One thing that you should not miss when coming to Hanoi, Vietnam is to try as many street foods as possible. I love experiencing good food in this country and this article will share my first time experience in Northern Vietnam and go on a private food tour with a local to taste what This city offers.
And what more wonderful if you do not have to weave through the alleyways but still can enjoy the best Hanoi Street food. If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, do not forget to enjoy this Hanoi street food list below.
Ha Noi City
Key Things to Keep in Mind When Enjoying Street Food in Hanoi
When selecting a street food spot in Hanoi, it’s important to assess three key factors to ensure a hygienic and enjoyable dining experience:
1. Clean and organized setup:
Take a moment to observe the arrangement of tables, utensils, and cutlery. Check if they appear clean and well-maintained. It’s advisable to wipe the cutlery with a napkin or cloth before using it, just to be extra cautious.
2. Fresh and appealing ingredients:
Pay attention to the presentation of the ingredients or dishes. Are they vibrant, colorful, and enticing? Assess if the ingredients seem fresh and if there are any measures in place to protect the food from contamination, such as covers or screens to keep flies away.
3. Presence of local customers:
One of the best indicators of a reputable street food establishment in Hanoi is the presence of a local clientele. If you see a group of local customers eating or waiting to be served, it’s a positive sign. This suggests that the food is delicious and that there is a continuous flow of customers, ensuring that the dishes are freshly prepared.
If you can answer “yes” to these three points, you have likely chosen a good street food spot in Hanoi. Enjoy your meal knowing that you’ve taken these considerations into account, and savor the authentic flavors of the city!
Best street food dishes and restaurants – you must try
| Phở | Rice noodle soup |
| Bánh mì | Stuffed baguette (Banh mi) |
| Bún chả | Most popular Hanoi breakfast |
| Bánh cuốn | Minced snack in rice flour dough |
| Nem rán | Vietnamese spring rolls |
| Xôi xéo | Sweet sticky rice |
| Chè | A variety of Vietnamese sweet desserts |
| Bánh xèo | A savory Vietnamese pancake |
| Ốc luộc | Boiled snail |
| Bia hơi Tạ Hiện | Beer Street |
All of the foods listed below can be found at a reasonable cost in most locations of the city and provide a unique culinary experience for any tourist visiting Vietnam. Join us to find out which is the greatest match for you!
Hanoi is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, offering a wide array of delicious dishes. Here are some of the best street food dishes you must try when in Hanoi:
1. Pho
Picture of Hanoi beef noodle bowl
This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup is a must-try. Made with flavorful beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and tender meat slices, it is typically served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili.
Pho is arguably the most popular street food in Hanoi and one of the best known Vietnamese dishes. It’s a rice noodle soup and it comes in two main varieties: pho bo (beef pho) and pho ga (chicken pho). Hanoi is more known for pho ga, but both types are widely available in the city, especially for breakfast and lunch.
If you’re looking for the best pho in Hanoi, you have plenty to choose from. Pho Gia Truyen, Pho Ly Quoc Su, and Pho Thin in the Old Quarter are all famous for their beef noodle soup aka Pho Bo, while Pho Suong and Pho Bat Dan in quieter areas serve delicious versions of the dish. Another famous place for beef noodle soup is Pho Thin Bo Ho in Ba Dinh district. There are so many great options to explore in Hanoi, whether you want a basic pho or something different.
- Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan: Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Pho Thin: Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
- Pho Bat Dan: Address: 23 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Pho Thanh Tri: Address: 35 Thanh Tri, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
2. Banh mi
Hanoi Old Quarter Bread (Banh Mi)
A Vietnamese-style baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients like grilled pork, pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delicious street food option.
Vietnamese banh mi, also known as Vietnamese baguette, is a delightful and popular street food in Vietnam. It is a fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary influences, resulting in a unique and delicious sandwich. Here’s an introduction to Vietnamese banh mi:
The Bread: Vietnamese baguettes are known for their light and crispy exterior, yet soft and fluffy interior. The bread is made with a combination of wheat flour, water, yeast, and a touch of rice flour, giving it a distinctive texture and flavor.
Fillings: banh mi can be filled with a variety of ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Some common fillings include:
1. Grilled Meats: Grilled pork, grilled chicken, or grilled beef are popular choices. The meats are marinated with a flavorful combination of lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, and other spices.
2. Cold Cuts: Slices of Vietnamese-style ham or pâté are often added to the sandwich for a rich and savory taste.
3. Poultry and Seafood: You can also find banh mi filled with roasted duck or crispy fried fish.
4. Tofu and Vegetarian Options: Tofu is a popular vegetarian option, often marinated and grilled. Vegetarian fillings may also include pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and vegetarian spreads.
Accompaniments: banh mi is typically garnished with a variety of toppings and condiments that add a burst of flavors. These may include:
1. Pickled Vegetables: Thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon radishes add a tangy and refreshing element to the sandwich.
2. Fresh Herbs: Common herbs used in banh mi include cilantro, mint, and Thai basil. They provide a fresh and aromatic taste.
3. Chili Sauce: A spicy chili sauce or Sriracha is often drizzled over the fillings for those who enjoy some heat.
4. Mayonnaise: A light spread of mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps balance the flavors.
The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that make Vietnamese banh mi a beloved street food. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
So, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the delectable banh mi when you visit Vietnam. It’s a culinary experience that perfectly represents the fusion of Vietnamese and French influences.
In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, there are several famous addresses known for delicious banh mi. Here are some highly recommended banh mi places:
- Banh Mi 25: Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Banh Mi Pho Co: Address: 38 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Banh Mi Ba Lan: Address: 38 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Banh Mi Pate: Address: 11 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Banh Mi Hoa Ma: Address: 22 Hoa Ma, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
3. Bun cha
Bun Cha is delicious and simple
Bun cha Ha Noi is a famous Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi and has become a beloved culinary symbol of the city. It consists of grilled pork and rice vermicelli noodles (bún), served with a side of fresh herbs and a flavorful dipping sauce.
The dish is typically prepared by grilling marinated pork patties and slices of marinated pork belly over charcoal until they are tender and infused with smoky flavors. The grilled pork is then served alongside a plate of fresh rice vermicelli noodles, mixed with fresh herbs such as mint, coriander, and lettuce.
The dipping sauce, known as dipping sauce, is an essential component of Bun cha. It is a combination of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, chili, and lime, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. The sauce is poured over the grilled pork and noodles to enhance the taste of the dish.
To enjoy Bun cha, diners typically take a portion of the grilled pork and dip it into the dipping sauce before combining it with a mouthful of noodles and herbs. The combination of grilled meat, fresh herbs, soft noodles, and the tangy dipping sauce creates a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.
- Bun Cha Hang Manh: Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Bun Cha Dac Kim: Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Bun Cha Huong Lien: Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
- Bun Cha Tuyet: Address: 34 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
4. Banh cuon
Street rolls in Hanoi
Banh cuon is a signature and well-known dish of the city. It is a type of cake made from thin rice batter that is delicately rolled and filled with a mixture of meat, mushrooms, and spices. Bánh cuốn has a thin, smooth, and milky-white appearance.
One of the key elements that contribute to the special flavor of Banh cuon is the dipping sauce. The dipping sauce is made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili, creating a sweet, savory, and spicy blend. When eating, you can dip the bánh cuốn into the dipping sauce, accompanied by fried shallots, fresh herbs, and Vietnamese sausage (chả lụa), creating a delightful combination of flavors.
- Banh Cuon Gia Truyen: Address: 14 Hang Ga Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Banh Cuon Hang Bo: Address: 23 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Banh Cuon Huong Mai: Address: 25 Tram Alley, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh: Address: 66 To Hieu Street, Ha Dong, Hanoi.
5. Nem ran
Impressed with fried spring rolls in Hanoi
Nem ran is a famous traditional dish of the Vietnamese capital. It is a type of fried spring roll made from a mixture of minced pork, fresh shrimp, mushrooms, and various spices. The filling is wrapped in a crispy outer layer made of rice paper and then deep-fried.
Nem ran Hanoi typically has a long and slender shape with an enticing golden color. When eating, Nem ran is often served with a plate of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, herbs, and other raw greens. Diners usually tear off a piece of Nem ran, wrap it in rice paper or banana leaf along with the raw vegetables, and dip it into a sweet and sour fish sauce mixed with chili for a delicious dipping sauce.
- Nem Cua Be – address: 1 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Nem Ran Co Lieng – address: 2 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Nem Ran Tuyet – address: 15 Nguyen Sinh Sac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
6. Xoi xeo
Hanoi green bean sticky rice
Xoi xeo, a popular breakfast dish in Hanoi, is highly regarded for its convenience, nutrition, and portability. It features each grain of glossy sticky rice coated with a layer of green mung beans, lightly drizzled with oil, and topped with aromatic fried onions. To enhance the flavor, various toppings can be added, such as boiled chicken, marinated pork belly, or preserved eggs. This delicious combination makes xoi xeo a satisfying and flavorful morning meal that can be easily enjoyed on the go.
In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, there are several famous locations to enjoy xoi xe^o. Here are some highly recommended addresses:
- Xoi Yen: Address: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Xoi Com Hang Than: Address: 47 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Xoi Tran: Address: 31 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Xoi Ba Hoanh: Address: 13B Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
7. Che
Che Khuc Bach
Che Hanoi is a culinary gem in the world of Vietnamese cuisine. It is a traditional beverage made from ingredients such as mung beans, sugar, coconut milk, and various other components. Che Hanoi is renowned for its balanced sweetness, diverse flavors, and elaborate presentation.
Some popular types of Che Hanoi include:
- Che Troi Nuoc: This is a traditional dessert with sweet mung bean filling wrapped in a soft and chewy rice flour ball, often soaked in coconut milk. Che Troi Nuoc is commonly garnished with coconut water and fruit jellies.
- Che Thai: This type of Che is made from red beans, mung beans, fruit jellies, coconut milk, and other ingredients. Che Thai has a refreshing and sweet taste and is typically served with ice.
- Che Buoi: This Che is made from fresh pomelo juice, sugar, red beans, and other components. Che Buoi has a cool and refreshing fruit flavor and is often garnished with a slice of fresh pomelo.
- Che Sen: This variety of Che is made from fresh lotus flowers and ingredients such as sugar, mung beans, and coconut milk. Che Sen has a refreshing taste, and the presence of lotus flowers creates a beautiful scene in the glass.
- Che Hang Dieu: 25 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi.
- Che Ly Tu Trong: 18 Ly Tu Trong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi.
- Che Dan Tu: 45 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi.
- Che Bung: 48 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi.
8. Banh Xeo
Banh xeo Ha Noi
Banh xeo Hanoi is a distinctive dish of the Vietnamese capital. Banh xeo Hanoi is made from rice flour, water, and various ingredients such as shrimp, meat, bean sprouts, onions, and mung beans. It features a thin and crispy pancake shell filled with delicious and flavorful ingredients.
To enjoy banh xeo Hanoi, you can wrap the pancake in fresh lettuce leaves, accompanied by a variety of raw herbs, and dip it in a sweet and sour fish sauce. Banh xeo Hanoi offers an excellent taste and represents the authentic flavors of Vietnamese street food.
- Banh Xeo Nguyen Huu Huan – address: 74 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Banh Xeo Co Thao – address: 7 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Banh Xeo Ba Duong – address: 35 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
9. Oc luoc
Boiled snails
Boiled snails, known as “ốc luộc,” are popular delicacies in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Made from various types of fresh and flavorful snails such as apple snails, mud creeper snails, and more, boiled snails offer a delicious and exciting culinary experience.
Boiled snails are typically prepared by boiling the snails until they are cooked, then seasoned with ingredients like pepper, salt, garlic, and chili to enhance the flavors. This dish is often enjoyed with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce made from fish sauce and minced chili.
In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, there are several renowned snail eateries where you can indulge in boiled snails. Some popular locations include:
- Vu Nong Snail Restaurant: Address: 23 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Co Lien Snail Restaurant: Address: 27 Ngu Xa, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Huyen Snail Restaurant: Address: 37 Lan Ong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Enjoying boiled snails in Hanoi’s Old Quarter allows you to savor the unique flavors and experience the vibrant street food culture of the capital city!
10. Bia hoi Ta Hien
Ta Hien Beer
Ta Hien Beer is an emblem of Hanoi’s street food culture. Known as “bia hoi,” it refers to fresh beer produced daily and served at small beer joints. Ta Hien Beer has become a famous spot to not only enjoy great beer but also experience the lively and vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Joints are located on Ta Hien Street, in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. What makes it unique is that people often sit on the sidewalk and savor their beer in an open-air setting, creating a blend of culinary delights, culture, and community.
Ta Hien Beer is usually sold by the glass or small barrel. It has a light, refreshing taste that complements Hanoi’s hot and humid weather. The beer is brewed from malt and does not contain preservatives, ensuring a fresh and safe drinking experience. Visiting Ta Hien Beer joints allows you to enjoy fresh beer and engage in conversations with friends or locals. It’s a truly unique and exciting experience to explore the street food culture of Hanoi.
Address: Ta Hien street, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
What’s next?
Don’t miss out on the vibrant and captivating experience of exploring Hanoi’s street food scene. It’s a culinary adventure that every food lover should embark on when visiting the city. By venturing off the beaten path and exploring the bustling streets and local markets, you’ll discover a world of unique flavors and delicious cuisine that will leave a lasting impression.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, make sure to arrive with an empty stomach and an open mind. Embrace the local street food culture, try new dishes, and savor Hanoi’s incredible flavors. Whether it’s slurping a bowl of steaming pho, biting into a crispy banh mi, or sampling mouthwatering grilled meats, Hanoi’s street cuisine will surely satisfy your cravings and create unforgettable culinary memories.
Excited to try a Hanoi street food tour now?
If you plan to visit Hanoi, enhance your gastronomic adventure by joining a guided street food tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, sample various dishes, and create unforgettable memories as you navigate the bustling streets and alleyways in search of the city’s most delectable treats.
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