EnglishMỤC LỤC NỘI DUNG
Hanoi isn’t just Vietnam’s capital of culture and history — it’s also a culinary treasure trove. Known for its delicate flavors, seasonal ingredients, and time-honored recipes, Hanoi cuisine embodies the soul of Northern Vietnam.
Whether you’re strolling through the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter or enjoying breakfast by Hoan Kiem Lake, every dish tells a story. PHM Travel invites you on a delicious journey to discover the most iconic and unforgettable dishes that make Hanoi a true food lover’s paradise.
Pho (Phở Hanoi)
Arguably Vietnam’s most iconic dish, Pho has its roots in Hanoi, the culinary capital of Northern Vietnam. Unlike its Southern counterpart—which often features sweeter broth and a variety of herbs—Hanoi Pho focuses on clarity, purity, and balance of flavors.
The broth is slow-simmered for hours using beef bones, charred ginger, grilled onions, and star anise, resulting in a fragrant, umami-rich, yet subtly seasoned base. It’s then served with flat rice noodles, thinly sliced beef or chicken, and just a few essential toppings like scallions and cilantro—no overpowering extras.
Where to try: Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street, Hanoi), Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan, Hanoi), and various street-side stalls around center of Hanoi where locals have breakfast in the morning for a hot bowl of authentic pho.
Bun Cha
Grilled pork patties and juicy slices of pork belly are served in a bowl of warm, tangy dipping sauce infused with vinegar, fish sauce, garlic, and chili. Accompanied by a heap of vermicelli noodles, a basket of fresh herbs, and often a side of crispy fried spring rolls, Bun Cha is a well-balanced harmony of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Bun Cha rose to global fame when President Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared a casual meal over it during their visit to Hanoi, turning this humble street food into an international icon.
Where to try: Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu, Hanoi), Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh, Hanoi) — a long-standing favorite among locals and tourists alike for its rich-flavored broth and generous portions.
Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Delicate rice flour crepes, thin and silky, are carefully steamed to order, then filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and fragrant shallots. These rolls are then topped with crispy fried shallots and often served alongside cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage) for added texture and flavor. The dish is best enjoyed with a warm bowl of sweet-savory dipping sauce infused with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili.
Where to try: Banh Cuon Gia Truyen (14 Hang Ga, Hanoi) — or explore various stalls around Old Quarter street corners in the early morning when locals line up for a hot plate of freshly steamed bánh cuốn.
Cha Ca La Vong
A Hanoi specialty with over 100 years of history, Cha Ca La Vong is a dish that perfectly captures the richness of the capital’s culinary tradition. It features firm white fish fillets marinated in turmeric, then pan-fried tableside with a generous amount of dill and spring onions, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.
The dish is served with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a side of fermented shrimp paste sauce—complex in flavor, slightly pungent, and beloved by locals.
Where to try:
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Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant (14 Cha Ca Street, Hanoi) – the original institution.
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Cha Ca Thang Long (21 Duong Thanh Street, Hanoi) – a modern favorite known for generous portions and consistent quality.
Xoi (Sticky Rice)
Sticky rice (Xôi) is one of the most beloved and versatile comfort foods in Hanoi, commonly enjoyed as breakfast, midday snack, or even a light dinner. It comes in a wide variety of savory and sweet forms, making it a favorite among locals of all ages.
Popular variations include:
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Xôi xéo – bright yellow sticky rice topped with mung bean paste and crispy fried shallots
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Xôi gấc – striking red-orange rice made with gac fruit, often served on festive occasions for good luck
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Xôi ngô – sticky rice mixed with sweet corn and sometimes sprinkled with grated coconut or sesame salt
Xôi is typically sold by street vendors in Hanoi, often wrapped in banana leaves for extra fragrance and portability. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of traditional charm.
Where to try:
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Street vendors around Hanoi, especially in the early morning hours
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Xôi Yến (35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hanoi) – legendary for its diverse toppings like pate, fried eggs, pork floss, and chicken
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Xôi Cát Lâm (24B Duong Thanh Street, Hanoi) – popular for generous portions and flavorful combos like xôi with caramelized pork belly, egg, or grilled meat
Bun Dau Mam Tom (Fermented Shrimp Paste Vermicelli)
A quintessential Hanoi street food dish, Bun Dau Mam Tom brings together vermicelli noodles, crispy golden tofu, slices of boiled pork, and a variety of fresh herbs like perilla and mint. What makes it truly unique is the fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce—bold, pungent, and unforgettable. While its strong flavor might be a shock to first-time visitors, locals find it deeply satisfying and even addictive.
Where to try:
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Bun Dau Trung Huong (49 Phat Loc Alley, Hanoi) – a classic Old Quarter spot known for its authentic flavor and bustling alleyway charm
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Bun Dau Tuan Troc (17 Phan Huy Ich, Hanoi) – a local favorite praised for its diverse toppings like fried pork sausage, boiled pork leg, crispy intestines, and bold-flavored dipping sauce, all served in a clean, friendly setting
Banh Tom (Crispy Shrimp Fritters)
A signature street food from West Lake (Hồ Tây), Bánh Tôm features whole freshwater shrimp encased in a golden, crispy batter, deep-fried until perfectly crunchy. Served with pickled papaya, lettuce, herbs, and a side of sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, it’s a dish that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Where to try:
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Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây – 1 Thanh Niên Street, Hanoi
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Street vendors near Truc Bach Lake and West Lake on weekends
Chao Suon (Pork Rib Rice Porridge)
A warm and soothing Hanoi favorite, Cháo Sườn is made by simmering broken rice into a silky porridge, then adding tender pork ribs for depth of flavor. Best enjoyed with quẩy (fried dough sticks) and a dash of white pepper.
Where to try:
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Cháo Sườn Cô Là – 2A Lý Quốc Sư, Hanoi
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Cháo Sườn Huyền Anh – 14 Dong Xuan Street, Hanoi – one of the most well-known spots among Hanoians for its rich broth, flavorful ribs, and consistent quality
Banh Gio (Pyramid-Shaped Pork Rice Dumpling)
Soft and fragrant, Bánh Giò is a steamed rice dumpling filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots, all wrapped neatly in banana leaves. It’s warm, savory, and makes for a perfect afternoon snack or light meal on the go.
Where to try:
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Bánh Giò Thụy Khuê – 33 Thụy Khuê Street, Hanoi
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Bánh Giò Bà Tiên – small vendor near Tôn Đức Thắng Street
Final Thoughts
Hanoi’s cuisine is the perfect reflection of the city itself—refined, balanced, and deeply rooted in tradition. Unlike the bolder, sweeter flavors of the South, Hanoi food favors subtlety, freshness, and harmony, showcasing an elegant simplicity that lets each ingredient shine.
From quiet alleyway stalls to century-old family-run eateries, every dish in Hanoi tells a story—of heritage, of home, and of humble brilliance. Whether you’re tasting it for the first time or returning for another round, exploring Hanoi’s culinary scene is one of the most authentic ways to connect with the soul of the city.
Just remember: come hungry—Hanoi is best experienced, one bite at a time.
