Top 23 favorite dining spots in Hanoi

Discover the 23 most loved eateries in Hanoi to plan a delightful weekend.

When it comes to the ancient charm of Hanoi, one immediately thinks of its distinctive cuisine that stands out like no other. The renowned eateries in Hanoi don't need extravagance, heavy promotion, or wet towels, yet they are famous for their delicious flavors, leaving diners with an unforgettable experience, making them want to come back for more.

Some famous Hanoi delicacies (Photo: Collection)

And what's truly special is that people often whisper to each other that to find delicious dishes in Hanoi, one must venture into the alleys, corners, sidewalks, or street vendors to savor the food. These eateries are even more popular than fancy restaurants. However, it doesn't mean that the food is allowed to be casual; it still has to be delicious, flavorful, and clean. Perhaps, this is the very unique 'sidewalk cuisine' of Hanoi. There are places that have existed for a long time, even though they are far away or in alleys, they still attract crowds lining up to enjoy.

Explore the most beloved dining spots in Hanoi

1. Quán Mộc's Beef Tendon

For a long time, mentioning Quán Mộc's Beef Tendon brings back memories of old Hanoi. Located on bustling and crowded streets, the Quán Mộc's Beef Tendon restaurant chain has long become a rare and familiar place, preserving the pure, peaceful, and traditional beauty of the streets in the 80s.

• Website:botoquanmoc.com
• Hotline: 1900636882
• Fanpage: Bò Tơ Quán Mộc

Bò Tơ Quán Mộc is widely known among tourists for its diverse and rich menu. The restaurant specializes in serving dishes made from beef – foods familiar to daily life, just mentioning them makes you feel close, simple, yet rustic and authentic. Although familiar, the menu at Bò Tơ Quán Mộc, under the hands of professional chefs, always surprises and excites diners. The menu at Bò Tơ Quán Mộc is extremely enticing, with over 40 different dishes made from fresh, young, delicious, and clean beef, such as: Grilled ribeye, Fresh green beef hotpot, Beef carpaccio with lime, Steamed beef rolls with rice paper, Divine beef……

A peaceful space reminiscent of the past, full of simplicity and values, sipping a cup of tea, enjoying delicious fresh beef dishes, immersing in the everlasting charm of 'nostalgic Hanoi.'

BRANCH SYSTEM 

• Branch 1: 102 Thái Thịnh – 094 195 8899
• Branch 2: D17 International Village Thang Long (No. 3 Nguyễn Đỗ Cung – former alley 76 Nguyễn Phong Sắc) – 094 165 3399
• Branch 3: B52 Nguyễn Thị Định, Thanh Xuân – 094 165 8899
• Branch 4: No. 2 Hoa Lư, Hai Bà Trưng – 094 581 3355
• Branch 5: 88 Tố Hữu, Vạn Phúc Intersection – Hà Đông – 094 195 3399
• Branch 6: 47 Nguyên Hồng, Đống Đa –  094 296 3355
• Branch 7 : 14 BT7 Văn Quán Urban Area, Hà Đông – 094 851 3355
• Branch 8 : 02 Đặng Dung, Ba Đình – 0825042288
• Branch 9: No. 1A Tăng Bạt Hổ, Hai Bà Trưng – 0827432288

2. Pho Bát Đàn – 49 Bát Đàn

When in Hanoi, everyone wants to savor pho, a gift that fully captures the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine. One of the best pho places in Hanoi is the Traditional Pho – Pho Bát Đàn. For decades, Pho Bát Đàn has never been without customers.

A fragrant bowl of pho (Photo: Collection)

During peak hours, there is no table service here. Customers take turns, place their orders, pay, and collect their 'prize': a bowl of traditional beef pho with clear, aromatic broth, fresh and tender beef slices. What makes Pho Bát Đàn special is that it doesn't use any spices or artificial flavorings, only pure broth made from bones and fish sauce. Over time, the restaurant still attracts numerous customers, and every day, groups of people stand in line to savor the flavors of pho.

Customers lining up to buy pho (Photo: Collection)

The restaurant's space is cramped, everything is old and ancient, and nothing seems to have changed. Perhaps, Hanoians come here to rediscover a bit of the old Hanoi flavor that lingers in this small corner of the restaurant.

3. Phở Thìn on Lò Đúc Street

Established in 1979, alongside Phở Bát Đàn, Thìn's pho on Lò Đúc Street has contributed to creating the iconic pho brand in Vietnam with a rich and flavorful taste that locals and international tourists appreciate. Phở Thìn is renowned for its unique dish - rolled rare beef pho.

Thìn's Pho Bowl (Photo: Collection)

Unlike the clear broth of other traditional pho restaurants, Phở Thìn's broth is truly rich due to the combination of rare beef and sautéed beef, sweetened with the aroma of ginger and garlic. This method, though it may make pho quickly overwhelming, has kept Phở Thìn addictive for years.

4. Snail vermicelli by Mrs. Huệ - 43 Nguyễn Siêu

For over three decades, from a wandering noodle cart to a small corner spot on Nguyen Sieu street, Ms. Huệ has dedicatedly preserved a culinary essence amidst the bustling urban life.

Ms. Huệ's noodle offerings feature two main delights: hot snail noodles and cold snail noodles. The bowl brims with plenty of noodles and a variety of snails, allowing customers to customize their snail selection. The hot noodle bowl exudes traditional charm, with simplicity in each snail, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The mildly sour broth, blending tomato and snail water, is exceptionally refreshing. As for the cold snail noodles, the dipping sauce is housed in a lovely eel skin bowl, prepared from boiled snail water, simmered bones with sudden vinegar, and roasted chili. When dining, whether desiring more tomatoes or an abundance of fresh herbs, Ms. Huệ gladly accommodates. A bowl of her noodles is priced at 30,000 VND, ensuring satisfaction from morning till evening.

Hot and cold snail noodles by Ms. Huệ (Photo: Collection)

5. Bình Tây Firm Noodles – 54 Hang Chieu

The bowl of firm noodles consists of noodles and wontons (also known as dumplings). The noodle strands are made from flour and eggs, rolled thinly to achieve a perfect balance of chewiness, crispiness, and a delightful aroma, all while retaining a visually appealing golden hue. The wontons are filled with minced fresh shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and meat, enveloped in a thin layer of rolled flour dough. Additionally, there's char siu, shiitake mushrooms, a boiled egg, a crispy fried wonton, Chinese cabbage, chives, and peeled fresh shrimp.

Bowl of firm noodles (Photo: Collection)

The broth is simmered from chicken bones, pork bones, dried snakehead fish, some traditional Chinese herbs, and shrimp shells. The broth here is flavorful, rich, and does not rely on MSG, allowing the natural aromas of the ingredients to shine through.

6. Grilled Pork Vermicelli on Hang Quat Street

Bun cha is a simple, familiar dish in every Northern Vietnamese household, known for its ease of preparation with just vermicelli, grilled meat, and dipping sauce to create a delicious bun cha. However, marinating and grilling the perfect meat and concocting the sweet-savory Northern-style dipping sauce is an art in itself.

Famous bun cha (Photo: Collection)

The bun cha eatery at Alley 74 Hang Quat has been around for a long time and is always bustling with customers. Its notoriety lies in the expertly grilled meat, especially the meatballs. The small, charred meatballs emit a delightful strong aroma, while the inside remains tender, infused with carefully marinated flavors. A serving of bun cha here is priced at 30,000 – 35,000 VND, generously loaded with meat and meatballs, sometimes leaving you unable to finish it all.

7. Thang Vermicelli at Mrs. Đức’s – 48 Wooden Bridge

In Hanoi, everyone is familiar with 'bun thang,' a well-known bowl in the capital. Bà Đức's bun thang is located on the second floor of a decorated, simple house with air conditioning, providing a comfortable setting for diners to enjoy a delicious bowl of aromatic bun thang. The dish includes all the essential ingredients: pork sausage, finely chopped eggs, shredded chicken, turnips, cilantro, mushrooms, and shrimp paste upon request.

Bun thang at Bà Đức's (Photo: Collection)

All the ingredients are finely chopped with great attention to detail, beautifully presented with a fragrant, sweet, and non-overpowering broth. People often order extra 'quay' to accompany their meal. The price for a bowl of bun thang ranges from 30,000 to 55,000 VND depending on specific requests.

8. Roasted Muscovy Duck and Duck Sausage Noodles on Hàng Bông Street Sidewalk (near Phủ Doãn intersection)

For a delightful bowl of duck noodles, head to Hiền eatery located right on the sidewalk at 75 Hàng Bông, near the Phủ Doãn intersection. Enjoy a flavorful and fragrant bowl of noodles with well-cooked broth that carries a natural sweetness. The grilled duck, aromatic and rich, is complemented by a special fish sauce with chili and garlic, unique to this place. The restaurant is renowned for its deliciously sweet bamboo shoot soup. When pairing it with duck and noodles, don't hesitate to order an extra bowl of bamboo shoot soup if you're still hungry.

Fragrant grilled duck noodles (Photo: Collection)

9. Phở Bưng – 1 Hàng Trống

True to its name, Phở Bưng doesn't have tables, only plastic chairs. Customers here balance a bowl and chopsticks in hand to savor a delicious bowl of pho. The fame of this place lies in its aromatic, rich-flavored pho broth, sweet and savory, with a delightful fragrance. The pho noodles are soft, and the crispy fried dough sticks add an extra crunch when dipped in the tasty sauce.

A simple yet flavorful bowl of Phở Bưng (Photo: Collection)

A bowl of Phở Bưng brimming with thinly sliced beef. Perhaps it's the uniquely delicious taste that encourages diners to endure any discomfort, sitting at the sidewalk corner to enjoy their meal. The place is always bustling, with customers streaming in from opening to closing, and during peak hours, queues are inevitable. Priced at 25,000 VND per bowl, it's an affordable and fitting choice for a delicious bowl of pho.

The sidewalk eatery remains packed with customers (Photo: Collection)

10. Crispy Fried Pho at 206 Khâm Thiên Street

If you're accustomed to traditional pho, venture into the crispy fried pho at Khâm Thiên for a change. The menu boasts a variety of dishes like stir-fried pho, stir-fried noodles, fried rice with pickled vegetables and beef, rice porridge, but the crispy fried pho is the crowd-pulling specialty that defines the restaurant's reputation.

Plate of crispy fried pho with rich dipping sauce (Photo: Collection)

The pho is tightly compressed, pressed down, then fried until golden and crispy on both sides. It's cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easy consumption. Each bite delivers a perfect combination of crunchiness and fluffiness, enhanced by dipping it into the flavorful sauce made from pork liver. Additionally, a small side of pickled radishes elevates the taste and reduces the richness. A serving of crispy fried pho is priced at 50,000 VND. If you're still hungry, order an extra bowl of pho.

11. Hot Rice Cakes on Lê Ngọc Hân Street

Bánh đúc is a traditional Vietnamese dish, enjoyed either hot or cold. When eaten cold, it's chewy, fragrant, and slightly firm. However, when enjoyed hot, it becomes both soft and elastic, featuring a nutty flavor and comforting warmth. Tucked away in a narrow alley on Lê Ngọc Hân Street, this renowned spot has been attracting crowds for over 30 years, bustling from morning till night. For just 15,000 VND, you can savor a bowl of piping hot, chewy bánh đúc mixed with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, crispy fried shallots, fried tofu, fresh herbs, and a hint of fragrant peppercorn-infused lard.

Irresistible bowl of aromatic bánh đúc (Photo: Collection)

12. Trần Xuân Soạn's Clam Porridge

Clam porridge is a familiar dish, available throughout Hanoi, but not every place offers the deliciously fragrant and velvety smooth clam porridge with plump clams like you'll find here. This famous clam porridge spot has been serving satisfied customers for over 30 years, attracting a steady stream of patrons every day.

14. Wine-infused Baguette at 252 Hang Bong - a delectable dining spot in Hanoi

When it comes to street food in Hanoi, the banh mi stands out as a delicious local delight, internationally recognized. For the ultimate banh mi experience, a visit to the wine-infused baguette shop on Hang Bong Street is a must. This establishment is one of the few remaining gems serving exquisite banh mi.

The wine-infused sauce, expertly crafted with succulent beef ribs and a hint of tendon, results in a rich and meaty concoction. The velvety sauce pairs perfectly with the warm, crispy, golden baguette, creating an exquisite experience.

15. Grilled Innards at Under-the-Bridge Street

This renowned grilled dish is known for its irresistible allure, leaving a lasting impression with every flavorful bite. The menu boasts a variety of grilled options: innards, stomach, beef, mushrooms, and more. The secret lies in the meticulous spice marination of the ingredients, coupled with a layer of honey that adds a unique twist to the grilled flavors. The grilled innards, accompanied by a dipping sauce of soy, chili, and oil, offer a delightful combination of chewiness and crispiness, enhanced by a hint of spiciness.

16. Mixed Chicken Pho at 47 Ma May Street

A captivating eatery that entices diners with its tender and flavorful pho noodles, paired with succulent and resilient chicken. The addictive nature of this dish is attributed to the unique sauce, which balances sweet and tangy notes. The broth, in its warm, slightly viscous, brown glory, enriched with the essence of soy sauce and a hint of finely chopped chili, elevates the chicken pho experience.

The bowl of mixed pho features finely shredded chicken on top, along with crispy shallots, peanuts, and soybeans. After evenly mixing and pouring the broth over, it creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The establishment also offers a delightful and special chicken soup. The mixed pho is priced at $30, making it an affordable treat.

17. Dried Beef Salad at Ho Hoan Kiem Street

The plate of salad here is quite abundant, featuring a diverse mix that includes dried beef slices, a bit of pork, beef tendons, liver, lungs, shredded papaya, and fresh herbs. The salad offers a crisp freshness, with the sweet and sour dressing being gently pleasing. Topped with a few aromatic herbs and a sprinkle of finely crushed peanuts, it completes the enticing and delightful plate of salad. The small establishment might have sidewalk seating during peak hours. Additionally, they also serve translucent cake, and spring rolls.

18. Grilled Fermented Pork Rolls at 10 Au Trieu Street

During the magical twilight hours, diners flock to the quaint Au Trieu Street for a plate of fragrant and sizzling grilled fermented pork rolls. Operating from 2 PM to midnight, this establishment, despite its humble appearance, features seating on trays placed over chairs. The grilled fermented pork rolls stand out with their vibrant pink hue, encapsulating the freshness of the meat along with a sticky outer glaze.

When skewering a piece of the grilled fermented pork roll and taking a bite, the aromatic blend of the meat and dipping sauce creates an irresistible, lingering desire to keep eating. Typically enjoyed with a side of pickled radish or a plate of green mango to balance the flavors. The menu also features other grilled items such as golden needlefish, beef, and grilled squid.

19. Slanted Glutinous Rice at Hang Bai Street

Refreshing mango dessert bowl (Photo: Collection)

21. Pho Ga at Hang Buom Street

On the bustling Hang Buom Street, the crowd always flocks to the famous Pho Ga spot. The chicken here is delicious, with a sweet taste, and the broth is richly flavored, blending with the aromatic herbs. Every day, patrons gather to savor the delightful bowl of Pho Ga in the narrow and charming Old Quarter streets.

Pho Ga at Hang Buom Street (Photo: Collection)

22. Snail Vermicelli Alley at Dong Xuan Market – A Culinary Gem in Hanoi

Venture into Dong Xuan Market, and you'll immerse yourself in the diverse and characteristic culinary world of the Old Quarter. The most crowded spot is perhaps the snail vermicelli eatery, a dish deeply embedded in the eating habits of Hanoi locals. A bowl of vermicelli, brimming with plump stuffed snails, offers a sweet taste without the chewiness. The standout is the broth, slightly sour and delicately fragrant with the essence of fresh noodles, complemented by a hint of sweetness on the palate and a touch of chili for perfection.

Irresistible bowl of snail vermicelli (Photo: Collection)

The bowl of vermicelli here skips the addition of bean sprouts, allowing you to savor the true essence of snail vermicelli. The small, cozy eatery is always bustling, and during peak hours, finding a seat can be a challenge. The service is quick and friendly. Prices range from 20,000 to 25,000 VND per bowl, depending on the type of vermicelli.

23. Fried Cake Alley at 135 Phuong Mai Street

One of the beloved street snacks is the fried cake, and the one at this spot stands out for its unique dough. Beyond the usual mixture of glutinous rice flour, plain flour, and a pinch of salt, the dough incorporates finely mashed sweet potatoes, giving the cake a crispy and moist texture without being overly dry. Occasionally, the owner adds purple sweet potatoes for a distinctive color and enhanced aroma.

The filling consists of lean pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, all finely chopped and seasoned with spices and black pepper. Served with a flavorful dipping sauce alongside green papaya and fresh vegetables to counterbalance the richness. The stall opens from 4 PM to 7 PM, and it's always bustling with customers. Each tempting fried cake is priced at a budget-friendly 3,000 VND. Additionally, they offer black bean sweet soup for indulging while waiting for the cakes to be freshly fried.

Renowned fried cake (Photo: Collection)

When it comes to delightful dining spots in Hanoi, the 22 addresses listed here might just be the tip of the iceberg. There are more hidden gems waiting for you to explore. Wishing you a culinary adventure filled with the flavors of exquisite eateries in Hanoi, as compiled by Vntrip.vn!!

 .