15+ Best Food in Hanoi You Must Try: Detailed Suggested Culinary Guide

For food lovers, Hanoi is a must-visit destination. As the capital of Vietnam, it offers a rich history and an even richer culinary scene. With countless unique and delicious dishes, Hanoi is truly a culinary paradise. But what are the best foods in Hanoi? In this guide, Joytime will introduce over 15 must-try dishes in Hanoi, along with a detailed itinerary to ensure you have the perfect gastronomic journey.

Before you start your food adventure, it’s helpful to know the Hanoi airport food prices. While dining at the airport may come with a premium, the city itself offers much more affordable and authentic dining options, from street food stalls to local markets. Make sure to explore Hanoi’s vibrant food scene for an unforgettable experience!

1. Grilled Pork with Vermicelli (Bun Cha)

With a harmonious blend of ingredients, Bun Cha has become one of the most iconic dishes of Hanoi. This dish captivates both locals and tourists from afar. If you're searching for the best food in Hanoi, this flavorful dish, featuring grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles and a tangy dipping sauce, is a must-try.

• Ingredients: A perfect bowl of Bun Cha requires fresh ingredients like sliced pork marinated with spices, grilled pork patties, grilled pork with cinnamon, fresh vermicelli, herbs (lettuce, cilantro, pineapple, etc.), and sweet-sour dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili.
• Flavor: The rich sweetness of fresh pork is combined with the fragrance of spices, creating a crispy exterior and a tender, sweet inside. When served with the sweet, sour, and spicy dipping sauce, it makes a perfect balance of flavors.

 Bun cha is one of the capital's culinary symbols - Photo source: Pinterest Vicky Pham

Top Places to Eat Bun Cha in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Bun Cha in Hanoi:

• The dish is best enjoyed hot, right after it is served.
• Pairing it with fresh herbs such as lettuce, perilla, and basil enhances its flavor.
• Fried spring rolls are a traditional accompaniment that adds variety to the meal.

2. Beef Noodles (Pho Bo)

Pho Bo Hanoi - a beloved dish of the Vietnamese people, has become a culinary symbol of the country. If you're on the hunt for the best food in Hanoi, this iconic bowl of steaming broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs is an absolute must-try. With its distinctive, flavorful broth, Pho has won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. 

• Ingredients: To make a delicious bowl of Pho Bo, fresh ingredients such as rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, broth made from marrow bones, herbs, and spices like green onions, pepper, lime, and chili are needed.

• Flavor: Each spoonful of Pho Bo delivers a perfect offset of the broth’s gentle sweetness with the richness and harmony of the beef and other ingredients.

Pho bo is a favorite dish of the capital's residents and tourists - Photo source: Joytime

Top Places to Eat Pho in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Pho Bo in Hanoi:

• It is advisable to look for clean, airy restaurants that provide comfortable seating.

• The dish is best enjoyed while it is hot.

• Pairing your Pho with crispy fried dough sticks can enhance its flavor.

• You should be prepared for some broth splashes when eating Pho, so keeping napkins handy is a good idea.

3. Dried Beef Salad (Nom Kho Bo)

Nom Kho Bo is a familiar snack in Hanoi, loved for its spicy, tangy, and sweet flavor profile. Deciding where to eat in hanoi can be overwhelming with so many choices, but you can't go wrong with seeking out this dish! This dish is not only a popular snack but also a delightful appetizer in many meals.

• Ingredients: The dish consists of dried beef, shredded green papaya, thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs, and seasonings like salt, fish sauce and sugar.

• Flavor: The variety of flavors, from the sourness of lime and green papaya to the spiciness and sweetness of beef, creates a unique taste that is hard to forget.

Dried beef salad is a familiar snack of Hanoians - Photo source: Foody Mo Khoet - Hanoi Cuisine

Top Places to Eat Dried Beef Salad in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Dried Beef Salad in Hanoi:

• It’s a good idea to check customer reviews to get a feel for the food and service quality.

• Mixing the ingredients well is recommended so the seasonings fully soak into the beef and herbs for a richer taste.

• You can add some chili or lime for an extra zing.

4. Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste (Bun Dau Mam Tom)

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a simple, rustic dish that is a local favorite in Hanoi. If you're searching for the best food in Hanoi, this flavorful street food is a must-try. With its combination of crispy fried tofu, the tangy flavor of shrimp paste, and other spices, it has become a symbol of Hanoi's vibrant culinary scene, offering a truly authentic taste of the city's street food culture. 

• Ingredients: A typical bowl of Bun Dau Mam Tom includes fresh vermicelli, crispy fried tofu, fried shrimp cakes, fermented shrimp paste and fresh herbs.

• Flavor: The salty-sweet shrimp paste blends perfectly with the creamy tofu, savory shrimp cakes, and fresh herbs, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.

Vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste is a favorite dish of many people - Photo source: Facebook Food in Vietnam 

Top Places to Eat Vermicelli with Bun Dau Mam Tom in Hanoi

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste in Hanoi:

• You should eat at restaurants located in the Old Quarter or traditional markets as these often have long-established places serving vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste, preserving the traditional flavor.

• Shrimp paste is the soul of the dish. Visitors should choose places that offer fragrant, well-balanced shrimp paste—neither too salty nor too pungent.

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a little chili or garlic to the shrimp paste.

5. La Vong Grilled Fish (Cha Ca La Vong)

Cha Ca La Vong is a traditional Hanoi dish loved by many for its unique and fragrant flavor. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also a distinctive cultural experience of Hanoi's gastronomy.

• Ingredients: To make a delicious plate of Cha Ca La Vong, ingredients like snakehead fish, onions, seasoning (fish sauce, turmeric, pepper, garlic, chili), herbs (dill, coriander, spring onion), and fresh vermicelli are required.

• Flavor: The dish features a harmonious combination of the sweetness of fish, the fragrance of spices, and the richness of the crispy rice crackers, creating an unforgettable taste.

La Vong grilled fish has a unique flavor that you will remember forever when you eat it - Photo source: Lao Ong grilled fish

Top Places to Eat La Vong Grilled Fish in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for La Vong Grilled Fish in Hanoi:

• The unique flavor of Cha Ca La Vong comes from the harmonious combination of various spices. Pay attention to the taste of shrimp paste, galangal, turmeric, and other spices to differentiate between restaurants.

• Locals suggests trying different places to find one that suits your personal taste.

6. Vietnamese Bread (Banh Mi)

Banh Mi is a familiar dish in everyday life for the Vietnamese, especially in Hanoi. With its crispy baguette, varied fillings, and savory sauces, Hanoi’s Banh Mi has become a culinary icon of the capital.

• Ingredients: A basic Hanoi Banh Mi includes a crispy baguette, various fillings such as pâté, Vietnamese sausage, grilled meat, fried egg, fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomato, herbs), and a rich sauce.

• Flavor: The fillings can vary according to individual preferences, offering a diverse range of flavors.

Bread in Hanoi has its own, unmistakable flavor - Photo source: Foody Bami Bread

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Vietnamese Bread in Hanoi:

• Hanoi’s Banh Mi is typically served with the ingredients tucked between two pieces of bread, though visitors can also tear the bread into pieces to eat with the filling. If you're on the hunt for the best food in Hanoi, this crispy, flavor-packed sandwich is a must-try.

• You can find many great Banh Mi spots in areas like Hang Ma, Ta Hien, or near universities, where there are affordable and delicious options that showcase the perfect balance of textures and flavors

7. Noodle Soup with Chicken and Egg (Bun Thang)

Bun Thang is a Hanoi dish that has become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. With its elegant flavor, intricate preparation, and presentation, Bun Thang has captured the hearts of diners both local and abroad.

• Ingredients: Bun Thang uses fine white noodles, tender shredded chicken, thin fried egg, fresh shrimp, fragrant mushrooms, and various herbs like spring onions, coriander, and bean sprouts.

• Flavor: The taste is a harmonious blend of multiple flavors: the sweet and clear broth, the rich chicken, the fragrant mushrooms, and the crispy freshness of the herbs. All combine to create a refined, unforgettable experience.

Bun thang attracts diners because of its unique flavor and presentation - Photo source: Foody Bun Thang Kitchen Hanoi

Top Places to Noodle Soup with Chicken and Egg in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Bun Thang in Hanoi:

• You should mix the ingredients in your bowl of Bun Thang before eating to allow the flavors to blend together.

• Bun Thang can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but it’s especially delightful in the morning.

8. Fish Vermicelli (Bun Ca)

Bun Ca is one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes, known for its rich, well-balanced taste combining sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, along with crispy fried fish. If you're exploring the best food in Hanoi, this dish is a must-try, offering a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that make it a true street food gem.

• Ingredients: Fresh vermicelli, boneless fried fish, sweet broth, and various spices make up this delicious dish.

• Flavor: A harmonious combination of sweet broth, sour-spicy fish sauce, rich fried fish, and fresh herbs creates an unforgettable taste, making diners crave more.

Fish noodle soup is a dish that brings together rich flavors, sweet, sour, spicy, salty - Photo source: Foody Van fish noodle soup

Top Places to Fish Vermicelli in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Fish Vermicelli in Hanoi:

• Morning is the ideal time to enjoy a hot bowl of fish noodle soup.

• If you cannot eat spicy food, please tell the seller so they can adjust the seasoning accordingly.

9. Steamed Rice rolls (Banh Cuon)

Hanoi's Banh Cuon is a beloved and popular breakfast dish, known for its delicate, soft texture. It has become an essential culinary symbol for the people of Hanoi.

• Ingredients: Simple but fresh ingredients like rice, ground meat, wood ear mushrooms, eggs, etc.

• Flavor: A harmonious blend of the sweetness of rice, the aroma of meat and mushrooms, the richness of eggs, and the sweet, sour, spicy, and salty dipping sauce.

Hanoi's banh cuon has a unique feature in its delicious and rich dipping sauce - Photo source: Shopee Food Quan Phuong - Gia Truyen Hot Banh Cuon

Top Places to Steamed Rice rolls in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Steamed Rice rolls in Hanoi:

• You can enjoy rice rolls with raw vegetables and cucumbers to balance the taste.

• It is recommended to ask locals for advice to find the most authentic spots.

10. Vong Village Green Rice (Com Lang Vong)

Com village Vong is a famous specialty of Hanoi, associated with autumn. If you're looking for good food in Hanoi, this delicacy is a must-try. Green, plump rice grains with a sweet, greasy flavor are a gift that nature bestows on the land of Kinh Ky, making it a beloved treat that captures the essence of Hanoi’s seasonal charm.

• Ingredients: The main ingredient to make green rice is young sticky rice. In addition, there are some other ingredients such as salt, sugar... to create a unique flavor for green rice.

• Flavor: The flavor of Vong village green rice is very special, it cannot be mixed with any other type of green rice. The sweetness of young sticky rice combined with the fatty taste of fresh milk, creates a cool, pleasant flavor. 

Vong village green rice has a unique flavor from the sweetness of young sticky rice combined with coffee - Photo source: Facebook Minh Bao

Top Places to Vong Village Green Rice in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Vong Village Com in Hanoi:

• Many Hanoi specialty stores also sell Vong village green rice. However, you should choose reputable stores with clear origins.

• Fresh green rice should be stored in an airtight container in a cool place.

11. West Lake Shrimp Cake (Banh Tom Ho Tay)

Banh Tom is a signature dish of Hanoi's cuisine, closely tied to the romantic beauty of West Lake. With its crispy exterior and sweet shrimp filling, it has become a popular dish among not only Hanoi residents but also visitors from various places.

• Ingredients: Shrimp (either prawn or tiger shrimp), rice flour, eggs, assorted fresh herbs, and fish sauce with garlic and chili.

• Flavor: A harmonious blend of the sweet taste of shrimp, the crispy texture of the cake's crust, and the tangy, spicy, salty, and sweet dipping sauce.

West Lake shrimp cake is a typical dish of Hanoi street cuisine - Photo source: Facebook Address Delicious Food in Hanoi

Top Places to Banh Tom in Hanoi

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for West Lake Shrimp Cake in Hanoi:

• It's recommended to check reviews online or ask for recommendations from locals before visiting.

• Shrimp cakes are best enjoyed in the afternoon or evening.

12. Crab Noodle Soup (Bun Rieu Cua)

Bun Rieu Cua is one of the most beloved dishes of Hanoi. If you're looking to try famous food in Hanoi, this flavorful noodle soup is a must. With its rich broth, creamy crab roe, and diverse toppings, it has become a symbol of the capital's cuisine, offering a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors that delight both locals and visitors alike.

• Ingredients: Fresh river crab, noodles, fresh shrimp, ripe tomatoes for a subtle sourness, tofu, and a variety of herbs.

• Flavor: When enjoying, you'll experience the creamy crab roe, crispy fried tofu, the sweetness of shrimp, and the refreshing taste of fresh herbs.

Hanoi crab vermicelli with full of attractive toppings - Photo source: Facebook Ngoc Uu

Top Places to Crab Noodle Soup in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Crab Noodle Soup in Hanoi:

• Bun rieu is usually found in the Old Quarter, traditional markets, or well-known food streets.

• It's best enjoyed hot.

13. Trang Tien Ice Cream (Trang Tien Ice Cream)

Trang Tien Ice Cream is not just a refreshing treat but also a cultural symbol of Hanoi. If you're exploring Hanoi famous food, this iconic dessert is a must-try. With its long history and unique taste, it has become an essential part of the capital's food scene, offering locals and visitors a nostalgic and delicious way to cool off while strolling through the city.

• Ingredients: Fresh milk for creaminess, sugar for a mild sweetness, and natural flavors such as green beans, young rice, coconut, durian, and green tea.

• Flavor: This dessert has a very distinct flavor - refreshing and not overly sweet. The creamy texture of the fresh milk combined with the subtle sweetness of the sugar and the aroma of various ingredients creates a harmonious experience.

Trang Tien ice cream is a snack associated with many generations of people in the Capital - Photo source: Facebook Minh Bao

Top Places to Trang Tien Ice Cream in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Trang Tien Ice Cream in Hanoi:

• To avoid buying fake or poor-quality products, it's best to avoid street vendors selling Trang Tien ice cream.

• You can pair the ice cream with toppings like wafer sticks, syrup, or fruit to enhance the flavor.

• If you plan to take it home, store it in the freezer to preserve its freshness.

14. Lemon Tea (Tra Chanh)

Lemon tea is a popular drink in many places, but Hanoi's lemon tea has a unique twist. With its refreshing taste and perfect balance of sour and sweet, lemon tea has become an essential part of life for Hanoians. From street vendors to upscale cafes, lemon tea holds a special place in the hearts of customers.

• Ingredients: Typically made with green tea or oolong tea, fresh lemon, and sugar.

• Flavor: A perfect blend of the slightly bitter taste of tea, the refreshing sourness of lemon, and the subtle sweetness of sugar.

Lemon tea is a very popular refreshing drink in Hanoi - Photo source: Foody P Lemon Tea

Top Places to Lemon Tea in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Lemon Tea in Hanoi:

• You should read online reviews to find out about the quality, pricing, and ambiance of the places before visiting.

• Lemon tea is best enjoyed cold, especially on hot summer days.

• It is advised to choose cafes that are clean and ensure food safety standards.

15. Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)

Egg coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a testament to Hanoi’s creativity and rich culinary heritage. If you're compiling a list of Vietnamese food to try in Hanoi, this velvety, sweet, and aromatic coffee deserves a top spot. Served in cozy cafés hidden in the Old Quarter, it’s not just a beverage but an experience—one that lets you savor the warmth and charm of Hanoi with every sip.

• Ingredients: Strong Robusta coffee mixed with fresh egg yolks, whipped into a creamy consistency with sweetened condensed milk and sugar to create a distinctive flavor.

• Flavor: A perfect balance of the bitterness of coffee, the creaminess of egg yolk, and the gentle sweetness of sugar. The creamy egg layer on top of the black coffee creates an appealing visual and taste experience.

Egg coffee has a combination of the rich taste of egg cream with the slightly bitter taste of delicious coffee - Photo source: Facebook Tun Luvfood

Top Places to Egg Coffee in Hanoi:

What You Should Know to Choose a Place for Egg Coffee in Hanoi:

• Egg coffee should be enjoyed while it is still warm to better enjoy the flavor. When drinking, you should stir well so that the layers of coffee, eggs and milk blend together.

• Egg coffee is suitable for drinking in the morning or late afternoon.

• Guests can combine egg coffee with bread or cakes for a perfect snack.

Tips to Have a Great Dining Experience in Hanoi

Below are experiences for you to discover delicious dishes in Hanoi:

Exploring The Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market

The Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market are must-visit locations for anyone looking to experience the full flavor of Hanoi. Here, visitors will easily find numerous delicious, affordable eateries with authentic Hanoi ambiance. If you're searching for the best things to eat in Hanoi, these areas are a paradise for food lovers.

Additionally, famous food streets like Hàng Bạc, Tạ Hiện, and Lương Ngọc Quyến are always bustling with people. Don't forget to explore these streets and try local specialties like bún chả, phở, and bánh cuốn—each offering a unique taste of Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage.

Hanoi Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market are areas with many delicious restaurants with bold flavors of the Capital - Photo source: Facebook Tun Luvfood

Learning about the Flavors of The Dishes in Advance

Hanoi cuisine is diverse and rich, but some dishes have very distinctive flavors that not everyone may be familiar with. Before trying dishes like bún đậu mắm tôm, grilled innards, or fried fermented pork rolls, it's a good idea to research their flavors so you're mentally prepared. This will help you enjoy the food more fully.

Preparing Cash and Small Vietnamese Change

To make your culinary exploration in Hanoi smoother, it's recommended to bring some essentials. First, bring cash and small change. Many small street vendors or local eateries do not accept card or e-wallet payments.

Therefore, it's helpful to have small bills (10,000 - 50,000 VND) to make payments easier. Also, don't forget to bring a small bag for snacks or souvenirs.

Prepare loose change to help visitors pay faster and easier - Photo source: Pham Ha Anh 

A 2-Day Hanoi Food Itinerary for First-Timers

Here’s a suggested food itinerary for first-time visitors, combining food with sightseeing:

Culinary Exploration Itinerary for Day 1

Culinary Exploration Itinerary for Day 2

Note: This suggestion is for reference, you can flexibly change their personal preferences. 

With these tips, we hope you now have a better idea of where to find the best food in Hanoi for your next trip and are ready to explore the city's culinary delights. From flavorful street food to iconic local dishes, Hanoi has much more to offer, so take the time to savor each dish, stroll through each street, and fully appreciate the capital's beauty through its rich and diverse food scene.

If you want to make your journey even easier without worrying about planning or scheduling, don't forget to choose Joytime as your guide to explore and experience the fascinating culinary stories of this beautiful land!