Hanoi is a paradise for street food lovers, offering a myriad of Vietnamese culinary flavors. Joining a Hanoi street food tour review is one of the best ways to explore the vibrant culture and culinary heritage of the city. Let’s find out with Sanhotelseries the must-try dishes and the best places to visit right below!
1. Food Tour in Hanoi’s Old Quarter – Savoring the culinary delights of the 36 streets
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a foodie’s haven, where every street offers a taste of tradition. Dive into a world of authentic flavors and vibrant dishes that define the heart of the city.
1.1. Dong Xuan Market Alley food tour
Nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District, Dong Xuan Alley, also known as Dong Xuan Market Alley, is a vibrant 200-meter stretch packed with irresistible flavors. Located just a stone’s throw from the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, this alley is a food lover’s paradise, offering a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Here, you’ll find a stunning array of dishes beautifully prepared and ready to tempt your palate. From crispy spring rolls and golden shrimp cakes to vermicelli with snails and grilled pork on bamboo sticks, every corner is brimming with culinary delights. And don’t forget the sweet treats mixed sweet soups are a crowd favorite! What’s even better? The food here is incredibly budget-friendly. For just a few tens of thousands of dong, you can indulge in a hearty, satisfying meal.
One unmissable highlight of Dong Xuan Market is the legendary Huyen Anh Rib Porridge. This dish has earned a cult following among locals and tourists alike. With its creamy texture, deeply flavorful broth, and a secret blend of spices, Huyen Anh Rib Porridge is a bowl of comfort and satisfaction that keeps visitors coming back for more.
1.2. Bún chả Hàng Quạt (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
Tucked away in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, alley 74 Hang Quat is a hidden gem and a mecca for Bun Cha lovers. This small yet iconic eatery has been serving up traditional Hanoi-style Bun Cha for over two decades, preserving the authentic flavors that have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
The true essence of this dish lies in the cha, featuring two delectable varieties: grilled pork patties and juicy pork belly pieces. Made from a perfect blend of half-lean, half-fat pork, the meat is grilled to golden perfection, releasing a tantalizing aroma and a mouthwatering layer of caramelized fat.
The magic doesn’t stop there, the dipping sauce is a symphony of flavors. Carefully crafted from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and filtered water, it strikes the perfect balance of sweet and sour, complementing the smoky grilled pork. Served alongside are fresh, handmade noodles with a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with a medley of crisp raw vegetables like lettuce, perilla, and bean sprouts.
1.3. Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư (Beef Noodle Soup)
In Hanoi, finding a bowl of pho is easy, but discovering a truly exceptional one requires knowing where to look. For pho enthusiasts, Ly Quoc Su Street has become a beloved destination, home to one of Hanoi’s most renowned pho restaurants, Pho Ly Quoc Su, recognized by its iconic orange sign.
This eatery stays true to traditional methods, crafting each bowl with care and precision. The rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles reflect the dedication of the chefs, offering diners a taste of Hanoi’s finest pho. It is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and memorable culinary experience.
1.4. Bún đậu mắm tôm Hàng Khay (Fermented Shrimp Paste with Vermicelli and Tofu)
Hang Khay is a vibrant 160-meter street in the heart of Hanoi, connecting Trang Tien and Trang Thi Streets. Bustling with energy, this central street is a hub of activity, filled with people, vehicles, and most importantly, amazing food.
Hang Khay is famous for its wide array of delicious restaurants, offering iconic Hanoi dishes. Among these, vermicelli with tofu stands out as a signature delight. For Hanoians, mentioning “bún đậu mắm tôm” is synonymous with mentioning Hang Khay. Hidden in the cozy alleys are charming little eateries where you can savor an authentic tray of vermicelli with tofu, complete with the flavors that define Hanoi’s culinary heritage.
1.5. Bún thang Cầu Gỗ (Traditional Hanoi Vermicelli Soup)
Bun Thang is a culinary masterpiece of Hanoi, known for its delicate preparation and intricate presentation. Each bowl is a harmonious blend of thinly sliced omelette, pork roll, chicken, persimmon, radish, green onion, and fragrant Vietnamese coriander. The true magic lies in the meticulous cuts of every ingredient, creating a visually stunning dish. For an added depth of flavor, a touch of shrimp paste can be included to enhance the dish’s rich taste profile.
What truly elevates Bun Thang is the broth, a clear and sweet elixir simmered to perfection. At the renowned Bun Thang eatery at 48 Cau Go, the preparation process is nothing short of art. The broth is crafted from carefully simmered bones, started the night before and refrigerated to remove excess fat, ensuring only the purest essence is used. The cooking flame is meticulously controlled to achieve just the right balance, avoiding haste for the sake of perfection.
1.6. Bò nướng Mã Mây (Grilled Beef on Ma May Street)
As you stroll down Ma May Street, it is impossible to miss the mouthwatering aroma of grilled beef wafting through the air. Freshly prepared and perfectly marinated with bold spices, the beef is grilled over glowing charcoal until it reaches golden perfection. Each piece is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, with a layer of sizzling fat that adds an irresistible fragrance.
1.7. Phở Bát Đàn (Traditional Beef Noodle Soup)
Pho Bat Dan, located at 49 Bat Dan Street, is a legendary pho restaurant with over 100 years of history. Known for its unwavering popularity, this spot is rarely without a queue of eager diners. People flock to Pho Bat Dan not only to enjoy a bowl of Hanoi’s signature dish but also to experience its authentic, traditional flavor.
The hallmark of Pho Bat Dan lies in its timeless recipe. The broth is fragrant, clear, and naturally sweet, simmered to perfection with beef bones and marrow. The beef is carefully selected for its cleanliness and tenderness, while the chewy pho noodles maintain their texture without breaking.
What sets this place apart is the nostalgic charm it carries. The sight of customers patiently lining up for a bowl of pho is reminiscent of Hanoi during the subsidy period. This unique tradition has even earned Pho Bat Dan the nickname “phở chờ” (Queue Pho), making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic slice of Hanoi’s culinary heritage.
1.8. Chả cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Turmeric Fish with Dill)
Cha Ca La Vong is the name of a beloved Hanoi specialty, renowned for its unique preparation and rich history. This dish features chunks of fish carefully marinated with a secret blend of spices, grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma, and then pan-fried in sizzling fat to enhance its flavor.
The recipe has been preserved by the Doan family since 1871 at their original location at 17 Cha Ca Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The dish was so distinctive that they named it after their family, giving birth to the legendary name “Cha Ca La Vong”. Today, it remains a must-try delicacy that reflects the culinary heritage of Hanoi.
1.9. Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân (Four seasons sweet soup)
Established in 1975, Che 4 Mua Hang Can has been delighting sweet lovers for nearly 50 years. This iconic shop is famous for its traditional Vietnamese sweet soups made from beans, such as lotus seed, black bean, green bean, and red bean che, all served with homemade black jelly and tapioca pearls crafted from a secret family recipe.
The name “Che 4 Mua” reflects its seasonal approach, offering refreshing iced che during the summer and warm, comforting bowls in the winter. No matter the season, the desserts at Che 4 Mua are always a delicious and authentic taste of Hanoi’s culinary charm.
1.10. Giang Egg Coffee – Best Hanoi street food tour review
Tucked away in a small alley on Nguyen Huu Huan Street in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Cafe Giang may be a bit tricky to find, but the experience it offers is well worth the effort.
Famed for its signature egg coffee, this unique beverage is crafted by whipping egg yolks and condensed milk into a creamy froth, which is then layered over a rich cup of coffee. The result is a velvety, custard-like texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. Sipping egg coffee at Cafe Giang feels like enjoying a dessert and a drink all in one, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Hanoi’s vibrant coffee culture.
2. One day Hanoi food tour around Hoan Kiem lake walking street
Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake is not just a scenic landmark, but also a hub for some of the city’s most iconic street food. A one-day food tour around the walking streets offers the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors of Hanoi.
2.1. Trang Tien Ice Cream
For Hanoians, Trang Tien Ice Cream is more than just a dessert; it is a beloved symbol of the city’s culinary heritage. Today, this iconic treat is equally adored by tourists and newcomers to Hanoi, making it the first item you should add to your Hanoi walking street food tour.
Trang Tien Ice Cream boasts a distinctly traditional flavor that is delightful in any season. Many even prefer enjoying it during Hanoi’s chilly winters, savoring the cold of the ice cream alongside the crisp weather, creating a unique and memorable experience. Whether it is your first taste or a nostalgic treat, Trang Tien Ice Cream offers a true taste of Hanoi that you will not want to miss.
2.2. Nộm bò khô (Dried Beef Salad) near Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi dried beef salad is a beloved specialty snack that has become an iconic part of the city’s vibrant cuisine. Especially during Hanoi’s hot summer days, when heavy dishes feel less appealing, this cool and flavorful salad becomes the perfect choice for food lovers.
To savor the best dried beef salad in Hanoi, head to the small but bustling street near Hoan Kiem Lake. Though only a few dozen meters long, this area holds a magnetic charm with its irresistible offerings. Each plate is a colorful and satisfying mix of grated green papaya, shredded dried beef, boiled beef slices, beef tendon, dried liver, and roasted gizzard, all tossed in a perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce.
2.3. Bún riêu Hàng Bồ (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup)
The cuisine of Hanoi’s Old Quarter never fails to capture the hearts of both locals and visitors, and it is no surprise that a humble dish like bun rieu ranks among the most unforgettable “best foods” in the area. For a truly unique experience, Hang Bac Bun Rieu is a top recommendation.
The highlight of the bun rieu here is the flavorful crab-based broth, which is light, clear, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sourness and sweetness. Add a touch of chili for a spicy kick, and the result is simply irresistible. Each bowl, priced between 35,000 to 50,000 VND, comes generously packed with ingredients such as tofu, pork sausage with green rice flakes, and tender beef. To top it off, the friendly and attentive service makes the experience even more enjoyable.
2.4. Trứng chén nướng (Grilled Egg Cups)
Tucked away at 32 Ngo Hoi Vu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Co Ty Grilled Egg Cup is the first and only eatery serving this one-of-a-kind dish. Opening in the late afternoon, the spot often draws crowds, with customers filling the sidewalk.
Each bowl, priced at just 12,000 VND, features grilled quail eggs topped with sausage slices, pork floss, scallion oil, and butter. Served hot and fragrant, it is a savory treat you will not want to miss. Let it cool slightly before savoring its unique flavors.
2.5. Bún chả Ôbuncha (Grilled Pork Vermicelli)
Bun Cha Hanoi, a celebrated specialty of the city, has earned a spot on National Geographic’s list of the 10 best street foods in the world. Despite its simple ingredients, crafting the perfect bowl of bun cha requires meticulous attention to detail and dedication at every step.
For an exceptional experience, head to Obuncha Bun Cha at 46 Nguyen Huu Huan, a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Known for its authentic flavors and warm service, this eatery has won the hearts of international diners. Their signature dish, Hanoi-style bun cha grilled on bamboo sticks, paired with crispy crab spring rolls, is a must-try for anyone exploring the city’s culinary scene.
=> See more: Best Vietnamese Restaurant In Hanoi Old Quarter: Top 10 Restaurant
Here is the “Hanoi Street Food Tour Review: Traditional Flavors You Cannot Miss”. 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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