Don’t leave Hanoi without exploring these 12 must-eat dishes that make this city unforgettable. If you’re not sure what to eat in Hanoi, this trusted list of local favorites will point you in the right direction.
Pho (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Pho is the most iconic dish in Hanoi food culture. The broth is the soul of pho Hanoi. It’s simmered for hours from beef bones, with a touch of ginger and grilled onion, to create a light but flavorful taste that stays with you. A proper bowl includes flat rice noodles, sliced beef or chicken, chopped scallions, and a few herbs. Unlike the southern version, pho in Hanoi doesn’t come with bean sprouts.
Where to try Pho in Hanoi:
- Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan (49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem), a go-to morning spot where people line up early for its rich, traditional broth, a true highlight of what to eat in Hanoi.
- Pho Thin Lo Duc (13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung), draws regulars with stir-fried beef and a deeper, smokier broth.
- Pho Suong Trung Yen (36B Trung Yen Alley, Hoan Kiem), hidden in a small alley, is loved for its clean flavor and soft beef slices.
Bun Cha (Grilled Pork and Noodles)
Bun cha is among the favorite lunch foods in Hanoi street food scene. It arrives as a bowlful of grilled pieces of pork and pork belly slices in warm, sweetish fish sauce broth. There on the side is a plate of cold rice noodles and a basket of fresh herbs. While eating the noodles and greens, the locals immerse them in the broth and thus achieve their self-balance of flavors.
Where to try Bun Cha in Hanoi:
- Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung), where Obama and Bourdain once dined, remains a top pick for what to eat in Hanoi.
- Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem), draws fans for its thick grilled patties and hefty servings.
- Bun Cha Tuyet (34 Hang Than, Ba Dinh), trusted by locals for its clear broth and balanced taste.
Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
There is no doubt that Banh mi is considered to be one of the best food in Hanoi. In Hanoi, it is usually served lighter and crisper than in the south. The typical Hanoi banh mi includes pork pate, Vietnamese sausage, pickled carrots, and daikon, slices of cucumber, coriander, and a drizzle of soy sauce or chili. They may include grilled pork or scrambled eggs, but whatever, this is a must in any Hanoi itinerary for food lovers.
Where to try Banh Mi in Hanoi:
- Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem), often recommended for its friendly vibe and fresh, simple fillings, is a great stop if you’re wondering what to eat in Hanoi.
- Banh Mi Pho Co (38 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem), tucked in a narrow lane, is simple but full of flavor.
- Banh Mi Tram (252 Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem), around for decades, keeps loyal fans with its rich, nostalgic flavors.
Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Banh cuon is undoubtedly the kindest cuisine of Hanoi food, which indicates its soft and delicate nature. This is prepared using rice batter that is turned into thin sheets and steamed and rolled into a filling of cooked pork mince and wood ear mushroom. These pieces are soft, warm, and accompanied by a chewy texture due using fried shallots. It is so good to dip every bite into the warm, sweet-salty sauce.
Where to try Banh Cuon in Hanoi:
- Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van (12–14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem), a long-trusted stop serving fresh rice rolls and flavorful dipping sauce.
- Banh Cuon Ba Xuan (16 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem), light texture and smooth fillings make this place stand out.
- Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh (66 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung), quick, clean, and always consistent with flavor.
Bun Oc (Snail Noodle Soup)
Bun oc is a special dish that you cannot miss if you’re exploring what to eat in Hanoi. It is comprised of a bowl of light broth cooked with tomatoes, rice noodles, and freshwater snails. Tofu or green banana is also a common complement of the broth, and the broth is somewhat sour, using tamarind or fermented rice. The snails are firm and chewy. A few of the variations include beef or crab paste to enrich them. Be sure to try it when exploring things to do in Hanoi.
Where to try Bun Oc in Hanoi:
- Bun Oc Co Them (6 Hang Chai, Hoan Kiem), small and no-frills, but the broth here keeps regulars coming back.
- Bun Oc Co Hue (43 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem), roadside charm with a menu offering both hot and cold versions.
- Bun Oc Thuy (11 Hoe Nhai, Ba Dinh), praised by locals for fresh snails and a clean, light broth.
Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)
While banh xeo is originally from southern and central Vietnam, Hanoi has made it its own with a smaller, crispier version that’s easier to eat and less oily. The pancake is made from rice flour and turmeric, pan-fried until golden, then filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It’s folded in half like a taco and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. In Hanoi, people often wrap pieces of banh xeo in rice paper with herbs before dipping them into nuoc cham.
Where to try Banh Xeo in Hanoi:
- Banh Xeo Zon (16 Dinh Ngang, Hoan Kiem), always buzzing with locals, the pancakes here are hot, crispy, and full of filling.
- Quan Nem Lui & Banh Xeo (1B Doi Can, Ba Dinh), casual and local, serving full-flavored pancakes and skewers.
- Banh Xeo Nem Lui (73 Tran Xuan Soan, Hai Ba Trung), lively spot with quick service and plates great for sharing.
Bun Rieu Cua (Crab Paste Noodle Soup)
With just a look, bun rieu cua seems like an uninteresting dish, but it is the kind of dish that surprises you. The primary ingredients of the soup are freshwater crab paste, tomatoes, and some vinegar or tamarind for extra tang. It is served with the soup: tofu, blood pudding, and a fresh green medley. Noodles topped with rich crab flavor, soft and light shrimp paste harbor perfect harmony.
Where to try Bun Rieu Cua in Hanoi:
- Bun Rieu Hang Bac (11 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem), old-school feel with a deep, balanced crab broth.
- Bun Rieu Ganh (18 Hang Luoc, Hoan Kiem), steady lunch crowd thanks to its clean, refreshing soup.
- Bun Rieu Cua Hoa Ma (42 Hoa Ma, Hai Ba Trung), generous toppings and broth depth make this place reliable.
Xoi Xeo (Sticky Rice with Mung Bean and Fried Shallots)
With a sprinkle of toppings, xoi xeo is often enjoyed as a beloved, humble breakfast dish in Hanoi. It consists of glutinous sticky rice adorned with fried shallots, mung beans, and cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage). The rice has a slight nuttiness from mildly wet mung beans and soft and fragrant sticky rice. You’ll often see vendors carrying big baskets of xoi on their shoulders in the early morning.
Where to try Xoi Xeo in Hanoi:
- Xoi Yen (35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem), a go-to for sticky rice lovers with many topping combos.
- Xoi May (45 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem), well-known among locals for its softness and balanced seasoning.
- Xoi Cat Linh (24 Cat Linh, Dong Da), modest but reliable, this spot has been around for years.
Cha Ca La Vong (Hanoi Turmeric Grilled Fish with Dill)
The uniqueness of Cha Ca La Vong draws tourists to Hanoi. This authentic Vietnamese delicacy features turmeric-marinated catfish or snakehead grilled with fresh dill and spring onions. These are best served grilled or fried fresh and steamed at the table alongside a copious portion of dill and green onions. Cha ca is best enjoyed with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a savory sauce made with shrimp paste and lime.
Where to try Cha Ca La Vong in Hanoi:
- Cha Ca La Vong (14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem), the original restaurant that gave the street its name, has been serving this dish for over a century.
- Cha Ca Thang Long (19-21 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem), a more modern and spacious place with excellent service.
- Cha Ca Anh Vu (120K1 Giang Vo, Dong Da), less touristy, favored by locals for its quality fish and fair prices.
Mien Luon (Glass Noodles with Eel)
Mien luon is a lesser-known fantasy dish in Hanoi, but after having tasted it, you will wonder why mien is not famous. It uses chewy glass cassava noodles as the base, served as a dry dish or soup, with crispy or stir-fried freshwater eel. Garnished with fried shallots and herbs, it is salty, nutty, and textured. The locals usually prefer dry one with a small portion of broth on the side, it is an excellent light lunch or dinner. It’s a great option during your 3 days in Hanoi for a lighter yet flavorful meal.
Where to try Mien Luon in Hanoi:
- Mien Luon Dong Thinh (87 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem), famous for its crispy eel and flavorful broth.
- Mien Luon Thu Hang (42C Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem), a longtime favorite among local office workers.
- Mien Luon Ba Phuong (16 Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem), cozy and consistent, with both dry and soupy versions.
Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls)
Nem ran is a northern version of fried spring rolls, and is nothing like what you would see elsewhere in Vietnam. In Hanoi, rice paper wrappers are involved in making these rolls, with filling, which includes minced pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables. They are squeezed into tiny wraps which are afterwards deep-fried into golden and crunchy. Nem ran are normally eaten by the locals in a complete meal alongside rice noodles, lettuce, and herbs with dipping sauce.
Where to try Nem Ran in Hanoi:
- Bun Nem Cua Be Huyen Anh (23C Hang Hanh, Hoan Kiem), spring rolls with crab, best enjoyed with cold noodles.
- Quan Nem Cua Be Dac Kim (67 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem), portions here are big and satisfying every time.
- Nem Ran Ngo Sy Lien (57 Ngo Sy Lien, Dong Da), a quiet corner shop with flavors that feel homemade.
Banh Goi (Vietnamese Fried Dumpling)
Banh goi is a street food that is common in Hanoi in the afternoon. It resembles a mini-turnover, fried and golden on the outside, and full of minced pork, glass noodles, mushrooms, and quail eggs. Others go as far as adding wood ear mushrooms and vermicelli as an added texture as well. It is normally accompanied by pickled papaya and a small bowl of light fish sauce to dip in. Don’t miss this when you pass by spots like Hoan Kiem Lake or Dong Xuan Market.
Where to try Banh Goi in Hanoi:
- Banh Goi Ly Quoc Su (52 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem), always busy, well-known for its crispy shell and rich filling.
- Banh Goi Nguyen Cong Tru (57A Nguyen Cong Tru, Hai Ba Trung), affordable and flavorful, a local favorite for years.
- Banh Goi Hang Bong (35 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem), a long-standing vendor with consistently good quality and friendly service.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi cuisine is not showy. It talks in the low tones of a bowl of soup, a simple side-lunch grill, a dish passed among companions. There is no need to hurry here; just take a seat, eat, and you will see the city with every bite. To experience a journey full of local authenticity and real insights into what to eat in Hanoi, SeniWorld is here to be your guide on an unforgettable Vietnam tour.
