Typical Hanoi Foods: 13+ Must-Try Dishes for Every Traveler

Hanoi is a city that captivates visitors not only with its rich history and stunning landmarks but also with its legendary status as a food paradise. Every corner, from bustling street stalls to hidden alleyway eateries, offers a taste adventure waiting to be explored. If you want to truly experience the heart and soul of the capital, diving into its unique culinary scene is essential. Get ready to satisfy your taste buds with over 13 of Hanoi's most delicious and characteristic dishes!

Famous Cuisines in Ha Noi City

Let's explore each dish in more detail:

1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

What Makes It Special: Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, known for its incredibly aromatic and complex broth, simmered for hours with bones and spices like star anise and cinnamon. Served with soft rice noodles, thinly sliced beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà), and a generous plate of fresh herbs, lime, and chilies for customization. It's a comforting, deeply flavorful, and perfectly balanced soup.

A steaming hot bowl of classic Beef Pho, a must-try in Hanoi. - Photo source: Google Maps Jon Freeman

Top Places to Eat Pho in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Pho?

• Add herbs, chilies, and a squeeze of lime to your bowl to customize the flavor.

• Slurp your noodles – it's not rude, it's enjoying the dish!

• You can ask for different cuts of meat (e.g., tái - rare, chín - well-done, gầu - brisket).

• Vinegar with garlic and chili is a common condiment for an extra tangy kick.

2. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)

What Makes It Special: Bun Cha is a perfect harmony of smoky grilled pork (both savory patties and tender slices) served in a warm, tangy dipping sauce with soft vermicelli noodles and a mountain of fresh herbs and lettuce. The contrast of hot, grilled meat and cool, fresh greens dipped in the sweet and sour sauce is incredibly satisfying. It's a quintessential Hanoi dish.

Delicious grilled pork and noodles, a signature dish of Hanoi. - Photo source: Google Maps Thanh Nguyen Kim

Top Places to Eat Bun Cha in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Bun Cha?

• Dip a small bundle of noodles and herbs into the warm sauce bowl with the pork before eating.

• The sauce is meant for dipping, not drinking like soup.

• You might get a side of Nem Cua Bể (crab spring rolls), which are delicious dipped in the same sauce.

• Add chili, garlic, or vinegar from the table condiments to adjust the dipping sauce flavor.

3. Banh Mi Hanoi (Hanoi-style Baguette Sandwich)

What Makes It Special: Hanoi's Banh Mi is a testament to the city's adaptability, combining a crispy French baguette with diverse, flavorful Vietnamese fillings. Unlike some Southern versions, Hanoi's often focus on grilled meats, pâté, and fresh herbs, creating a portable, affordable, and incredibly tasty sandwich that’s perfect any time of day. It's a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

A classic Vietnamese Banh Mi, crispy on the outside, flavorful fillings inside. - Photo source: Google Maps k a

Top Places to Eat Banh Mi in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Banh Mi?

• Fillings vary greatly; ask what options are available (e.g., grilled pork, chicken, pâté, eggs, sausage).

• Vendors will usually ask about adding chili and herbs – tell them your preference.

• It's a popular grab-and-go item, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack while exploring.

4. Cha Ca La Vong (Turmeric Grilled Fish)

What Makes It Special: Cha Ca is a unique and interactive Hanoi specialty. Chunks of fish marinated in turmeric and galangal are brought to your table sizzling in a hot pan with generous amounts of dill and green onions. You cook it yourself and then serve it with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, herbs, chili, and a shrimp paste dipping sauce (mắm tôm). The fragrant aroma and fresh flavors make it unforgettable.

Sizzling turmeric fish with dill, a unique and flavorful Hanoi dish. - Photo source: Google Maps Cha Ca Ha Thanh

Top Places to Eat Cha Ca La Vong in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Cha Ca La Vong?

• Don't be intimidated by the tableside cooking – the staff will help you get started.

• Mix the fish, noodles, herbs, and peanuts in your bowl.

• Mắm tôm (shrimp paste) is the traditional dipping sauce; it has a strong flavor. You can also ask for nuoc cham (fish sauce-based dipping sauce) if you prefer.

• Add a little chili or lime to the mắm tôm if you dare!

5. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

What Makes It Special: Banh Cuon are incredibly delicate, almost translucent steamed rice noodle sheets, often filled with savory minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. They are served warm with fried shallots, fresh herbs, and a light, sweet, and savory dipping sauce (nước chấm). The texture is incredibly smooth and light, making it a refreshing and flavorful dish, especially popular for breakfast.

Delicate steamed rice rolls with savory filling, served with dipping sauce. - Photo source: Google Maps Jimmy Hai

Top Places to Eat Banh Cuon in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Banh Cuon?

• Dip the rolls generously into savory dipping sauce (nước chấm).

• Add chili, garlic, or a squeeze of lime to the dipping sauce to your liking.

• Sometimes served with slices of Vietnamese pork sausage (chả lụa).

6. Xoi Xeo (Sticky Rice with Mung Beans and Fried Shallots)

What Makes It Special: Xoi Xeo is a simple yet incredibly satisfying sticky rice dish. Warm glutinous rice is topped with a layer of mashed mung beans, a drizzle of liquid fat or oil, and a generous sprinkle of crispy fried shallots. You can add various savory toppings like pâté, pork sausage, or braised chicken. It's hearty, flavorful, and a very popular breakfast or snack.

Warm sticky rice topped with mung beans and crispy shallots, a Hanoi favorite. - Photo source: Facebook VTV 3

Top Places to Eat Xoi Xeo in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Xoi Xeo?

• Choose your toppings! Popular combinations include pâté, fried egg, pork sausage, and braised pork.

• It's a filling dish, great for sustained energy.

• The drizzle of liquid fat might seem unusual but adds significant flavor.

7. Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup)

What Makes It Special: Bun Rieu is a vibrant and flavorful noodle soup with a distinctive broth made from tomato and crab paste, often incorporating tamarind for tanginess. It's typically topped with crab cakes (riêu cua), tofu, tomatoes, and sometimes blood jelly or snails. Served with vermicelli noodles and a plate of fresh herbs and shredded morning glory, it's a complex soup with a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Vibrant and tangy crab noodle soup with fresh toppings. - Photo source: Google Maps Hui-Fang Wu

Top Places to Eat Bun Rieu in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Bun Rieu?

• Adjust the flavor with the accompanying lime, chili, and shrimp paste (mắm tôm) if desired.

• The crab cakes (riêu cua) have a unique texture and flavor from the crab and sometimes egg or pork.

• The broth's tanginess is a key characteristic.

8. Bun Thang (Hanoi’s Delicate Chicken Noodle Soup)

What Makes It Special: Bun Thang is considered one of Hanoi's most elegant and complex noodle soups, requiring meticulous preparation. Its clear, delicate broth is made from chicken and dried shrimp, topped with numerous thinly sliced ingredients including shredded chicken, fried egg crepe, Vietnamese ham (giò lụa), mushrooms, and herbs. Each spoonful offers a subtle yet layered flavor profile.

Bun Thang, an elegant Hanoi soup known for its delicate broth and numerous toppings. - Photo source: Google Maps Daria Chang

Top Places to Eat Bun Thang in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Bun Thang?

• The broth is intentionally light; appreciate its subtle flavors before adding many condiments.

• Each topping adds a different texture and hint of flavor.

• Sometimes served with a small spoon of shrimp paste (mắm tôm) on the side – use sparingly!

9. Mien Luon (Glass Noodles with Eel)

What Makes It Special: Mien Luon features glass noodles (made from mung bean starch) served with eel, which can be prepared crispy-fried or soft-cooked. The crispy version offers a wonderful crunch, while the soft version is tender. Served in a savory broth or as a stir-fry (miến lươn xào), it's a flavorful and unique dish with a distinct texture from the glass noodles.

Savory glass noodles with crispy or soft eel, a unique Hanoi dish. - Photo source: Google Maps Nick Tran

Top Places to Eat Mien Luon in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Mien Luon?

• Specify if you want crispy eel (lươn giòn) or soft eel (lươn mềm).

• You can have it as a soup (miến nước) or stir-fried (miến xào).

• Often served with fried shallots and fresh herbs.

10. Chao Suon (Pork Rib Porridge) 

What Makes It Special: Chao Suon is a comforting and smooth rice porridge, cooked until thick and creamy with tender pieces of pork ribs. It's typically topped with crispy Chinese crullers (quẩy), pepper, and sometimes shredded pork floss. It's a warm, gentle, and deeply satisfying dish, perfect for breakfast, a light meal, or a late-night snack.

Warm and comforting pork rib porridge, often served with crispy crullers. - Photo source: Google Maps Kevin Kwok

Top Places to Eat Chao Suon in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Chao Suon?

• Quẩy (Chinese crullers) are essential for texture; dunk them in the porridge.

• Some places offer additional toppings like shredded pork or quail eggs.

• It's a mild dish; add pepper or chili to your taste.

11. Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)

What Makes It Special: Egg Coffee is a unique Hanoi invention: a rich, strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a thick, creamy, and slightly sweet foam made from egg yolk and condensed milk. It's less like a typical coffee and more like a dessert, offering a decadent and unforgettable taste experience. A must-try for any visitor.

Hanoi's famous Egg Coffee, a rich and creamy delight. - Photo source: Google Maps Lucy Huang

Top Places to Drink Ca Phe Trung in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Drinking Ca Phe Trung?

• Stir the foam into the coffee or sip the foam and coffee separately – try both ways!

• It's often served in a small bowl of hot water to keep it warm.

• It's quite rich and sweet, almost like a dessert.

12. Kem Trang Tien (Trang Tien Ice Cream)

What Makes It Special: Kem Trang Tien is an iconic Hanoi institution, famous for its simple, classic ice cream that evokes nostalgia for generations of Hanoians. Served in cones or sticks, the flavors are straightforward (like green bean, coconut, or cocoa), and the experience of grabbing a cone from the famous shop near Hoan Kiem Lake and eating it on the street is a true Hanoi tradition.

Enjoying a classic ice cream from the famous Kem Trang Tien shop. - Photo source: Google Maps Tuan Anh Tran

Top Place to Eat Kem Trang Tien in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Kem Trang Tien?

• It's a grab-and-go experience; there's limited seating, most people eat outside.

• Be quick, it melts fast in the Hanoi heat!

• Try the classic green bean (đậu xanh) or cốm (young rice) flavors.

13. Che Ba Mau (Three-color Dessert)

What Makes It Special: Che Ba Mau is a popular Vietnamese dessert, especially refreshing on a hot day. It typically features layers of different colored beans (often red and green beans), jelly, coconut milk, and shaved ice. The combination of textures and the sweet, creamy coconut milk make it a satisfying and cooling treat.

A refreshing bowl of Che Ba Mau, a layered sweet dessert. - Photo source: Facebook Super Spice

Top Places to Eat Che Ba Mau in Hanoi:

What Should You Know When Eating Che Ba Mau?

• Stir it all together before eating to mix the flavors and textures.

• Che can refer to many different types of sweet soups/puddings; Che Ba Mau is just one popular variety.

14. Where to Find the Best Traditional & Street Foods in Hanoi?

While delicious food stalls are scattered throughout Hanoi, certain areas are particularly known for their concentration of traditional and street food options:

• Old Quarter - The Heart of Hanoi’s Street Food: This is the most famous area, a maze of streets packed with vendors and small eateries. You can find almost every classic Hanoi dish here, from pho and bun cha to banh mi and various snacks. It's bustling and easy to explore on foot.

• Dong Xuan Market - A Local Foodie Hub: The area around Dong Xuan Market, especially in the evenings, has many food stalls offering a wide variety of local dishes at affordable prices. It gives you a feel for a traditional market's food offerings.

• West Lake (Tây Hồ) - A Scenic Dining Experience: The streets surrounding West Lake (like Trích Sài or Tô Ngọc Vân) are known for specific dishes like Banh Tom (Shrimp Cakes) and offer many restaurants and casual spots with lake views, particularly popular in the evening.

• Hidden Alleyways (Ngõ) - Hanoi’s Secret Food Gems: Don't be afraid to venture into Hanoi's countless narrow alleyways (ngõ). These often hide some of the most authentic, delicious, and affordable local eateries where vendors specialize in just one or two dishes perfected over generations. Look for places busy with locals!

For the best of Hanoi's street food, look no further than the Old Quarter, the city's culinary heart. - Photo source: Joytime

15. Suggestions for First-Time Tourists to Find the Typical Food in Hanoi

For travelers visiting Hanoi for the first time, navigating the food scene can be overwhelming but exciting! This suggested itinerary offers a plan to sample many iconic dishes over two days, based on popular eating times and locations. It's a guideline, feel free to mix and match based on your interests and appetite!

Culinary Exploration Itinerary for Day 1

Culinary Exploration Itinerary for Day 2

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be easily adapted based on your location, appetite, and how much you want to fit in!

Want an easier way to dive into Hanoi's food scene with local insights and no navigation hassle? Consider a guided food tour! It's often a budget-friendly and time-saving way to sample many dishes and learn about the culture from an expert guide. Check out Joytime's Explore Hanoi Street Food - 3-5 Hours Day Tour!

With Joytime's tour, You’ll have the chance to savor delicious treats like pho, banh mi, bun cha, and especially egg coffee. - Photo source: Joytime

Exploring the typical foods of Hanoi is an adventure that engages all your senses and provides deep insights into the city's culture and daily life. From world-famous pho to unique regional specialties and delightful snacks, each dish tells a story. Use this guide as your starting point, be open to trying new things, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavors that await you in the heart of Vietnam. Happy eating!

Create unforgettable memories in Vietnam with Joytime, your complete tourism partner. We go beyond helping you find amazing food, taking care of everything from airport transfers and comfortable stays to curated dining and exciting tours designed just for you. Relax and let us handle the details!