Top 14 Must-Try Dishes in Hanoi

When it comes to iconic dishes from Hanoi, many people immediately think of the famous Thanh Tri Steamed Rice Rolls. This dish has become deeply ingrained in the minds of many, and simply mentioning it brings a wave of nostalgia. The dish features thin, chewy rice rolls paired with a filling made from crispy fried onions and minced meat, giving it a unique taste.

What's even more special is when you enjoy it with a special dipping sauce and flavorful Vietnamese pork sausage, which has captivated many food lovers. If you ever visit Hanoi, make sure to try these delicious steamed rice rolls.

The Tô Hiến Thành Street is a great place to try this delicate, translucent rice roll, with a fragrant aroma of the local rice. It's topped with crispy golden fried onions and paired with a perfectly balanced dipping sauce. A few slices of cinnamon pork sausage complete the rustic, traditional taste.

Some places to try Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls: Bà Hoành's Steamed Rice Rolls at 66 Tô Hiến Thành, Hoàn Kiếm; Hàng Bồ Steamed Rice Rolls at 57A, Hàng Bồ...

If you’ve ever visited Hanoi, you absolutely must try the renowned Snail Noodle Soup from this vibrant city. The ingredients are simple: just a few snails, either small or stuffed, some noodles, fresh herbs, and tomatoes – and you have the perfect dish that has captured hearts far and wide. Snail Noodle Soup is particularly refreshing during the summer, as the tender snails, along with the tangy broth, offer a cool, light taste that helps to beat the heat. Preparing the dish is simple, but the secret to a great bowl lies in the personal touch of each chef.

This famous dish also makes a perfect breakfast option, beautifully presented with a rich, savory broth that will leave anyone craving more.

If you're in Hanoi, some great places to try Snail Noodle Soup include: Bà Sáu's Snail Noodles at 73A Mai Hắc Đế Street (served from morning until noon), Bà Lương’s Snail Noodles in Khương Thượng, Cô Béo’s Snail Noodles at 1 Hòe Nhai, and Snail Noodles at Nguyễn Cao Market (5 Đống Mác, Đống Mác, Hai Bà Trưng).

During chilly days in Hanoi, accompanied by drizzling rain, dishes made from offal such as Grilled Offal, Offal Porridge, Offal Noodles, and Grilled Sausages become favorites. These meals are affordable, delicious, and offer a unique taste. The dish’s special flavor becomes even more delightful when dipped in shrimp paste.

Grilled Offal is an interesting and flavorful snack. You can gather around a red-hot stove, grilling and savoring pieces of crispy and fragrant offal, served with a spicy dipping sauce that’s just irresistible. This dish is especially perfect in the winter, warming up anyone who’s enjoying it. It’s gained popularity among food enthusiasts and those who enjoy a good drink with their meal. However, preparing it requires care and precision, so be sure to choose a restaurant that prioritizes food safety.

To try this dish, you can visit places such as: Number 8, Alley 22 Trung Kín; Nguyễn Công Trứ Market, Hai Bà Trưng; Nhất Quán Grilled Offal at 23 Nguyễn Siêu; Lòng Chát Quán at 64 Tôn Thất Tùng, Đống Đa...

Hanoi Cốm Cake is a unique gift from the capital, a local specialty that anyone visiting Hanoi will want to bring home as a present for family and friends.

The Cốm Cake is considered a refined offering from the people of Hanoi, traditionally found at engagement ceremonies. If you ever visit Hanoi, make sure to try the Vong Village Cốm Cake. It features a vibrant green color from the fresh cốm, complemented by a golden mung bean filling and a touch of shredded coconut. The cake has a sweet, chewy texture and a delicate fragrance.

Thanks to modern preservation methods, the dried cốm is now available year-round. So, if you love this treat, you can find it anytime, anywhere. This cake evokes a sense of nostalgia for those far from home, bringing to mind the elegant culinary culture of Hanoi.

Some popular spots to try Hanoi Cốm Cake: Bảo Minh Cốm Cake at 12 Hàng Than, Ba Đình; Bà Hoản’s Vong Village Cốm at 36, Alley 63 Xuân Thủy, Cầu Giấy; An Ninh Cốm at 49 Hàng Than, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Ba Đình...

Tràng Tiền Ice Cream is a unique brand in Hanoi, famous for its delightful flavors such as the rich, creamy green bean ice cream that melts slowly in your mouth, as well as chocolate, cốm, and milk flavors that are irresistibly sweet and fragrant. Tràng Tiền Ice Cream was first introduced in 1958. At that time, it was a highly popular state-run establishment, along with other restaurants like Bô Đê Ga, Thủy Tạ, and Bốn Mùa. Despite the hardships of the subsidy period, Tràng Tiền Ice Cream became widely known for its delicious taste and central location in Hanoi. Back in those days, many people would stop by after visiting Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy a refreshing ice cream. The ice cream stall was right by the sidewalk, where customers would queue for a long time, buy their treat, and enjoy it on the street. The simple charm of Tràng Tiền Ice Cream, with its street-side setting, has made it an unforgettable memory for the people of Hanoi.

While famous, Tràng Tiền Ice Cream remains quite affordable. If you haven't yet experienced the cool, sweet sensation of this iconic treat, don't hesitate to try it now! Whether it's summer or winter, sunny or rainy, Tràng Tiền Ice Cream always draws a crowd. Today, there are many places in Hanoi selling delicious ice cream, mostly imported, but people still prefer the original Tràng Tiền Ice Cream, right on the same street. It's safe to say that Tràng Tiền Ice Cream has become both a personal pleasure and a cultural symbol of Hanoi.

Located at 35 Tràng Tiền Street (Tràng Tiền, Hoan Kiem), this ice cream shop has been a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike for over half a century.

One of the must-try dishes when visiting Hanoi is the delicious Fermented Shrimp Paste with Tofu and Vermicelli, a dish so popular that it has become a street food sensation, attracting both local and international visitors. Its appeal has made it one of the top recommendations for food to try in Hanoi.

Fermented Shrimp Paste with Tofu and Vermicelli – the name itself reveals the simple yet harmonious combination of tofu, shrimp paste, and vermicelli. The dish is a reflection of the everyday life of the Hanoian people. A typical serving comes on a large tray filled with various accompaniments: crispy fried tofu, boiled pig’s trotters, spring rolls, sausages, pig's intestine, and Hanoi’s specialty, Chả Cốm. Just one serving of this dish ensures a satisfying, affordable, and delicious meal.

Some recommended spots to enjoy Fermented Shrimp Paste with Tofu and Vermicelli in Hanoi: 39A Lý Quốc Sư, Hanoi; Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm restaurant at 1B Ngõ Trạm, Hoan Kiem...

If there's one dish in Hanoi known for its complexity and the skill required to craft its exquisite flavors, it's certainly the famous Bún Thang. While this dish may appear simple, it is truly a labor of love, made from more than 20 ingredients that come together to create a bowl of soup that tantalizes the taste buds. The main ingredients include shredded chicken breast, thinly sliced Vietnamese pork sausage, and crispy fried egg slices, all served with vermicelli noodles. The charm of Bún Thang lies in the delicate balance of colors – the pale pink of the pork sausage, the appetizing golden hue of the fried egg, and the tender chicken. All these ingredients blend together, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

For anyone with a keen interest in Hanoi's culinary delights, Bún Thang is an essential dish to try. It stands as a unique representation of Hanoi's rich food culture, offering a taste of its heritage to visitors from near and far.

Recommended places to enjoy Bún Thang: at the shops located at 32 and 48 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm.

One of Hanoi's most cherished street foods is Bánh Giò, a comforting dish found in nearly every corner of the city. This savory treat consists of a soft rice cake stuffed with rich, fatty meat, all wrapped in a thick banana leaf. It's a perfect dish to start your day, as one Bánh Giò can keep you feeling full for hours. In Hanoi's bustling food streets, it's common to find multiple stalls selling this dish side by side. The unique flavors often come from the special sauces they offer or the addition of chili paste, making each bite even more flavorful.

Bánh Giò has become a staple in Hanoi due to its delicious taste, convenience, and very affordable price. A single piece of the cake costs around 12,000 VND, and a full meal, including cold cuts, sausages, and fried spring rolls, can range from 35,000 VND to 50,000 VND, making it both satisfying and reasonably priced. Often, it's served with pickled mustard greens or fresh salad, depending on the vendor.

Some recommended places to try Bánh Giò in Hanoi: At 33 Đông Các, Đống Đa, and at Bánh Giò Thuỵ Khuê, 5 Thụy Khuê, Tây Hồ.

When visiting Hanoi, don't miss out on trying the delicious and unique dish of Bún Dọc Mùng. Made from simple ingredients such as noodles, pig's feet, and meatball dumplings, it is served in a rich, flavorful broth simmered from bones. This dish, also known as Bún Bung, is a beloved street food that captures the hearts of both locals and international visitors alike. The texture of the noodles, the spicy kick from the red chili, the fragrant meatball, and the freshness of the dọc mùng (giant rhubarb) combine to create a truly enticing meal. Adding crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy) and a refreshing glass of iced tea makes for an unforgettable breakfast!

Some popular places to try Bún Dọc Mùng in Hanoi include: 57-59 Hàng Lược, Hoàn Kiếm, and Bún Dọc Mùng - Nguyễn Chế Nghĩa at 15 Nguyễn Chế Nghĩa, Hoàn Kiếm.

If you're in Hanoi, you absolutely can't miss the incredibly fragrant and flavorful Crab Meat Noodle Soup (Bún Riêu Cua). This dish is a favorite among locals and is made from fresh, finely ground river crab that has no unpleasant fishy taste, combined with tomatoes, golden fried tofu, shrimp paste, and fresh herbs, creating a beloved culinary masterpiece. Additionally, you can enjoy it with various side dishes such as fertilized duck eggs, beef, stir-fried snails, or sausage. Once you try it, the rich and unique taste of this dish will surely stay with you.

The broth is full of delicious crab roe, creating a creamy, rich taste without being overly greasy. The combination of tangy and sweet flavors offers a refreshing balance, especially when paired with a hard-boiled duck egg and crispy pork fat. It’s a perfect combination for a satisfying meal!

Some recommended places to try Crab Meat Noodle Soup in Hanoi include: Quang Trung Crab Noodle Soup at 2F Quang Trung, Hoàn Kiếm; Crab Noodle Soup at 16 Hàng Lược, Hoàn Kiếm; Huyền Thu Crab Noodle Soup at 2F Quang Trung, Hai Bà Trưng, Hoàn Kiếm.

Hanoi is famous for its many varieties of pho, but one of the most renowned is rolled pho (Phở Cuốn). This dish serves as a unique addition to Hanoi's food scene, adding vibrancy and allure to the city's culinary landscape, captivating every visitor who has the chance to taste it.

Made from rice noodles wrapped around a mixture of meat, sausage, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, all complemented by a distinctive dipping sauce, this dish has earned widespread recognition. The delightful balance of sweet, fresh flavors from the meat, herbs, and rice noodles creates an irresistible aroma that leaves many people craving more.

Perfect for the summer, when you’re tired of heavier dishes, rolled pho offers a refreshing and light alternative that’s suitable for all ages, from children to adults.

Some places to try rolled pho in Hanoi: Hương Mai Rolled Pho at 25 Ngũ Xá, Ba Đình; Ngũ Xá Rolled Pho at 233A Tô Hiệu, Cầu Giấy.

When thinking of Hanoi, Hanoi Pho is undoubtedly the first dish that comes to mind. This iconic dish has a long-standing tradition and embodies the distinct flavors of the capital city, which boasts over a thousand years of history.

One of the key differences between Hanoi pho and the pho found in southern Vietnam is that the noodles in Hanoi are broader and flatter, and it is typically served with fried dough sticks rather than fresh herbs. In Hanoi, you can enjoy a variety of pho, including chicken pho, beef pho, and duck pho, depending on your personal preference.

Pho has become a beloved dish not only in Hanoi but across Vietnam, leaving an unforgettable impression on both locals and visitors alike. It has even gained international fame, making it one of the country's most famous culinary exports.

There are numerous excellent pho spots in Hanoi: Pho Sướng on Đinh Liệt Street, traditional pho on Bát Đàn Street, Pho Thìn on Lò Đúc Street, Pho Cường on Hàng Muối Street, and pho served at street-side stalls on Hàng Trống Street.

While southern Vietnam boasts the deliciously famous grilled pork noodle dish, Bún Chả Hanoi holds its own as a beloved dish from the northern capital. The primary difference between this dish and southern noodle dishes lies in the dipping sauce.

A typical serving of Bún Chả includes a bowl of noodles paired with flavorful grilled pork patties, complemented by a sweet and sour dipping sauce with pickled vegetables like turnip and carrots for an added crunch. This dish is also served with a side of fresh herbs, making it a refreshing and irresistible meal.

Bún Chả is as iconic as pho, representing the culinary pride of Hanoi. It's a simple yet irresistible combination of well-grilled pork and a tangy dipping sauce, capable of winning over any diner. Bún Chả has become a staple in Hanoi, with small eateries popping up in every corner of the city.

You can find great places to enjoy Bún Chả in Hanoi, such as in the alley of Dong Xuan Market, at 14 Hàng Than Street, or near the intersection of Nguyễn Du and Bà Triệu streets.

One of Hanoi's most iconic dishes that must be mentioned is Chả Cá Lã Vọng, a flavorful and unique dish famous far and wide. This delicacy is made from the rare and nutrient-rich Lăng fish, known for its sweet meat and few bones, making it perfect for crafting this outstanding dish.

Typically enjoyed during lunch or dinner with fresh herbs and noodles, this dish is best paired with shrimp paste for a true authentic taste. The combination of flavors will leave a lasting impression with its unique taste and aromatic scent.

Historically, Chả Cá Lã Vọng has been a favorite of many. While the dish was originally made with Lăng fish, the rarity of the fish today has led to using other varieties, such as snakehead fish. The key to enjoying this dish is eating it hot, served with grilled rice crackers, noodles, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of sizzling oil and roasted peanuts for an unbeatable taste.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng tastes even better when paired with shrimp paste, though if you are not accustomed to it, you can substitute with fish sauce.

Some recommended spots for Chả Cá Lã Vọng: Chả Cá Lã Vọng at 14 Chả Cá Street; Chả Cá Hà Thành at 32 Nguyễn Văn Huyên Street, Cầu Giấy...