Top 8 Most Popular and Unusual Fried Snacks in Hanoi – The names themselves will intrigue you!

There’s something comforting about hot, soft steamed buns that make them perfect at any time of the day. Whether as a breakfast snack with a cup of soy milk, an afternoon bite, or even a late-night treat, they’re always delicious. But on cold days, we crave something more aromatic and indulgent, which gave birth to the fried bun. Despite concerns about the texture of a fried bun, the crispy outer layer is light and airy, while the inside stays soft and fragrant. The outer crust soaks up the dipping sauce, adding rich flavor, and the taste becomes much less greasy. To try this tasty treat, head over to Hải Quẩy.

Nothing beats enjoying a warm, crispy fried bun in the morning or afternoon, whether it's a vegetarian or savory option. It's a favorite snack for locals strolling through Hanoi, known for its tender, fluffy texture, and delightful taste. The buns are served without any filling but are still full of flavor and often paired with fresh milk or sweetened condensed milk for extra richness. And the best part? They’re incredibly affordable, perfect for those “tight-budget” days.

Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Along with fresh pho rolls, crispy fried pho has become a familiar dish for the people of Hanoi. When it first appeared, this delicious and enticing dish certainly made many people wonder, "How can such soft, thin pho noodles puff up when fried?" But don't be mistaken! The pho used for frying is often rolled pho or flattened pho, stacked in layers to create a thick and puffy texture when fried, so it doesn’t break and remains crispy. You can enjoy this unique dish at Crispy Fried Pho 206 Khâm Thiên.

The secret lies in stacking multiple layers of pho, cutting them into squares, and frying them in a deep pan. Each piece puffs up with air, turns golden brown, and becomes delightfully crispy and fluffy. It’s served with stir-fried beef and vegetables in a rich sauce, and the combination of crispy pho with savory, tender beef is incredibly satisfying. If you're still unsure where to find the best crispy fried pho, head straight to Crispy Fried Pho 206 Khâm Thiên, where you’ll find a variety of pho stalls offering great quality at reasonable prices!

The Mini Pork Pies from Nam Dinh might sound unfamiliar, but they are actually a beloved specialty of this quaint region. These small pastries were introduced by Chinese immigrants to Nam Dinh long ago. Though they resemble fried buns, their filling is more like a baked pie, and the outer layer is similar to the famous Soc Trang mooncake. The dough is made with flour, pork, eggs, lard, and various traditional spices, depending on each family’s recipe. The pork filling is marinated with minced garlic, five-spice powder, oyster sauce, and honey, then fried until golden and fragrant. The char siu pork is finely diced and mixed with wood ear mushrooms, lard, and a boiled egg to create the filling. In Hanoi, you can taste these delicious treats at Special Nam Dinh Pork Pies.

The dough is made from flour, and as the pies bake, a layer of oil and egg is brushed on to ensure they cook evenly without burning. The pie maker must be skilled to ensure that the dough layers stack perfectly when baked. When ready, the outer layer is crispy while the inside remains tender. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven to experience the sweet aroma of the char siu pork, the rich flavor of lard, and a hint of spice. The combination of these fillings will delight your taste buds. If you have the chance, make sure to try these pies at Special Nam Dinh Pork Pies!

• 194 Quán Thánh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• 89 Thịnh Liệt, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi

Phone: 0917 921 216 & 0947 009 393
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/banhxiupaotaihanoi/

• 32K Ngõ 190 Lò Đúc, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi
• 103-G6 Ngõ 477 Nguyễn Trãi, Thanh Xuân District, Hanoi
• 97B Ngõ 1194 Đường Láng, Đống Đa District, Hanoi

Phone: 0919 113 790

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

Fried fermented pork is a popular snack made from ground pork and pigskin, following a process very similar to that of the traditional fermented pork rolls, but instead of fermenting, it is deep-fried to a golden crisp. A beloved street food specialty in Hanoi, this dish is rich, savory, and aromatic, appealing especially to younger crowds. To savor this tasty treat, head over to Fried Fermented Pork 36 Tạm Thương.

Although commonly known as fried fermented pork, it's important to note that regular fermented pork (which is wrapped in banana leaves and fermented to develop a sour taste) is not suitable for frying, as it would break apart and the pork skin would explode, leaving a much too sour flavor. The version used for frying is specially made: the ingredients are mixed like fermented pork but without the fermentation process (so it’s more accurately called sweet fried pork), and it’s not wrapped in banana leaves but in plastic wrap, formed into rolls, then chilled. Only when it's ready to be served is it coated in batter and deep-fried. Visit Fried Fermented Pork 36 Tạm Thương to enjoy this mouthwatering snack!

No one knows exactly when fried sticky rice became popular in Hanoi, as the traditional image of sticky rice evokes a soft, warm dish. Perhaps, much like fried rice cakes, fried sticky rice was created out of necessity, turning leftover rice into a new, delicious treat. These crispy golden fried pieces of sticky rice, fragrant and perfectly crisp without being greasy, have become even more beloved than the usual steamed sticky rice. To try this tasty snack, head over to Fried Sticky Rice Bàn Thờ 546.

While regular sticky rice is known for its soft texture, fried sticky rice offers a whole different experience—crispy on the outside while still soft and chewy on the inside, creating a satisfying contrast that excites the taste buds. Typically paired with pate, Vietnamese sausage, grilled pork, or braised pork belly, fried sticky rice is often complemented with pickled vegetables or a hot soup to balance the richness. What's even more intriguing is the stuffed fried sticky rice, a convenient and tasty snack to take on the go. On chilly evenings, gathering with friends to enjoy a serving of fried sticky rice at Fried Sticky Rice Bàn Thờ 546 is an absolute delight!

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 546 La Thành, Ba Đình District, Hanoi

Phone: 0968 283 706

Email: [email protected]

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/p/Xôi-Bàn-Thờ-546-100066639019330/