Top 10 Best Breakfast Dishes in Hanoi

Wonton Noodles, originally from Guangdong, China, were introduced to Hanoi in the 1930s. What started as a Chinese dish gradually became a beloved staple in the capital. The rich, flavorful broth, subtly sweet, always draws in food lovers. A bowl of wonton noodles, brimming with dumplings, shrimp dumplings, blood pudding, meatballs, and slices of char siu, is irresistible. With the delightful taste of the broth and the combination of ingredients, this dish is the perfect nutritious and delicious breakfast choice.

The menu at Phat Ky My Gia features a variety of tempting dishes, including dim sum, dumplings, bao buns, and noodle dishes like duck noodle soup and beef stew noodles. Their standout dumplings, with a golden crispy exterior and topped with a bit of fish roe, are a visual and flavorful treat. The shrimp dumplings, soft and aromatic, perfectly combine the delicate taste of fresh shrimp with a soft, attractive wrapper. Their steamed dumplings with shrimp deliver a sweet, savory flavor, enhanced by the fragrant aroma of wheat flour, a mild kick of green onions, and a touch of sesame, all harmonized by a sweet soy sauce. And for bao lovers, don’t miss the delicious salted egg bao made by the chef himself.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:
Address: 42C Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0937 439 933
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/Phatky42c
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 22:00

When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing better than enjoying a steaming bowl of Pork Rib Porridge. Porridge is one of the easiest and most comforting dishes for breakfast, as it is smooth and easy to digest. A bowl of pork rib porridge served with some dried shrimp and crispy fried dough sticks, sprinkled with a dash of pepper, will instantly warm you up. The price is also very affordable, making it a popular choice for breakfast. Pork rib porridge is loved by everyone, from children to adults, and is a great alternative to the usual rice-based meals.

Moreover, porridge is suitable for all ages, especially for children and the elderly. This savory, naturally sweet porridge is made from pork rib broth, which is nutritious and perfect for those who are sick, fatigued, or just in need of comfort food. Parents can rest assured that a bowl of hot, flavorful pork rib porridge is a great option to fuel their kids before school. On those cooler days, nothing beats enjoying a warm bowl of porridge, and it’s the perfect meal to share with your family before heading out for the day. At Co La Pork Rib Porridge, you'll find the finest porridge served just the way you like it, especially on those breezy mornings when a bowl of hot porridge is just what you need. It doesn't require much to enhance the flavor—just a sprinkle of pepper or chili, and it’s perfectly delicious. A bowl typically costs between 10,000 to 15,000 VND, depending on the added toppings. Be sure to try this hearty dish when you get the chance!

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:
Address: Ngo Huyen Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 06:45 – 18:15

Sticky Rice is a popular dish made from glutinous rice, steamed or cooked with water vapor, widely enjoyed across many Asian countries. It's considered a perfect breakfast food due to its low cost, versatility, and broad appeal. There are many variations of sticky rice, including corn sticky rice, xeo sticky rice, gac sticky rice, coconut sticky rice, and plain sticky rice. Plain sticky rice can be served with various toppings like pate, sausage, pork, spring rolls, eggs, and a drizzle of savory meat broth.

At Ba Thu’s Traditional Sticky Rice, the shop may be small, but it serves a big flavor. Open from 6 AM until around 10 AM, they offer only one pot of meat, sausage, spring rolls, and eggs cooked together, so the meat broth that’s poured over the sticky rice is simply rich, fragrant, and naturally sweet. The pork is slow-cooked until tender, and even the leanest cuts are soft and easy to eat. The fried egg has a crisp outer layer while maintaining a runny yolk, and the sticky rice is plump, fragrant, and perfectly sticky. Due to its popularity, the small corner shop is always bustling with customers eager to enjoy a bowl of this delicious sticky rice. Once you've tasted it, you'll be hooked and will surely return for more.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:

Address: 57 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Phone: 0798 976 666

Opening Hours: 06:30 – 14:00

When it comes to delicious winter breakfast foods, you can't forget the steaming hot Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls. Known by different names such as ‘wet cakes’ or ‘moist cakes,’ these rolls are made from thin layers of rice flour dough, steamed and rolled with fillings like vegetables or meat. A plate of warm rice rolls, topped with crispy fried shallots and a few slices of fragrant pork sausage, served with a dipping sauce, is the perfect start to your morning. In some places, they are served with meatballs, creating a unique flavor combination. While rice rolls may not be the most famous dish of Hanoi, they certainly capture the essence of the city's culinary charm.

For an authentic experience, head to Hot Steamed Rice Rolls - Hang Trong to savor the flavors. The pork served with the rice rolls is both fragrant and savory, and the steamed eggs add richness and depth to the dish. The slightly greasy pork and the soft, smooth rice rolls combine beautifully, offering a satisfying bite without being too heavy. The golden fried shallots and crispy wood ear mushrooms bring an irresistible aroma and texture, making this dish unforgettable. Despite being a street-side shop, the place is well-kept, with clean and spacious seating, making it an enjoyable stop. The friendly owner will make sure your dining experience is both pleasant and memorable.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:
Address: 14B Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0983 342 242
Opening Hours: 06:30 – 13:30

Grilled Pork with Vermicelli has long been a favorite breakfast dish for many people. This Vietnamese dish consists of vermicelli noodles, grilled pork patties and slices, served with a bowl of sweet, sour, salty dipping sauce. It originates from Northern Vietnam and gained international fame after US President Barack Obama enjoyed it in Hanoi, making it more popular than ever. The key to the deliciousness of this dish lies in the dipping sauce. It must be perfectly balanced in sweetness, so that when mixed with the vermicelli, the flavor remains rich and satisfying. The grilled pork comes in two forms: minced pork patties and sliced pork, allowing for personalization based on individual preference. However, the meat must be tender and grilled just right, not overcooked or burnt.

When talking about grilled pork with vermicelli, one must not forget the soul of the dish—the dipping sauce. At Bun Cha Viet, the dipping sauce stands out with a hint of vinegar, making it distinctly different from other places. This unique twist makes the dish unforgettable. The grilled pork at Bun Cha Viet is finely minced, with a perfect balance of lean meat and fat, tender and flavorful without being greasy, perfectly seasoned and served with a dipping sauce that doesn’t need garlic or extra vinegar to be delicious. When dining here, you can forget about the price and just focus on enjoying the mouthwatering taste of this iconic dish.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:
Address: 2 Cau Giay, Lang Thuong, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Phone: 0589 999 955
Website: bunchaviet.vn
Opening Hours: 09:00–14:00 | 17:00–22:00

Bánh Mì has earned global recognition as one of the world’s most delicious foods. Vietnamese Bánh Mì is a burst of flavors and textures: salty, sweet, sour, spicy, crispy, chewy, and soft, blending harmoniously to create a sensational experience that even international visitors adore. This dish exemplifies the art of combining diverse ingredients in a perfect balance, satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Moreover, Bánh Mì is an affordable and nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

If you’re a Bánh Mì fan, you can’t miss Bánh Mì Pate Chả Cá, originally from Lan Ong Street but now located on Cha Ca Street. Unlike other places, the sandwich here is simple yet exceptional, consisting of pate, fried shallots, cilantro, cucumber, and a dash of chili sauce. Those who’ve tried it can’t help but rave about its flavor, and often end up craving it again and again. The pate, the soul of the sandwich, is made skillfully—rich and savory without the strong taste of liver, making it irresistible. This spot serves Bánh Mì in the evening until midnight. Whether it’s a quick snack or a late-night craving, enjoying this Bánh Mì in slightly chilly weather is an experience you won’t forget. Invite your friends or loved ones to enjoy this delicious sandwich!

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:
Address: 08A Cha Ca, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 23:30

Hanoi is famous for its diverse street food scene, ranging from noodle dishes like bún and bánh đa to dry snacks such as cốm and chả. Among these, one cannot miss bánh giò, a beloved treat in the city. Bánh giò features a soft, sticky rice flour wrapper that encases savory minced pork mixed with crunchy mushrooms. It's often served with pickled cucumbers to balance out the richness, and a glass of soybean milk makes the perfect pairing to start your day. For those looking for extra indulgence, you can add some chả cốm, giò, or nem chua on the side to make the meal even more satisfying.

Unlike popular breakfast dishes like bún or phở, bánh giò is often eaten on the go, making it a convenient choice for busy mornings. It keeps you full for a long time, providing the energy needed to start your day without feeling rushed. There are many variations of bánh giò in Hanoi, with each shop offering its unique twist. One popular spot to try this dish is Bánh Giò Thụy Khuê, known for its giant-sized bánh giò, often referred to as the “dinosaur-sized bánh giò.” A typical serving is packed with toppings like giò tai, chả quế, and pickled vegetables, making it a hearty meal. The shop has a spacious seating area, making it a comfortable place to enjoy your meal.

Phở is a beloved dish that holds a special place in Hanoi's food culture. Many eateries around the city serve delicious phở, especially in the inner districts, where locals enjoy it as a daily breakfast. For visitors to Hanoi, having a bowl of phở for breakfast is a must-try experience. It's one of the most iconic morning dishes in the city, with its inviting aroma captivating anyone who walks by.

There's nothing better on a chilly morning than sitting down with a steaming bowl of phở, filled with tender shredded chicken, golden-brown skin, and silky white meat, all swimming in a rich, fragrant broth. The broth, made from boiling numerous chickens each day, is so flavorful it could rival the richest chicken stock. This is why Phở Gà Thao is always packed with customers. The delicious phở, affordable prices, and clean, convenient setting make it a popular spot for many. So, why wait? Head to Phở Gà Thao for a tasty bowl to kickstart your day!

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:

Address: Alley 7, Hoàng Minh Giám, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi

Phone: 0973 273 835

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

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 22:00

Bún Ốc is a popular dish loved by many, known for its perfect balance of flavors – the tangy taste of vinegar with the chewy texture of snails, crispy fried tofu, and refreshing herbs. There are different ways to enjoy bún ốc. Some prefer small snails, others opt for the larger ones, while some like to substitute fresh herbs with blanched greens. Aside from the traditional hot bún ốc with tomatoes and fried tofu, many enjoy cold bún ốc with fresh herbs in the summer. To make it even more flavorful, large snails like ốc mít or ốc nhồi are added for extra crunch. For a more filling meal, bún ốc with ribs is also an excellent choice.

If you're craving a hearty bowl of bún ốc, Bún Ốc Sườn 57 is a must-visit. Their bún ốc comes loaded with snails, crispy tofu, tender pork ribs, and pig’s blood. The bowl looks appetizing even before you dig in – full, fragrant, and packed with textures. The broth is light yet tangy, complemented by the distinctive aroma of fermented shrimp paste. The addition of crispy dough sticks makes it even more irresistible. With a price of just around 30,000 VND, it’s an affordable and popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The fresh toppings are served with a side of vegetables for easy enjoyment.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:

Address: 57 Hai Bà Trưng, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

Phone: 0909 866 886

Opening Hours: 10:30 – 23:00

Bún Bò Huế is renowned as one of the 50 best dishes in the world. Originally from the ancient city of Huế, this dish has quickly won over the hearts of Hanoi locals. A hearty bowl of bún bò Huế, with tender beef and flavorful pig’s trotters, is a breakfast favorite, especially among office workers. There’s nothing better than enjoying a steaming bowl of this aromatic and savory dish on a cool, refreshing morning.

The thick, soft noodles are perfectly cooked and never mushy, and the rich broth is what truly makes this dish unforgettable. The combination of sweet, flavorful broth, the richness of pig’s trotters, tender beef brisket, fragrant crab cake, and the spicy kick from chili and a hint of tanginess from lime is what sets this dish apart. Bún Bò Huế O Xuân, with a dash of extra chili oil, is an excellent choice for a warm, satisfying breakfast or any meal of the day.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT:

Address: 5D Quang Trung, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

Phone: 0248 586 8788

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 21:30