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Old Quarters: Top 7 Must-Try Street Foods in Hanoi 🍜

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The ultimate streets food in Old Quarters guide for backpackers, foodies, and curious travellers.

If you’ve made it to Hanoi’s Old Quarters, congrats—you’ve landed in the heart of Vietnam’s street food paradise. Wandering the maze-like alleys packed with sizzling woks, bubbling broths, and smoky grilled meats is a full-on sensory experience.

Whether you’re a newly arrived backpacker or just someone chasing real flavours, here’s your guide to the top 7 must-try streets food in Old Quarters we can recommend to you!.

1. Phở Bò – Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup

A steaming bowl of phở in the Old Quarters is as essential as crossing the chaotic roads of Hanoi. The broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, and cinnamon—topped with thinly sliced beef and rice noodles. Add fresh herbs and a splash of lime, and you’re set.Not only that, you can choose between either beef or chicken, and eat alongside a sides of quẩy (fried dough sticks!)

💡 Local tip: If you find that the most popular locations are too busy, you can try other places- Phở restaurant is everywhere in the Old Quarters.

Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn Old Quarters

2. Bún Chả – Grilled Pork with Bún

📍 Recommended: Bún Chả Đắc Kim – 1 Hàng Mành St.

Made famous by Obama and Bourdain, bún chả is smoky grilled pork belly and meatballs served with vermicelli, herbs, and a sweet-savory dipping sauce. It is consistently rated as one of the most beloved streets food by foreigners when visiting Vietnam for a reason.

This dish is the type of food that makes meat lovers scream in joy. Tons of grilled meat, topped with herbs and veggies, what’s not to love?

Bún Chả – Grilled Pork with Vermicelli

3. Nem Rán – Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls

📍 Everywhere! Look for sidewalk stalls in the evening.

These crispy rolls are stuffed with pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and herbs—deep-fried to golden perfection. Locals often pair them with bún chả or eat them solo with nước chấm (dipping sauce).

🔥 Vegetarian? Ask for “nem chay” – veggie spring rolls exists in many location.

Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls

4. Bánh Mì – Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich

📍 Recommended: Also sold everywhere! Look around.

The French influence back in colonial days meets Vietnamese culture to manifest in a crusty baguette filled with pâté, pork, pickled veggies, cucumber, and chili sauce. Bánh mì is the perfect grab-and-go bite to eat while walking, while exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarters.

🥖 Pro tip: Try the egg version if you’re on a budget, it’s alot more cheaper!

Bánh Mì – Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich

5. Xôi – Sticky Rice Topped with Savoury Goodness

📍 Try: Xôi Yến – 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân St.

Sticky rice is Vietnam’s underrated comfort food. It’s topped with fried shallots, mung bean paste, and your choice of meat, egg, or sausage. It’s cheap, filling, and beloved by locals and night owls alike.

Xôi – Sticky Rice Topped with Savoury Goodness

6. Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Soup Desserts

📍 Look for colorful street carts along Hàng Cân or Hàng Điếu St.

A bowl of chè is the most colourful street dessert you’ll ever try—made with ingredients like mung beans, jelly, coconut cream, sticky rice, and even durian. Served cold or warm, it’s a sugar hit after all the savoury dishes.

🍧 Have tons of colors for you to choose, all equally delicious!

Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Soup Desserts

7. Bánh Cuốn – Steamed Rice Rolls

📍 Try: Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân – 12-14 Hàng Gà St.

These thin rice flour rolls are steamed fresh and filled with minced pork and mushrooms. Topped with fried shallots and dipped into a light fish sauce, bánh cuốn is soft, savoury, and surprisingly light.Most often eaten as breakfast by the locals, it is considered a filling light dish.

Bánh Cuốn – Steamed Rice Rolls

Final Thoughts: Where to Eat Streets Food in Old Quarters Like a Local

The Old Quarters is where Hanoi’s soul lives—and that soul is served on tiny plastic stools with chopsticks and a side of chaotic charm. From sizzling phở to crispy bánh mì, the best meals are found just steps from the street.

If you’re not sure where to start, just swing by the front desk at Quiri Hostel in 25 Hàng Lược, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi. We’re always happy to point you to our favourite street food spots! Staying with us means more than just a bed—it means real local tips, free breakfast, and the tastiest kind of travel.