Top 15 Affordable and Delicious Street Foods in Hanoi's Old Quarter

When it comes to popular street foods among young people, you can’t miss the classic Vietnamese dessert, che. Hanoi boasts countless che spots, but if you haven’t tried this one yet, you’ll definitely regret it. Located along the Old Quarter streets, Che 4 Mua at Hang Can (93 Hang Bac) is a tiny gem offering a variety of tempting desserts. The che here is not overly sweet, but refreshingly light and aromatic. Other famous che spots include 60 Hang Than, 1A Bat Dan, and they’re open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM. Prices range from 15,000 to 30,000 VND, making it incredibly affordable.

Che 4 Mua, Hang Can, in particular, has gained a loyal following over the years. Having been around for more than 40 years, this traditional che shop maintains a steady stream of customers year-round, with people sitting on the sidewalk and spilling onto the street during peak hours. The secret to its success lies in its distinctive, traditional flavors that have remained unchanged. Recently, they’ve introduced some new items like Khuc Bach che and yogurt with jackfruit, but the shop’s standout offerings are the traditional favorites like lotus seed che, mung bean che, and black bean che. These desserts are simple but expertly prepared, with tender beans and a refreshing, delicate taste that transports you to the old Hanoi. The shop operates from 9 AM to 10 PM every day.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 4 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0984 583 333
Email: [email protected]
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/che4mua.hangcan/
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Located on the sidewalk, Oc Nong Ha Trang is a well-known Hanoi street food spot that has earned a solid reputation for its cleanliness and delicious dishes. Although the prices here are higher than most other places, the quality makes it well worth the cost. The specialty here is Boiled Snails – Oc Nong Ha Trang, and while the menu is not extensive, the portion size is generous, so you might not feel the need for more food after a plate of snails. The snails and clams are carefully selected, large, and cleaned thoroughly. The dipping sauce is expertly prepared, delivering a perfect balance of flavors that makes it unforgettable. It’s definitely a must-try for snail lovers.

If you’re craving delicious boiled snails with lemongrass in Hanoi, head over to Oc Nong Ha Trang. The snails are fresh, plump, and tender, served with the restaurant’s signature dipping sauce, which strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and fragrant with ginger and lemongrass. Many food enthusiasts consider this spot to have one of the best dipping sauces in Hanoi. Some customers even sip the sauce straight from the bowl! However, the prices here are relatively high, with a plate of boiled snails with lemongrass ranging from 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND, depending on the size of the plate and the additional items you order.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 1A Dinh Liet, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3926 0525
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738541029
Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The fruit salad at To Tich Street is slightly more expensive than other places, especially when you add durian, which can raise the price up to 80,000 VND. However, it’s well worth the price. Each serving is generous and filled with a variety of fruits, offering a perfect balance of flavors. The fruits are fresh, carefully selected, and cut neatly, making each bite delightful. It’s an ideal spot for fruit salad enthusiasts.

On a hot day, nothing beats a cold glass of Fruit Salad at To Tich Street. To Tich Street, famous for its bustling activity, is home to several fruit salad vendors. The typical mix includes watermelon, papaya, and other seasonal fruits like cantaloupe, jackfruit, strawberries, grapes, and dragon fruit. Some vendors even add jelly or ice cream to the mix to make it even more appealing. Depending on the vendor, the fruit salad may be served in a bowl or cup, but overall, the prices are reasonable and satisfying. Recently, to cater to a variety of tastes, many stalls also offer smoothies, fresh juices, and yogurt with fruit.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 17 To Tich, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0904 179 669 & 0438 288 702
Opening Hours: 09:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Rib Porridge at Ngo Huyen Street is known as one of the simplest yet most flavorful dishes in Hanoi. The price ranges from 15,000 VND to 33,000 VND. The porridge is made from finely ground rice flour, not dry flour or whole rice grains. The rice is soaked overnight, and the porridge is cooked with bone broth that has been simmering all night on a wood stove. The bones used are rib bones, which produce a clear and sweet broth, not fatty bone marrow. All the bones and meat are first washed with ozone and blanched several times in boiling water to ensure safety.

Ngo Huyen has long been known as a small alley but one of the busiest eating spots in the Old Quarter. When people mention Ngo Huyen, they immediately think of the rib porridge served here. This is a street-side eatery with limited seating, so it’s hard to find a spot if you’re with a large group, but the delicious porridge makes it worth the visit. The porridge is smooth, rich, and sweet, with tender chunks of meat from the slow-cooked ribs blending into the porridge. A sprinkle of pepper, chili powder, and crispy fried dough makes for a perfect snack. A bowl of porridge here costs about 20,000 VND. In addition to rib porridge, you can also try duck eggs or black bean dessert to satisfy your snack cravings.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 61A Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0385 585 536

Bun Cha Hang Quat is tucked deep in an alley, with a humble setting, yet during peak hours, people often have to stand in line waiting for a delicious, simple bowl of bun cha. It's not surprising, given the crowded nature of the Old Quarter, where small, narrow spots like this are common.

The first thing that strikes you upon entering the shop is the warm welcome from the owner. She moves swiftly, grilling pieces of grilled pork, pork meatballs, and nem (spring rolls). As you walk past the counter, the mouthwatering aroma of grilled pork fills the air, making you crave a taste. The pork meatballs are carefully shaped into round balls, then flattened and grilled over hot coals, while the grilled pork pieces sizzle with fat dripping onto the charcoal below. A bowl of Bun Cha Hang Quat costs around 50,000 VND, which is considered reasonable for a bowl of dipping sauce brimming with pork and a large plate of noodles. The dipping sauce has a balanced sweet and salty taste, enhanced by the flavor of the grilled pork. You can add some minced garlic and chili for an extra punch. The pork is tender, and when paired with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, it makes for an enjoyable, non-greasy meal. Customers can also order additional nem, with each piece priced at 12,000 VND. The nem is crispy, filled with generous portions of meat, and large enough to satisfy your cravings.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: Alley 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0974 519 846
Opening Hours: 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM

On cold, rainy days in Hanoi, there's nothing better than warming up with a steaming bowl of Ginger Chicken Soup Noodles. If you're searching for a delicious bowl, Mytour recommends heading to 24 Hang Bo to experience a local favorite that's been around for over 30 years! The restaurant serves tender pieces of chicken, often from native hens or even black-bone chickens, simmered perfectly to retain their natural sweetness. The owner serves the chicken in small bowls with mugwort, and when you order, they pour the flavorful broth and add a portion of noodles.

In addition to the basic ingredients of chicken and noodles, you can customize your dish with various toppings, including quail eggs, boiled eggs, pig brain, or pig heart (available on request or mixed in with your bowl). The noodles used here are typically instant noodles, but they absorb the rich broth perfectly, adding to the dish’s hearty texture. Alongside your bowl, the restaurant also provides a plate of dipping sauce for those who prefer to adjust the flavor or dip the chicken to their liking. It's a must-try experience for anyone craving a comforting meal.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 24 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0396 199 885
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/MyGaTanThuyLien/
Opening Hours: 17:30 - 23:30

Food enthusiasts in Hanoi are undoubtedly familiar with Xoi Xeo Hang Bai, a beloved dish served by Ms. May, a woman originally from Hoang Mai, known for her mastery in making sticky rice. Despite many of her fellow villagers no longer making xoi, she has faithfully run her humble stall for over 20 years, becoming an essential part of Hanoi’s morning routine.

At her small stall, you'll witness Ms. May skillfully layering fragrant sticky rice, savory pork floss, crispy fried shallots, and mashed mung beans onto banana leaves before wrapping it all up and handing it to the customer. The secret to the perfect texture of the xoi lies in choosing the right glutinous rice, sourced from Bac Ninh. Every day, she sells 2-3 baskets of xoi, and by 7-8 AM, her stall is bustling with activity. To meet the ever-growing and more discerning tastes of her customers, Ms. May has added a variety of toppings, such as Vietnamese sausage, braised pork, and fried egg. The tender and fatty braised pork, eaten alongside warm sticky rice on a chilly morning, will give you all the energy you need to power through your day. In addition to xoi xeo, Ms. May also serves other types of sticky rice, such as xoi gac and xoi ngo, as well as drinks like soy milk, coffee, peach tea, and yogurt.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 31 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0986 722 095
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/Xôi-mây-Hàng-Bài-1376061066032480/
Opening Hours: 05:30 - 13:00

If you ever find yourself in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, make sure to visit Phuong Beo’s dumpling noodle soup at 9 Hang Chieu! The small shop is always bustling, and during peak times, customers spill over onto the sidewalk. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the shop now primarily offers takeout. The Mi Van Than Hang Chieu with dumplings is the star of the menu. Each bowl is packed with delicious toppings like char siu pork, boiled eggs, crispy skin, and juicy shrimp. The broth is made from long-simmered bones, resulting in a flavorful and clear soup, not overpowered by artificial seasoning. The dumplings are generously filled, with a soft, chewy wrapper. On cold, rainy days, nothing beats a hot bowl of dumpling noodle soup paired with crispy fried dough sticks.

In addition to the signature dumpling noodle soup, Phuong Beo also serves shrimp and pork tapioca cakes, steamed dumplings, fried dumplings, mixed rice noodles, and a variety of drinks. If you're looking for more noodle options, check out another spot for dumpling noodles at 54 Hang Chieu, called Mi Van Than Binh Tay. Don't miss out – head over and enjoy!

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 9 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0977 033 882

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mỳ-vằn-thắn-Phương-Béo-số-9-Hàng-Chiếu-100064188812590/

Opening Hours: 06:30 - 21:00

Long Vi Dung's Dried Beef Salad is a beloved snack for the people of Hanoi, closely tied to the memories of school and college days. Its popularity makes it easy to find a stall serving this salad in the narrow alleys and market corners of Hanoi. Despite the diverse offerings of various types of salads, such as multi-colored salad, chicken salad, and ear salad, the dried beef salad remains a favorite thanks to its simplicity and authenticity. A typical serving consists of shredded green papaya, carrots, roasted peanuts, herbs, and dried beef mixed with a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing.

In the Old Quarter, to enjoy this dish, people head to the Long Vi Dung Dried Beef Salad stall, which has been around for over 70 years. The dish here is simple and humble compared to other places that serve a variety of offal and meats, but it has its charm. At Long Vi Dung, the salad features just four types of dried beef: char siu, tendon, tripe, and thinly sliced beef, all mixed with papaya, carrots, a sweet-and-sour dressing, a sprinkle of peanuts, and herbs, with chili sauce for added flavor. The real delight lies in the meticulous preparation and the fresh, well-balanced taste that leaves customers craving more.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: Ki Ốt 5 Hang Giay (Opposite 1A Hang Giay), Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0903 246 384
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/Nộm-Bò-Khô-Long-Vi-Dung-Ki-ốt-số-5-Hàng-giầy-Hà-nội-399477200455383/
Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:30

Chicken Pho Salad is a delicious and tempting dish loved by many. The dish is made from boiled free-range chicken with golden, tender skin, and firm, non-shredded meat. To eat, you add fresh herbs like mint and coriander, along with a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce. The charm of this chicken pho lies in its savory broth, which has a subtle yet distinctive flavor unique to this dish. This meal is especially popular on streets like Lan Ong, Hang Khoai, Ma May, and Hang Hom, priced at around 35,000 VND per serving.

Chicken Pho Salad Hanh serves a mix of vermicelli, noodles, and chicken, duck, with options for broth as well. A friend recommended the noodle salad, so I opted for a bowl of chicken noodle salad. Despite being called noodle salad, it mostly consisted of herbs and chicken with a sprinkling of ground peanuts. The flavor was a pleasant balance of sweet and sour, reminiscent of a fresh salad but with a distinct savory kick from the sauce. The chili sauce here is seriously spicy. The bowl was generously filled with meat, and the spring onions, though briefly blanched, retained their aromatic flavor without being overpowering. Overall, it was tasty and reasonably priced for such a filling dish in the Old Quarter. The pho noodles were soft, and the chicken breast was perfectly cooked and abundant, unlike the dry and stringy versions from other places. The dressing here truly stands out compared to other pho stalls. Once the pho is brought to the table, it is lightly dressed with a bit of sauce, lime, chili, and pepper. Toss it all together, and you have a bowl of pho salad that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 65A Lan Ong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Phone: 0915 340 341

Opening Hours: 18:00 - 23:00

Noodle Salad with Rice Cake is a cold dish, perfect for enjoying during hot summer days. Though simple in ingredients, the preparation of this dish is quite elaborate. For those unfamiliar, noodle salad with rice cake is a variation of the traditional rice cake dish. Instead of cutting the rice cake into large pieces, it’s sliced into thin strands, then served with a peanut broth. It’s typically paired with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts. For those who like a bit of spice, chili can be added. In essence, although the base ingredients are the same as the traditional rice cake, the noodle salad with rice cake is a creative twist and has become one of the unique summer snacks in Northern Vietnam. The dish gets its name from the finely cut strands of rice cake and the abundance of fresh greens that accompany it.

The Rice Cake Noodle Salad stall on Hang Be Street is one of the best places in the Old Quarter to try this dish. The stall is small, with just a few plastic chairs and tables, but its unique and delicious offerings keep customers coming back for more. The menu features both hot and cold versions of rice cake salad. The cold rice cake salad here is soft, chewy, and topped with plenty of bean sprouts and roasted peanuts. Add a bit of chili to balance the flavors, and it’s easy to finish an entire bowl in one go.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 28 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Phone: 0842 425 859

Opening Hours: 07:30 - 22:00

Hanoi is a city of tranquility, simplicity, and charm. In the Old Quarter, the people and the food reflect this peaceful nature. When you think of Hanoi, you think of bun rieu – a modest yet refined breakfast dish that warms the soul on a crisp morning. Over the years, the recipe for bun rieu has evolved to include various additions like beef, pork sausage, and spare ribs, making the dish more filling and less rustic. But for those who crave the pure, light taste of traditional crab soup noodles, Bun Rieu Cua Hang Bac is the place to visit.

As is typical for many Old Quarter eateries, Bun Rieu Cua Hang Bac is small and cozy. Despite its limited seating, the shop has been bustling with customers for decades, drawing people from all over to savor this simple, yet captivating dish. When you mention bun rieu, people often suggest stopping by Hang Bac. If you’re in the mood for a bowl of crab soup noodles with a subtle, refreshing sourness and minimal toppings, this is the perfect spot. The simplicity of the dish is its charm, without the need for added beef or sausage. However, if you prefer a more substantial meal, you can opt for a bowl with beef and pork sausage – the beef is tender and the sausage is filled with delicious mushrooms. Pair it with some crispy fried dough sticks and fresh herbs, and the aromatic broth, infused with fried shallots, will leave a lasting impression.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 11 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 22:30

Located directly across from Hang Da Market, Crab Meat Sticky Rice is one of Hanoi’s oldest sticky rice shops. Prices range from 25,000 to 55,000 VND per serving, depending on what you choose. The sticky rice here is perfectly cooked with carefully selected glutinous rice, resulting in a soft, fragrant, and snowy white dish. But what truly keeps customers coming back is the shop’s signature crab meat cake, a recipe passed down through generations. The owner personally selects the freshest crab, skillfully preparing the cakes, which have a unique and more appealing taste compared to regular pork sausages. The cakes are rich in the sweet, fresh flavor of crab meat, enhanced by fish sauce and a touch of pepper. You can also add fried shallots and a pinch of Maggi seasoning to elevate the taste, creating a perfect balance of flavors with the sweet, soft rice and the crispy, savory crab cake.

The stall is quite popular, often selling out quickly due to its limited portions, which is why it draws so many customers. The sticky rice is infused with pandan leaves and coconut milk, creating a fragrant, dense base. A few pieces of crab meat cake and squid cake are added for extra flavor, while dried shrimp and fried shallots sprinkled on top further enhance the aroma and balance out the richness of the crab cake. The dish is surprisingly not fishy, and should be eaten while still hot to fully experience its delightful flavors. The allure of the crab meat sticky rice here lies in the handmade crab cake, which is both delicious and nutritious. The combination of crab meat’s natural sweetness and the savory fish sauce, with a hint of pepper, pairs beautifully with the tender, aromatic sticky rice. The family-owned Crab Meat Sticky Rice shop, located opposite Hang Da Market, has become a local favorite, offering unique crab dishes like crab fried rice and crab-filled sticky rice. Another great option is the stall on Hang Dieu Street for fans of this specialty.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 41 Duong Thanh, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Phone: 024 3828 5182

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/xoibathao41aduongthanh/

Opening Hours: 06:00 - 22:00

Mixed Rice Paper - Hang Trong is not a traditional Hanoi dish, as it was popularized in Ho Chi Minh City before making its way to Hanoi. This snack features finely shredded, chewy rice paper combined with dried beef, shredded mango, dried squid, quail eggs, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts, all tossed together for a delicious blend of textures and flavors. There are two types available: grilled rice paper or rice paper mixed with butter. For those who can’t handle much spice, the buttered option is a great choice. A serving costs around 20,000 VND, which is filling enough to enjoy with friends, and you can pair it with a refreshing cup of tea for just 10,000 VND. As a street-side vendor, you'll find plastic chairs on the sidewalk where you can enjoy your snack while watching the busy street scene. The owner and staff are friendly, quick, and attentive.

The rice paper here is incredibly delicious, offering a chewy texture combined with the spicy sauce and dried beef, the tanginess of the mango, and the fragrant crunch of fried shallots and herbs. No wonder this spot is always bustling with customers. The owner, Mrs. Hieu, is the only Hanoi-based artisan to receive the prestigious title and commemorative medal for 'Essence of Three Regions Specialties,' awarded by the Vietnam Folk Art Association and the Culinary Arts & Culture magazine. For her, making mixed rice paper is not just a livelihood, but an art form, crafted for those who appreciate the true flavors of Hanoi’s street food. Mixed Rice Paper - Hang Trong has become a popular weekend treat, especially in the pedestrian zone, with the perfect balance of sweet and sour sauce, no overpowering fishy flavor, and a hint of spice, all mixed with shredded coconut, peanuts, fried shallots, herbs, and two boiled quail eggs. The dish is always a hit with customers.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 90 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening Hours: 15:00 – 22:00

This roadside shop on Hang Bo Street may be humble, but it offers a clean and spacious environment. The most popular items here are the fried shrimp cakes and fried dumplings, though you can also try fried spring rolls and coconut jelly. The shrimp cakes and dumplings are crispy and golden on the outside, yet not greasy, and come with a side of fresh greens and a deliciously tangy, spicy dipping sauce. The downside is the small size of the space, and while the shop opens at 3:00 PM, it fills up quickly by 5:00 PM. Parking is available nearby for 5,000 VND, as the shop doesn’t have its own parking area. The owner, though older, has a lively personality and makes customers feel welcome. This fried shrimp cake shop has been a popular spot in the Old Quarter for over 10 years, growing from a small street vendor to a renowned eatery.

The shrimp cakes here are just as good as those in West Lake, with a unique batter that’s both crispy and has a slightly sweet flavor from mashed mung beans. The shrimp filling is small but fresh and flavorful. A great part of the dish is the dipping sauce, which is the soul of the meal. It’s rich in flavor with a balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet, complemented by a side of pickled papaya and fresh greens. Besides the shrimp cakes, the fried dumplings at Hang Bo are also a favorite, with a crispy, golden exterior and a savory filling of minced meat and wood ear mushrooms. The space is small, so most customers opt to take their food to go. The shop opens at 2:00 PM, but to enjoy the freshest shrimp cakes, it’s best to arrive early, as they can sell out quickly.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 57A Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Phone: 024 3923 1255

Opening Hours: 15:00 – 18:00