Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Hanoi

When autumn arrives in Hanoi, it brings with it the delightful taste of com. This sweet, rustic snack has been a part of Hanoi's culture for generations, evoking nostalgia in anyone who has left the city. Visitors who have tasted it will always remember its unique flavor. The process of making these delicate green com kernels requires a lot of careful steps. Though it may seem simple, to enjoy com in the traditional way, one must use two fingers to pick up a few grains and place them gently on the tongue, savoring the subtle, chewy sweetness. The soft com, wrapped in the fragrance of lotus leaves, brings the essence of Hanoi's autumn straight to your senses.

Com Moc Le Gia is a place where you can still experience the authentic taste of Hanoi’s traditional com. The fresh com here is a vibrant jade green, infused with the sweet, earthy aroma of the countryside. It’s wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves, and when you take a bite, the soft sweetness lingers on your tongue. Com Moc Le Gia offers a variety of com products, including com cakes, fresh com, com sausages, fried com with coconut, com wine, and more. If you find yourself in Hanoi, don’t miss out on this beloved treat; bring home a packet as a special gift for your loved ones.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 2 Ngo 59 Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0985 760 113

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://commoclegia.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commoclegia/

Opening Hours: Open all day

The cuisine of Hanoi always holds an air of mystery, inviting everyone to explore its flavors. People love the light taste of traditional pho, the crispy crunch of nem rolls, or the savory goodness of a freshly baked banh mi stuffed with delicious fillings. But it would be a missed opportunity if you didn’t try the iconic Pho Cuon. Pho Cuon is a simple dish made of thinly sliced rare beef, paired with fresh herbs and wrapped in a soft, chewy rice noodle sheet. Dip it in a sweet and sour fish sauce, and it’s a flavor combination that will steal your heart. When in Hanoi, make sure to indulge in a plate of hot Pho Cuon.

For an authentic taste, head over to Pho Cuon Hung Ben. The Pho Cuon Hung Ben brand has become a well-known name in Hanoi’s food scene. With years of experience, they’ve managed to preserve the unique flavor that no other pho cuon restaurant can replicate. Each roll is perfectly crafted, with the rice noodle wrapping long and full, the beef stir-fried to perfection, and the sauce deliciously fragrant and well-balanced. It’s sure to tantalize the taste buds of every visitor.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 118 Tran Vu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Phone: 0916 764 141 - 0968 797 210
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phocuonhungben
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 23:00

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a simple yet unforgettable dish. You can find it anywhere, whether on the street side or in upscale restaurants. The crispy, hot tofu pairs perfectly with a unique shrimp paste sauce that is carefully mixed with lime and a bit of spicy pork fat, creating a flavor that will stay with you long after you leave. The dish is traditionally served in a woven basket lined with banana leaves. Visitors to Hanoi can’t miss this savory treat. While many places serve bun dau, Bun Dau Trung Huong at 49 Phat Loc Alley is always bustling with customers. The secret to their success lies in the shrimp paste, which is sourced from Thanh Hoa, giving it a distinct pink hue and aromatic flavor, prepared by the restaurant owner with a special touch.

Not only is the shrimp paste exceptional, but the ingredients are also carefully selected. The tofu is made from the famous Mo village, soft and creamy, while the bun is made from fine noodles sourced from Phu Do village, cut into pieces that perfectly complement the dish. The herbs, such as perilla and Vietnamese balm, are sourced from Lang village. The most impressive feature of Bun Dau Trung Huong is that the tofu is never pre-fried; it’s only fried when the customer arrives, ensuring a hot and crispy texture. The price is very affordable, with options for adding meat, sausage, or offal, depending on your preferences.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 49 Phat Loc Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3926 0662 - 0987 702 955
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063480105143
Opening Hours: 09:30 - 15:30

The ruoi, a unique seafood delicacy, is a specialty of northern Vietnam. It can be prepared in various ways, such as in fried nem rolls, clay-pot stews, stir-fries, or even in soups. However, the most popular dish is Cha Ruoi. Cha Ruoi blends the natural flavor of ruoi with the sweetness of minced pork, the refreshing touch of orange peel, and the fragrant taste of traditional fish sauce, creating an unforgettable taste. If you’re a fan of this dish, you’re likely familiar with Cha Ruoi Hung Thinh, a well-loved shop on Hang Chieu Street.

Cha Ruoi Hung Thinh has long been a trusted name for delicious cha ruoi in Hanoi. The shop sources its ruoi from reputable suppliers in special regions like Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Nghe An, and Thai Binh, ensuring the freshest quality. Their cha ruoi is made by mixing minced pork, egg, dill, finely chopped orange peel, and spices, which are then fried into golden, crispy patties. There are two varieties to choose from: finely minced and whole ruoi. The minced version has a smooth, rich flavor, while the whole ruoi offers a more fatty, indulgent experience. All of their cha ruoi is made with traditional methods, from the cha itself to the dipping sauce, all crafted with care and expertise.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 1 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0903 481 584
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charuoihungthinh
Opening Hours: 07:00 - 21:00

It would be a mistake to miss bun thang from the list of must-try dishes in Hanoi's cuisine. In terms of taste, delicacy, and the careful selection of ingredients, this dish stands out above other types of bun. Often referred to as 'Thang Long's Best Bun,' bun thang is a true masterpiece. To prepare a perfect bowl, it requires 20 different ingredients. The bowl is a harmonious blend of colors and flavors, with the white noodles, golden slices of chicken and thin omelette, the pink hue of Vietnamese pork sausage, the green of scallions and Vietnamese coriander, and the black of mushrooms. Each component is arranged by skilled chefs with artistry and precision, making it not just a meal, but a work of art.

A place you should not miss for a delicious bowl of bun thang in Hanoi is Bun Thang Lan Lun. The bun thang here brings a taste of old Hanoi. The noodles at Lan Lun are briefly dipped in the broth before being placed in the bowl, with the remaining ingredients meticulously sliced and arranged. What sets this bun thang apart is the broth, which is rich and aromatic, ensuring that one bowl will leave a lasting impression. Located in the heart of one of Hanoi’s busiest streets, Lan Lun offers a spacious, modern, and stylish setting. The staff is attentive, quick, and welcoming, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 5 Hang Theu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0934 437 557
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 23:00

When it comes to delicious dishes in Hanoi, most people immediately think of the 'big three': pho, bun cha, and the famous Cha Ca La Vong. This dish is not only flavorful and popular, but it also carries the cultural essence of Hanoi, offering a taste of the city's tradition and heritage. Cha Ca La Vong is a perfect blend of fish, fish sauce, dill, and shrimp paste, creating an unforgettable aroma and flavor.

For the best experience, make sure to visit Cha Ca Ngon, a restaurant known for its high-quality, fresh fish sourced from natural waters, ensuring each bite is tender and sweet. The golden-brown fish pieces are served with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce of shrimp paste that adds depth to the dish. It's a flavor combination you'll never forget. In addition to Cha Ca La Vong, the restaurant offers other enticing dishes like fish soup, fish porridge, and grilled fish for you to enjoy.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: A2 Building, Nguyen Co Thach Street, Tu Liem District, Hanoi
Phone: 024 6259 3761
Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:30

Bun Oc is a unique culinary specialty of Hanoi, known for its delicate, sophisticated flavors and unmistakable taste. The dish features a broth, snails, tofu, and a blend of tomatoes cut into wedges, which are its defining characteristics. With the creativity and skill of the chef, additional ingredients like green bananas, fresh herbs, water spinach, bean sprouts, and cilantro are added, enhancing the already rich and satisfying taste. The dish is colorful, with the vibrant red of cooked tomatoes, plump snails, and golden yellow tofu. The clear yet rich broth, combined with thinly sliced banana flowers and fresh herbs, completes the full flavor experience. If you're craving this dish, be sure to visit Bun Oc Co Lan.

Bun Oc Co Lan is a popular spot for students and locals alike, receiving praise for its perfectly balanced sweet-sour broth. The snails used here are of the creamy, tender variety, unlike the chewy, tough snails many other places use. The broth is perfectly seasoned, rich in flavor, and never tiresome. The noodles are served with an aromatic, flavorful broth that pairs perfectly with the tender beef and snails. The snails are always clean, and the dish is topped with crispy fried shallots and pork fat. The restaurant is clean, well-maintained, and offers quick service. If you need anything, just ask the owner.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 26, Alley 139, Khuong Thuong, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3563 9226
Opening Hours: 06:00 - 22:00

Pho is a beloved dish in Hanoi, often enjoyed by locals in the morning. This simple yet delicious dish consists of clear, flavorful broth, rich in taste from slow-simmered beef or pork bones. The aroma of cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom distinguishes pho from all other dishes. For an authentic bowl of pho, visit Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc.

Pho Thin is a legendary pho restaurant in Hanoi with a history spanning nearly 30 years. They specialize in one dish only: pho with stir-fried beef. The beef is thinly sliced and sautéed with spices, giving it a deeper, richer flavor compared to the traditional raw beef pho. The chef then adds the noodles, beef, and generous amounts of green onions, pouring the broth over the top. The broth at Pho Thin is rich and cloudy, unlike the typical clear pho broth, making it extra indulgent. Be sure to pair your pho with their homemade chili sauce and garlic vinegar for an extra kick. If you're in Hanoi, this is a must-try pho experience!

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Phone: 0399 289 279
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://phothin13loduchn.vn/
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/phothin13loduchn
Opening Hours: 06:00 - 21:00

Bun Cha is a beloved Hanoi dish made from tender pork belly and shoulder cuts. The meat is marinated with a special blend of spices and a unique cooking liquid made from sugar and water to give it a golden hue when grilled. The grilled pork is then paired with white, round vermicelli noodles and a bowl of hot, sweet-sour dipping sauce. To complete the dish, fresh pickled vegetables and aromatic herbs add extra layers of flavor. Bun Cha Sinh Tu is one of the most famous and beloved bun cha spots in Hanoi.

Bun Cha Sinh Tu stands out for its perfectly grilled, flavorful meat served in bite-sized pieces. The portions here are generous, with plenty of noodles and sides, while the dipping sauce is served at the perfect temperature, rich in taste. The fresh vegetables are always crisp and clean, adding to the authenticity of the dish. The restaurant’s spacious and tidy atmosphere, along with the friendly and attentive service from the staff, ensures that every customer leaves satisfied.

CONTACT INFO:
Address:

• 2 Nguyen Phong Sac, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
• 10 Hoang Cau Moi, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• 57 Xuan La, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
• See more at https://bunchasinhtu.vn/vi/he-thong-cua-hang/

Kem Trang Tien is a name every Vietnamese knows well. Since its establishment in 1958, this iconic dessert has been beloved by the youth. The name 'Trang Tien' comes from the street where the ice cream is made and sold. Over the years, Kem Trang Tien has become a legendary brand in Hanoi, highly regarded and celebrated nationwide. What began as a small ice cream shop during the subsidized economy era is now a cherished part of Hanoi's cultural identity. Despite Hanoi's cold winters, people flock to enjoy the cool, sweet ice cream, which is consistently a crowd favorite. You can find this delightful treat at 35 Trang Tien Street.

Kem Trang Tien 35 offers two main types of ice cream: cone and boxed, with a variety of flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, green rice, coconut milk, cocoa, and mung bean. Among the many offerings, their premium ice creams – chocolate VIP, green rice bean, and coconut core – stand out. However, the ice cream that truly captures the hearts of Hanoi locals is the soft-serve. Unlike packaged ice cream, which is available from many vendors, the cone version is exclusive to 35 Trang Tien and is known for its creamy texture, delightful aroma, and the fact that it never leaves an uncomfortable cold sensation in your mouth.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 35 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0969 963 839
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://kemtrangtien.vn/
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/kemtrangtiensince1958
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 22:30