Hanoi Old Quarter not only captivates visitors with its ancient architectural beauty but is also a culinary paradise with countless delicious dishes. In particular, breakfast in this area carries a very unique flavor, both traditional and deeply imbued with Hanoi's identity. Joytime Travel Agency has compiled a list of the TOP best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter, along with specific addresses for you to easily find and enjoy. Let's explore now!
A Glimpse into Hanoi Old Quarter’s Breakfast Culture
Breakfast in Hanoi's Old Quarter has its own distinct charm: both a quick bite to start the day and a delicate preservation of traditional flavors. The locals here prioritize quality even when eating quickly, considering it an inspiring beginning. This culinary culture is both simple and reflects the elegance of Hanoians.
To enjoy the best breakfast in the Old Quarter, you can choose the time from 6 am to 9 am. This is when the ingredients are freshest, having just been brought in by the vendors. Moreover, during this time, the streets are still quite airy and less crowded than during peak hours, creating a relaxed and comfortable feeling for those enjoying their meal.
Having breakfast in Hanoi's Old Quarter helps you fully experience the rhythm of life and the unique flavors of the Hanoi capital - Image source: Pinterest Depositphotos
Hanoi Old Quarter is a culinary treasure trove, especially in the morning. Here are some delicious dishes you can't miss when strolling through this ancient neighborhood:
Overview Table of Delicious Dishes in Hanoi Old Quarter
Delicious Dish in Hanoi |
Highlights |
Pho |
Dubbed the essence of Hanoi cuisine, pho is an iconic dish with a clear, sweet broth, soft rice noodles, and fragrant beef or chicken. |
Hanoi Bread (Banh Mi) |
A popular street breakfast with a crispy crust and diverse fillings from pate and silk sausage to fresh pickled vegetables and herbs. |
Steamed Rice Rolls (Banh Cuon) |
A common breakfast for the capital's residents, thin rice crepes filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, served with cinnamon pork sausage and a distinctive dipping sauce. |
Vermicelli Soup with Toppings (Bun Thang) |
A flavorful dish with vermicelli noodles, a sweet and clear bone broth, and many delicate and appealing toppings. |
Sticky Rice (Xoi) |
A quick and filling breakfast choice with fragrant, sticky glutinous rice and various rich toppings like Xoi Xeo (sticky rice with mung beans and fried shallots), Xoi Ga (sticky rice with chicken), and Khau Nhuc (braised pork belly). |
Hot Savory Rice Cake (Banh Duc Nong) |
A wonderful Old Quarter breakfast with soft and smooth rice cake, rich and savory fish sauce, minced meat, and fragrant fried shallots. |
Pho is an iconic dish of Vietnamese cuisine, famous for its clear, sweet broth simmered from beef bones and distinctive spices. The soft rice noodles are combined with thinly sliced rare or well-done fragrant beef.
Why it's a must-try: Pho in the Old Quarter carries the deep traditional flavor of Hanoi. The long-standing pho restaurants here often have family secrets for their broth, creating an irresistibly delicious bowl of pho. Enjoying a hot bowl of pho in the early morning is an unmissable experience when visiting Hanoi.
Pho is an iconic dish of Vietnamese cuisine, loved by many - Image source: Joytime
Hanoi's Banh Mi is a harmonious combination of a crispy baguette and a rich, varied filling. The filling often includes pate, pork sausage (gio), fried pork sausage (cha), char siu pork, fried eggs, cucumber, herbs, and various distinctive sauces.
Why it's a must-try: Hanoi's Banh Mi is a quick, convenient, yet incredibly appealing breakfast. The variety in the filling and the distinctive flavors of the sauces make this dish a favorite choice for both locals and tourists. Each street vendor and banh mi shop in the Old Quarter has its own unique flavor, worth your exploration.
Hanoi's Banh Mi is a breakfast dish in the Old Quarter that visitors should try - Image source: Joytime
Banh Cuon is a light and easily digestible dish with a thin, soft rice crepe steamed over heat, filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. The rolls are served with silk sausage (cha lua) and a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Why it's a must-try: Banh Cuon in the Old Quarter is often made on the spot, ensuring its warmth and freshness. Watching the vendors skillfully make the crepes is also an interesting experience for diners. With its light and easy-to-eat flavor, Banh Cuon is very suitable for starting a new day.
Hanoi's Banh Cuon always attracts diners with its delicious flavor - Image source: Facebook Mon Ngon Ha Noi (Hanoi Delicious Food)
Bun Thang is a sophisticated and intricate dish with a sweet and clear broth simmered from chicken bones and dried shrimp. The thin vermicelli noodles are combined with various ingredients such as shredded chicken, thinly sliced fried eggs, silk sausage, shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and fragrant herbs, creating a unique flavor.
Why it's a must-try: Bun Thang is considered one of the "aristocratic" dishes of old Hanoi. The rich, delicate flavor and the meticulous preparation make this dish a memorable culinary experience that you shouldn't miss when visiting the Old Quarter.
Bun Thang is a breakfast dish in Hanoi's Old Quarter chosen by many tourists - Image source: Facebook Mon Ngon Ha Noi (Hanoi Delicious Food)
Xoi (sticky rice) is a familiar dish to Vietnamese people, especially for breakfast. In the Old Quarter, you can find many different types of xoi such as Xoi Xeo (sticky rice with mung beans and fried shallots), Xoi Ga (sticky rice with chicken), Xoi Lac (sticky rice with peanuts), Xoi Ngo (sticky rice with corn), etc., with a delicious aroma and a filling satisfaction when enjoyed.
Why it's a must-try: Xoi is a quick, convenient, and energy-providing breakfast option for a new day. The variety of xoi types and accompanying dishes in the Old Quarter will offer you many interesting choices.
Hanoi's Xoi has a delicious and distinctive flavor along with a unique and different preparation - Image source: Facebook Mon Ngon Ha Noi (Hanoi Delicious Food)
Banh Duc Nong (hot savory rice cake) is a rustic dish but very popular for a chilly morning in Hanoi. The soft, hot banh duc topped with a sweet and sour fish sauce, minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, and fragrant fried shallots will be an ideal breakfast that you shouldn't miss.
Why it's a must-try: Banh Duc Nong in the Old Quarter has a characteristic warm flavor, very suitable for enjoying in the morning.
Banh Duc Nong is a delicious breakfast you should try in Hanoi's Old Quarter - Image source: Facebook Mon Ngon Ha Noi (Hanoi Delicious Food)
If you'd like to enjoy coffee combined with breakfast in Hanoi's Old Quarter, the list of cafes compiled by Joytime below will be a great suggestion for choosing the ideal destination for a memorable breakfast:
S’Patisserie is a small corner imbued with French style in the heart of Hanoi. It is famous for its delicate and delicious pastries along with a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Besides that, the cafe also serves light breakfast dishes and attractive drinks, making it an ideal place to start a new day.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 30,000 - 80,000 VND/dish
Phone Number: 0888 431 696
Directions from the Airport: Choose to travel by Taxi/Grab, travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Signature Dishes: French pastries (croissant, pain au chocolat, macaron), fried egg sandwich, salad. Drinks: coffee, tea.
What's special about the food here: The pastries are highly rated for their freshness and authentic French flavor. The coffee is rich. The cafe space is small and warmly decorated, bringing a relaxed feeling.
S’Patisserie is a breakfast spot combining coffee and pastries with a luxurious and cozy atmosphere - Image source: Khoa An
The Hanoi Social Club is a cafe hidden in a quiet alley, offering a green and relaxing space in the heart of the bustling Old Quarter. The cafe is famous for its diverse breakfast menu of European and Vietnamese dishes with a twist, along with its unique decor.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 50,000 - 150,000 VND/dish
Phone Number: 024 3938 2117
Directions from the Airport: Travel by taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Signature Dishes: Granola, pancake, Eggs Benedict (European dishes), Vietnamese dishes with a twist. Drinks: coffee, fresh fruit juice.
What's special about the food here: The breakfast dishes are meticulously prepared with harmonious flavors. The cafe space is quiet with many green plants, creating a relaxed feeling. The coffee and fresh juices are delicious.
The Hanoi Social Club is famous for its diverse breakfast menu of uniquely twisted European and Vietnamese dishes - Image source: Capichi
An Cafe is a familiar cafe chain for the residents of Hanoi's Old Quarter, especially famous for its nature-friendly decoration with many green plants. The cafe has a comfortable and friendly atmosphere and serves a variety of breakfast dishes and drinks.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price Range: 30,000 - 70,000 VND/dish
Phone Number: 984 819 982
Directions from the Airport: Travel from Noi Bai Airport to An Cafe (Hang Muoi branch) takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Signature Dishes: Bread, Pho Cuon (fresh spring rolls with beef), Xoi (sticky rice), Banh Duc (savory rice cake), coffee, smoothies.
What's special about the food here: Green and comfortable space. The breakfast dishes have a consistent flavor and are served quickly. Diverse coffee and smoothies.
An Cafe serves a variety of basic breakfast dishes and delicious drinks - Image source: An Cafe
Cafe Giang is one of the oldest and most famous cafes in Hanoi, known as the birthplace of the unique egg coffee. This is an unmissable destination in the Old Quarter for those who want to enjoy the traditional coffee flavor of Hanoi.
Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 20,000 - 40,000 VND/item
Phone Number: 098 9892 298
Directions from the Airport: Travel from Noi Bai Airport to Cafe Giang takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Signature Dishes: Egg coffee (the most signature dish). Also available are bread, young sticky rice flakes (com), and some light snacks.
What's special about the food here: The egg coffee has a rich, creamy, and distinctively delicious flavor, a "must-try" when visiting Hanoi. The cafe space has a strong antique feel.
The rich and creamy egg coffee combined with fresh young sticky rice flakes at Cafe Giang offers diners a complete breakfast - Image source: Thanh Nguyen Kim
Cafe Pho Co is a cafe with an antique ambiance, bearing the strong imprint of old Hanoi's architecture. The cafe has multiple floors and especially boasts a beautiful view overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake from the rooftop, making it an ideal place to enjoy drinks and admire the scenery.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 VND/item
Phone Number: 024 3928 8153
Directions from the Airport: Travel from Noi Bai Airport to Cafe Pho Co takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Signature Dishes: Mainly drinks such as coffee, tea, and fruit juice. There are some simple pastries and light snacks.
What's special about the food here: The special features are the antique ambiance and the beautiful view of Hoan Kiem Lake. The drinks are decent, suitable for relaxing and sightseeing.
Cafe Pho Co is a cafe with an antique ambiance, bearing the strong imprint of old Hanoi's architecture - Image source: Facebook Cafe Pho Co
Dinh Cafe is an old-fashioned cafe located on the second floor of a small house on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, directly overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. The cafe retains its old architecture with a small space, simple wooden tables and chairs, and yellowed walls, creating a nostalgic and cozy atmosphere.
Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 20,000 - 40,000 VND/item
Phone Number: 024 3824 2960
Directions from the Airport: Travel by taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport to Dinh Cafe takes approximately 30-45 minutes. You can tell the driver to take you to number 13 Dinh Tien Hoang and look for the small staircase leading to the second floor.
Signature Dishes: Dinh Cafe's "signature" and most famous dish is egg coffee. In addition, the cafe also serves some other traditional coffees such as black coffee, milk coffee, and tea. Breakfast here is usually very simple, mainly bread or a few small pastries.
What's special about the food here: The special thing about Dinh Cafe is its atmosphere. The cafe bears the mark of time with old items, creating a close and familiar feeling. Sipping egg coffee by the window overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake is a very interesting and romantic experience, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Dinh Cafe retains its old architecture with a small but very nostalgic and cozy space - Image source: Instagram Dinh Cafe
Besides the breakfast cafes mentioned above, you can also choose these traditional eateries below to enjoy a complete breakfast in Hanoi's Old Quarter:
Pho Thin Lo Duc is a long-standing famous pho brand in Hanoi, known for its signature "tai lan" (stir-fried rare beef) pho. The broth is rich and sweet with the flavor of bones, and the quickly stir-fried rare beef creates an irresistibly appealing taste.
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 50,000 - 70,000 VND/bowl
Phone Number: 024 3821 2709
Directions from the Airport: Taking a taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to this address takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: "Tai lan" beef pho with a thick, rich broth, tender and sweet beef quickly stir-fried over high heat, with a little scallion and herbs creating a distinctive and unmistakable flavor.
Pho Thin Lo Duc is a long-standing famous pho brand in Hanoi with a distinctive and unmistakable flavor - Image source: Facebook Le Thao Vi
Bun Cha Huong Lien became globally famous after President Obama visited. The restaurant is known for its delicious and flavorful bun cha, with perfectly grilled patties and sliced pork that are not dry.
Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Price Range: Approximately 40,000 - 60,000 VND/serving
Phone Number: 024 3943 4106
Directions from the Airport: Traveling by taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: Bun cha with fragrant grilled meat, a well-balanced sweet and sour dipping sauce, served with fresh vermicelli and a variety of raw vegetables. In particular, the restaurant also has the "Obama combo" including bun cha, seafood spring rolls, and Hanoi beer.
Bun Cha Huong Lien is famous and known for its delicious and flavorful bun cha - Image source: Facebook Linh Chi
Mien Luon Dong Thinh is a long-standing restaurant specializing in eel dishes such as glass noodles with eel soup, stir-fried glass noodles with eel, and eel porridge. The glass noodles with eel here are loved by many for the fresh, flavorful, and non-fishy eel, making it a suitable breakfast dish in Hanoi's Old Quarter that visitors should not miss.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Price Range: 30,000 - 50,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 098 6625 555
Directions from the Airport: Taking a taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: Glass noodles with eel soup with a clear, sweet broth, chewy noodles, and crispy fried eel. Stir-fried glass noodles with eel is also an attractive option with flavorful eel and fresh vegetables.
Mien Luon Dong Thinh is loved by many for its fresh and flavorful eel - Image source: Anh Duc Do
Bun Thang Ba Am is a famous traditional bun thang restaurant in Hanoi. The bun thang here is meticulously prepared with many ingredients such as shredded chicken, thinly sliced fried eggs, silk sausage, dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, creating a delicate and characteristic flavor.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 35,000 - 50,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 04 91 202 9803
Directions from the Airport: Traveling by taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: Bun thang with a clear, sweet broth, soft vermicelli noodles, and beautifully prepared and presented ingredients, bringing the traditional and delicate flavor of Hanoi cuisine.
Bun thang brings the traditional and delicate flavor of Hanoi cuisine - Image source: Mon Ngon Ha Noi (Hanoi Delicious Food)
Banh Mi Dan To is a famous late-night street food in Hanoi, but many people also enjoy it in the early morning. The banh mi here is special for its generously filled mixed fillings, including various types of pork sausage (gio), fried pork sausage (cha), regular sausage, pate, eggs, and pickled vegetables.
Address: 32 Tran Nhat Duat Street, Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 5:30 AM
Price Range: 20,000 - 30,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 094 1929 756
Directions from the Airport: Taking a taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes. You should note the special opening hours of the shop and arrive early if you want to have breakfast.
What's special about the food here: Banh mi with a "super huge" filling, a variety of toppings, very filling and rich in street food flavor. This is an ideal choice for those who like a quick and energizing breakfast in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Banh Mi Dan To is particularly outstanding with its generous and delicious mixed fillings - Image source: Banh Mi Dan To
Xoi Yen is a famous and long-standing sticky rice shop in Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its many delicious and diverse types of sticky rice such as Xoi Xeo (sticky rice with mung beans and fried shallots), Xoi Ga (sticky rice with chicken), Xoi Lac (sticky rice with peanuts), and Xoi Ngo (sticky rice with corn). The sticky rice here is fragrant and chewy, with generous toppings and a special sauce.
Address: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Price Range: 25,000 - 50,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 024 6259 3818
Directions from the Airport: Traveling by taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: Xoi Xeo with smooth mung beans and crispy fried shallots, Xoi Ga with shredded flavorful chicken and Chinese sausage. The sauce drizzled over the sticky rice is the highlight that creates the shop's unique flavor.
Xoi Yen Nguyen Huu Huan is a breakfast spot in Hanoi's Old Quarter that visitors should not miss - Image source: Jimmy Hai
Banh Cuon Nong Thanh Van is a famous family-run banh cuon shop in Hanoi. The banh cuon here is made with thin, soft crepes filled with delicious minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, served with silk sausage and a rich dipping sauce.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 25,000 - 40,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 04 90 432 9933
Directions from the Airport: Taking a taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: The banh cuon is steamed hot on the spot, ensuring its softness and deliciousness. The dipping sauce here is well-balanced, served with crispy and slightly chewy silk sausage.
The banh cuon is steamed hot on the spot, ensuring its softness and deliciousness - Image source: Facebook Linh Chi
Chao Suon Sun Huyen Anh is a famous porridge shop, especially chosen as a favorite breakfast spot in Hanoi's Old Quarter in the morning. The porridge here is smooth and fragrant with tender baby back ribs and crunchy cartilage. The shop also has many other toppings such as fried dough sticks (quay) and shredded dried pork (ruoc) combined with the porridge, bringing an unforgettable flavor.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price Range: Approximately 20,000 - 40,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 09 8156 8168
Directions from the Airport: Traveling by taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: Hot and smooth rib and cartilage porridge, with tender baby back ribs and crunchy cartilage. Adding a little pepper, chili, and hot fried dough sticks makes for a warm and delicious breakfast.
Chao Suon Sun Huyen Anh is a favorite breakfast spot in Hanoi's Old Quarter in the morning - Image source: Facebook Dia Chi An Vat Ha Noi (Hanoi Street Food Addresses)
Bun Rieu Cua O Quan Chuong is highly rated by many for its rich crab broth, fatty crab roe, and diverse toppings.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Price Range: 30,000 - 50,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 09 6255 4525
Directions from the Airport: Taking a taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: Bun rieu cua with a tangy and rich crab broth, fatty crab roe and minced crab meat, served with fried tofu, tomatoes, and fresh raw vegetables.
Bun Rieu is a popular breakfast dish in Hanoi's Old Quarter among locals - Image source: Mon Ngon Ha Noi (Hanoi Delicious Food)
Bun Ca Ro Dong Hanh Beo is a famous bun ca (fish vermicelli soup) restaurant with the characteristic flavor of Northern Vietnam. The field perch is crispy fried with sweet meat, and the broth is tangy, fragrant with fermented rice (me) and turmeric.
Address: 30 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Dien Bien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Price Range: Approximately 30,000 - 50,000 VND/portion
Phone Number: 09 3232 6033
Directions from the Airport: Traveling by taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport takes about 30-45 minutes.
What's special about the food here: Bun ca ro dong with crispy fried fish with sweet meat, a tangy broth fragrant with fermented rice and turmeric, served with fresh raw vegetables, is a great breakfast dish in Hanoi's Old Quarter when the weather is cool.
Bun ca ro dong with crispy fried fish, sweet meat, and tangy broth offers an unforgettable experience for diners - Image source: Facebook Ngoc Uu
To have a complete and memorable morning while enjoying the cuisine in Hanoi's Old Quarter, don't forget to pocket these useful tips and experiences:
Best Time: Early morning (6 AM - 8 AM) is the ideal time for breakfast in the Old Quarter. At this time, the air is fresh, the streets are still quiet, and you can avoid the crowds and hustle.
Getting Around: The Old Quarter is quite small, and you can easily walk to explore and find breakfast spots. In addition, motorbikes, taxis, or ride-hailing apps are also convenient options.
Choosing Eateries: Check online reviews or ask locals to choose delicious restaurants that suit your taste. Prioritize local eateries and family-run establishments to experience the most authentic culinary flavors. Don't hesitate to try the signature dishes of each place.
Combine Sightseeing: After breakfast, you can combine your meal with visits to famous tourist attractions in the Old Quarter such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Dong Xuan Market, O Quan Chuong Gate, etc. Enjoying delicious food while exploring Hanoi's culture and history is truly a wonderful experience!
Saving Costs: If you want to save money, you can choose to eat at sidewalk stalls and street vendors. The prices here are usually very affordable, and the quality is not inferior to that of luxury restaurants.
Based on the culinary suggestions above, we hope you now have a rich list of attractive breakfast options with specific addresses in the Hanoi Old Quarter area. This will allow you to embark on your own unique culinary exploration journey and discover the best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter in your own way. The capital city of Hanoi still holds countless interesting things waiting for you, so take the time to fully enjoy each distinctive flavor, explore each ancient street, and deeply feel the cultural beauty of this thousand-year-old city.
In addition, to make your upcoming trip more convenient and complete, without having to worry about planning or arranging your itinerary, don't hesitate to choose Joytime as your trusted companion. We will bring you memorable culinary experiences and explore the unique cultural stories of this wonderful Kinh Ky (ancient name for the Hanoi region) land!
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Danish Nguyen is a renowned travel blogger in Vietnam with over 5 years of experience sharing unique travel experiences. With a passion for exploring new places, Danish captures incredible moments and provides readers with valuable tips to discover the beauty of his homeland.