Hanoi is not only famous for its many scenic spots but also loved for its unique cuisine. Hanoi’s delicious dishes, with their rich flavors, easily captivate diners every time they enjoy them. If you are visiting Hanoi for the first time and want to experience an authentic Hanoi Food Tour, join Sanhotelseries to explore the great dishes in Hanoi below!
Top 9 best street foods in Hanoi Food Tour
Hanoi captivates visitors not only with its timeless charm but also with its rich and diverse street food scene. Here are the 9 best street foods in Hanoi, offering famous flavors that every food lover must try!
Bánh mì
Bánh mì is Vietnam’s unique take on the baguette, featuring a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior. What truly makes bánh mì special is its filling, which varies depending on regional traditions and personal preferences.
These flavorful variations also influence the way people name their bánh mì. However, the most popular versions typically include Vietnamese cold cuts, grilled meat, fish, or vegetarian options, complemented by pâté, butter, fresh herbs, chili, eggs, and tangy pickled vegetables.
Beyond being a standalone delight, bánh mì is often enjoyed with hearty dishes like sardines in tomato sauce, succulent meatballs, or slow-braised beef stew. Known as an affordable and convenient street food, it has become a daily staple for many, perfect for breakfast or a quick bite at any time of the day.
For those in Hanoi looking to indulge in the best bánh mì, here are some must-visit spots: Bánh Mì Dân Tổ Việt Nam, Bánh Mì Vợ Ong Vàng, Bánh Mì Vui, Bánh Mì Bà Dần, Bánh Mì 25,…
Phở bò, phở gà (Beef/chicken noodle soup)
Phở is a traditional Vietnamese dish and one of the most famous representations of the country’s culinary heritage. This beloved noodle soup consists of delicate rice noodles immersed in a rich, aromatic broth, topped with thinly sliced beef or chicken and fresh scallions.
The best beef for phở comes from local Vietnamese cattle, known for their lean yet flavorful meat and bones that create a deep, savory broth. To enhance the taste, diners can customize their bowl with condiments like hoisin sauce, black pepper, lime, fish sauce, and chili, adjusting the flavors to their preference.
Although traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a late-night comfort food, phở has become an all-day favorite, especially in bustling cities. The dish is served steaming hot, accompanied by tender slices of beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and crunchy bean sprouts. Throughout Hanoi, countless street vendors and family-run eateries offer their own take on this classic dish, each bringing a unique touch to the rich and soulful bowl of phở.
For those seeking the finest phở in Hanoi, be sure to visit these legendary spots: Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư, Phở Thìn Lò Đúc, Phở Bát Đàn, Phở Gà Châm – Yên Ninh, Phở Gánh Hàng Chiếu, Phở Sướng, Phở Vui,…
=> See more: What makes Pho Suong Hanoi special?
Xôi – Delicious breakfast to start your Hanoi culinary tour
Xôi is one of Hanoi’s most beloved specialties, a dish that has captured the hearts of countless food lovers. Some may dismiss it as just another simple street food, available anywhere, but only after tasting Hanoi’s version of this sticky rice delight will you understand why it has become a must-try culinary experience in the capital.
Hanoi’s xôi comes in a dazzling variety, each offering a unique texture and flavor. For a humble yet satisfying option, there is xôi xéo with golden mung bean paste, xôi sắn (cassava sticky rice), xôi trắng (plain sticky rice), xôi cốm (young green rice), xôi ngô (corn sticky rice), xôi đậu đen (black bean sticky rice), and xôi lạc (peanut sticky rice).
Those looking for something more indulgent can enjoy xôi topped with shredded chicken, Chinese sausage, braised pork with eggs, or even the sweet and fragrant xôi vò paired with chè (Vietnamese sweet soup). Each variation delivers its own distinctive taste and irresistible appeal.
If you want to savor the best xôi in Hanoi, here are some must-visit spots:
- Xôi Yến – 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Lý Thái Tổ Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Quán Bánh Khúc Quân – 35 Cầu Gỗ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Xôi Bà Thu 57 Thợ Nhuộm – 57 Thợ Nhuộm Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Xôi Làng Mai – 58 Hoàng Hoa Thám Street, Thụy Khuê Ward, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi.
Bún đậu mắm tôm
Bún đậu mắm tôm is a simple yet famous dish from Northern Vietnam, originating in the heart of Hanoi. Traditionally enjoyed as a light meal or street snack, it has also become a popular choice for dinner.
The dish features fresh rice vermicelli, crispy golden fried tofu, chả cốm (fried pork patties with young rice), tender boiled pork, fermented pork rolls, blood sausage, and a bold shrimp paste dipping sauce mixed with calamansi and chili. It is always served with an array of fresh herbs such as perilla, Vietnamese balm, mint, lettuce, and pickled eggplant, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Like many beloved street foods, bún đậu mắm tôm is affordable, making it a favorite among locals. Despite its humble nature, it has gained a strong following, and vendors selling this dish often enjoy impressive success.
For those eager to experience the best bún đậu mắm tôm in Hanoi, these are some must-visit spots:
- Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Gốc Đa – 4 Gạch Alley, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Bún Đậu Nghĩa Tân – 104 C3, Nghĩa Tân Street, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi.
- Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Ngõ Trạm – 1B Trạm Alley, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Thành Công – 111 – K7 Thành Công, Ba Đình District, Hanoi.
Bún riêu (Crab noodles)
For generations, bún riêu has been a staple of Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage, earning its place as one of the city’s most beloved traditional dishes. While this flavorful noodle soup has been adapted with regional variations across Vietnam, nothing compares to enjoying an authentic bowl in the heart of the capital.
The harmonious blend of fresh rice vermicelli, tangy tomato-based broth, delicate crab paste, fried tofu, and aromatic herbs creates an unforgettable taste. This unique combination keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more.
If you are looking for the best bún riêu in Hanoi, be sure to visit these famous spots:
- Bún Riêu Hàng Bồ – 44 Hàng Bồ Street, Hanoi.
- Bún Riêu Tóp Mỡ Hàng Cót – 17 Hàng Cót Street, Hanoi.
- Bún Riêu Cua Hàng Bạc – 11 Hàng Bạc Street, Hanoi.
- Bún Riêu Cua Hàng Tre – 40 Hàng Tre Street, Hanoi.
Bún chả
Bún chả is a beloved Vietnamese dish featuring tender grilled pork, fresh rice vermicelli, and a bowl of perfectly balanced dipping sauce that blends sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This dish originated from Northern Vietnam, has been processed by the people into many flavors that have lasted over time and is still one of the most famous culinary dishes of Hanoi.
Although it shares similarities with bún thịt nướng from Central and Southern Vietnam, there are distinct differences. The key variation lies in the dipping sauce, which is lighter and more delicate in Hanoi’s version.
For the ultimate bún chả experience in Hanoi, make sure to check out these legendary eateries:
- Bún Chả Đắc Kim – 1 Hàng Mành, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Bún Chả Mai Hắc Đế – 114 Mai Hắc Đế Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi.
- Bún Chả Tôn Đức Thắng – 44, Alley 221 Tôn Đức Thắng, Đống Đa District, Hanoi.
- Bún Chả Obuncha – 46 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
Nem nướng Nha Trang
Nem nướng Nha Trang is a rustic yet irresistible dish that originates from Ninh Hòa, a district in the northern part of Khánh Hòa Province, just 30 kilometers from the coastal city of Nha Trang. This beloved specialty is widely available, from bustling food stalls to roadside vendors, making it incredibly easy to find and enjoy.
What sets nem nướng Nha Trang apart is the quality of its ingredients. The star of the dish is the grilled pork sausage, made from finely ground pork leg meat and local pork fat, delivering a perfect balance of tenderness and smoky richness. It is served with a variety of accompaniments, including rice paper, crispy fried rice paper, fresh herbs, and a signature dipping sauce that ties everything together in a symphony of flavors.
For those in Hanoi craving an authentic taste of nem nướng Nha Trang, here are some of the best places to try:
- Nem Nướng Nha Trang Quế Hoa – 23 Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Nem Nướng Nha Trang Cô Lê – 9H2, Alley 130 Xuân Thủy Street, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi.
- Nem Nướng Xuân Dần – 5, Alley 95 Giang Văn Minh, Ba Đình District, Hanoi.
- Nem Nướng Nha Trang Ý Thiên – Tự Do Alley, Trương Định, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi.
Lẩu (Vietnamese hot-pot)
Hot pot, or lẩu, is believed to have originated in East Asia for a simple yet practical reason. According to La Jolla Mom, early records of hot pot or similar dishes date back nearly 900 years to Mongolia. In its earliest form, hot pot broth was a simple meat-based stock without any spicy elements. However, over the centuries, the dish has evolved into the flavorful, ingredient-rich experience we know today.
A traditional hot pot meal requires careful preparation, including specialized cooking equipment. Whether using a gas stove, charcoal burner, electric stove, induction cooker, or even a mini alcohol burner, the essential element is a large pot filled with simmering broth. Into this bubbling soup, diners add a variety of ingredients such as thinly sliced meats, fish, eel, fresh vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, and other delicacies, creating a dynamic and interactive dining experience.
For those looking to enjoy an authentic hot pot feast in Hanoi, these are some top-rated spots:
- Bếp Thái Koh Yam – A popular Thai hot pot chain with nine locations in Hanoi.
- Khrua Baan Thai – A well-loved Thai restaurant with six locations across the city.
- ThaiExpress – A trusted brand offering Thai-style hot pot at eleven locations in Hanoi.
- Hotpot Story – A go-to destination for hot pot lovers, available at multiple outlets, including major shopping malls.
Dookki
Dookki is a renowned Korean tteokbokki hot pot buffet chain, famous for its slogan “Two Meals in One.” This concept allows diners to first enjoy a flavorful tteokbokki hot pot and then finish off with a delicious fried rice dish, made using the remaining sauce from the pot. The buffet-style setup gives you the freedom to customize your meal by selecting a variety of toppings, including Korean rice cakes, fish cakes, meat, vegetables, seafood, and more, while also creating your own signature dipping sauce.
With multiple locations across Hanoi, from the city center to suburban districts, Dookki makes it easy for food lovers to find a branch nearby. Here are some of the best locations to experience this exciting tteokbokki feast:
- Dookki Big C Thăng Long – 3rd Floor, 222 Trần Duy Hưng Street, Cầu Giấy District.
- Dookki AEON Mall Long Biên – 3rd Floor, 27 Cổ Linh Street, Long Biên District.
- Dookki AEON Mall Hà Đông – Basement Level B1, Dương Nội Urban Area, Hà Đông District.
- Dookki Mipec Tower – 5th Floor, 229 Tây Sơn Street, Đống Đa District.
Top 5 delicious street foods in Hanoi
Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich variety of street food that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. If you’re looking to indulge in the city’s best local flavors, here are the top 5 delicious street foods in Hanoi you shouldn’t miss!
Chè
Chè is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This delightful treat is typically served as a sweet, syrupy dish, with sugar as the key ingredient. The variety of chè is endless, incorporating a mix of beans, seeds, sticky rice, coconut milk, grains, and fruits, creating a refreshing and flavorful experience in every bowl.
In Hanoi, chè is more than just a dessert – it is a beloved street food enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether it’s midday, late afternoon, or evening, the sight of bustling chè stalls filled with eager customers is a common scene across the city’s vibrant streets. With its diverse flavors and textures, chè is a year-round favorite among locals. Some of the most popular variations include chè bưởi (pomelo sweet soup), chè đậu đỏ (red bean sweet soup), chè khúc bạch (almond jelly with lychee), chè sen dừa (lotus seed coconut sweet soup), chè tổ yến (bird’s nest sweet soup), chè dừa dầm (coconut jelly dessert), and even chè bột lọc heo quay (sweet soup with roasted pork dumplings).
For those looking to indulge in the best chè in Hanoi, here are some must-visit dessert spots:
- Chè Gỗ – 9 Trần Phú Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi.
- Quán Chè Xoan – 29 Hàng Giấy Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Quán Chè Bốn Mùa – 4 Hàng Cân Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Quán Chè 1976 – Alley 72 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Chè Bưởi Đê La Thành – 491 Đê La Thành, Ba Đình District, Hanoi.
Bánh rán
When visiting Hanoi, in addition to famous dishes such as pho, bun cha, bun dau mam tom, food lovers cannot miss banh chua, a simple but irresistibly delicious street snack. In Hanoi, locals have a long tradition of enjoying afternoon snacks, and banh chua has remained the top choice for generations. This snack is enough to satisfy hunger without being too filling – providing an opportunity for people to gather, chat and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant street food culture.
For many Hanoians, bánh rán is a nostalgic childhood favorite, especially the sweet version, which features a golden, crispy exterior with a gooey mung bean filling. Over time, this beloved treat has evolved to cater to diverse tastes, leading to the creation of savory bánh rán, stuffed with ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and seasonings, offering a delightful twist while preserving its traditional essence.
For an authentic taste of bánh rán in Hanoi, check out these famous spots:
- Bánh Rán 52 Hàng Chiếu – 52 Hàng Chiếu Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Rán Ô Quan Chưởng – Corner of Hàng Chiếu Street & Ô Quan Chưởng Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Rán Hải Xệ – 5 Lương Ngọc Quyến Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Rán Tí Hon Bùi Ngọc Dương – 124, Alley 8 Bùi Ngọc Dương Street, Đống Đa District, Hanoi.
Bánh tráng trộn & bánh tráng nướng
Bánh tráng, also known as rice paper, is a thin, round sheet made from rice flour and traditionally dried under the sun. It plays a key role in many Vietnamese dishes, from fresh spring rolls and fried spring rolls (chả giò) to the ever-popular bánh tráng trộn and bánh tráng nướng. Depending on the preparation method, rice paper can be either softened by water for a chewy texture or grilled to a crispy perfection.
- Bánh tráng nướng: Often referred to as Vietnamese pizza, this dish features crispy grilled rice paper loaded with toppings like quail eggs, dried shrimp, scallions, and creamy sauces.
- Bánh tráng trộn: A flavorful and addictive snack where shredded rice paper is mixed with dried shrimp, fried shallots, tangy fish sauce, fresh herbs, and chili, creating a delightful combination of chewy, crunchy, and savory-sweet flavors.
If you are craving authentic bánh tráng trộn or bánh tráng nướng in Hanoi, here are some must-visit spots:
- Quán Đà Lạt – 164 Hồng Mai Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Tráng Trộn Tina Trần – 3A15, Alley 33 Chùa Láng, Đống Đa District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Tráng Bé My – 33 Quang Trung Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Tráng Trộn Quang Đăng – 10, Alley 67 Phùng Khoang Street, Nam Từ Liêm District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Tráng Sài Gòn – 3 Nguyễn Siêu Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
=> See more: Where to Find the Best Banh Xeo in Hanoi: A Local’s Guide
Bánh đúc
On chilly afternoons in Hanoi, nothing beats a comforting bowl of bánh đúc nóng, a soft and silky rice cake drenched in a flavorful sweet and sour fish sauce. This humble yet beloved dish is a nostalgic treat that brings warmth to locals as the temperature drops.
Traditionally, bánh đúc is made by slowly cooking rice flour with lye water until it reaches a smooth and elastic texture. It is then cooled, cut into squares, and enjoyed with rich tương bần (fermented soybean sauce), creating a nutty aroma from the peanuts hidden within. For those who prefer a lighter and more refreshing take, bánh đúc nộm is an excellent alternative.
In this version, thin strips of rice cake are served with blanched bean sprouts, fresh Vietnamese herbs (perilla, coriander, and water mint), and a fragrant sesame-peanut dressing that perfectly balances richness and freshness.
If you’re looking to savor the best bánh đúc in Hanoi, here are some must-visit spots:
- Bánh Đúc Nóng Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm – 35B Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi.
- Bánh Đúc Nóng Lê Ngọc Hân – 8, Alley 8B Lê Ngọc Hân, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi.
- Quán Món Ngon Quà Chiều – 375 Trường Chinh Street, Thanh Xuân District, Hanoi.
Nem chua rán
A beloved Hanoi street food specialty, nem chua rán is a deep-fried snack made from minced pork and pork skin, prepared in a process similar to traditional nem chua (fermented pork rolls) but without the tangy, sour flavor. Instead, the frying process gives it a crispy golden crust and a rich, savory taste, making it a favorite among street food lovers, especially young food enthusiasts. Some variations are grilled instead of fried, offering a slightly smoky twist on this classic snack.
If you’re in Hanoi and craving the best nem chua rán, be sure to visit these top spots:
- Nem Rán Thụy Khuê – 29 Thụy Khuê Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi.
- Nem Chua Rán Ngõ Tạm Thương – 36 Tạm Thương Alley, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
- Nem Chua Rán Tạ Hiện – 29A Tạ Hiện Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
How to join a Hanoi Food Tour
There are two main ways to enjoy an authentic Hanoi Food Tour. The first option is to book a guided food tour with a local service. These tours are led by experienced guides who take you to the best eateries, from hidden street food stalls to famous local restaurants. You’ll not only get to taste a variety of Hanoi’s signature dishes but also learn about the history and culture behind them.
The second way is to plan your own Hanoi Food Tour. If you prefer flexibility and adventure, you can research famous local eateries, create your own itinerary, and take a taxi or motorbike to each location. This DIY approach allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. However, it requires some preparation, such as checking reviews, understanding local specialties, and knowing how to get around the city efficiently.
Here is the “Hanoi Food Tour Plan for First-Time Visitors to Hanoi”. Wishing you a delightful trip to Vietnam! If you’re visiting Vietnam and the capital, Hanoi, you can book a room at San Hotel at the best prices here!
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