Top 15 Must-Try Delicious Dishes When Visiting Hanoi

For a long time, Durian Che (Che Sau The Giao) has been a trusted name among food enthusiasts, ranking among the top choices for dessert and refreshing drinks in the area.

Durian Che is known for its modest yet clean and airy space. The shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a cozy, street food vibe that makes customers feel at home. At night, the bright lights and signboard make it easy to spot the famous Durian Che shop from a distance. Another key identifier is the crowd gathered outside, as the most popular spot on The Giao Street is undoubtedly Durian Che.

From the careful selection of ingredients to the personalized service that ensures customers get the perfect drink for their taste, every detail is meticulously perfected. The result is a dessert that is not only beautiful but also delicious and hygienic. Even the most discerning foodies will be impressed by the taste, which strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, with a rich and fragrant durian flavor that is soothing without being overwhelming.

Over the years, Durian Che has continually improved its offerings, adding new items like cheese jelly and special grapefruit che, ensuring that every visit is a complete culinary experience. The restaurant places high importance on quality, understanding customer concerns about food safety and the growing issue of unsafe ingredients in many food establishments.

Address:

• 51 Dai Co Viet, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• 12 The Giao, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• 630 Truong Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi

Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: 15,000 VND - 25,000 VND

Located on Triệu Việt Vương Street, this restaurant is easy to find and a great place to dine. The space is spacious and offers a variety of noodle dishes at reasonable prices, with friendly and open service. The noodles are delicious, with a slight chewiness and a fresh texture. They don't become mushy or soggy. The broth has a fragrant herbal aroma, with a hint of sweetness from the Chinese dates, job's tears, and goji berries, along with a rich, savory depth from the meat. A squeeze of lime adds the perfect tang to finish the bowl. The meat is tender, yet perfectly cooked so that the skin remains firm without being overly soft, making it a delight to dip in the accompanying sauce. It’s so tasty that you’ll want to finish every last bite. Don’t wait, come and enjoy this delicious dish!

Address: 115 Triệu Việt Vương, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM / Evening: 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Price: 40,000 VND - 100,000 VND

Located near Bà Triệu, this spot is easy to find, as it's a street-side restaurant with a constant crowd. The place is always busy, especially during lunch and dinner hours. The famous dish here is Roasted Chicken Fried Rice, a favorite for many. The restaurant is neither too cramped nor too spacious—just the right size with a designated parking area and friendly service. The fried rice is perfectly cooked, not too dry, and bursting with flavor. The roasted chicken is crispy on the outside and well-marinated, making each bite savory and satisfying. Along with this, they offer stir-fried pho, tomato sauce, and a light soup to complete your meal. The prices are very reasonable, adding to the charm of this bustling eatery. It's definitely worth a visit!

Address: 29 Bà Triệu, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Price: 55,000 VND - 130,000 VND

Bún Bò Nam Bộ is a humble dish that dates back to the subsidized years, made with simple ingredients like vermicelli noodles, beef, fried onions, and bean sprouts. If you're craving this tasty treat, head to 47 Trần Quốc Toản to try the famous Bún Bò Nam Bộ Cô Tuân. This dish is not only delicious but perfect for hot summer days, and the best part is that it's incredibly affordable, so even during tight times, you can indulge without worry.

Located in Trần Quốc Toản, this long-standing shop is well-known in the area and stays busy throughout the day. The peak time is around noon when the shop fills up with customers, both inside and on the sidewalk. Despite its small size, the shop is neatly arranged, creating a cozy and authentic Hanoi street food experience. The beef is tender yet firm, thinly sliced to perfection, retaining its natural sweetness, while the vermicelli noodles mix with the other ingredients and are tossed in a flavorful sauce that brings the dish to life. Every bite of Bún Bò Nam Bộ Cô Tuân offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Address: 47 Trần Quốc Toản, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 06:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Price: 35,000 VND

This shop is located near the 6-way intersection, on the right side if you're coming from Hoàng Cầu. It's a popular street-side stall with a lot of people, offering parking space and attendants. The standout dishes include various types of che, such as durian che, avocado che, mango che, corn che, green tea che, jackfruit yogurt, and chocolate pearl che.

However, the most famous and best-loved dish here is the avocado che. It offers a unique flavor that's rich when combined with coconut milk, and its smooth, soft texture dissolves pleasantly in your mouth. Overall, it's a delicious and satisfying treat, with very affordable prices perfect for students. The service is friendly and relaxed, ensuring you'll enjoy your visit here.

Address: 245 Xã Đàn, Đống Đa, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price: 15,000 VND - 40,000 VND

This restaurant is located on a main street, making it very easy to find. In the evenings, it gets quite crowded, but there is parking available. The restaurant is very popular and offers a unique experience. The most notable feature is the furniture—large, heavy wooden chairs that are very comfortable, though they take up a lot of space and can make it hard to get up and move around. The service is very friendly.

The restaurant is known for two standout dishes: Wonton Noodles and Crab Soup Hotpot. Wonton Noodles: The broth is rich and flavorful, truly worth the price. Before your main dish arrives, you’re served a plate of crispy dumplings, along with many other side dishes like pork, liver, chives, a large plate of beef, vegetables, and fried dough sticks. Crab Soup Hotpot: It’s incredibly tasty, with a deep, rich broth. Overall, everything is well-prepared and delicious. Definitely worth a visit to enjoy these hearty dishes.

Address: 8 Nguyễn Biểu, Ba Đình, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Morning 07:00 AM - 01:00 PM / Evening: 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Price: 20,000 VND - 350,000 VND

This restaurant is located near the end of Triệu Việt Vương, just a short walk from Vincom. It’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but once you enter, you'll find a spacious and cozy atmosphere, with a clear Korean-style vibe. The menu features popular dishes such as black noodles, Tok, Fried Gimbap, Kimchi, and Fried Kimbap.

All dishes are well-prepared, presented in a visually appealing and unique way, with a balanced flavor—neither too spicy nor too salty. The Tok is chewy and delicious, definitely worth trying. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the prices are reasonable. It’s definitely a place you should visit, and you won’t be disappointed.

Address: 178 Triệu Việt Vương, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price: 30,000 VND - 400,000 VND

Phở is a signature dish of Hanoi, and while it can be found in other places, it’s only in Hanoi where it truly shines. The dish consists of wide, white rice noodles served in a broth that’s fragrant and rich with the sweetness of beef bones. A steaming bowl of phở in the morning is an irresistible treat for any traveler. The best phở is made with beef, with a clear, flavorful broth, chewy noodles that don't fall apart, and tender, crispy beef brisket. It’s served with fresh herbs, a touch of black pepper, and a squeeze of lime, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Phở is an everyday meal in Hanoi, enjoyed by everyone at any time of the day. For the best experience, try staying at one of the hotels in Hanoi's city center, making it easy to explore the city's food scene.

Recommended Locations:

• Phở Bát Đàn - 49 Bát Đàn.
• Phở Thìn - 13 Lò Đúc.
• Phở Lý Quốc Sư - 10 Lý Quốc Sư.
• Phở Bưng Vỉa Hè - Intersection of Hàng Bông & Hàng Trống.

Price Range: 30,000 VND - 50,000 VND

Bún đậu mắm tôm is one of the most beloved dishes in Hanoi. Although it’s a simple meal made of crispy fried tofu, white rice noodles, and a side of fresh herbs, its unique flavor and charm make it a favorite among even the most discerning food lovers. You can find numerous bún đậu mắm tôm stalls across Hanoi, from small street vendors to larger, more established eateries. However, if you’re concerned about food safety at street stalls, it’s advisable to dine at cleaner, more reputable places to fully enjoy the dish’s flavors.

Recommended Locations:

• Bún đậu mắm tôm Hàng Khay: 31 Hàng Khay Alley.
• Bún đậu mắm tôm Cây Bàng, Đại La.
• Bún đậu mắm tôm Mã Mây: 8 Mã Mây, Hoàn Kiếm.
• Bún đậu mắm tôm Ngõ Trạm: 1B Ngõ Trạm, Hoàn Kiếm.
• Bún đậu mắm tôm Phất Lộc Alley, Hoàn Kiếm.

Price Range: 20,000 VND - 35,000 VND.

Bún chả, a traditional Hanoi dish, consists of noodles served with a bowl of tangy, sweet papaya soup containing grilled meatballs and skewers of pork. The meat is slightly charred from grilling over an open flame, giving it a delicious smoky aroma and juicy tenderness. The dish is complemented by fresh herbs, pickled chili, and a flavorful dipping sauce, creating a delightful blend of flavors. Some bún chả places also stick to the traditional method of grilling meat on fresh bamboo skewers, enhancing its unique taste.

This dish is so popular that it can be found in every corner of the city, even in narrow alleys, yet it still draws in visitors with its exceptional flavor. The meat is marinated to perfection, grilled over charcoal, and served with vermicelli noodles and a dipping sauce that's perfectly balanced in sweetness and tanginess. The rich, aromatic flavor of the onions will leave you craving more.

Recommended Locations:

• Bún chả Hàng Than: 34 Hàng Than, Ba Đình District.
• Bún chả Hàng Mành: 1 Hàng Mành, Hoàn Kiếm District.
• Bún chả Hàng Quạt: 74 Hàng Quạt, Hoàn Kiếm District.
• Bún chả Hương Liên: 24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hoàn Kiếm District.

Price Range: 30,000 VND - 45,000 VND.

You can't talk about Hanoi's street snacks without mentioning Bánh giò, right? This simple, affordable snack has captured the hearts of countless Hanoi residents. It's a versatile treat enjoyed for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack, perfect for warming the stomach. Whether it's eaten a few times a week or more, bánh giò is always served hot. The dish features a soft rice flour casing filled with a generous mix of ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. It's typically paired with Vietnamese cold cuts, chili sauce, and sometimes even pickled cucumbers for an extra kick.

Recommended Locations:

• Bánh giò Thuỵ Khuê: O5 Thụy Khuê, Tây Hồ.
• Hàng bánh giò Quê: Vườn Hoa Pasteur, Hai Bà Trưng District.
• Bánh giò Đông Các: 33 Đông Các, Ô Chợ Dừa, Đống Đa District.

Price Range: 15,000 VND - 25,000 VND.

When people think of Hanoi, they usually remember its famous pho and bun dishes, but often forget a humble yet incredibly delicious treat: sticky rice with green bean and lotus leaf. While Hanoi isn't the only place with sticky rice, the rich flavors and intricate preparation of this dish are unmatched. Xôi xéo has become a beloved part of Hanoi's culinary landscape and is a staple breakfast for many locals.

The rice used for xôi xéo is a special variety called 'nếp cái hoa vàng', soaked in water mixed with turmeric and steamed with lotus leaves. The green beans are ground into a smooth paste, shaped into balls the size of a grapefruit, and sliced thinly to top the sticky rice. The crispy fried shallots are sprinkled on top, and the oil from frying them is drizzled over the rice. Taking a bite of xôi xéo, you’ll enjoy the aromatic rice, the richness of the shallot oil, and the light fragrance of lotus leaves. This dish, with its beautiful golden color, represents the essence of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and is a timeless part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Recommended Locations:

• Xôi xéo Chị Mây: sidewalk at the intersection of Hàng Bài and Lý Thường Kiệt.
• Xôi xéo Bát Đàn.
• Xôi Yến: 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân.

Price Range: 10,000 VND - 20,000 VND.

This popular sidewalk café offers a convenient spot for a quick visit with affordable prices suitable for everyone. The atmosphere is spacious and comfortable, perfect for enjoying a meal while watching the hustle and bustle of the street. The yogurt here is well-known, and the place is always busy with customers. The yogurt is perfectly balanced – neither too sour nor too sweet – and is beautifully presented.

They offer a variety of yogurt flavors, including jackfruit yogurt, chewy yogurt, black sticky rice yogurt, and fruit yogurt... with many options to suit individual tastes. The staff is friendly and welcoming. You should definitely stop by and give it a try!

Address: 80 Hàng Nón, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Price: 20,000 VND - 44,000 VND

With years of experience in the business, Hưng Thịnh restaurant is highly skilled in selecting rươi (a type of aquatic insect) and sources them from various regions like Hải Dương, Nghệ An, Hải Phòng, Thái Bình, Nam Định, and Hải Hậu. The owner, chị Nga, has been running the shop for nearly 10 years, having taken over from her mother. She proudly asserts that Chả Rươi Hưng Thịnh serves some of the best rươi cakes in Hanoi, retaining the authentic flavors of the capital. The rươi is mixed with minced meat, eggs, dill, and finely chopped tangerine peel, all seasoned with quality fish sauce, and then fried gently, releasing a wonderfully aromatic fragrance. The tangerine peel used is the traditional, crisp-shelled variety.

Hưng Thịnh serves two types of rươi cakes: one where the rươi is mashed, and another where the rươi remains whole. The mashed version blends the rươi flavor with the other ingredients for a delicious taste, while the whole rươi offers a richer, fattier experience. Everything is handmade with no machines involved. The dipping sauce is traditional, made with fish sauce, lime, and chili, with an optional addition of cajuput fish sauce for extra richness. Due to customer demand, the restaurant now primarily serves a lighter fish sauce, making it ideal for dipping fresh herbs or pairing with rice noodles.

Many loyal customers have shared that they have been regulars at Chả Rươi Hưng Thịnh for years, and some even ship the rươi cakes to southern regions or overseas (such as Germany or France) so that Hanoi expatriates can enjoy this beloved dish and feel a bit closer to home.

Address: 1 Hàng Chiếu, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: 10,000 VND

The restaurant is located on Hoàng Hoa Thám Street in a large alley, easy to find after walking for a short distance. The space is spacious, with neatly arranged and clean tables. The interior has a bit of a western vintage vibe. The prices are very reasonable, not too expensive, and the service is friendly and open. As for the food, everything is quite delicious, nutritious, and affordable, with the standout being their beef steak served with a variety of sauces.

The cheese sauce is aromatic, and the pepper sauce is fragrant with a pleasant herbal scent. The salad is tasty with a creamy dressing and a good balance of fresh vegetables. The steak is prepared to suit Vietnamese tastes, making it flavorful and satisfying, served hot and hearty. After reading this, I bet you're already craving it, right? Don't hesitate, head over to enjoy and savor it!

Address: 3 Ngõ 120 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price: 50,000 VND - 165,000 VND