Where to Eat in Hanoi: Must-Try Restaurants and Street Food Spots

Knowing where to eat in Hanoi and you will not regret trying  Hanoi's cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, shaped over decades and even centuries of history. Each dish embodies a delicate, refined taste that harmonizes with the seasons and nature. If you're visiting the capital, don’t miss these 17 must-visit eateries to fully experience the essence of Hanoi’s culinary scene.

Overview of the Most Famous Dining Locations in Hanoi

1. Top 14 Delicious Specialty Eateries in Hanoi

Let's explore 14 long-standing traditional restaurants, which have become familiar eating places for local people and are often considered among the best food places in Hanoi. If you're arriving at Hanoi airport food options, you’ll find some decent quick bites, but for a true taste of Hanoi, these traditional restaurants are a must-visit. Enjoy authentic dishes that have been perfected over generations, offering a deeper dive into the city’s culinary heritage.

1.1. Pho 49 Bat Dan

Address: 49 Ward Bat Dan, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam  

Opening hours: 06:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Price range: About 50,000 VND

Signature dishes: Traditional pho with rich, naturally sweet broth simmered from beef bones. The noodles are thin, chewy, and soft, served with thick slices of rare and well-done beef. If you're wondering where to eat in Hanoi, this dish is a must-try with crispy fried dough sticks and tangy garlic vinegar.

Many diners are willing to line up for 15 minutes to enjoy Pho 49 Bat Dan - Photo source: Hanoi Delicious Food Facebook 

Restaurant ReviewS:

• The restaurant space is quite small, clean, located on the old town, visitors can sit inside the restaurant or on the sidewalk

• The restaurant is very crowded, often having to wait in long lines, visitors need to be patient and keep a comfortable attitude. If you don't want to wait, diners should come to the restaurant early

• Special self-service style, visitors line up to order and line up to get pho

• The time to cook the food is quick, because the restaurant is crowded so diners do not have much time to chat and share

• Enthusiastic, dedicated and agile staff

• Reasonable price with quality and service attitude

• The flavor of pho is sweet, so visitors who love rich flavors may find it bland

1.2. Tram’s Braised Beef Bread

Address: 30 Ward Dinh Ngang, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Price range: About 30,000 - 66,000 VND

Signature dishes: Flavorful braised beef served with crispy baguette, tender beef chunks, rich pâté, runny egg yolk and fragrant spice-infused sauce.

 

This is one of the first wine bread shops in Hanoi - Photo source: Facebook Dung Le 

Restaurant Reviews:

• The restaurant is located at the beginning of the street so it is quite easy to find, however recently there have been a number of restaurants pretending to be profiteering, visitors need to pay close attention. 

• The space is simple and friendly, you can sit indoors or out on the sidewalk

• The staff is agile and serves quickly even though the restaurant is quite crowded

• The portion of bread is quite large, enough for a side meal

• The dish comes up quickly, is hot, the meat is fatty but quite a bit of fat

• Diners often eat bread with wine sauce and soy milk

• Some diners are not satisfied with the restaurant's hygiene quality

1.3. Ms. Hoanh’s Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls

Address: 66 Ward To Hien Thanh, Bui Thi Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Price range: About 30,000 - 60,000 VND

Signature dishes: Diverse types of cakes: spring rolls, grilled meat rolls, sticky rice cakes, ash honey cakes, day cakes, sticky rice cakes, shrimp cakes, etc. Among them, Thanh Tri rice rolls are loved by many tourists. The cake is made from 100% pure rice flour, arranged in beautiful thin layers. Guests roll the cake with grilled pork sausage, fried pork fat, fried onions, herbs and dip it in sweet and sour fish sauce. The cake does not have wood ear mushrooms and minced meat filling like regular rolls.

At traditional markets such as Dong Xuan market, visitors can also easily encounter small restaurants selling traditional rice rolls -  Photo source: Facebook So Ho La An - Hanoi

Restaurant Reviews:

• The restaurant is located on the famous To Hien Thanh culinary street, with a bustling and comfortable atmosphere

• A long-standing famous brand, about 100 years old, continued through many generations but the taste has not changed.

• The restaurant space is spacious, full of traditional features, close and rustic wooden tables and chairs

• There is a quick delivery service in the city, however the food often does not stay hot

• The service staff is quick, some diners do not feel the warmth and friendliness

• Diverse dishes, uneven quality

1.4. Tong Duy Tan Fried-chicken Rice

Address: 24 Ward Tong Duy Tan, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 04:00 PM - 04:00 AM

Price range: About 60,000 - 88,000 VND

Signature dishes: The menu features traditional Vietnamese home-cooked meals, including stir-fried beef with pickled mustard greens, caramelized shrimp, and minced pork. The highlight is the fried-chicken rice, served in two separate portions: fragrant fried rice with egg and tender braised chicken in a rich, slightly sweet sauce. The fried rice is fluffy and moist, while the braised chicken is soft and flavorful.

Image of fried chicken fried rice dish at Tong Duy Tan restaurant - Photo source: Facebook Page NyNy 

Restaurant Reviews:

• Sidewalk restaurant, served with simple plastic tables and chairs

• Along the bustling street, there are large and small shops, the atmosphere in the shop is bustling with people coming in and out

• The price is quite expensive compared to other restaurants in the same area. Visitors can visit other restaurants along the street to learn more about prices and quality.

• The fried chicken rice dish is just right, quite boring because there are no vegetables or broth included

• There is a delivery service in the city, the delivery fee is expensive

1.5. Bun dau mam tom at 235B Thuy Khue Street

Address: 235b D. Thuy Khue, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 09:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Price range: About 30,000 - 80,000 VND

Signature dishes: Bun dau mam tom has traditional flavors, filling toppings from crispy fried beans, soft green rice rolls, thinly sliced ​​boiled meat to crispy fried oak cartilage. Shrimp paste is mixed to taste, you can squeeze more kumquats and whip to enhance the flavor. Vermicelli cut into square pieces is easy to eat, served with fresh herbs. Guests are allowed to choose toppings according to personal preferences.

The taste of shrimp paste is an interesting challenge for international tourists - Photo source: Hanoi Snack Address Facebook

Restaurant Reviews:

• The restaurant has been famous for many years in Hanoi, located under the cool shade of an ancient banyan tree

• The restaurant space is not too large, plastic tables and chairs are neatly arranged

• The serving of vermicelli and tofu is not too filling, you should only enjoy it for the experience

• The taste is quite delicious, full of fillings

• Hygiene quality may not be up to standard for some picky diners

• Staff cannot respond to requests promptly when the restaurant is crowded

1.6. Gam Cau Grilled Intestines at 29A Nguyen Thiep Street

Address: 20 Ward Gam Cau, Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Price range: About 70,000 - 110,000 VND

Signature dishes: Well-seasoned grilled dishes, with the highlights being grilled intestines and grilled beef breast. The ingredients are fresh, marinated with a special house recipe. When grilled, the food develops a crispy exterior while remaining rich and juicy inside. To enhance the taste, it is recommended to grill until slightly charred. The dipping sauce is flavorful, with a balanced sweet and sour taste.

Visitors cannot miss the Hanoi street food experience - Photo source: Ms. Quynh's Grilled Hot Pot 

Restaurant Reviews:

• Diners are mainly young people and barbecue lovers

• The restaurant is located at the foot of Long Bien bridge, the atmosphere at night is bustling and fun

• Casual service style, interesting street dining experience

• Diners are free to choose toppings or order a full portion, the meat portion is quite large, no fake fillers

• Enthusiastic service attitude, friendly and approachable restaurant owner

• Price is consistent with quality, no surcharges occur 

• The food is well seasoned, but some visitors may find it a bit bland

1.7. La Vong Grilled Fish

Address: 17A Ward. Cha Ca, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam 

Opening hours:  10:00 AM - 02:00 PM and 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Price range: About 60,000 - 80,000 VND

Signature dishes: A simple menu centered around grilled fish, complemented by fish soup, fish porridge, and various beverages. The fish is tender and flavorful, served with a unique dipping sauce. The fish intestines are chewy and crispy, while the vermicelli and herbs are always fresh.

La Vong grilled fish is recognized by Unesco as one of the most delicious Vietnamese dishes in the world - Photo source: Facebook Story of Hanoi

Restaurant Reviews:

• The restaurant's space is quite small and the ceiling is low, so sitting for a long time will get stuffy

• The restaurant is clean, the cleaning staff is quick, the tables and chairs are neat and tidy

• Most visitors are satisfied with the quality of the food

• The meal portion is quite small, the price is higher than the quality

• Some tourists feel picky about the taste of shrimp paste

• There are often discounts

• Diners receive free vegetables and noodles

• The online consultation process is not dedicated or enthusiastic

1.8. Bun cha on Hang Quat Street

Address: 74 Ward Hang Quat, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Price range: About 25,000 - 40,000 VND

Signature dishes: The signature Bun cha of Hanoi. The pork is grilled over charcoal, emitting a rich, smoky aroma. The dipping sauce is well-balanced, blending sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, served with crispy pickled papaya and carrots. The vermicelli is soft yet not sticky, paired with fresh herbs for a refreshing taste.

The popular mud cake dish makes many tourists fall in love the first time they enjoy it - Photo source: Facebook Story of Hanoi  

Restaurant Reviews:

• The restaurant is located in a small alley, cooking is at the beginning of the alley, customers sit at the end of the alley, the plastic tables and chairs are simple and affordable

• Famous restaurant, recommended by many people

• Grilled meat and patties are sometimes scorched and quite dry. The dipping sauce has its own flavor and is naturally sweet, so visitors can add vinegar to reduce the sweetness. 

• Vermicelli and vegetables are quite abundant and fresh

• The food is always hot, crispy and fragrant

• The shop owner will collect money for fried spring rolls first, and bun cha will be charged later

While Bun Cha is traditionally enjoyed for lunch, if you're looking for other options for the best hanoi breakfast, you might want to explore other local dishes.

1.9. Thuy’s Vietnamese Pancake at 166B Doi Can Street

Address: 166B Doi Can Ward, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 07:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Price range: 20,000 - 100,000 VND

Signature dishes: The restaurant specializes in Vietnamese crispy pancakes and grilled pork skewers, which are representative of Hue cuisine. The pancakes have a thin, crispy golden crust filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. They are served with fresh herbs, cucumber, and starfruit, and dipped in a rich sweet-and-sour fish sauce. The crispy pancakes are made from finely ground pork, seasoned and grilled over charcoal. The slightly charred exterior enhances the dish’s natural sweetness and fragrance.

In addition to Thuy banh xeo, diners can also refer to Sau Phuoc spring roll banh xeo - Photo source: Hanoi Delicious Food Facebook

Restaurant Reviews:

• Popular restaurant, simple and comfortable style

• Banh xeo and spring rolls are grilled directly outside the shop's door, emitting an attractive aroma

• Nem Lui is hand-formed by the shop owner 

• The shop owner makes cakes after customers order so they always keep them hot 

• Fast ordering time, delivery service support, and carefully packaged food

• Many mixed opinions about the restaurant owner's service attitude

• Waste paper is scattered around the floor, and there is no cleaning staff when the restaurant is crowded 

• The restaurant has few service staff, so diners have difficulty when they need help

• The quality of the food is rated well by most diners

• Price commensurate with quality

1.10. Hanoi Steamed Rice Cake Nguyen Cong Tru

Address: Collective alley H5 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 03:00 PM- 10:30 PM

Price range: About 15,000 - 30,000 VND

Signature dishes: The rice cakes have a distinctive triangular or pyramid shape, wrapped in vibrant green banana leaves. The soft, silky white dough is made from rice flour simmered in rich bone broth. Inside, the savory filling consists of stir-fried minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, fried shallots, and a touch of pepper. These hot rice cakes can be enjoyed on their own or paired with mildly spicy chili sauce and pickled vegetables.

The banh gio shop is the childhood of many generations of Hanoi people - Photo source: Hanoi Delicious Food Facebook 

Restaurant Reviews:

• The restaurant's area is small, parking space is tight, diners often buy take away 

• The shop is located in the market so the overall space is not too clean, however the bowls and chopsticks and food are carefully cleaned

• Banh gio is delicious, quite small, thick crust, many fillings (spring rolls, green rice, spring rolls, sausage)

• The owner is friendly and enthusiastic to assist diners

• The chili sauce flavor is quite special, hard to find at other restaurants

• Price is relatively cheap

1.11. Long Vi Dung’s Vietnamese Salad

Address: 23 Hoan Kiem Lake Ward, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 09:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Price range: About 25,000 - 44,000 VND

Signature dishes: The beef salad is a mix of fresh ingredients: tender barbecue-style beef, crispy green papaya, shredded carrots, and aromatic herbs like basil and cilantro. These are tossed in a tangy-sweet fish sauce with a hint of garlic and chili. The dish is topped with roasted peanuts and crispy fried shallots, creating a burst of flavor from the very first bite.

Guests can use the quick ordering service at the restaurant - Photo source: Facebook Dang Thi Yen 

Restaurant Reviews:

• Famous restaurant, nearly 70 years old

• The recipe for making seaweed follows family secrets, so the flavor is quite special

• The salad is full, the beef is soft and fragrant, the beef tendon is chewy and crispy

• Enthusiastic, funny staff, quick service

• Affordable price, worthy of quality

• The drinks are sweet so they are quite picky about diners

1.12. Mung Bean Sticky Rice on Hang Bai Street

Address: 31 Ly Thuong Kiet Ward, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 06:00 AM - 09:00 AM

Price range: About 10,000 - 15,000 VND

Signature dishes: The sticky rice is traditionally steamed, preserving the glossy and fragrant texture of each grain. The dish features golden mung beans that are finely ground and served with sliced pork sausage, roasted peanuts and crispy fried shallots.

Hang Bai sticky rice is suitable for breakfast and afternoon snack - Photo source: Hang Bai Cloud Sticky Rice Facebook 

Restaurant Reviews:

• The restaurant is known as the best sticky rice restaurant in the Northern region

• The owner is cheerful, enthusiastic, and welcoming to diners

• The restaurant is crowded and often closes early

• Sticky rice is highly appreciated by many diners for its deliciousness and cleanliness

• The sticky rice grains are fresh, soft and fragrant, mixed with fatty juice, crispy dried onions, and naturally sweet green beans

• The shop wraps sticky rice with rustic banana leaves, preserving the traditional beauty

• Diners can ask for more fat and fried onions 

• If you do not request a price, the default sticky rice serving is 10,000 VND

1.13. Snail Vermicelli at The Alley of Dong Xuan Market

Address: 11 Ng. Dong Xuan, Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Price range: About 30,000 - 55,000 VND

Signature dishes: Snail vermicelli is the signature dish, especially refreshing during hot summer days. The broth is clear yet rich, infused with pork bone essence and sour starfruit. The snails are chewy and flavorful, meticulously cleaned to remove any fishy taste. Diners can add ingredients such as fried tofu, banana slices, fresh greens and even seafood.

 

Bun Oc Restaurant is famous in Dong Xuan market - Photo source: Facebook Delicious Food Address in Hanoi 

Restaurant Reviews:

• The shop is located right in the alley of Dong Xuan market, at the end of the market, the road is small so it is quite difficult, visitors have to park their cars outside.

• The restaurant space is small, at busy times there may not be any seats

• The quality of the food is generally good, the flavor depends on the taste of each diner

• Big, plump bowl of vermicelli, crunchy snails, full basket of fresh vegetables, sweet broth, delicious soft bananas

• Some diners commented that the price was higher than the quality

• The owner is friendly, approachable, sometimes hot-tempered

1.14. Huyen Anh’s Pork Rib Porridge at Dong Xuan Market

Address: 14 Ward Dong Xuan, Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 08:00 PM - 03:00 AM

Price range: About 20,000 - 50,000 VND

Signature dishes: The porridge is slow-cooked until smooth and thick, making it easy to eat. It is served with tender pork ribs, fluffy pork floss, crispy fried dough sticks, and a hint of dried shredded pork. This hot and flavorful dish is especially comforting on chilly days.

Huyen Anh rib porridge shop is crowded with tourists coming to enjoy the experience - Photo source: Facebook Nguyen Le Kim Khanh

 Restaurant Reviews:

• The shop sells on the sidewalk, bustling space, true to Hanoi street food style

• The restaurant opens from evening to night, providing an interesting culinary experience

• The food portion is large, filling enough and not too tiring

• The porridge is rich, crispy and has large cartilage ribs, which can be difficult for children to eat

• The menu also includes grilled meat dishes and drinks

• Dressing time is quick, even when the restaurant is crowded

• The owner is cheerful, easy-going, always ready to serve customers

• The restaurant does not have a trash can, so napkins are scattered around the restaurant, causing loss of aesthetics

• Additional calling is free of charge

2. 3 Famous Food Streets and Markets in Hanoi

Hanoi is home to many streets and markets that are considered culinary paradises. If you're wondering where to eat in Hanoi Vietnam, you don’t have to search for individual restaurants — just take a simple stroll, and you’ll find an array of mouthwatering local specialties waiting to be discovered.

2.1. Ta Hien Street

Address: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 05:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Price range: About 20,000 - 100,000 VND

Signature dishes: Ta Hien Street is famous for its refreshing draught beer and various street food delights, including bun moc (pork meatball noodle soup), grilled quail with honey, sizzling beef on a hot plate, fried fermented pork rolls, cheese sticks, spicy chicken feet with fried potatoes and more.

Ta Hien Street is an ideal place to have fun with friends and experience cuisine - Photo source: Facebook Nguyen Bich

Restaurant Reviews:

• The beauty of classical French architecture, small houses close together, outstanding yellow walls

• Large number of sidewalk restaurants and beer bars

• Attracts a large number of young diners and Western tourists to snack, drink, and have fun

• The atmosphere is always vibrant, bustling, and bustling with people passing by 

• Bar and club paradise, bustling with music and singing

• The sidewalk dining style is simple, not ostentatious or extravagant

• Tourists need to pay attention to personal belongings in crowded areas

• The quality of restaurants is often uneven

2.2. Tong Duy Tan Street

Address: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Opening hours: 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Price range: About 30,000 - 80,000 VND

Signature dishes: This street offers an array of traditional Hanoi dishes, including stewed chicken noodles, fertilized quail eggs, steamed rice rolls, bun thang (chicken noodle soup), fried rice with crispy chicken, and pork rib porridge. It is also well-known for its unique coffee shops.

Ta Hien Street still retains the long-standing traditional beauty of the capital - Photo source: My Hanoi

Restaurant Reviews:

• The neighborhood is rich in culinary culture, with impressive moss-green paved roads

• The center of the street has a concierge station and strict rules requiring restaurants to serve diners conscientiously

• The atmosphere is bustling day and night, attracting many diners

• Diverse dishes from all regions of Vietnam, satisfying any demanding diner

• The eateries in the neighborhood are quite small, combined with a friendly, close outdoor space

• From the neighborhood, visitors can easily move to famous locations such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Opera House.

2.3. Dong Xuan Market

Address: Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam  

Opening hours: 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Price range: About 15,000 - 80,000 VND

Signature dishes: A food lover’s haven, offering everything from quick bites to Hanoi’s iconic delicacies. Highlights include cha ca La Vong (grilled turmeric fish), steamed rice rolls, pho tiu (sweet and sour noodle soup), snail noodle soup, green papaya salad, tube ice cream, sweet soups, crispy pancakes, sticky rice, and more.

A corner of Dong Xuan market seen from above - Photo source: Facebook Le Thuy 

Restaurant Reviews:

• One of the busiest and oldest ancient markets in Hanoi

• Place for shopping, cultural exchange, and special cuisine, clearly showing the daily life of the capital's people

• Food paradise with countless delicious dishes, with many large and small vendors

• The restaurant serves quickly, the cuisine is rustic and popular

• In addition to food, diners can shop for clothing, household items, and souvenirs.

Suggested Culinary Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Hanoi

For short trips, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Hanoi’s rich food scene with a well-planned culinary itinerary. To maximize time and enhance the experience, Joytime offers a 3.5-hour street food tour, where visitors can enjoy numerous signature dishes under the guidance of experienced local guides. More than just tasting food, guests will uncover fascinating stories and cultural insights behind each dish and destination.

For independent travelers, Joytime has crafted a 2-day detailed food itinerary tailored for first-time visitors to Hanoi. This itinerary can be adjusted flexibly based on personal preferences.

Culinary Exploration in Hanoi - Day 1

Culinary Exploration in Hanoi - Day 2

Hanoi’s culinary scene is not just about delicious food; it’s a reflection of the city’s thousand-year-old cultural and historical heritage. We hope these 17 must-visit eateries help you plan where to eat in Hanoi and start navigating your vibrant food map.

For an unforgettable street food tour, contact Joytime today and embark on a 3.5-hour gastronomic adventure!