Hanoi Food: 20 Iconic Dishes To Savor the Flavors of Hanoi

Why Is Hanoi Food So Special?

Hanoi food embodies balance, freshness, and elegance. Northern Vietnamese dishes favor light seasoning, delicate herbs, and clear broths, offering a refined yet comforting taste. Unlike Southern food, which leans sweeter, Ha Noi food values subtle harmony in every bite. As you wander the Old Quarter, the aroma of pho, grilled meats, and coffee fills the air, reminding you that food here isn’t just nourishment but a reflection of daily life, community spirit, and timeless cultural heritage.

Top 20 Hanoi Food You Must Try

Here are 20 dishes that represent the spirit of Hanoi cuisine. 

Pho (Phở)

No visit to Hanoi is complete without a comforting bowl of pho. This iconic noodle soup combines silky rice noodles, tender beef or chicken, and a fragrant broth simmered for hours. A squeeze of lime, a few chili slices, and the aroma of star anise complete the magic. Locals eat pho for breakfast, lunch, or even midnight cravings – it’s the ultimate symbol of Hanoi food and a taste you’ll never forget.

Where to try:

• Phở Bát Đàn – 49 Bát Đàn, Hoàn Kiếm
• Phở Thìn – 13 Lò Đúc, Hai Bà Trưng
• Phở Gia Truyền – 14B Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm

Grilled Pork with Noodles (Bún Chả)

Bun cha Hanoi perfectly represents the city’s smoky, street-side charm. Charcoal-grilled pork patties and slices are served in a tangy fish-sauce broth with fresh vermicelli and herbs. The blend of savory meat, sweet-sour sauce, and crisp greens makes every bite vibrant and addictive. Enjoying bun cha ha noi at a bustling stall, surrounded by chatter and sizzling smoke, captures the essence of eating in Hanoi.

Where to try:

• Bún Chả Hương Liên – 24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng
• Bún Chả Đắc Kim – 1 Hàng Mành, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Chả – 34 Hàng Than, Ba Đình

Turmeric Grilled Fish (Chả Cá Lã Vọng)

Known as one of Hanoi’s most unique dishes, cha ca Hanoi is both a meal and an experience. Fresh fish is marinated in turmeric and galangal, then grilled and finished at your table with dill, scallions, and peanuts. The sizzling pan fills the air with irresistible fragrance as you mix everything with rice noodles and shrimp paste. It’s a dish that reflects Hanoi’s creativity, elegance, and enduring love for flavor.

Where to try:

• Chả Cá Lã Vọng – 14 Chả Cá, Hoàn Kiếm
• Chả Cá Thăng Long – 19–21–31 Đường Thành, Hoàn Kiếm
• Chả Cá Anh Vũ – 120 Nguyễn Khánh Toàn, Cầu Giấy

Hanoi Chicken Combo Noodle Soup (Bún Thang)

Elegant and refined, bun thang is Hanoi’s answer to culinary harmony. This delicate noodle soup combines shredded chicken, thin egg strips, pork, and a clear, fragrant broth. Each component is arranged with precision, creating a dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Locals often enjoy it during the Lunar New Year, but you can find it in the Old Quarter year-round – a perfect introduction to Hanoi’s subtle sophistication.

Where to try:

• Bún Thang Cầu Gỗ – 48 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Thang Hàng Hòm – 29 Hàng Hòm, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Thang Hàng Điếu – 33 Hàng Điếu, Hoàn Kiếm

Crab Noodle Soup (Bún Riêu)

Bun rieu offers a tangy, tomato-based broth with crab paste, tofu, and vermicelli. It’s light yet rich, often topped with fresh herbs, lime, and chili for a bright finish. Each spoonful reveals layers of flavor – savory crab, mild acidity, and soft noodles blending perfectly together. This humble street food dish reflects Hanoi’s love for balance and freshness, making it a comfort food for locals across generations.

Where to try:

• Bún Riêu Cua Hàng Bồ – 11 Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Riêu Cua Ngõ Huyện – 14 Ngõ Huyện, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Riêu Nguyễn Siêu – 5 Nguyễn Siêu, Hoàn Kiếm

Cold Snail Vermicelli Soup (Bún Ốc Nguội)

On hot summer days, nothing refreshes like bun oc nguoi. This cool snail noodle soup surprises first-timers with its light vinegar broth and chewy snails. The combination of cold noodles, fragrant herbs, and gentle spice creates a balance of flavors that’s uniquely Hanoi. Eating it by the street with locals chatting nearby feels both strange and wonderful – exactly how ha noi food should feel.

Where to try:

• Bún Ốc Nguội Ô Quan Chưởng – 1 Hàng Chai, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Ốc Cô Thêm – 6 Hàng Chai, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Ốc Hàng Cân – 26 Hàng Cân, Hoàn Kiếm

Steamed Rice Rolls (Bánh Cuốn)

Banh cuon may look simple, but it’s one of the most delicate Hanoi eats. Paper-thin rice sheets are steamed and filled with minced pork and mushrooms, then topped with crispy shallots. Dip each bite in warm fish sauce for the perfect flavor harmony. Often served for breakfast, this dish represents Hanoi’s quiet mornings – soft, subtle, and comforting, just like the city waking up.

Where to try:

• Bánh Cuốn Bà Hanh – 26B Thọ Xương, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân – 12–14 Hàng Gà, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bánh Cuốn Hàng Đường – 72 Hàng Đường, Hoàn Kiếm

Rice Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)

Strong, funky, and proudly local, bun dau mam tom defines Hanoi’s street-food spirit. Golden fried tofu, herbs, rice vermicelli, and pork belly are served with pungent shrimp paste. The smell might shock you at first, but the flavor wins everyone over. Locals love to mix, dip, and share it among friends, because food in Hanoi isn’t just eaten, it’s celebrated.

Where to try:

• Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Mã Mây – 31 Mã Mây, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Đậu Hàng Khay – 31 Hàng Khay, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bún Đậu Mẹt Trung Hương – 49 Phất Lộc, Hoàn Kiếm

Sticky Rice (Xôi)

Whether savory or sweet, xoi is the city’s favorite morning fuel. Locals grab it on the go – yellow sticky rice with mung beans and fried shallots or coconut-scented xôi with peanuts. It’s hearty yet simple, symbolizing Hanoi’s balance between tradition and practicality. Eating xoi on a cool morning while watching scooters pass by is one of those pure, local moments travelers never forget.

Where to try:

• Xôi Yến – 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm
• Xôi Bà Thu – 57 Thợ Nhuộm, Hoàn Kiếm
• Xôi Cát Lâm – 24B Đường Thành, Hoàn Kiếm

Banh Mi (Bánh Mì)

Crispy, fragrant, and full of flavor, Hanoi banh mi is Vietnam’s iconic street sandwich. Stuffed with pate, pork, herbs, and pickled vegetables, it offers a perfect mix of textures. Every bite is a reminder of French influence meeting Vietnamese creativity. The charm lies in its simplicity – cheap, fast, and delicious. It’s the best thing to grab while wandering through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.

Where to try:

• Bánh Mì 25 – 25 Hàng Cá, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bánh Mì P – 12 Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bánh Mì Hoi An – 98 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm

Fried Spring Rolls (Nem Rán)

Nem ran brings crunch, aroma, and nostalgia. These golden fried rolls are filled with minced pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and carrot, then dipped in sweet fish sauce. They’re crisp outside, soft inside – the ideal appetizer for any Vietnamese meal. In Hanoi, every family has its own recipe, passed down from generations, making this dish a treasured piece of home-cooked tradition.

Where to try:

• Quán Ăn Ngon – 18 Phan Bội Châu, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bếp Quán – 10A Khúc Hạo, Ba Đình
• Nem Rán Hàng Bồ – 12 Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm

Vietnamese Green Rice (Cốm)

Delicate and fragrant, com (young green rice) captures the soul of Hanoi autumn. Wrapped in lotus leaves, its natural sweetness and nutty aroma bring nostalgia to every bite. Traditionally, locals enjoy it with ripe bananas or as a gift of affection. This seasonal treat is not just food – it’s poetry, connecting Hanoi’s people with the beauty of their land and harvest.

Where to try:

• Cốm Làng Vòng – 36 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Hai Bà Trưng
• Cốm Mễ Trì – Hàng Đường Street
• Đồng Xuân Market – Phố Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm

Pork Bone Congee (Cháo Sườn)

Warm and silky, chao suon is Hanoi’s ultimate comfort food. The rice is simmered for hours until smooth, then topped with minced pork, fried dough sticks, and scallion. Locals love it for breakfast or late-night snacks, especially on chilly days. Sitting on a tiny stool, spooning this creamy porridge under Hanoi’s misty lights, makes you feel part of the city’s gentle rhythm.

Where to try:

• Cháo Sườn Hàng Bồ – 14 Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm
• Cháo Sườn Sụn Hàng Bông – 37 Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm
• Cháo Sườn Ngõ Huyện – 26 Ngõ Huyện, Hoàn Kiếm

Pho Rolls (Phở Cuốn)

Pho cuon gives a creative twist to traditional pho. Soft rice sheets are rolled with stir-fried beef, herbs, and lettuce, then dipped in sweet-sour fish sauce. It’s light, refreshing, and fun to eat. Perfect for those who love pho but want something cool and different. Sharing a plate of pho cuon with friends in Hanoi’s breezy evening is always a good idea.

Where to try:

• Phở Cuốn Hưng Bền – 26 Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu, Ba Đình
• Phở Cuốn Ngũ Xã – 25 Ngũ Xã, Ba Đình
• Phở Cuốn 31 Ngũ Xã, Ba Đình

Deep-Fried Pho (Phở Chiên Phồng)

Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, phở chiên phồng transforms familiar noodles into a fun snack. Deep-fried rice squares are topped with stir-fried beef and vegetables, creating a savory, crunchy bite. It’s comfort food with a playful twist.

Where to try:

• Phở Chiên Phồng Ngũ Xã – 206 Khâm Thiên, Đống Đa
• Phở Chiên Giòn 45 – 45 Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu, Ba Đình
• Phở Chiên Phồng Lê Văn Hưu – 23 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng

Deep-Fried Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua Rán)

Nem chua rán is a favorite Hanoi snack – chewy, tangy pork rolls fried until golden. Served with chili sauce and iced tea, it’s the ultimate street bite for young locals. Fun, flavorful, and slightly addictive, it’s best enjoyed with friends on a busy corner at sunset.

Where to try:

• Nem Chua Rán Ngõ Tạm Thương – 36 Ngõ Tạm Thương, Hoàn Kiếm
• Nem rán Thụy Khuê – 30 Ngách 21 Ngõ 29 Thụy Khuê, Tây Hồ
• Nem chua rán chị Hạnh – 465 Đội Cấn, Hoàn Kiếm

Shrimp Cake (Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây)

Crispy and golden, bánh tôm hồ tây combines shrimp with a light flour batter, deep-fried to perfection. Dipped in fish sauce and eaten with herbs, it’s crunchy, flavorful, and full of local charm. Sitting by West Lake while enjoying it is a classic Hanoi moment.

Where to try:

• Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây – 1 Thanh Niên, Tây Hồ
• Bánh Tôm Cô Ầm – 84 Hàng Chiếu, Hoàn Kiếm
• Bánh Tôm 48 Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm

Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Rich, creamy, and unforgettable, egg coffee is Hanoi’s most iconic drink. Whipped egg yolk and sugar form a frothy layer over bold Vietnamese coffee, creating a flavor like tiramisu in a cup. It’s indulgent and comforting – a must-try when you explore Hanoi’s café culture.

Where to try:

• Cà Phê Giảng – 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm
• Cà Phê Đinh – 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm
• Loading T Café – 8 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm

Tofu Pudding (Tào Phớ)

Soft tofu floating in warm ginger syrup makes tào phớ a gentle, nostalgic dessert. Whether served hot in winter or cold in summer, it offers light sweetness and comfort. Simple yet elegant, it’s a favorite among locals for generations.

Where to try:

• Phớ Đê – 21 Chùa Láng, Đống Đa
• Tào Phớ Nè – 110 C3 Lương Định Của
• Tào Phớ 3M – 214 Lò Đúc, Hai Bà Trưng

Trang Tien Ice Cream (Kem Tràng Tiền)

Since 1958, Kem Tràng Tiền has been Hanoi’s sweetest icon. Locals and tourists line up for its simple, old-fashioned flavors – coconut, mung bean, and chocolate. Enjoying a stick while strolling Tràng Tiền Street is pure Hanoi nostalgia – the taste of childhood and simple happiness.

Where to try:

• Kem Tràng Tiền – 35 Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm

Final Thoughts

Hanoi food captures everything beautiful about Vietnam – simplicity, warmth, and culture. Every bite tells a story, from smoky bun cha hanoi grills to steaming bowls of hanoi pho. Wandering through the Old Quarter, you’ll find joy in every aroma, sound, and flavor. So come hungry, stay curious, and let Hanoi’s food show you what it truly means to eat like a local.

Find an accommodation near Old Quarter to discover all the flavors of Hanoi cuisine now!