bình: 5B Cao Dat, Hai Ba Trung, priced at $1.50 per bowl.
Bún cá Sâm Cây Si: 5 Ngo Trung Yen, Hoan Kiem, priced at $1.30 per bowl.
Bún cá Cô Phượng: 77 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, priced at $1.50 per bowl.
Bún cá: 164 Ô Chợ Dừa, Dong Da, priced at $1.30 per bowl.

Bún Chả

Bún chả from Hanoi is already famous, especially after it captivated President Obama during his visit to Vietnam this year. So, I probably don’t need to introduce this dish to you. Let’s dive into some of the best bún chả spots in Hanoi.

Bún Chả Hương Liên: Located on Lê Văn Hưu, this is where President Obama dined. Price: approximately $1.70 per serving.
Bún Chả Đắc Kim: No. 1 Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi. Prices here are a bit higher at $2.10 – $2.50 per serving, but you get plenty of meat.
Bún Chả Sinh Từ: Located at 57 Nguyễn Khuyến, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hanoi. Price: $1.50 per serving.

Cháo Sườn

On chilly days in Hanoi, having a bowl of cháo sườn while sharing stories is quite enjoyable. Hanoi’s cháo sườn is simple, made with rice porridge, ribs, and crispy crullers.

Yet, its flavor draws many people after work, offering warmth on a cold, windy afternoon. The first place I recommend is Cháo Sườn Bách Khoa on Tạ Quang Bửu, in Alley 17 Tạ Quang Bửu, Hai Bà Trưng District. Price: approximately $0.40 – $0.65.

I’ve known this place since high school, and its deliciousness hasn’t changed a bit. I always visit whenever I return to the city. You can also try these other tasty spots:

Cháo Sườn Hàng Bồ: Open from 6:30 to 10:00, priced at $0.40 – $0.85 per bowl.
Cháo Sườn Ngõ Huyện: About $0.85 per bowl.
Cháo Sườn: In Đồng Xuân Market Alley, opens at 18:00, priced at $1.05 per bowl.

Cháo Cá

Cháo cá is another delicious dish for cold days. However, making a bowl of cháo cá that’s perfectly flavored and free from any fishy smell is not easy. So instead of cooking it at home, you can visit some great cháo cá places in Hanoi to enjoy on windy days.

Lão Ngư Chả Cá: Located at 171 Thái Hà, Đống Đa. The ambiance here is quite nice. Price: $2.10 – $4.60 per bowl.
Cháo Cá Đoan Xồm: Located at 213 Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm. A bowl here costs $1.50 – $2.55.

Xôi

Similar to pho, Hanoi offers a variety of xôi (sticky rice) dishes, typically savory, unlike the sweet xôi often found in Saigon. Choices include xôi xéo, xôi ngô, xôi chả, and xôi khúc, all contributing to the rich and diverse “xôi” culinary scene of Hanoi.

Hanoi has many xôi options available day and night, whether from street vendors or those selling from bicycles. To ensure you get delicious xôi, try one of the following places:

Xôi Yến: The most famous xôi place in Hanoi, located at 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm. This place opens from early morning until late at night (1 AM), so you can stop by any time you’re hungry. Price: $1.50 – $1.85 per serving.
Xôi Trường Chinh: Near the Ngã Tư Sở intersection, open from around 6 PM to midnight. Price: $1.05 – $1.50 per serving.
Xôi Lộc: Located at 105 Tạ Quang Bửu, Bạch Mai, Hai Bà Trưng. Prices range from $0.85 to $1.70 per serving.

Nem

On hot days, enjoying nem with a cold beer and chatting with friends is just perfect. Much like xôi, Hanoi offers a variety of nem dishes, including nem nướng (grilled nem), nem rán (fried nem), and nem lụi (skewered nem). Just thinking about it makes your mouth water.

With so many places serving nem nướng in Hanoi, where should you go for the authentic taste? Here are a few recommendations:

Nem Chua Nướng: Located at 10 Ấu Triệu, open from 2 PM to midnight. Grilled nem is priced at $0.30 each. They also sell iced tea and fruits.
Nem Lụi: On Phan Huy Ích Street, priced at about $0.40 each.
Nem Rán: In Tạm Thương Alley, served with vegetables like cucumbers and jicama. Price: $3.40 per plate (serves 2 people).

Caramen

Caramen, also known as Flan, is a favorite snack not only for people in Hanoi but also for visitors from afar. The creamy richness of the eggs and milk combined with the sweet caramel creates an irresistibly delicious taste.

For a perfect plate of caramen, you must visit 29 Hàng Than, known for the best caramen in Hanoi. Price: $0.65.

You can also visit Nguyễn Công Trứ Market at 37H2 Nguyễn Công Trứ Collective, Hanoi, to find a bowl of caramen with tapioca pearls for about $0.85.

Thạch Dừa

If you’re already at 29 Hàng Than for caramen, you don’t need to go far to try thạch dừa (coconut jelly), as it’s sold right there. Alongside caramen, this snack is a lifesaver for many food enthusiasts. A spoonful of clear, cool, and refreshing thạch dừa is absolutely delightful, spreading its taste through every sense. I guarantee you can eat several pieces without getting tired of it, though you might just be full! Price: $2.55 each.

Besides Hàng Than, you can also try thạch dừa at these locations:

Thạch Dừa 34 Hàng Cót: Price: $2.10 each.
Thạch Dừa Lê Trọng Tấn: Price: $1.05 – $1.30 each.

Nộm Thịt Bò

This is a favorite dish that I must introduce to you. Various parts of beef, from tendons to dried meat, are mixed with papaya, carrots, and a flavorful dressing, creating a super delicious and stimulating dish.

To verify my recommendation, you can try these places:

Nộm Bò Khô on Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Street: The entire street has vendors selling this dish, so you can choose any stall. Price: $1.50 – $2.00 per plate.
Nộm Lim on Hàng Bún Street: Open from 4 PM, priced at $1.30 per plate.
Nộm Mai Nga on Hàm Long Street: This street vendor sells nộm with a price of $1.50 per plate.
Nộm Bò Khô Thêm Bì on Tôn Thất Tùng Street: Price is quite affordable at $0.85 per plate, available from 3 PM.

Kem Tràng Tiền

No visit to Hanoi is complete without trying Kem Tràng Tiền. This small, creamy, milk-flavored ice cream has been a favorite among Hanoi residents for many years. Time may change, but Kem Tràng Tiền has never lost its delightful taste and loyal following. Among the various flavors, the cone ice cream is the most famous. Price: $0.50.

Cafe Phố Cổ

Hanoi’s Old Quarter cafes are always mesmerizing, whether you are a long-time resident or a visitor spending just a few days in the city. I don’t know when these cafes started, but once you fall in love with them, you can’t help but visit them again and again.

Here are a few Old Quarter cafes that I really recommend:

Cafe Đinh: Located at 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng. To reach this cafe, go into a small alley next to a bag store, then head straight and go up to the second floor. The cafe offers a view of Hồ Gươm, with a cup priced at $0.65.
Cafe Giảng: Located in Alley 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm District. Prices range from $0.65 – $1.40 per cup. This place is famous for its egg coffee.
Cafe Phố Cổ: At 11 Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm District. Prices range from $0.85 – $2.30 per cup.

Bánh Cuốn

Hanoi-style bánh cuốn is a delightful blend of wet rice cakes and the rolled rice cakes found in Saigon. You haven’t truly experienced Hanoi until you’ve enjoyed a steaming plate of fragrant bánh cuốn! It’s so irresistible, I guarantee you’ll want a second serving.

Here are a few places where you can try bánh cuốn:

Bánh Cuốn Thanh Trì: Located in Thanh Trì Ward, Hoàng Mai. This is the most famous spot for this dish, priced at approximately $1.30 per plate.
Bánh Cuốn Hàng Gà: At 14 Hàng Gà, Hoàn Kiếm. Prices range from $0.85 – $2.00.
Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành: At 66 Tô Hiến Thành, Hai Bà Trưng. Price: $1.30 per plate.
Bánh Cuốn Gia An: At 25 Thái Phiên, Hai Bà Trưng. Prices range from $1.20 – $2.30 per plate. The space here is suitable for families or groups.

Bánh Giò

On chilly days in Hanoi, enjoying bánh giò is the perfect choice. This simple, comforting food never fails to warm you up during the cold season.

You can enjoy bánh giò any time of the day—breakfast, lunch, or even as an afternoon snack. While bánh giò is widely available in Hanoi, here are some places to get the best:

Bánh Giò Thuỵ Khuê: The bánh giò here is quite large, priced at about $0.50 each. A full serving with giò chả (pork) is $1.05, and you’ll be assured of a filling meal.
Bánh Giò Nguyễn Công Trứ: Located in Nguyễn Công Trứ Market, the price is $0.40 each. A full serving is $0.70.
Bánh Giò Chợ Hôm: Price is around $0.40 each.

Bánh Gối

Enjoying bánh gối with its crispy crust and rich, flavorful filling is a must-do when visiting Hanoi, especially in the winter. I’ll take you to some great places to try and review this dish!

Bánh Gối Lý Quốc Sư: Located at 52 Lý Quốc Sư, this place is famous throughout Hanoi. Price: $0.35 per bánh gối.
Bánh Gối Hoàng Tích Trí: At 17 Hoàng Tích Trí. Price: $0.30 each.
Bánh Gối Hàng Chiếu: At 49 Hàng Chiếu. Price: $0.40 each.

Cháo Trai

Cháo trai (clam porridge) is a simple yet quintessential Hanoi dish. Like cháo gà, it’s a popular choice for many food enthusiasts on chilly days.

Most cháo trai spots in Hanoi are small, roadside stalls, but they don’t compromise on the distinctive and appealing flavors. Here are a few places to try:

Cháo Trai Trần Xuân Soạn: At 26 Trần Xuân Soạn, Hai Bà Trưng. Price: $1.05 per bowl.
Cháo Trai Nghĩa Tân: In the Nghĩa Tân residential area, Cầu Giấy. Price: $0.65 per bowl.
Cháo Trai Vũ Ngọc Phan: At 1 Vũ Ngọc Phan, Đống Đa. Price: $0.75 per bowl.
Cháo Trai Trần Nhân Tông: At 33 Trần Nhân Tông, Hai Bà Trưng. Price: $0.40 per bowl.

Mỳ Vằn Thắn (Wonton Noodles)

Mỳ vằn thắn (or wonton noodles) can be found all over Hanoi, from small streets to upscale restaurants. This dish is nutritious, with a clear, sweet broth complemented by fresh noodles and aromatic wontons.

Here are some well-known spots for mỳ vằn thắn in Hanoi:

Mỳ Vằn Thắn Đinh Liệt: Located at 9 Đinh Liệt, Hoàn Kiếm. Price: $1.70 per bowl. The space is spacious and suitable for groups.
Mỳ Vằn Thắn và Sủi Cảo Thắng Huyền: At 125 Mai Hắc Đế, Hai Bà Trưng. Price: $1.70 per bowl. Open from early morning to 10 PM.
Mỳ Vằn Thắn Hoàng Mập: At 107 Thái Thịnh, Đống Đa. Prices range from $1.30 – $1.70 per bowl, depending on the additional shrimp.
Mỳ Vằn Thắn 4C Lò Đúc: In Hai Bà Trưng. This roadside stall is always bustling. Price: $1.70 per bowl.

Mỳ Gà Tần

I only discovered mỳ gà tần (ginseng chicken noodle soup) about four years ago, but I quickly became hooked. On chilly days, it’s perfect to invite friends to enjoy this warm and flavorful dish. The noodles become even more delicious with the rich broth made from chicken and Chinese herbs.

I’ve tried this dish at several places, and one of my favorites is the small shop at the intersection of Hàng Bồ and Lương Văn Can. This place has been serving for over 20 years, and their mỳ gà tần is quite tasty without being too greasy. A bowl costs about $2.10, and there’s an additional $0.40 for parking.

Other notable places to try include:

Cây Si: Located on Tống Duy Tân. Open from 9 AM to 11:30 PM. Prices range from $2.75 to $4.25 per bowl.
Mỳ Gà Tần Hàng Cót: Open from 6 AM to 11 PM. Prices range from $2.10 to $3.40 per bowl.

Miến Gà (Chicken Glass Noodles)

Miến gà (chicken glass noodles) is a traditional Northern Vietnamese dish, especially popular during Tet (Lunar New Year). This dish balances out the meat-heavy meals of the season. It’s now widely available on many streets in Hanoi.

Some recommended spots for miến gà are:

Phở Gà & Miến Gà Hàng Điếu: At 45 Hàng Điếu, Hoàn Kiếm. Open from 8 PM to midnight. Prices range from $1.50 to $4.25 per bowl.
Bún & Miến Gà – Giảng Võ: Across from 19 Ngõ 189 Giảng Võ, Ba Đình. Open from 9:30 AM to 9 PM. Prices range from $1.05 to $1.70 per bowl.
Chiến Gà – Phở, Cháo & Miến Gà: At 19 Ngách 39 Ngõ 154 Ngọc Lâm, Long Biên. Open from 4 PM to 11 PM. Prices range from $0.85 to $2.55 per bowl.

Miến Trộn (Mixed Glass Noodles)

Hanoi offers a variety of miến trộn (mixed glass noodles) dishes, including those with beef, fish, or crab. Each type offers a unique taste experience.

Here are some places to check out for miến trộn:

Bánh Đúc, Miến Trộn: At 8 Lê Ngọc Hân, Hai Bà Trưng. Located in a small alley. Parking is free outside. Price: $1.05 per bowl.
Miến Trộn Lý Thường Kiệt: At 42C Lý Thường Kiệt, Hoàn Kiếm. Price: $1.05 per bowl.
Miến Bánh Đa Cua Lý Quốc Sư: At 59A Phùng Hưng, Hoàn Kiếm. Price: $1.30 per bowl.
Miến Trộn – Mỳ Chua Ngọt Hàn Quốc: At 87 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm. Price: $1.50 per bowl.

Miến Ngan (Duck Glass Noodles)

Similar to miến gà (chicken glass noodles), miến ngan (duck glass noodles) is also a popular dish. I won’t elaborate too much; let’s just find the best places to enjoy this dish in Hanoi!

Bún Ngan Nhàn: A small shop in Trung Yên Alley, Hanoi. Open from 10 AM to 2 PM. Price is about $1.70 per bowl.
Bún Ngan Bà Thông: Located at the corner of Hàng Phèn and Bát Sứ, 56 Bát Sứ. Open from 7 AM to 10 PM. Price is around $1.30 per bowl.
Bún Ngan Lý Quốc Sư: At 31 Lý Quốc Sư. Open from around 10 AM to 2 PM. Price is approximately $1.30 per bowl.

Súp (Soup)

Hanoi offers various kinds of soup, starting with chicken, then adding crab and eel to create different delicious versions. On cold days, a bowl of thick, hot soup can really warm you up.

Here are three places with different types of soup to try:

Súp Gà Dốc Hàng Than: A street-side shop at 19 Dốc Hòe Nhai, Ba Đình. Open from 3 PM to 6 PM. Prices range from $0.65 to $1.30 per bowl.
Súp Lươn – Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh: At 87 Hàng Điếu, Hoàn Kiếm. Open from 6:30 AM to 9 PM. Prices range from $1.30 to $2.35 per bowl.
Súp Cua: Located in a small alley between Châu Long Street and Trúc Bạch Lake. Price is about $0.50 per bowl.

Trà Chanh (Lemon Tea)

Trà chanh is a well-known simple yet refreshing drink in Hanoi. On hot summer days, enjoying trà chanh with friends while relaxing on the street is one of the best ways to unwind.

Here are some places to enjoy trà chanh and chat:

Trà Chanh Chợ Gạo: At 3 Chợ Gạo, Hoàn Kiếm. Prices range from $0.40 to $2.10 for trà chanh and snacks.
Trà Chanh Nhà Thờ: Located at 26 Nhà Thờ, Hoàn Kiếm. Average price is $0.65 to $1.70.
Trà Chanh Đào Duy Từ: At 31 Đào Duy Từ, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm. Prices range from $0.65 to $1.40.

Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm (Black Sticky Rice Yogurt)

Sữa chua nếp cẩm is a dessert made from fermented black sticky rice (similar to rice wine) combined with yogurt. The quality of this dish often depends on the preparation of the sticky rice.

Here are some recommended places to try this dessert:

Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm Tô Tịch: At 17 Tô Tịch, Phố Hoa Quả Dầm. Open from 10 AM to 10 PM. Prices range from $0.85 to $2.10.
Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm Hàng Đường: At 23 Hàng Đường, Hoàn Kiếm. Price is about $0.65.
Sữa Chua Nếp Cẩm Hàng Bông: At 192 Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm. Price is $0.65 per cup.