Buzz
It's difficult to list all the delicious dishes in Hanoi in just a few pages, but naming some heartwarming Hanoi dishes is possible. As a food enthusiast, I also want to confidently take you around the city to enjoy its unique delicacies.
1. Pho
When mentioning Hanoi, one cannot overlook the various types of pho; from pho broth, stir-fried pho to pho rolls, from chicken pho to beef pho, from rare beef to well-done beef. It seems like even if you eat pho every day for a month, you still won't get bored because of the countless options.
Here are some great places to enjoy delicious pho:
Pho Bat Dan:
Pho Thin:
Ly Quoc Su Pho:
Suong Pho:
Huong Mai Pho Rolls:
2. Thang Noodle Soup
To me, thang noodle soup embodies the intricate and meticulous nature of Hanoians. This dish is a harmonious blend of colors, flavors, presentation, with the yellow of shredded fried eggs, the white of pork sausage, the green of shredded coriander, all harmonizing with the brown of mushrooms. Together, they create a refined dish full of the essence of Hanoi. So, anyone who sees a bowl of thang noodle soup will surely want to pick up chopsticks and taste a piece to experience its flavor.
Here are some places to try thang noodle soup when in Hanoi:
Cau Go Thang Noodle Soup:
Hang Hom Thang Noodle Soup:
Giang Vo Bun Thang:
3. Snail Noodle Soup with Banana Blossom and Tofu
Snail noodle soup with banana blossom and tofu is a signature dish of Hanoians, becoming special due to its intricate preparation and unique, unforgettable flavor. You can taste the creamy flavor of each snail, the crispiness of golden fried tofu, the tangy spiciness of simmered chili, and broth when trying the first bite of noodles. The dish becomes richer in flavor when accompanied by green bananas, a few raw vegetables, or split water spinach.
To enjoy an authentic bowl of snail noodle soup with banana blossom and tofu, make sure to visit the right address:
Aunt Them's Snail Noodle Soup:
Mai Huong Alley's Snail Noodle Soup with Fat Tops:
Cold Snail Noodle Soup at Quan Chuong Gate:
Mrs. Luong's Snail Noodle Soup with Banana Blossom and Tofu:
4. Crab Noodle Soup
Crab noodle soup is a dish for any weather; whether it's scorching hot summer days or chilly winter days, a bowl of crab noodle soup easily captivates discerning foodies.
The rich flavor of field crab blends with the refreshing acidity of tomatoes and the savory taste of shrimp paste, making anyone who tries it once remember it forever. I especially love this dish and have a few favorite spots I always visit whenever I'm in Hanoi. Let me introduce them to you right away!
Quang Trung Crab Noodle Soup:
Nguyen Sieu Crab Noodle Soup:
Thi Sach Crab Noodle Soup:
5. Pork Paste Vermicelli Soup
Pork paste vermicelli soup is a familiar breakfast dish for Hanoians, especially on hot summer days. Although called pork paste vermicelli soup, this dish also includes chicken meat, ribs, bamboo shoots, or water morning glory alongside round pork paste balls. These ingredients complement each other in a clear and sweet broth, creating a delicious sensation for the eater.
Some reliable addresses you should visit:
57 Hang Luoc Pork Paste Vermicelli Soup
32 Cau Go Pork Paste Vermicelli Soup
11 Hang Trong Pork Paste Vermicelli Soup
45A Mai Hac De Chicken Feet Vermicelli Soup
6. Fermented Shrimp Paste Tofu Vermicelli
Fermented shrimp paste tofu vermicelli was originally a street food for poor laborers, but gradually, it has won over even the most sophisticated diners with its rich and unique flavor.
When it comes to fermented shrimp paste tofu vermicelli, Hanoians will immediately think of Bun dau mam tom Hang Khay or Phat Loc Alley - familiar addresses for food enthusiasts in the capital.
Hang Khay Fermented Shrimp Paste Tofu Vermicelli:
Trung Huong Fermented Shrimp Paste Tofu Vermicelli:
You can also visit some other addresses such as:
Cay Bang Fermented Shrimp Paste Tofu Vermicelli:
Ngach Gach Fermented Shrimp Paste Tofu Vermicelli:
Hoang Cau Grilled Pork Vermicelli:
7. Fish Noodle Soup
You can easily find this dish on any street in Hanoi, but to enjoy it to the fullest, head to the following addresses:
Van Fish Noodle Soup:
Thai Binh Mixed Fish Noodle Soup:
Sam Cay Si Fish Noodle Soup:
Ms. Phuong's Fish Noodle Soup:
Fish Noodle Soup:
8. Grilled Pork Vermicelli
Grilled pork vermicelli in Hanoi is so famous, what more can I say? This is the beloved dish that even President Obama fell in love with during his visit to Vietnam this year. So, I don't need to introduce this dish much to you anymore, let's go straight to the famous grilled pork vermicelli places in Hanoi.
Huong Lien Grilled Pork Vermicelli
Dac Kim Rice Vermicelli with Grilled Pork:
Sinh Tu Rice Vermicelli with Grilled Pork:
9. Rib Porridge
On cold days like this in Hanoi, sitting down to enjoy a bowl of rib porridge and whispering small talk with each other is quite delightful. Hanoi's rib porridge is simple yet comforting, with porridge, ribs, and crispy fried dough sticks.
However, that flavor often attracts many people to come after work; it's a little warmth for chilly evenings. The first address I'd like to introduce to you is Bach Khoa Rib Porridge - Ta Quang Buu, at Alley 17 Ta Quang Buu, Hai Ba Trung District, priced at around 10,000 VND - 15,000 VND.
Rib Porridge Bồ Stall:
Rib Porridge Huyen Alley:
Rib Porridge:
10. Fish Porridge
Fish porridge is also a delicious dish for cold days. However, cooking a proper bowl of tasty fish porridge without any fishy smell is not an easy task. So instead of cooking at home, you can find some excellent fish porridge stalls in Hanoi to enjoy on windy days like this.
Old Fish Cake Master:
Doan Xom Fish Porridge:
11. Sticky Rice
Just like pho, Hanoi has a variety of sticky rice dishes, mostly savory rather than sweet like in Saigon. There's xoi xeo, xoi corn, xoi cha, xoi khuc, all contributing to a diverse and unique array of 'sticky rice cuisine' in the capital.
In Hanoi, there's plenty of sticky rice available day and night, whether it's from a roadside stall or a vendor peddling on a bicycle. But to ensure you get delicious sticky rice, you should try one of the following addresses:
Yen Sticky Rice:
Trường Chinh Sticky Rice:
Loc Sticky Rice:
12. Spring Rolls
On a hot day, having spring rolls and beer while chatting with friends is as good as it gets. Just like sticky rice, Hanoi's spring rolls come in many different versions, such as grilled spring rolls, fried spring rolls, and skewered spring rolls, just thinking about it makes you crave them.
But with so many grilled spring roll spots in Hanoi, where should you go for the authentic taste? It's a tough choice, isn't it? Well, let me suggest a few favorites for you!
Grilled Sour Spring Rolls at 10 Au Trieu Street,
Skewered Spring Rolls on Phan Huy Ich Street
Fried Spring Rolls at Tam Thuong Alley
13. Caramen
Caramen, also known as Flan, is a popular dessert not only among Hanoians but also among visitors from afar. The rich taste of custard blends with the sweet and flavorful caramel sauce, creating a delicious and enticing treat.
To enjoy an authentic plate of caramen, you can't miss 29 Hang Than Street - the most famous caramen vendor in Hanoi, priced around 15,000 VND.
You can also visit Nguyen Cong Tru Market, 37H2 Nguyen Cong Tru collective zone, Hanoi, to find a bowl of delicious caramen with chewy pearls for about 20,000 VND.
14. Coconut Jelly
If you've been to 29 Hang Than for Caramen, you don't need to go far to enjoy this coconut jelly because it's sold right here. Alongside caramen, this treat is a lifesaver for many food enthusiasts. Scoop up a piece of silky, white coconut jelly, and you'll experience sheer delight as its delicious flavor spreads through your taste buds. I guarantee you can eat several without feeling full, just worried about getting too satisfied :D. The price for one piece is 60,000 VND, my friend.
Apart from Hang Than, you can also find this coconut jelly at other places:
Coconut Jelly at 34 Hang Cot
Coconut Jelly at Le Trong Tan
15. Beef Salad
This is a favorite dish that I must introduce to you. Various parts of beef from tendons to jerky are mixed with papaya, carrots, and perfectly seasoned broth, creating an incredibly delicious and stimulating dish for your taste buds.
To verify my words, you can visit these places:
Dried Beef Salad on Ho Hoan Kiem Street
Spicy Green Mango Salad on Hang Bun Street
Mai Nga Salad on Ham Long Street
Dried Beef and Skin Salad on Ton That Tung Street
16. Trang Tien Ice Cream
Anyone who visits Hanoi and doesn't try Trang Tien ice cream is truly missing out. The small, creamy Trang Tien ice cream with its rich milk flavor has been a part of Hanoi's culinary scene for countless years. Time may change, but Trang Tien ice cream never loses its delicious taste and the affection of discerning food lovers. While there are many flavors, the most famous is the cinnamon snail-shaped ice cream. You can buy a cone for 12,000 VND.
17. Old Quarter Cafes
The cafes in Hanoi's Old Quarter always leave people in awe, whether they are long-time residents or short-term visitors exploring the city for just a few days. I don't really know when these cafes started, but once you fall in love with them, it's hard not to revisit them a few times.
Here are a few Old Quarter cafes that I absolutely love:
Dinh Cafe
Giang Cafe
Old Quarter Cafe
18. Rice Rolls
Rice rolls in the Hanoi style can be described as a combination of steamed rice rolls and rice crepes from Saigon. Coming to Hanoi without indulging in a plate of hot, fragrant rice rolls would be a missed opportunity! You'll find it hard to resist this dish, I guarantee you'll be ordering a second plate.
Here are a few rice roll shops you can visit:
Thanh Tri Rice Rolls
Hàng Gà Rice Rolls
Mrs. Hoanh's Rice Rolls
Gia An Rice Rolls
9. Rice Pyramid Dumplings
In this freezing weather in Hanoi, having rice dumplings is just perfect, no need for adjustments. This humble dish never disappoints anyone seeking some warmth in winter.
And you can enjoy rice dumplings anytime, whether it's for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. In Hanoi, rice dumplings are always available, but to taste the best, you should try them here.
Thuỵ Khuê Rice Dumplings
Nguyễn Công Trứ Rice Dumplings
Hôm Market Rice Dumplings
10. Pillow Cake
Indulging in pillow cakes with crispy outer layers and rich, savory fillings is a must-do when visiting Hanoi, especially during the winter days. No need for further introduction, I'll take you straight to the place to enjoy and review!
Lý Quốc Sư Pillow Cake
Hoàng Tích Trí Pillow Cake
Hàng Chiếu Pillow Cake
21. Chicken Congee
In the chilly days of Hanoi, what could be more essential than a steaming hot bowl of chicken congee that you can blow and eat at the same time? Each spoonful of flavorful congee will warm your heart.
For a bowl of congee, check out these spots:
Bà Mỹ's Chicken Congee Stall
Thợ Nhuộm Chicken Congee
Traditional Congee House
Thắng Xoăn Chicken Congee
22. Snail Congee
Snail congee is a simple and rustic dish, embodying the true essence of Hanoi. Similar to chicken congee, snail congee is a popular choice for many food enthusiasts seeking warmth on chilly days in Hanoi.
Most snail congee stalls in Hanoi are small roadside eateries, yet this doesn't diminish their distinctive and enticing flavors. Give a few of these stalls a try!
Trần Xuân Soạn Snail Congee
Nghĩa Tân Snail Congee
Vũ Ngọc Phan Snail Congee
Trần Nhân Tông Snail Congee
Dinh Liệt Noodle Dumplings
Noodle dumplings, also known as wonton noodles, can be found everywhere in Hanoi, from small alleys to upscale restaurants. This dish is rich in nutrients, with a sweet and savory broth combining with the freshness of the noodles and the fragrant warmth of the dumplings, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
Some famous noodle dumpling spots in Hanoi you can visit are:
Dinh Liệt Noodle Dumplings
Thắng Huyền Noodle Dumplings and Dumplings
Hoàng Mập Noodle Dumplings
24. Chicken Pho
I've only discovered chicken pho about 4 years ago, but it has captivated me ever since. Whenever it's chilly, I immediately want to invite my buddies for a warming meal. The noodles become even more delicious with the broth made from chicken and traditional herbs.
The Bamboo Tree Restaurant
Chicken Pho on Hàng Cót Street
25. Chicken Vermicelli Soup
Originally served during the Tet holidays in the North, especially in Hanoi, chicken vermicelli soup helps balance out the meat-heavy menus during these days. Because it's easy to eat, chicken vermicelli soup quickly became widespread across the city streets.
Some chicken vermicelli soup spots you can check out include:
Chicken Pho & Chicken Vermicelli Soup on Hàng Điếu Street
Bun & Chicken Vermicelli Soup - Giảng Võ
Chicken Warfare - Pho
26. Mixed vermicelli
Hanoi offers a wide variety of versions for mixed vermicelli, from mixed beef vermicelli to mixed fish vermicelli, and mixed vermicelli with crab crackers. Each type of mixed vermicelli brings a different sensation to the eater.
Here are some mixed vermicelli spots you can consider:
Duc's Cake and Mixed Vermicelli Restaurant
Lý Thường Kiệt Mixed Vermicelli Stall
Lý Quốc Sư Crab Crackers Mixed Vermicelli Stall
Mixed Vermicelli - Sweet and Sour Korean Noodles Restaurant
Delicious Duck Noodle Soup at Lý Quốc Sư
28. Soup
In Hanoi, there are various ways to prepare soup. Initially made with chicken, it gradually evolved to include crab or eel, resulting in different flavorful versions. On chilly days, a steaming bowl of thick soup is enough to warm one's heart.
To be fair, I'll guide you to 3 soup spots offering three different flavors for you to evaluate.
Signature Chicken Soup at Hàng Than Slope
Eel Soup - Dong Thinh Eel Vermicelli
Crab Soup
29. Lemon Tea
No need to say, everyone knows about the simple yet pricey lemon tea in Hanoi. On scorching summer days, nothing beats hanging out with friends, sipping lemon tea and chatting away.
Places where you can hang out and chat over lemon tea include:
30. Sticky Rice Yogurt
Sticky rice yogurt is a dish made from fermented glutinous rice (similar to rice wine) and yogurt. The deliciousness of the dish comes from the degree of fermentation of the glutinous rice, which also determines the quality of each eatery.
Of course, I've visited a few places and found a couple of them quite pleasing, enough for you to note down and use as references when you visit Hanoi.
Signature Sticky Rice Yogurt at Tô Tịch
Signature Sticky Rice Yogurt at Hàng Đường
Signature Sticky Rice Yogurt at Hàng Bông
Ta-da! That's the complete list of 30 delicious dishes in Hanoi for you to stash in your bag and travel without worrying about hunger. Come to Hanoi and let me know which dish you like the most! Don't forget to book your flight tickets, hotels in Hanoi, as well as tickets for fun activities and tours to have the chance to receive special discounts.
