Hanoi’s Street Food: 8 must-try delicious dishes & locations

Hanoi’s street food isn’t just adored by locals for its diversity; it also piques the curiosity of foreign tourists. Food embodies a nation’s culture, and the affordable yet enticing street food in Hanoi exemplifies cultural richness. To gain a profound understanding and immerse yourself in the essence of every place you visit, sampling street food is a must—it guarantees delightful surprises. Hanoi’s street food stands as a treasure trove for passionate food enthusiasts seeking an authentic culinary experience.

Hanoi Noodle Soup – Pho Hanoi

Pho Hanoi is among the standout delicacies of the Vietnamese capital that frequently garners international attention. In 2011, CNN, a prominent U.S. news channel, showcased Pho Hanoi, ranking it 28th among the world’s most delectable dishes. Subsequently, in 2013, Pho earned a top spot on Business Insider’s list of “40 Dishes You Must Try in Your Lifetime.” The Huffington Post, an American news website, hailed Vietnamese pho as “a heavenly dish,” as attested by enthusiastic foreign travelers. In March 2018, CNN once again featured Pho Hanoi in its prestigious list of the “50 Best Dishes in the World.” This global recognition stems from the uniqueness of Pho Hanoi, a dish exclusive to Vietnam, boasting its distinct flavors of refreshing vermicelli, delectable broth, and savory meats.

Hanoi Noodle Soup, or Pho Hanoi, is an iconic Vietnamese dish that can be savored in numerous renowned eateries in Hanoi. Here are a few famous Pho restaurants in Hanoi:

• Pho Bat Dan: Located at 49 Bat Dan Street, this historic establishment is known for serving some of the most delicious Pho in Hanoi. The rich broth and high-quality ingredients have made it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
• Pho Suong: Situated at 24B Trung Yen Lane, Dinh Liet Street, Pho Suong is celebrated for its flavorful Pho and inviting ambiance. The restaurant offers a variety of Pho options, catering to different tastes.
• Pho Gia Truyen: Found at 49 Bat Dan Street, this popular Pho joint has been praised for its traditional preparation and scrumptious flavors. It’s a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic Pho experience.
• Pho 10: Located at 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Pho 10 is known for its consistently excellent Pho, complete with tender beef and a fragrant broth. It’s a fantastic choice for Pho enthusiasts.
• Pho Thin: Situated at 13 Lo Duc Street, Pho Thin is famous for its unique take on Pho with stir-fried beef, setting it apart from traditional Pho recipes. This twist on the classic dish has garnered a loyal following.
• Pho Vui: Found at 25 Hang Giay Street, Pho Vui is a well-loved spot for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is known for its affordable yet incredibly tasty Pho, served in a welcoming atmosphere.

Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork – Bun Cha Hanoi

Bun Cha, another celebrated dish in Hanoi, has made a name for itself not only domestically but on the global stage. In 2012, CNN magazine lauded Bun Cha as the best dish for summer. Four years later, National Geographic included Bun Cha in its list of the top 10 street foods enjoyed by tourists. The world’s attention reached its peak in 2016 when former U.S. President Obama, accompanied by the esteemed chef Anthony Bourdain, savored Bun Cha at Huong Lien restaurant in Hanoi, sparking widespread coverage in renowned publications like Telegraph, Daily Mail, Munchies, and CNN. Bun Cha Hanoi’s irresistible appeal lies in its sweet and tangy broth complemented by succulent grilled meat and fresh vegetables, a combination that leaves an indelible impression.

Hanoi is renowned for its delectable Bun Cha, a dish featuring vermicelli noodles and grilled pork. Here are some well-known Bun Cha restaurants in Hanoi:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha): This restaurant gained international fame when former U.S. President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain dined here. It’s located at 24 Le Van Huu Street in Hai Ba Trung District and is known for its exceptional Bun Cha.
• Bun Cha Dac Kim: Situated at 1 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Bun Cha Dac Kim is celebrated for its quality grilled pork and delightful Bun Cha. It’s a favorite spot among both locals and visitors.
• Bun Cha Ta: Found at 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Bun Cha Ta is praised for its flavorful grilled meat and fresh herbs. The friendly service and vibrant atmosphere make it a great dining experience.
• Bun Cha Nem Cua Be Dac Kim: This restaurant, located at 67 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, is famous for its Bun Cha with crab spring rolls (Nem Cua Be). It offers a unique twist on the classic Bun Cha dish.
• Bun Cha 34 Hang Than: Nestled at 34 Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh District, Bun Cha 34 Hang Than is well-regarded for its delicious Bun Cha and excellent service. The restaurant is known for maintaining the authentic taste of Bun Cha.

Giang Egg Coffee – Ca Phe Trung Hanoi

Giang egg coffee, renowned for its delectable and distinctive flavor, attracted international recognition even before the 2019 U.S.-North Korea Summit. CNN, in a video lasting over a minute, introduced Giang egg coffee to the world. In November 2014, Buzzfeed, a global lifestyle news website, featured Giang egg coffee as a must-try coffee-based beverage in a lifetime. The uniqueness of Giang egg coffee is underlined by its composition, which includes egg yolk, coffee, milk, and sugar, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, rich, and bitter notes. CNN deemed Giang egg coffee one of Hanoi’s most remarkable specialties, thanks to its 70-year history and extraordinary ingredients that set it apart from all other coffees globally.

Hanoi Bread – Banh Mi Hanoi

Hanoi bread, or Vietnamese bread more broadly, has received high praise from international publications. In 2013, National Geographic recognized Vietnamese bread as one of the world’s 11 best street foods. Conde Nast Traveler, an American travel magazine, ranked Vietnamese banh mi among the top 12 street foods. In 2016, Wordkings, World Records Union, and World Top Institute included Vietnamese bread in the list of the world’s top 100 famous dishes. Australia’s reputable travel website, traveler.com.au, honored Vietnamese bread as one of the top 10 sandwiches globally. Hanoi bread is a quintessential dish to experience when visiting Vietnam, known for its crispy crust, soft interior, and a delightful combination of pork, fresh vegetables, and pate.

Hanoi is famous for its delicious Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and there are numerous eateries where you can savor this delightful street food. Here are a few well-regarded places in Hanoi known for their delicious Banh Mi:

• Banh Mi 25: Located at 25 Hang Ca Street in Hoan Kiem District, Banh Mi 25 is celebrated for its diverse and mouthwatering Banh Mi options. The quality of their ingredients and the friendly service make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Banh Mi Pho Hue: Situated at 118 Hue Street in Hai Ba Trung District, Banh Mi Pho Hue offers a range of Banh Mi creations, including both traditional and innovative options. Their sandwiches are known for their fresh and flavorful fillings.
• Banh Mi 172: Found at 172 Le Thanh Tong Street in Hoan Kiem District, Banh Mi 172 is renowned for its excellent baguettes and a variety of delicious fillings. It’s a popular spot for a quick and tasty Banh Mi in Hanoi.
• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: This iconic Banh Mi shop is located at 26 Le Thi Rieng Street in Hoan Kiem District. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is known for its generous portions and a combination of meats, pate, and fresh vegetables that create a memorable Banh Mi experience.
• Banh Mi 14: Situated at 14 Hang Dau Street in Hoan Kiem District, Banh Mi 14 is a small but popular spot serving a variety of Banh Mi with delicious and fresh ingredients.

La Vong Grilled Fish – Cha Ca La Vong

Cha Ca La Vong is a standout among Hanoi’s renowned specialties, with CNN featuring it in a video lasting over 2 minutes, celebrating the historic La Vong Cha Ca restaurant at 14 Cha Ca Street as one of the city’s oldest and most delicious dining establishments, dating back over a century. Moreover, MSNBC recognized La Vong grilled fish as one of the “10 Places to Know Before You Die.” The enduring appeal of Cha Ca La Vong arises from its more than 140-year history, stretching back to the French colonial era when it served the French army. The preparation involves slicing catfish, marinating it with spices, grilling, and then frying it in a savory sauce. It’s served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste.

West Lake Shrimp Cake – Banh Tom Ho Tay

The delectable West Lake shrimp cakes have earned international acclaim and were featured on CNN’s Destination program for their exceptional taste and cultural significance in Hanoi, a city with a thousand-year history. Originating in the 1930s, West Lake shrimp cakes are celebrated for their irresistible combination of fresh, sweet shrimp encased in a crispy, golden crust. CNN’s coverage of this delicacy left viewers yearning to savor it for themselves. The best West Lake shrimp cake restaurant can be found on Thanh Nien Street in Tay Ho District.

Hanoi Crab Noodle Soup – Bun Rieu Cua

Crab noodle soup, often hailed as Hanoi’s most captivating specialty in Asia, has received international recognition. In November 2018, the Traveler website of Fairfax Media, Australia, included crab noodle soup in its list of the “21 Most Delicious Dishes in the World,” alongside snails, vermicelli, and Hoi An bread. In 2012, CNN named crab noodle soup one of the most alluring dishes in Asia. This Hanoi street food, known for its rich, sweet broth made from crab roe and an abundance of fresh herbs, is a culinary delight that captures the hearts of many. Its affordability only adds to its charm.

Bun Rieu Cua, the Hanoi Crab Noodle Soup, can be found in many eateries across Hanoi. Here are some more places where you can enjoy this delicious dish:

• Bun Rieu Cua Hang Dau: Located at 87 Hang Dau Street in Hoan Kiem District, this restaurant is known for its authentic Bun Rieu Cua with a flavorful broth and fresh crab meat.
• Bun Rieu Cua Dong Xuan: Situated at 87 Dong Xuan Street in Hoan Kiem District, this spot is popular for its delicious Crab Noodle Soup and is often frequented by locals.
• Bun Rieu Cua Hang Trong: Found at 7 Hang Trong Street in Hoan Kiem District, this restaurant offers a delightful Bun Rieu Cua with a unique taste that keeps customers coming back.
• Bun Rieu Cua Bach Phuong: Located at 67 Duong Thanh Street in Hoan Kiem District, Bun Rieu Cua Bach Phuong is famous for its generous portions and the quality of its ingredients.
• Bun Rieu Cua Kim Hoa: Situated at 11 Hang Bac Street in Hoan Kiem District, this eatery is known for its rich and satisfying Crab Noodle Soup, with a welcoming atmosphere.

Ragworm-Pie – Cha Ruoi

In December 2018, the unique dish of ragworm-pie, known as Cha Ruoi, was introduced by the French news agency AFP as one of Hanoi’s beloved winter specialties. Cha Ruoi is a distinctive Hanoi dish featuring an uncommon yet fresh ingredient, ragworm, mixed with pureed pork, eggs, dill, and tangerine peel. AFP even hinted at the dish’s ability to enhance family happiness. Cha Ruoi isn’t just delicious; it’s also renowned for its health benefits. When in Hanoi, be sure to explore these eight famous specialties that showcase the city’s rich culinary heritage.

Cha Ruoi, or Ragworm-Pie, is a unique and delicious dish in Hanoi. While it’s not as widely available as some other Vietnamese dishes, there are a few places in Hanoi where you can try Cha Ruoi. Here are a couple of options:

• Cha Ruoi Hai Phong: This restaurant is known for its specialty, Cha Ruoi, and is located at 77A Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. They serve a variety of dishes featuring ragworms, including Cha Ruoi, which is typically prepared with pork, eggs, dill, and tangerine peel. It’s a great place to experience this unique and flavorful dish.
• Cha Ruoi Beo: Situated at 7C Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Cha Ruoi Beo is another spot where you can savor Cha Ruoi. They offer different variations of the dish, and it’s a place where you can explore the culinary diversity of ragworm-based cuisine.