1. Bún Cá Chấm
If you are a true fan of fish noodle soup, you must have heard of Bún Cá Chấm Gốc Đa on Cửa Nam street. This is a famous spot for fish noodle dipping and has been highly praised by food reviewers on social media. At Bún Cá Chấm Gốc Đa, there are two main dishes: fish noodle dipping and fish noodle soup. A serving of fish noodle dipping includes a plate of dry noodles, a bowl of dipping sauce, and a separate bowl of broth. The only difference with the fish noodle soup is that the broth is poured into the noodles, rather than served separately. To ensure the fish doesn’t lose its texture, the owner typically serves the fish separately.
The dipping sauce at Bún Cá Chấm Gốc Đa is what makes it stand out and elevates the dish. The sauce is a family recipe made with chili, lime, and garlic, creating a delicious balance of sour and sweet flavors. Many customers have praised the sauce as the best part of the dish. In addition, the restaurant’s sweet and sour pickled bamboo shoots served with the noodles add an extra layer of flavor. The bamboo shoots are cut thick, perfectly spiced, and visually appealing. Enjoying a bite of the spicy bamboo shoots along with the fish noodles is truly a delightful experience.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 11 P. Đình Ngang, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Phone: 0975 182 860
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM


2. Bún Cá Sâm Cây Si
One of the must-visit fish noodle shops in Hanoi is Bún Cá Sâm Cây Si. The shop got its unique name because the owner, Ms. Sâm, sells under the Si tree. It is located in a small alley in Trung Yên, yet it attracts many visitors, especially during peak hours. The cozy and tidy little shop offers a pleasant dining experience.
When you order a bowl of fish noodles, you will be served a massive portion. The bowl includes noodles, water morning glory, crispy fried fish, celery, dill, and tomatoes. The broth is remarkably flavorful, balancing the sweetness of bone broth with a perfect mix of sourness from the tomatoes and pineapple.
You can also try their fried fish cakes, which are crispy and delicious. Additionally, the shop is famous for its fish wrapped in meat, a dish that everyone who tries it falls in love with. Don't forget to taste their special spices and sauce, which are truly amazing and add to the overall experience.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 5 Trung Yên Alley, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Phone: 0901 267 899
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


3. Bún Cá Thái Bình Cô Hằng
Alongside traditional fish noodle shops, Bún Cá Thái Bình is a great option to consider. This place offers authentic Thái Bình-style fish noodles, and if you are from Thái Bình, you'll immediately recognize the taste. The noodles here are thick, true to the style of Thái Bình fish noodles.
A bowl of fish noodles is generously served, with thick noodles similar to those found in Huế-style noodle soup. The bowl is packed with fish, which is thoroughly marinated before being fried to a perfect golden crisp. The dish also includes crispy pork belly bits, adding a rich flavor. Don’t miss the pickled bamboo shoots, as skipping this side dish means you're missing out on 50% of the dish's appeal. What's unique here is that the broth is comparatively less than at other shops, but rest assured, it is still delicious, light, and perfectly seasoned.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 21D Hàng Bài Street, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM


4. Bún Cá Hải Phòng Cô Phượng
Bún Cá Hải Phòng Cô Phượng is a must-visit restaurant for authentic Hải Phòng-style fish noodles in Hoàn Kiếm, especially on chilly days. If you're feeling hungry, you can rest assured that the owner will serve you a hearty bowl filled with plenty of fish. All seafood ingredients are sourced directly from Hải Phòng, ensuring they are fresh and delicious.
The fish, after being added to the broth, maintains its crispy outer layer while staying tender and flavorful inside, creating the perfect balance in each bite. The restaurant is beloved by customers for its clean, fresh, and generous ingredients, all at a reasonable price considering the location in the Old Quarter. Thus, Bún Cá Cô Phượng should definitely be on your list of places to try. In addition to the fish noodles, you can also order seafood noodles and crab noodle soup, both of which deliver the true flavors of the city of red phoenix flowers. The broth here is light and well-seasoned. Don’t forget to squeeze some lime or calamondin to enhance the taste!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 77 Đường Thành, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Phone: 0389 429 360
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM


5. Luyến Bún Cá
For many food enthusiasts in Hanoi, Luyến Bún Cá is no longer an unfamiliar name for the locals of Hoàn Kiếm. What sets this bún cá shop apart from others is the rich, tangy broth. You can distinctly taste the sourness of the tamarind, and the broth is more concentrated, with a touch of fatty richness. The fried fish pieces here are large and thick, though sometimes the owner does not go to great lengths to remove the bones. Along with the fried fish, you’ll find fish cakes, boiled celery, or mustard greens in your bowl, and a plate of fresh herbs is provided on the table for customers to add more if desired.
When it comes to Luyến Bún Cá, you also have to mention the fish offal and fish roe, which are only available later in the day, either after lunch or at night, as the shop waits until it has enough ingredients. The fish offal is crispy and gives a unique texture, while the fish roe is slightly dry, rich, and creamy. If you'd like to taste a little of both, the owner is accommodating. This place has a humble, down-to-earth vibe and is always packed, especially during lunchtime and at night. Even if you're out late strolling the streets, you’ll often find the lights on at the shop, where you can stop by and enjoy a warm, tangy bowl of bún cá.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 42 Hàng Đậu, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Phone: 0934 382 772
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM


6. Bún Cá Chấm An Viên
Bún cá chấm An Viên features a spacious two-story venue, always filled with customers, a testament to its delicious dishes. To avoid the lunchtime rush, it's advisable to arrive early. The menu offers both traditional dipping noodles and a special version. The crispy, fragrant fried fish pairs perfectly with the sweet dipping sauce, and adding a bit of lime enhances the flavor. The restaurant also serves seafood hotpot and tasty sides like fried chicken feet and wings. Air conditioning ensures a comfortable dining experience, even in the summer heat.
The noodles are served separately, alongside fish and a bowl of the restaurant's signature dipping sauce. The noodle soup is soaked in a tangy, tamarind vinegar-based broth. Whichever option you choose, An Viên delivers bowls of noodle soup that will win over your heart. The crispy fried fish, immersed in the delicious dipping sauce, combined with a sour and spicy broth, and the unique garlic chili dipping sauce, will surely remind you of Hanoi’s culinary delights. Don’t wait any longer—head to Bún Cá Chấm An Viên today!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 48 P. Bát Đàn, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Phone: 0906 228 802
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM


7. Bún Cá Thanh Trà
If you are a fan of fish noodle soup, you definitely cannot miss Bún Cá Thanh Trà. While the space of the restaurant is small, it remains clean and well-organized, and the staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring you won’t have to wait long for your meal even when the place is crowded. The prices are reasonable and affordable.
The fried fish at Thanh Trà is golden and crispy on the outside, while still tender on the inside. The fish is carefully selected to bring out its natural sweetness, ensuring fresh and delicious flavors. Notably, the fried fish at this restaurant doesn’t lose its crispiness or develop a fishy taste even after a while, making it a perfect pairing with noodles or soup. The restaurant’s broth is just as special—seasonal herbs are used, such as mùng mùng with tomatoes, pineapples, and dill, or sometimes celery, kale, and bean sprouts. The fried dough sticks, plump and lightly fried, complement the broth well. The restaurant also offers spicy bamboo shoots as a side, adding to the flavor explosion.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Address: 18 P. Nguyễn Chế Nghĩa, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi Phone: 0902 282 660Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

