1. Crab Soup Noodles - Hàng Bạc
The restaurant, like most of the eateries in the Old Quarter, is small but cozy. Despite its limited seating, Crab Soup Noodles Hàng Bạc has attracted crowds for decades, filling the street with lively energy during breakfast and lunch hours. When you think of crab soup noodles, Hàng Bạc is always a name that comes up. If you want a bowl of crab soup noodles with a subtle, refreshing flavor, this is the place to visit. The simplicity of the dish is enough to captivate anyone, without needing added toppings like beef, pork, or other extras. But if you’re in the mood for something extra, a full bowl with tender beef and delicious mushroom pork sausage is a treat. Add a few crispy fried dough sticks and some fresh herbs, and the blend of flavors with the fragrant fried shallots will leave a lasting impression.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 11 Hàng Bạc, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 012 5566 0304
Opening Hours: 07:00 - 22:30


2. Sandwich - Đức Long Kebab
Previously located on Hàng Bạc Street, this sandwich shop was a favorite spot for young people enjoying a snack while exploring the Old Quarter. Since moving to Lương Ngọc Quyến, people continue to flock to the shop, praising its tasty sandwiches. Though the shop is small, it has charming little tables for customers to sit and enjoy, but most people prefer to take their sandwiches to go.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 6 Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 024 3926 2726
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 23:00


3. Wonton Noodles - Phương Béo
Every day, Phương Béo - Wonton Noodles serves up delightful, generous bowls of noodles that reflect the warmth of the owner’s hospitality. The dish’s colors are harmoniously arranged, the presentation is clean and hygienic, giving diners peace of mind. The broth, carefully simmered from bones and shrimp, is crystal-clear with a natural sweetness, avoiding the artificial taste of MSG. A sip of this hot broth refreshes you with its deep, savory taste. When enjoyed with crispy fried dough sticks or a squeeze of lime, the flavor becomes even more satisfying. The owner is quick, friendly, and always ensures that every guest feels welcomed, which has contributed to the shop’s growing popularity.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 9 Hàng Chiếu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0977 033 882
Opening Hours: 06:30 - 21:00


4. Hanoi Street-Style Fried Dumplings - Chị Hương's Fried Dumplings
Fried dumplings (Bánh rán) are a beloved Vietnamese snack made with a thin layer of sticky rice flour and regular rice flour, sometimes including mashed potatoes. They are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, filled with a variety of fillings such as sweet mung beans and coconut milk (sweet fried dumplings) or savory pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, fried onions, and pepper. The dish is thought to have originated from Chinese fried sweet dumplings made from glutinous rice flour, covered in sesame seeds, crispy, and chewy. Inside, there’s a large hollow caused by the expansion of the dough, with fillings such as lotus seed paste or sweet black bean paste, and occasionally red bean paste. These treats are also called sesame balls.
Bánh Rán Phố Cổ Hà Nội - Chị Hương's Fried Dumplings has earned both fame and demand for these simple yet delicious snacks. Locals and tourists alike rave about the mouthwatering, rich flavors of the dumplings, expertly fried to perfection by the owner at 80 Hàng Chiếu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. These dumplings are available throughout the day, though they tend to sell out by around 5 p.m. Not only can you enjoy them on-site, but they are also available for takeout and delivery, making them popular across a wide area. The shop is especially adored by young people, many of whom are regulars.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 80 Hàng Chiếu, Hoan Kiêm District, Hanoi
Phone: 0396 057 737
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 17:15


5. Mixed Pho - Pho Hanh
Mixed Chicken Pho (Phở gà trộn) is a delicious dish that captivates many people. It is made from tender, perfectly boiled local chicken, with a golden, crispy skin and firm meat. It is served with fresh herbs such as basil, mint, and cilantro, and a touch of tangy-sweet sauce. The unique taste of this pho comes from its subtly flavored chicken broth, which adds a distinct character to the dish. This dish is especially popular on streets like Lãn Ông, Hàng Khoai, Mã Mây, and Hàng Hòm, with a price starting at 35,000 VND per serving.
Pho Hanh offers a variety of pho, including mixed pho with chicken, duck, and noodles. I decided to try the mixed chicken pho, which, despite being called pho, is more about the abundance of herbs and meat than the noodles. The dish has a balanced sour-sweet flavor that resembles a Vietnamese salad (nộm). The chili sauce here is especially spicy. The portion is generous, with plenty of meat, and the herbs are blanched but retain their fragrance. The pho noodles are soft, and the chicken is lean and tender, not dry. The unique dressing, combined with lime, chili, and pepper, elevates this pho to a delicious, flavorful experience.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 65A Lãn Ông, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0915 340 341
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 23:00


6. Rib Porridge - Cô Là Rib Porridge
The classic rib porridge is a beloved dish that's well-known to most. The combination of tender ribs with crispy dough fritters and dried shrimp creates a rich and flavorful bowl of porridge. This comforting dish is especially popular during the colder months, and a bowl of hot rib porridge on a cool day can truly warm your heart. If you're craving rib porridge, head over to Cô Là Rib Porridge at Lý Quốc Sư street or across from the Đồng Xuân market. They serve from the afternoon until late at night, with each bowl priced at about 30,000 VND.
Cô Là Rib Porridge has been a local favorite for many years. The shop still serves its delicious rib porridge from two humble pots, perched on a small stove on the sidewalk of Lý Quốc Sư street. It’s easy to spot, located right at the entrance of the alley. The seating is simple, with plastic chairs, but the place is clean and welcoming. The owner is friendly and always eager to serve. The rib porridge here is made in the traditional style, with smooth rice flour, dried meat, and a flavorful broth of ribs and minced pork. The porridge is served with crispy fritters and a sprinkle of dried shrimp, topped with a touch of pepper and chili powder. As you take a spoonful, the porridge melts in your mouth, silky smooth and absolutely comforting.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 2A Lý Quốc Sư, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0355 092 802
Opening Hours: 06:45 - 18:15


7. Mixed Rice Paper - 86 Hàng Trống
This place is also known as "Bánh Tráng Trộn Cô Toàn". The mixed rice paper here is generously served, extremely flavorful, and irresistibly good. The chewy rice paper combines perfectly with the spicy sauce and dried beef, the sourness of green mango, and the fragrant shallots and Vietnamese coriander, making it a beloved snack. No wonder Cô Toàn’s shop is always bustling with customers. She is the only one in Hanoi honored with a title and commemorative plaque for "Exquisite Specialty from the Three Regions" by the Vietnam Folk Art Association and Culinary Arts Magazine, thanks to her mouthwatering mixed rice paper.
For Cô Toàn, mixed rice paper has become more than just a street food – it’s a masterpiece. It’s crafted for those who seek the finest snacks in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Her version is different from others: it’s not too sweet, the sauce is balanced, and it’s not overly spicy like the ones from Saigon. She follows a special recipe, avoiding shrimp salt and dried shrimp. The rice paper and shredded coconut are layered at the bottom, then mixed with a sweet and sour sauce, peanuts, fried shallots, Vietnamese coriander, and two boiled quail eggs. It’s a satisfying dish that keeps customers coming back for more.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 86 Hàng Trống, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 15:00 - 22:00


8. Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Feet at Mắt To
Chicken can be prepared in so many different ways, but chicken feet, when cooked with lemongrass and chili, is truly special. If you find yourself visiting Hanoi, don’t miss out on trying this dish to experience how amazing it is. When it comes to lemongrass chicken feet in Hanoi, one of the most famous places is "Chân Gà Xả Ớt Mắt To", located on Lương Ngọc Quyến street. Situated right in the bustling Old Quarter, this place is always packed with customers. Even before tasting the dish, the lively atmosphere around the shop makes it clear why it’s so popular.
Once the plate of chicken feet is brought to the table, no one can resist its tempting appearance. The portion is just the right size for two people with moderate appetites. After a thorough preparation, the chicken feet are steamed and marinated with lemongrass and chili to soak in the flavor. The result is tender, golden feet that shine with a perfect balance of spices. Topped with finely chopped lemongrass and chili, the dish is visually striking. But it’s not just the look – once you try it, the flavor will leave you speechless. The sweet and sour sauce is perfectly balanced, the spicy kick from the lemongrass and chili will tingle your taste buds, and the chicken feet are chewy with a satisfying crunch. Despite the slightly inconvenient need to use your hands to enjoy it, many people consider this part of the fun, leaving you craving more long after you've finished eating.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 23 Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0912 881 989
Email: [email protected]
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039759893804
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 01:00


9. Tàu Cake - Phạm Bằng's Tàu Cake
If you ever have the chance to try the tàu cake at Phạm Bằng's Tàu Cake in the small alley of 30 Hàng Giầy, you’ll surely remember the irresistible flavor of this famous, simple yet elegant snack in the heart of Hanoi. For many years now, this little bánh trôi tàu shop, run by the late artist Phạm Bằng, has become a famous culinary destination in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Every day, from 3 PM onward, the small shop fills up with visitors from all over, eager to enjoy the warm, comforting taste of this treat, especially popular during the winter with its charm that’s hard to resist.
What sets the tàu cake here apart is that it’s not too sweet. The flavors are balanced just right, making it easy to enjoy. The menu consists of three main dishes: tàu cake, lục tàu xá, and chí mà phù, all originating from China. The lục tàu xá features lotus seeds, green beans, and a refreshing citrus peel fragrance. The chí mà phù stands out with its distinctive black sesame color. The shop’s décor is modest yet elegant, featuring images of old-fashioned houses, offering a cozy atmosphere that transports you to a miniature version of Hanoi.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 30 Hàng Giầy, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0982 335 588
Email: [email protected]
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041628776107
Opening Hours: 15:30 - 21:00


10. Nôm Cake - Hàng Bè
Nôm cake is a refreshing dish, perfect for hot summer days. The ingredients are simple, but the preparation is quite intricate. For those new to it, you might wonder what exactly Nôm cake is and how it’s made. Nôm cake is a variation of traditional đúc cake. Instead of cutting the đúc into large pieces, it’s shredded into thin strands and served with a broth made from peanuts and sesame seeds. It’s often topped with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding chili is a common option. In essence, while the base is still traditional đúc cake, Nôm cake is different in its preparation and is a unique summer snack in the northern region. The shredded strands of đúc combined with the variety of fresh greens is likely why it's called Nôm cake.
Hàng Bè Nôm Cake Shop is a popular spot for this dish in the Old Quarter. The shop has a very small frontage along Hàng Bè Street, with only a few plastic chairs doubling as tables, yet the uniqueness and deliciousness of the dish keep the place always packed. The shop serves both hot and Nôm cakes. The Nôm cake here is smooth and chewy, topped with plenty of bean sprouts and roasted peanuts, with a bit of chili for balance. It’s a dish you can easily finish in one sitting.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 28 Hàng Bè, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0842 425 859
Opening Hours: 07:30 - 19:30


