20+ Must-Try Cheap Foods in Hanoi: Eating Like a Local

Looking for delicious yet budget-friendly meals during your trip to Vietnam’s capital? With its vibrant street food scene, Hanoi has become a paradise for food lovers who want to experience authentic flavors without spending much. From hot bowls of pho to crispy banh mi, cheap food in Hanoi not only fills your stomach but also connects you with local culture and traditions. Joytime will introduce you to the top 20 cheap dishes in the article below.

Why is Hanoi perfect for cheap eats?

Why is Hanoi perfect for cheap eats?

Hanoi is often called a paradise for food lovers, especially those traveling on a budget. The city has a unique culinary culture where delicious meals are served everywhere—from sidewalk stalls and local markets to small family-run eateries. What makes cheap food in Hanoi Vietnam so special is not only the low price but also the authenticity of each dish.

Most street food in Hanoi costs between 20,000 - 50,000 VND (around 2 USD), allowing travelers to enjoy a hearty meal without spending much. Each district has its own specialties: the Old Quarter is famous for pho and bun cha, while local markets like Dong Xuan offer endless varieties of snacks and desserts.

Despite the affordability, the quality is never compromised. Dishes are cooked with fresh local ingredients, seasoned with traditional spices, and often prepared using recipes passed down for generations. Eating in Hanoi is more than just filling your stomach—it’s about experiencing the culture, history, and daily life of the Vietnamese people.

That’s why Hanoi remains the ultimate destination for travelers who want to discover authentic flavors and enjoy cheap food Hanoi without sacrificing taste or quality.

20+ Must-try cheap foods in Hanoi

The capital city of Hanoi is not only famous for its historical sites and scenic landscapes but also for its street food scene, where visitors can discover delicious and unique dishes at affordable prices. Let's explore 20+ must-try foods when you come here.

1. Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)

Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)

Pho is more than just a dish; it's the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. A bowl of Hanoi pho impresses with its clear, naturally sweet broth, simmered for hours with beef or chicken bones, along with spices like star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and roasted onions. The hot bowl of pho features soft rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and is garnished with fresh herbs, green onions, and a squeeze of lime. It's the iconic street food of Hanoi.

• Price: 30,000 - 50,000 VND (~1.2 - 2 USD)

2. Bun Cha (Grilled pork with vermicelli)

Bun Cha (Grilled pork with vermicelli)

Loved by former U.S. President Barack Obama, bun cha is a dish that any visitor to Hanoi should try. Charcoal-grilled pork patties and pork belly slices are cooked over an open flame, giving them a smoky aroma. The meat is served in a sweet-sour dipping sauce, with slices of crunchy green papaya, fresh vermicelli noodles, and a basket of fresh herbs. The smoky, savory, and sweet flavors all combine to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

• Price: 35,000 - 60,000 VND (~1.5 - 2.5 USD)

3. Bun Thang (Hanoi chicken noodle soup)

Bun Thang (Hanoi chicken noodle soup)

Known as a "delicate" soup, bun thang stands out for its refinement and intricacy. The bowl of noodles is a combination of many ingredients: shredded chicken, thin omelet strips, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, served in a light, sweet broth made from chicken bones. A little bit of shrimp paste and Vietnamese coriander will make the dish even more special.

• Price: 35,000 - 50,000 VND (~1.5 - 2 USD)

4. Bun Rieu Cua (Crab noodle soup)

Bun Rieu Cua (Crab noodle soup)

If you want to try a noodle dish with a stronger flavor, bun rieu cua is an excellent choice. The broth has a distinctive reddish-orange color from tomatoes and crab paste, with a light sour taste. Bun rieu is served with rich crab cakes, crispy fried tofu, and sometimes with pork sausage or snails. Don't forget to add a little shrimp paste to make the dish even more flavorful.

• Price: 25,000 - 40,000 VND (~1 - 1.5 USD)

5. Bun Bo Nam Bo (Southern-style beef noodle salad)

Bun Bo Nam Bo (Southern-style beef noodle salad)

Unlike traditional noodle soups, bun bo nam bo is a colorful and flavorful dry noodle salad. Soft vermicelli noodles are mixed with tender stir-fried beef, crispy roasted peanuts, crunchy fried shallots, and fresh herbs. Everything is topped with a sweet and sour fish sauce dressing. It's a light yet satisfying meal.

• Price: 35,000 - 50,000 VND (~1.5 - 2 USD)

6. Bun Dau Mam Tom (Tofu with noodles and shrimp paste)

Bun Dau Mam Tom (Tofu with noodles and shrimp paste)

One of the most popular street foods in Hanoi, bun dau mam tom has a unique flavor that many people become addicted to. A traditional platter includes fried tofu, rice vermicelli, boiled pork, herbs, and fermented shrimp paste. The soul of the dish is the shrimp paste, which is carefully mixed with lime and chili.

• Price: 30,000 - 50,000 VND (~1.2 - 2 USD)

7. Xoi (Sticky rice)

Xoi (Sticky rice)

A familiar breakfast dish, sticky rice has many variations, from savory to sweet. Savory xoi is often served with Vietnamese pork sausage, Chinese sausage, shredded chicken, or braised pork, creating a filling and energetic breakfast. Sweet xoi is made with beans and shredded coconut, making it a light and fragrant snack.

• Price: 15,000 - 30,000 VND (~0.6 - 1.2 USD)

8. Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)

Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)

The Vietnamese baguette has crossed borders to become one of the best street foods in the world. A crispy French baguette is filled with a variety of ingredients, from creamy pâté, grilled pork, and cold cuts, to fresh herbs, cucumber, pickled carrots, and chili sauce. It's a quick, convenient, and incredibly flavorful meal.

• Price: 15,000 - 30,000 VND (~0.6 - 1.2 USD)

9. Banh Cuon (Steamed rice rolls)

These soft, delicate steamed rice sheets are thinly made from rice flour, with a filling of minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. They are served with Vietnamese pork sausage and crispy fried shallots, and dipped in a diluted sweet and sour fish sauce. Banh cuon is a light and elegant dish, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

• Price: 20,000 - 35,000 VND (~0.8 - 1.5 USD)

10. Nem Ran (Vietnamese fried spring rolls)

Nem Ran (Vietnamese fried spring rolls)

Nem ran is made from minced pork, shrimp, glass noodles, and mushrooms, all wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until golden. The outer layer is crispy, while the inside is soft and savory, usually dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce. It's an indispensable appetizer or snack.

• Price: 5,000 - 10,000 VND per roll (~0.2 - 0.4 USD)

11. Banh Goi (Vietnamese empanada)

Banh Goi (Vietnamese empanada)

Banh goi is the cheapest food in Hanoi, literally translated as “pillow cake” because of its shape, and is one of the most beloved street snacks in Hanoi. This fried pastry has a golden, crispy outer crust made from wheat flour, while the inside is packed with flavorful ingredients like minced pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and even a whole quail egg. When freshly fried, the pastry crackles with every bite, revealing a savory filling that is both rich and satisfying. Locals usually enjoy banh goi with a side of chili sauce or dip it in a sweet-and-sour fish sauce that perfectly balances the richness of the fried dough.

• Price: 10,000 - 15,000 VND (~0.4 - 0.6 USD)

12. Banh Bao (Vietnamese steamed bun)

Banh Bao (Vietnamese steamed bun)

Originally influenced by Chinese cuisine, banh bao has become a familiar and affordable snack throughout Vietnam, especially in Hanoi. The soft, fluffy white bun is made from yeast-leavened flour and steamed to perfection. Inside, it holds a hearty filling of minced pork, quail egg, wood ear mushrooms, and sometimes Chinese sausage for extra flavor. Served piping hot, banh bao is both convenient and filling, making it a popular choice for breakfast or a quick afternoon bite. 

• Price: 15,000 - 25,000 VND (~0.6 - 1 USD)

13. Nem Chua Ran (Fried fermented pork rolls)

Nem Chua Ran (Fried fermented pork rolls)

Known as a favorite snack of students, nem chua ran is a slightly sour pork roll that is deep-fried until golden and crispy. The tangy flavor of the fermented pork combined with the rich, crispy texture is delicious, especially when eaten with chili sauce.

• Price: 5,000 - 8,000 VND each (~0.2 - 0.3 USD)

14. Banh Tom Ho Tay (West Lake shrimp cake)

Banh Tom Ho Tay (West Lake shrimp cake)

Banh tom is a famous specialty from the West Lake area in Hanoi, where it has been enjoyed for generations. The dish consists of shredded sweet potatoes mixed with flour, topped with whole freshwater shrimp, and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a fritter that combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with the savory taste of shrimp. Typically, banh tom is served with pickled papaya, fresh herbs, and a sweet-and-sour fish sauce dip, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. 

• Price: 25,000 - 40,000 VND (~1 – 1.5 USD)

15. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake)

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake)

Banh xeo is a crispy pancake made from a rice flour batter with turmeric and coconut milk. It's filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. To enjoy banh xeo the authentic Hanoi way, you cut a piece of the pancake, wrap it in lettuce and fresh herbs, then dip it into a sweet-and-sour fish sauce. The combination of crispy, savory, fresh, and tangy flavors makes banh xeo a well-rounded dish that feels indulgent yet affordable.

• Price: 25,000 - 40,000 VND (~1 - 1.5 USD)

16. Sup Cua (Crab soup)

Sup Cua (Crab soup)

This thickened soup is made from a base of crab meat, quail eggs, corn, and mushrooms, resulting in a silky texture that is both light and nourishing. Vendors often serve it in small bowls, topped with a sprinkle of pepper, chopped coriander, and sometimes crispy fried shallots to enhance the flavor. While sup cua is considered a snack rather than a full meal, it’s filling enough to satisfy hunger at a very affordable price.

• Price: 15,000 - 25,000 VND (~0.6 - 1 USD)

17. Trung Vit Lon (Fertilized duck egg)

Trung Vit Lon (Fertilized duck egg)

This protein-rich dish is deeply rooted in Vietnamese food culture. The egg is boiled and usually served with a mix of salt, lime juice, and aromatic Vietnamese coriander (rau răm). The flavor is savory and slightly gamey, balanced out by the freshness of the herbs and the tang of lime. Although it might surprise some first-time visitors, trung vit lon is beloved across Vietnam as a nutritious, inexpensive snack and is often recommended as one of the unique cheap eats in Hanoi that truly represents local cuisine.

• Price: 10,000 – 15,000 VND (~0.4 - 0.6 USD)

18. Che (Vietnamese sweet dessert soup)

Che (Vietnamese sweet dessert soup)

No food journey in Hanoi is complete without trying che, a traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert soup that comes in countless variations. Depending on the vendor, you might find che made with green beans, black beans, lotus seeds, jelly, or a colorful mix of everything combined. Most versions are topped with rich coconut milk and served over crushed ice, making it a refreshing treat after indulging in savory street food.

• Price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND (~0.6 - 1 USD)

19. Banh Troi, Banh Chay (Rice ball desserts)

Banh Troi, Banh Chay (Rice ball desserts)

These two traditional desserts are often eaten during holidays. Banh troi are small, round glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar and served in a warm ginger syrup. Banh chay are larger rice balls with a mung bean paste filling, served with coconut milk and roasted sesame seeds. Both offer a sweet, warm, and comforting experience.

• Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND (~0.4 - 0.8 USD)

20. Hoa Qua Dam (Vietnamese fruit mix)

Hoa Qua Dam (Vietnamese fruit mix)

When the summer heat in Hanoi becomes overwhelming, locals often cool down with a refreshing cup of hoa qua dam, a colorful Vietnamese fruit mix. This dessert is made with a variety of freshly cut fruits such as mango, papaya, jackfruit, watermelon, and dragon fruit, depending on what is in season. The fruits are layered in a cup, then topped with condensed milk, creamy yogurt, or even a drizzle of coconut milk. Crushed ice is added on top, making it both cooling and satisfying.

• Price: 20,000 – 35,000 VND (~0.8 - 1.5 USD)

21. Tra Chanh (Vietnamese lemon tea)

Tra Chanh (Vietnamese lemon tea)

Tra chanh is a symbolic drink for Hanoi's youth. It's a simple blend of green tea, lemon, and sugar, but it brings a refreshing and pleasant sensation. Sitting on the sidewalk enjoying a glass of tra chanh and chatting with friends is a quintessential Hanoi experience.

• Price: 10,000 – 15,000 VND (~0.4 - 0.6 USD/cup)

22. Ca Phe Trung (Egg coffee)

Ca Phe Trung (Egg coffee)

Egg coffee is a unique Hanoi specialty. Strong Vietnamese coffee is topped with a creamy, frothy layer of whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. The taste is a wonderful blend of bitter coffee and rich, sweet egg foam, creating a dessert-like experience.

• Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND (~1.2 - 2 USD/cup)

Top places for budget food hunting in Hanoi

Top places for budget food hunting in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Hanoi Old Quarter is the ultimate destination for budget travelers who want to explore authentic local cuisine. This historic area is a maze of narrow streets filled with small eateries and family-owned stalls that have been serving generations of Hanoians. From steaming bowls of pho and crispy banh cuon to sweet che desserts, you’ll find some of the best cheap food here. Must-visit streets for cheap food in Hanoi include Hang Bac, Hang Buom, and Ta Hien, where flavors, history, and atmosphere come together in one unforgettable dining experience.

Hoan Kiem lake area

Surrounded by cultural landmarks and a lively walking street, Hoan Kiem Lake is not only a scenic spot but also a hub for budget-friendly eats. Vendors and food carts line the area, selling popular snacks such as grilled skewers, banh mi, and refreshing local drinks like iced lemon tea. This is the perfect place to enjoy cheap food while relaxing by the lake and soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.

Dong Xuan market

No food tour is complete without visiting Dong Xuan Market, one of the biggest and busiest markets in Hanoi. Known as a heaven for food lovers, this place offers an incredible variety of affordable dishes—from traditional noodle soups like bun rieu and bun cha to fried spring rolls and sticky rice. 

University areas 

If you want to eat like a local student, head to Hanoi’s university districts such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam National University. These areas are packed with small restaurants and street stalls offering hearty, flavorful, and extremely affordable meals. Expect a wide range of dishes like noodle bowls, rice plates, snacks, and bubble tea, all priced to suit the student budget. It’s a lively food scene that showcases another side of cheap food in Hanoi.

In addition, small streets like Ngo Tram and Ly Quoc Su are also worth trying. This is where many beef noodle soup, bun thang, and duck noodle soup stalls are located at affordable prices. The restaurants in this area often have a long history, preserving the traditional flavors, bringing an authentic experience of Hanoi cuisine.

Tips for enjoying cheap food like a local

Tips for enjoying cheap food like a local

When traveling, savoring the local cuisine doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some detailed tips to help you enjoy cheap food like a local:

• Embrace sidewalk vendors and hidden gems: Don’t hesitate to try food from street vendors or small, unassuming restaurants. These spots often offer authentic dishes at lower prices. 

• Seek out busy establishments: When you're wandering around, pay attention to which eateries are bustling with customers. Locals typically flock to the best food spots, so if you see a place filled with people, it’s worth checking out. A busy restaurant often means fresh ingredients and quick turnover, ensuring a great dining experience.

• Inquire about prices upfront: In tourist-heavy areas, prices can vary significantly, and you might encounter hidden fees. Always ask for the price before placing your order. This can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure that you stick to your budget.

• Carry cash for local eateries: Many small eateries and street vendors don’t accept credit or debit cards. To make the most of your food adventures, carry enough cash to cover your meals. This will not only make transactions smoother but also give you access to more local dining options.

Food tours in Hanoi - The best way to discover cheap eats

Food tours in Hanoi – The best way to discover cheap eats

One of the most exciting ways to explore cheap food in Hanoi is by joining a motorbike food tour. Instead of wandering aimlessly, you’ll ride through the city’s narrow alleys and hidden corners with a local guide who knows exactly where the best dishes are served. These guides are true food lovers, and they’ll introduce you to authentic spots that most tourists never find on their own.

The benefits of a motorbike food tour are undeniable:

• Local expertise – Discover legendary street vendors and family-run eateries that have been serving the same recipes for generations.

• Authentic flavors – Taste signature Hanoi dishes like bun cha, banh cuon, and even the famous egg coffee.

• Convenience and safety – No need to worry about navigation or scams; your guide takes care of everything.

• Cultural connection – Learn the stories behind each dish, understand its place in Vietnamese daily life, and experience the warm hospitality of locals.

If you want the ultimate foodie adventure, Joytime food tour by motorbike is a perfect choice. With Joytime, you’ll not only eat like a local but also feel the heartbeat of Hanoi while cruising on two wheels. Book your food tour today and make your Hanoi trip truly unforgettable!

Exploring the vibrant world of cheap food in Hanoi is an unforgettable experience, especially when done like a local. From hidden alleyway eateries to bustling street food corners, every stop adds a new flavor to your journey. To make the most of your adventure, let Joytime’s Hanoi motorbike food tour take you through the city’s culinary heart. Book your tour today and enjoy Hanoi’s street food!