Top 13 Classic and Timeless Eateries in Hanoi

In Hanoi, many people are familiar with the Thanh Tri-style rice rolls from Rice Rolls - Ba Hoanh, the most renowned spot in the city. Located on To Hien Thanh Street, this eatery has been a beloved destination for locals for nearly 70 years. The dish itself is simple, yet irresistibly captivating to every visitor. While rice rolls are the main dish, the menu also features delicious banh chung, banh day, and banh gio, all of which are equally tempting.

The distinct feature of Rice Rolls - Ba Hoanh is the rice rolls themselves: not too thin nor too thick, perfectly chewy, and fragrant with the taste of rice without any sourness, made with traditional hand-rolled methods. The accompanying cha (Vietnamese sausage) is also unique, not greasy, crunchy, and flavorful. Additionally, there are dishes of steamed water bugs (cà cuống) for those who wish to enjoy rice rolls with a distinctive, traditional Hanoi flavor. The cà cuống pairs perfectly with the rice rolls, offering a delightful mix of fragrance, spiciness, richness, and deliciousness. Each meal costs between 30,000 - 50,000 VND, which may seem high, but the place is always crowded with customers eager to enjoy the dish.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Phone: 0989 083 570
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Though tucked away in an alley, Snail Noodles - Ba Luong at 34 Khuong Thuong, Dong Da, Hanoi is quite well-known. With over 40 years of history, the shop started small and worn-down, but it has since evolved into a much cleaner and more spacious establishment. In fact, further down the alley, there is now a second location (run by Ba Luong's son) that specializes in snail hotpots and various snail dishes.

What makes Snail Noodles - Ba Luong so beloved isn't just its long history and delicious noodles, but the variety of mouthwatering dishes on offer. It's rare to find a snail noodle shop with such a diverse menu. In addition to the signature hot snail noodles and banana and tofu snail noodles, the shop also offers other specialties such as snail meatballs and fried snail spring rolls, both of which are favorites among regular customers. Given its popularity, prices aren't cheap: a regular bowl of snail noodles costs about 25,000 - 30,000 VND, and the snail meatballs and spring rolls go for 50,000 VND per plate (containing 5-6 pieces). But for a filling, flavorful, and unique meal, it's well worth the price.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 34-64 Alley 191 Khuong Thuong, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Phone: 0912 721 458
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Originating from a street-side stall in Hanoi's Old Quarter back in the 1930s, Sticky Rice with Sweet Soup - Ba Thin has now become a well-known snack spot in the city. What started as a humble stall has grown into a spacious shop located at the intersection of Bat Dan and Hang Gai Streets. One of the few places that still offers traditional Northern-style sweet soups, Ba Thin's shop stands out for its authentic and delicious offerings. In Hanoi, it's easy to find various street vendors selling sweet soup in small alleys or traditional markets, but none quite match the taste of Ba Thin's dishes.

The most famous dish at Sticky Rice with Sweet Soup - Ba Thin is their traditional sticky rice with sweet soup, a dish that anyone who has tried it will remember for its unique flavor. The sticky rice is soft and fragrant, and the sweet soup served alongside includes two types: Ba Cot sweet soup and Hoa Cau sweet soup. Ba Cot sweet soup is particularly popular for its fragrant sweetness and a subtle hint of ginger spice. Hoa Cau sweet soup is lighter and sweeter, perfect for those who prefer milder flavors. Despite its fame, the prices here are very affordable, with a cup costing just 15,000 VND. In addition to sweet soups, the shop also serves roasted peanuts and traditional cakes to complement your meal.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 1 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0936 628 887
Opening Hours: 08:15 AM - 11:00 PM

Stir-fried Clam Porridge - Tran Xuan Soan is a humble dish, commonly sold in local markets or by street vendors in Hanoi's neighborhoods. So, it's no surprise that a shop like Tran Xuan Soan's Clam Porridge has gained fame over the past 30 years, drawing crowds every day. The shop opens from 11 AM until late in the evening, with the busiest hours being between 4 PM and 5 PM, when it is so packed that customers have to sit on the sidewalk to enjoy their meal.

This popularity speaks to the quality of Stir-fried Clam Porridge - Tran Xuan Soan. The piping hot porridge consists of nothing more than tender clam meat, fresh herbs, and fried dough sticks, but each ingredient is carefully selected and prepared by the owner. The clam meat is stir-fried before being added to the porridge, unlike other places that simply toss it in raw. A bowl of porridge here costs around 25,000 VND, which is higher than average, but the portion is generous, full of flavorful clams, and served hot, making it worth the extra cost for the quality that has been maintained for years.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 26 Tran Xuan Soan, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3972 1112
Opening Hours: 03:00 PM - 09:00 PM

If you're looking to explore unique eateries in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Bun Cha Hang Manh is a name you'll surely encounter. For over 50 years, Bun Cha Dak Kim - Hang Manh has been a popular spot for both locals and international visitors craving delicious bun cha. Though the restaurant is quite small, during peak hours, customers often have to sit on the second floor or even outside on the sidewalk to find a seat.

The bun cha here is on the pricier side, costing around 60,000 VND per serving, but it's easy to see why—the portions are generous, with a hefty amount of meat and grilled pork patties, often enough for two people but filling enough to satisfy three or even four. The pork is carefully selected, either from the belly or the shoulder, chopped finely with a knife, then marinated with seasonings, garlic, onions, and high-quality fish sauce before being grilled over charcoal. The irresistible aroma of Bun Cha Dak Kim - Hang Manh and the delicious taste of the bun cha more than make up for any complaints about the small space or the higher prices, keeping customers coming back in droves.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3828 7060
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Banh Mi Nguyen Sinh - Ly Quoc Su is a historic brand that dates back to the French colonial period, making it one of the first Western-style restaurants established by a Vietnamese owner in Hanoi. The restaurant offers a variety of French-inspired dishes with authentic flavors such as pâté, cold cuts, ham, sausages, and steak. You can order a sandwich with an assortment of cold cuts and instantly taste the signature flavors that have made the restaurant famous.

One of the most popular dishes here is the foie gras pâté. If you have the chance, you must try this dish, as it's fragrant, creamy, and decadently rich. The smooth texture and perfect consistency of the pâté set it apart from other places. The freshly baked, fluffy baguette from Banh Mi Nguyen Sinh - Ly Quoc Su, topped with a generous spread of pâté, delivers an irresistible bite. Add a side of spaghetti with minced beef, and it's the ultimate combination. If you're wondering where to find Western food at Vietnamese prices, this is the place. While the food is fantastic, the space is a bit tight since it's located in the Old Quarter, so be sure to consider timing if you plan to visit, especially on weekends when it can get crowded.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 17 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3826 5234
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Today, Hanoi boasts many restaurants serving cha ca (fried fish), but the place that made this dish famous is the legendary Cha Ca La Vong. According to legend, during the French colonial era, a family named Doan lived at 14 Hang Son (nowadays known as La Vong Street), and they often hosted the revolutionary leader De Tham and his army in their home. The host of the house, famous for cooking a delicious cha ca, started serving it regularly to guests, and over time, those guests helped the family establish a restaurant dedicated to this dish. This restaurant not only supported their family but also became a gathering spot for locals. The name 'Cha Ca' gradually became synonymous with the street.

At the restaurant, a statue of the ancient hero La Vong - the personification of a skilled individual waiting for the right moment - is always on display, holding a fishing rod, symbolizing patience and wisdom. As a result, people started calling the dish 'Cha Ca La Vong,' a name that is now also synonymous with the restaurant itself. The recipe for making this cha ca has been passed down only to the eldest son in the Doan family. The dish features thick, aromatic pieces of fish that are rich in flavor and cooked with a perfect balance of spices. Served with fresh dill, the taste of Cha Ca La Vong is unforgettable, offering a refined and exceptional experience of one of Hanoi's signature dishes.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3825 3929

When visiting Hanoi, one treat you absolutely must try is Kem Trang Tien, a beloved ice cream brand that has been a staple in Vietnam since 1958. With its exceptional taste, Kem Trang Tien has become one of the most iconic ice cream brands in Vietnam, adored by locals and visitors alike. The ice cream is not only delicious but also affordable, offering a refreshing range of flavors to choose from. The crunchy waffle cones are fragrant with cinnamon, while the creamy ice cream is thick and rich with a luscious milk flavor that is simply irresistible.

For a very reasonable price, you can enjoy a refreshing cone of Kem Trang Tien, whether it's a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening. The shop is spacious enough to accommodate many customers, but you may still find yourself waiting in line due to its popularity. There are two must-try varieties: the ice cream bars and the cones, available in vanilla and chocolate flavors.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

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: 07:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Pho Thin is widely regarded as one of the most famous eateries in Hanoi. For over three decades, this restaurant in the Old Quarter has been serving its signature dish: rare beef pho stir-fried in a large pan. Despite offering only one type of pho, it attracts a steady stream of customers every day. Some families have made it a tradition to visit Pho Thin every weekend morning, while others may never return after their first visit. While the restaurant doesn’t cater to every taste, no one can deny that it remains one of the busiest pho shops in Hanoi.

The beef at Pho Thin is not simply dipped in hot broth but is stir-fried with various spices, garlic, and fresh ginger before being added to the bowl. This technique gives the meat a rich, fragrant flavor. The broth is also thick and flavorful, with a layer of hot, flavorful oil floating on top. The dish is served with long-cut scallions sprinkled over the top, but once mixed, you’ll find that there’s a generous amount of beef hidden beneath. The fresh ingredients used in the pho are not only tasty but also provide numerous health benefits, contributing to the depth of flavor that makes this dish a Hanoi classic.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Phone: 0339 253 464

Website: https://www.phothin.vn/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/phothin1955/

Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 01:00 PM | 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Nguyen Bieu Wonton Noodles is considered one of the best places to try wonton noodle hot pot in Hanoi. The hot pot here is made in the Sichuan style, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. The noodles are made from fresh wheat flour and eggs, which gives them a crisp and aromatic texture. In addition to the signature wonton noodle hot pot, the menu also features other dishes like Thai hot pot, kimchi hot pot, and refreshing drinks. With its affordable prices, excellent service, and airy atmosphere, the restaurant has become a popular spot, especially among the younger crowd.

The Nguyen Bieu Wonton Noodles restaurant has been around for more than 20 years. It is not only famous for its delicious food but also known for its “rationing” system, where customers take a number and wait to be served. The noodle bowl is not only tasty but also hearty, with rich broth, generous portions of char siu, and perfectly made wontons. However, the restaurant’s growing popularity has led to complaints about long waiting times and a lack of seating during peak hours. To avoid the rush, it’s best to arrive early or make a reservation in advance. The restaurant is highly rated for both its ambiance and its attentive service, with staff that go out of their way to ensure customers have a great experience.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: 6 Nguyen Bieu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Phone: 0961 984 296

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/LanMyvanthan

Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Che Bon Mua - Hang Can has been a beloved traditional dessert spot in Hanoi for over 40 years. As its name suggests, Che Bon Mua offers a variety of desserts that change with the seasons. In the summer, you can enjoy refreshing treats like green bean, black bean, or yogurt with sticky rice. In winter, the menu features warm desserts such as floating cakes, sticky rice balls, and coconut jelly. Unlike the brightly colored gelatin desserts commonly found in other places, the desserts here stick to traditional flavors with simple yet satisfying ingredients.

The desserts at Che Bon Mua - Hang Can are not overly sweet. The sweetness comes from natural ingredients like rock sugar mixed with fresh coconut water, making the treats light and refreshing without being overwhelming. The prices are very reasonable, ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 VND per cup. The shop operates at different hours depending on the location: from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at house number 4, and from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at house numbers 6-8. With three branches, it's important to check the opening times to avoid confusion.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 4 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0984 583 333
Email: [email protected]
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/che4muahangcan
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Founded in the 1970s, Bun Cha Sinh Tu - Nguyen Khuyen is one of Hanoi's oldest and most beloved bun cha establishments, known for its rich flavors and affordable prices. The name “Sinh Tu” comes from the street's original name from the previous century. While bun cha restaurants are not rare in Hanoi, this place stands out, with many customers returning for the traditional, aromatic taste that has kept it popular for decades.

The grilled pork skewers here are fragrant, and the dipping sauce is unlike any other in the city. Many loyal diners claim that once they've tasted the bun cha at Sinh Tu, they don't want to go anywhere else. The meat is fresh and carefully selected, marinated, and grilled over charcoal to a perfect golden brown. Served with soft vermicelli noodles and a signature sauce, each bite is an explosion of balanced flavors. The minced pork skewers are hearty and flavorful, while the pork belly skewers are slightly fatty—ideal for those who enjoy richer cuts, though there are leaner options as well. The dipping sauce, made with a special blend, perfectly complements the pork and noodles. Bun Cha Sinh Tu offers a true taste of Hanoi's traditional bun cha, and the prices are reasonable considering the quality of the meal.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 57A Nguyen Khuyen, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Phone: 0985 658 899
Website: bunchasinhtu.vn/vi/
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Chao Suon - Hang Bo is a beloved street food stall in Hanoi's Old Quarter, offering delicious and affordable porridge. With over 30 years of history, this humble stall on Hang Bo Street has become a local favorite, drawing in countless loyal customers. Despite being a simple street-side eatery, the pace of service here is impressive, with many customers flocking in as early as 6:30 AM. The stall used to sell out by 9 AM, but now, even if the owner tries to keep selling until 10 AM, it’s often all gone by 9:30.

At Chao Suon - Hang Bo, customers are treated to warm hospitality and a signature flavor that feels almost nostalgic. The porridge here is smooth and aromatic, with a perfect balance of rice and broth. While the porridge is delicious on its own, the addition of shredded pork, lightly stir-fried minced meat, and crispy fritters makes it even more irresistible. Many customers not only eat in, but also take it to go, with the owner tirelessly serving steaming bowls of porridge to everyone. Locals say that children in this neighborhood have grown up eating this porridge, and after 30 years, the quality and reputation of the place remain unchanged. The traditional flavors are so memorable that no matter how far people travel, they can never forget the taste.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 32 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0384 499 379
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 08:30 AM