When you visit Hanoi your taste buds are in for a treat. The city serves up some of the most amazing food in Vietnam right on its busy streets.
Food in Hanoi tells stories of culture and history through simple ingredients and bold flavors.
Walk through the Old Quarter and you’ll find street vendors who have been perfecting the same dish for generations. The smell of herbs sizzling in hot pans mixes with the buzzing energy of motorbikes and street chatter.
Hanoi Culinary Influences
Vietnamese food balances sweet sour salty and spicy flavors. Hanoi foods specifically lean toward lighter subtle tastes compared to central or southern Vietnamese cooking.
Fresh herbs play a huge role in almost every dish you’ll try.
Chinese cooking techniques heavily influence northern Vietnamese cuisine but with a distinct local twist.
French colonization also left its mark on Hanoi’s food scene especially in the city’s love for crusty bread and coffee culture.
Rice and rice noodles form the foundation of most meals. Fish sauce is the secret ingredient that gives foods in Hanoi their unmistakable savory depth. Most street vendors specialize in just one dish which they’ve mastered completely.
Many recipes in Hanoi date back centuries and families pass down their cooking secrets through generations.
This creates a food culture where even the simplest bowl of noodles comes with decades of tradition behind it.
Must Try Food in Hanoi
Turmeric Fish with Dill | Chả Cá Lã Vọng
This famous dish features chunks of fish marinated in turmeric galangal and other spices. Vendors grill the fish at your table with fresh dill and green onions.
The fish comes out golden and fragrant with the dill adding a surprising herbal note. You eat it with rice vermicelli fresh herbs peanuts and a special dipping sauce.
Chả cá is uniquely Hanoi and you won’t find this exact version elsewhere in Vietnam.
Legend says a family created this dish to feed resistance fighters during French colonial times. Their restaurant Chả Cá Lã Vọng became so famous they named the entire street after it.
Locals recommend trying it at the original location though many say newer spots serve equally good versions now.
Where to Eat Chả Cá Lã Vọng: Chả Cá Thăng Long. They’ve been serving this specialty for over 20 years and many locals consider it better than the more famous tourist spots. Số 21 Đường Thành Hà Nội Vietnam
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Hanoi Crab Noodle Soup | Bún Riêu Cua
This tomato based soup gets its rich flavor from freshwater crab paste eggs and tofu. Vendors top it with fried shallots herbs and sometimes blood cubes.
The broth tastes tangy and slightly sweet with the fresh crab giving it amazing depth. The rice noodles soak up all the flavors making every bite satisfying.
The northern version in Hanoi is typically lighter than versions found in southern Vietnam.
Historically this was a farmer’s dish made when rice field crabs were abundant. Women would catch tiny crabs pound them into paste and strain them to create the signature broth.
For the best bún riêu head to the temporary morning market on Phuong Mai Street where several vendors compete for the title of best crab noodle soup.
Where to Eat Bún Riêu Cua: Bún Riêu Cua Bà Hoành. 11 Thợ Nhuộm Trần Hưng Đạo Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Pillow Cake | Bánh Gối
These crispy half moon pastries come stuffed with minced pork mushrooms vermicelli noodles and Vietnamese sausage. Street vendors fry them until golden and puffy.
Each bite gives you a satisfying crunch followed by savory juicy filling. The name means “pillow cake” because they resemble small pillows.
Similar versions exist throughout Asia but Hanoi’s bánh gối uses specific northern Vietnamese herbs and filling ratios.
These cakes gained popularity during times when wheat flour became more available in Vietnam. Now they’re a beloved street snack especially during colder months.
Look for bánh gối at small sidewalk spots around the Old Quarter especially near Dong Xuan Market where vendors sell them fresh from the fryer.
Where to Eat Bánh Gối: Quán Gốc Đa. 52 Lý Quốc Sư Hàng Trống Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs | Xôi Trứng Kiến
This unusual delicacy features steamed glutinous rice topped with ant eggs harvested from nests in northern mountain forests. Vendors mix the eggs with tiny pieces of pork fat and herbs.
The ant eggs pop in your mouth with a slightly sour taste similar to caviar. The sticky rice provides a neutral base that complements the unique topping.
This dish comes from the ethnic minority groups in Vietnam’s northern highlands.
Gathering the ant eggs requires careful skill to avoid being bitten. The harvest only happens during spring making this a seasonal treat in Hanoi.
You can find this specialty at small family restaurants in the Mai Dong area but you need to order in advance as it’s not commonly available.
Where to Eat Xôi Trứng Kiến: Xôi Yến. 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân Lý Thái Tổ Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Hanoi Grilled Pork Noodles | Bún Chả
This iconic Hanoi dish consists of grilled pork patties and slices served with rice noodles herbs and dipping sauce. Street vendors grill the meat over charcoal creating a smoky aroma.
The fatty pork tastes caramelized on the outside and juicy inside. You dip both meat and noodles into a sweet sour fish sauce broth with pickled vegetables.
While similar grilled pork dishes exist throughout Vietnam bún chả in its specific form belongs to Hanoi.
Bún chả became internationally famous when Anthony Bourdain took President Obama to try it at Bún Chả Hương Liên. The table where they sat is now preserved behind glass.
Most locals get their bún chả fix at small sidewalk spots that set up during lunch hours across the city.
Where to Eat Bún Chả: Bún Chả Hương Liên. 24 Lê Văn Hưu Phạm Đình Hổ Hai Bà Trưng Hà Nội
Shrimp Cake | Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây
These crispy fritters feature whole shrimp pressed into a batter of sweet potato. Street vendors fry them until the outside turns golden and crisp.
The sweet potato gives the fritter a slight sweetness while the shrimp adds savory flavor. You wrap them in lettuce with herbs and dip in fish sauce.
The dish originated around West Lake Hồ Tây hence its name.
Vendors started selling these cakes to visitors enjoying boat rides on West Lake during the early 20th century. The recipe has changed little since then.
The original shops still line the eastern shore of West Lake and locals say sunset is the perfect time to enjoy them with views of the water.
Where to Eat Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây: Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây. 1 Thanh Niên Trúc Bạch Ba Đình Hà Nội
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Young Rice Cake | Bánh Cốm
These small green cakes contain fresh young rice paste wrapped around sweet mung bean filling. Vendors wrap them in banana leaves which add a subtle aroma.
The cakes have a chewy outer layer with a smooth sweet filling inside. Their pale green color comes from the young rice harvested in autumn.
This sweet treat is unique to northern Vietnam particularly around Hanoi.
Traditionally bánh cốm was part of engagement ceremonies symbolizing the sweetness of new relationships. Families would send these cakes when proposing marriage.
You’ll find the most authentic versions at Hàng Than Street where some shops have made them the same way for over 100 years.
Where to Eat Bánh Cốm: Bánh Cốm Nguyên Ninh. 11 Hàng Than Ba Đình Hà Nội
Fermented Pork Roll | Nem Chua Rán
These small fried rolls contain fermented pork wrapped in banana leaf before being battered and fried. The fermentation gives the meat a tangy flavor that balances the fried exterior.
The outside tastes crispy while the inside remains slightly sour and aromatic. Most vendors serve them with chili sauce and pickled vegetables.
The original nem chua comes from Thanh Hoa province but Hanoi created the fried version.
Fermentation was traditionally a preservation method but became valued for its unique flavor. Now these fried treats are popular late night snacks after drinking.
You’ll find the best nem chua rán at small stalls around Hanoi universities where students gather in the evenings.
Where to Eat Nem Chua Rán: Nem Chua Rán 1A. 1A Tràng Tiền Phan Chu Trinh Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Hanoi Style Pho | Phở Bò Hà Nội
This famous noodle soup features a clear beef broth flat rice noodles and thinly sliced beef. Hanoi vendors serve it with fewer garnishes than southern versions.
The broth tastes cleaner and less sweet than southern pho with subtle star anise and cinnamon notes. Hanoi locals often eat it for breakfast with just a squeeze of lime and some chili.
While pho exists throughout Vietnam the northern style from Hanoi is considered the original.
Pho likely developed in the early 20th century combining Chinese cooking techniques with French influence in the beef consumption.
True pho lovers head to small nameless shops that open before dawn and often sell out by 8 AM.
Where to Eat Phở Bò Hà Nội: Phở Gia Truyền. 49 Bát Đàn Cửa Đông Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Stir-fried Eel Noodles | Miến Xào Lươn
This satisfying dish combines glass noodles with crispy fried eel pieces and vegetables. Vendors stir fry everything in a hot wok with garlic and fish sauce.
The eel tastes crispy on the outside and tender inside with glass noodles that soak up all the flavors. The dish balances the richness of eel with fresh herbs.
Eel dishes appear throughout Asia but Hanoi’s version uses specific northern Vietnamese seasonings.
In the past eels were abundant in the Red River Delta making them a common protein for locals. Now they’re specially farmed for this popular dish.
The narrow alleys near Dong Xuan market hide several tiny restaurants famous for their perfect miến xào lươn.
Where to Eat Miến Xào Lươn: Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh. 87 Hàng Điếu Cửa Đông Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
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Hanoi Hot Rice Noodles | Bánh Đúc Nóng
This hearty dish features a warm rice flour cake topped with ground pork mushrooms fried shallots and herbs. Vendors pour a savory broth over everything just before serving.
The rice cake has a soft texture that soaks up the flavorful broth. The ground pork adds richness while herbs keep it fresh.
This comfort food belongs specifically to northern Vietnam.
Historically bánh đúc was a simple farmer’s meal made with rice flour which was cheaper than rice. The modern version evolved with more toppings as prosperity increased.
Local families line up at famous spots during weekends especially in colder months when this warming dish tastes best.
Where to Eat Bánh Đúc Nóng: Bánh Đúc Nóng Bà Xuân. 8 Lê Ngọc Hân Hàng Bài Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
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Grilled Meat Sticky Rice | Xôi Khúc
This savory dish wraps sticky rice around mung beans and pork fat before being wrapped in special khúc leaves. Vendors steam the packets until the rice becomes perfectly sticky.
The rice has a green tint and unique aroma from the leaves. When you bite in you find a flavorful surprise of savory pork and mung bean paste.
This dish originated in villages surrounding Hanoi before becoming popular in the city.
Traditionally families made xôi khúc during spring festivals when the special leaves were available. Now vendors sell them year round.
The most authentic versions come from small early morning markets in the suburbs of Hanoi where women sell them from baskets.
Where to Eat Xôi Khúc: Xôi Khúc Cô Trang. 127 Bùi Thị Xuân Hai Bà Trưng Hà Nội
Steamed Rice Rolls | Bánh Cuốn Thanh Trì
These delicate rice paper rolls contain minced pork mushrooms and shallots. Vendors make them by spreading rice batter on a cloth stretched over boiling water.
The rolls come out translucent and silky with a subtle filling inside. You eat them with fried shallots Vietnamese ham chả lụa and fish sauce.
The dish originated in Thanh Trì a former village now part of Hanoi.
Women in Thanh Trì were famous for their skill in making the thinnest most perfect rice sheets. Their technique spread throughout the city.
Early morning is the best time to find freshly made bánh cuốn at small family restaurants often run by women from Thanh Trì.
Where to Eat Bánh Cuốn Thanh Trì: Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền. 14 Hàng Gà Hàng Bồ Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Green Papaya Salad | Nộm Bò Khô
This refreshing salad combines shredded green papaya carrot herbs and beef jerky. Vendors toss everything in a sweet sour fish sauce dressing with peanuts.
The salad tastes crunchy tangy and slightly sweet with the chewy beef adding substance. Unlike Thai versions Hanoi’s papaya salad is less spicy and more herb forward.
Similar salads exist throughout Southeast Asia but Hanoi’s beef jerky version is distinctive.
The dish became popular during times when fresh meat was expensive. The dried beef provided protein that could be stretched further in a salad.
Small standing stalls around Hoan Kiem Lake serve this salad as a snack throughout the day often with rice crackers on the side.
Where to Eat Nộm Bò Khô: Nộm Thái Lan. 20 Hàng Da Cửa Nam Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
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Fried Fermented Fish Noodles | Bún Cá Ngần
This unique noodle dish features pieces of fermented fish fried until crispy served with rice noodles in a light broth. Vendors add fresh dill tomatoes and green onions.
The fermented fish has a strong flavor balanced by the delicate broth. Each bowl comes with a mix of textures from crispy fish to soft noodles.
This dish comes specifically from the Red River Delta region around Hanoi.
Fishermen developed methods to preserve their catch through fermentation. These preservation techniques created new flavors that became cherished dishes.
Look for this specialty in the ancient streets of the Old Quarter especially near Hàng Bè street known for fish products.
Where to Eat Bún Cá Ngần: Bún Cá Sâm Cây Si. 5 Nguyễn Siêu Hàng Buồm Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Egg Coffee | Cà Phê Trứng
This dessert like drink combines strong Vietnamese coffee with a creamy topping made from whipped egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Cafes serve it in a small cup set in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm.
The coffee tastes rich and bold under a silky sweet custard like foam. The hot coffee and cold topping create an interesting temperature contrast.
This drink was invented in Hanoi during milk shortages in the 1940s.
Nguyen Van Giang created egg coffee while working as a bartender at the Metropole Hotel. He later opened Café Giang which still serves his original recipe.
The most traditional egg coffee comes from old cafes hidden in narrow alleys of the Old Quarter where they’ve been making it the same way for decades.
Where to Drink Cà Phê Trứng: Café Giang. 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Lý Thái Tổ Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội
Crispy Fermented Shrimp Cake | Bánh Đúc Nộm
This dish features a rice flour cake topped with a mixture of fermented shrimp paste herbs and fried shallots. Vendors sprinkle peanuts and herbs over everything before serving.
The cake provides a neutral base for the strong savory taste of the fermented shrimp. Fresh herbs and lime juice cut through the richness creating balance.
This street food specialty belongs to Hanoi and the surrounding northern provinces.
Originally a simple farmer’s food the dish evolved to include more toppings and complex flavors as it moved into urban areas.
Small family run shops near traditional markets serve the most authentic version often made using recipes passed down for generations.
Where to Eat Bánh Đúc Nộm: Bánh Đúc Cô Lan. 29 Tô Hiến Thành Bùi Thị Xuân Hai Bà Trưng Hà Nội
Tips for Eating Your Way Through Hanoi
Morning is the best time to experience street food in Hanoi. Many vendors only operate from 6 AM until they sell out around 10 AM. Follow the local crowds for the freshest food.
Always carry small bills as most street vendors don’t have change for large denominations. Prices for street food range from 20000 to 50000 VND about $1 to $2.
Look for plastic stools that seem too small. They signal authentic street food spots where locals eat. The lower the stool often the better the food.
Don’t worry about language barriers. Pointing works just fine and many vendors near the Old Quarter understand basic English food terms.
Street food in the Old Quarter tends to cost more than identical dishes a few blocks away. Walking just five minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake can save you money and get you more authentic food.
Join a morning street food tour your first day to learn the basics then explore on your own. Guides can explain ingredients and show you hidden spots.
Many food streets specialize in specific dishes. Tô Hiến Thành Street is famous for crab noodles while Lý Quốc Sư is known for pillow cakes.
Bring hand sanitizer but don’t worry too much about food safety. Most street food in Hanoi is cooked fresh right in front of you at high temperatures.
Vietnamese food relies heavily on fish sauce which can smell strong but tastes mild. Give it a chance before deciding you don’t like it.
Food in Hanoi tastes best when you combine all elements together. Mix the herbs sauces and main ingredients before eating for the full flavor experience.