Hanoi Food Guide: What to Eat, Where to Go & Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes (2025)
Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is a mecca for food lovers. Bursting with vibrant markets, centuries-old recipes, and street vendors on nearly every corner, it’s no surprise that the city has earned its reputation as the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re embarking on your first Vietnam street food tour or just wondering what to eat in Vietnam, this Hanoi food guide will take you on a journey through the must-try Vietnamese dishes that define the city’s rich culinary landscape.
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Why Hanoi is a Food Lover’s Paradise
Hanoi’s culinary identity is deeply rooted in tradition. As the cradle of northern Vietnamese cuisine, the city offers a more savory, balanced, and subtle flavor profile compared to its southern counterpart. Influenced by Chinese, French, and indigenous flavors, Hanoi’s food scene is a reflection of its complex history and regional pride.
The city’s narrow alleys and bustling sidewalks are filled with sizzling woks, fragrant herbs, and aromatic broths. From upscale restaurants to plastic-stool street corners, you’ll find some of the best food in Vietnam right here in Hanoi.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes in Hanoi
1. Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)
- What: Vietnam’s most iconic dish, born in Hanoi. A delicate broth made by simmering beef bones and spices for hours, served with rice noodles and thin slices of beef.
- Where: Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan Street) – legendary for its traditional flavor.
2. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
- What: Grilled fatty pork patties served in a sweet-savory broth with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and garlic.
- Where: Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh Street) – the same spot that hosted President Obama and Anthony Bourdain.
3. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
- What: Thin rice crepes filled with minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms, topped with fried shallots and served with fish sauce.
- Where: Banh Cuon Gia Truyen (14 Hang Ga Street).
4. Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Turmeric Fish)
- What: Marinated fish grilled tableside with dill and spring onions, served with rice noodles and peanuts.
- Where: Cha Ca Thang Long (21 Duong Thanh Street).
5. Nem Ran (Spring Rolls)
- What: Crispy fried rolls filled with minced pork, glass noodles, mushrooms, and carrots.
- Where: Available at most street food stalls and local eateries.
Just some of the delectable dishes you’ll get to try in Hanoi
DIY Vietnam Street Food Tour in Hanoi
If you’re keen on immersing yourself in Hanoi’s street food culture, you don’t need to join a formal tour—create your own! Here’s a simple walking food tour route through the Old Quarter, that we recommend in this Hanoi Food Guide:
Morning
- Start: A bowl of Pho at Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street)
- Snack: Fresh Banh Mi from Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca Street)
Afternoon
- Lunch: Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien
- Coffee Break: Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street)
Evening
- Dinner: Banh Xeo and seafood at Dong Xuan Night Market
- Dessert: Che or Coconut Ice Cream at Kem Trang Tien
Pro Tip: Join a local-led Vietnam street food tour if you want guided access to secret spots and historic context, such as the one shared in this Travel Guide featuring the Best Street Food Tours in South East Asia.
Hidden Food Gems in Hanoi
- Banh Goi Lady on Ly Quoc Su Street: Deep-fried pork pastries
- Pho Suong (24 Trung Yen Alley): Underrated Pho joint, local favorite
- Quan Bia Minh (23 Bat Dan Street): Classic Bia Hoi with grilled snacks
The Vibrant Streets of Hanoi – Don’t forget to try out the local delicacies sold by locals
What to Eat in Vietnam: Hanoi vs. The Rest
| Region | Flavors | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|
| North (Hanoi) | Savory, subtle, herbaceous | Pho Bo, Bun Cha |
| Central (Hoi An) | Spicy, bold, complex | Mi Quang, Cao Lau |
| South (Saigon) | Sweeter, tropical | Com Tam, Hu Tieu |
Vegetarian & Vegan Hanoi Food Tips
- Uu Dam Chay (34 Hang Bai): Elegant vegan restaurant
- Loving Hut: Affordable vegan chain
- Try: Banh Mi Chay, Pho Chay, Xoi (sticky rice with toppings)
Tips for First-Timers
- Street Food Safety: Choose busy stalls with high turnover
- Hygiene Tip: Avoid raw veggies unless washed
- When to Eat: Pho in the morning, Bun Cha for lunch
- Language Help: Learn Khong Thit (no meat)
Hanoi is more than just food. Take it slow, and discover such corners at your own pace,
Hanoi’s culinary scene is more than just food—it’s community, culture, and history in every bite. Whether you’re slurping Pho at dawn or savoring Banh Cuon on a street corner, you’re tasting centuries of tradition.
Now that you know what to eat in Vietnam, it’s time to explore it one bite at a time.
Where to Stay in Hanoi?
Planning your Vietnam itinerary? Don’t miss out on these other amazing Vietnam Travel Guides: –
7 Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary
Best Street Food Tours in Vietnam
Top Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Chúc ngon miệng! – Bon Appétit!
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