Top Foods to Try When You First Arrive in Hanoi

In Hanoi, every dish tells a story, deeply rooted in local culture and traditions. From savory noodle soups to sweet, frothy beverages, the city is a haven for food lovers. To truly experience the heart of Hanoi, here’s a guide to its iconic dishes and the best spots to enjoy them.


1. Pho (Phở)

What It Is:
A fragrant noodle soup, traditionally made with beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà), served in a flavorful broth with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.

Where to Try:

  • Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn (49 Bát Đàn Street): Famous for its minimalist style, focusing on a clear, aromatic broth and quality noodles.
  • Phở Thìn (13 Lò Đúc Street): Renowned for its rich, flavorful broth and stir-fried beef, offering a unique twist on the classic.

2. Bun Cha (Bún Chả)

What It Is:
Grilled pork, served in a sweet-savory dipping sauce with rice noodles and fresh herbs. Often paired with crispy crab spring rolls (nem cua bể).

Where to Try:

  • Bún Chả Hương Liên (24 Lê Văn Hưu Street): Famously visited by Barack Obama, this spot serves perfectly caramelized pork and crispy spring rolls.
  • Bún Chả Đắc Kim (1 Hàng Mành Street): Known for generous portions and a flavorful, well-balanced dipping sauce.

3. Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Chả Cá)

What It Is:
Turmeric-marinated fish grilled to perfection, served with dill, peanuts, and rice noodles.

Where to Try:

  • Chả Cá Lã Vọng (14 Chả Cá Street): The birthplace of this dish, offering a traditional dining experience.
  • Chả Cá Thăng Long (21-31 Đường Thành Street): A modern take on the classic, with high-quality ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.

4. Banh Cuon (Bánh Cuốn)

What It Is:
Delicate rice rolls filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, topped with crispy shallots and served with fish sauce.

Where to Try:

  • Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành (66 Tô Hiến Thành Street): A family-run eatery known for its silky, flavorful rice rolls.
  • Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân (12-14 Hàng Gà Street): Celebrated for its thin, soft rice rolls and perfectly seasoned dipping sauce.

5. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

What It Is:
A velvety coffee drink made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and Vietnamese coffee, resulting in a frothy, custard-like texture.

Where to Try:

  • Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street): The original creator of egg coffee, offering a nostalgic, authentic experience.
  • Café Đinh (13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street): A cozy café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, perfect for enjoying this iconic drink.

Why Hanoi’s Food Scene is Unmissable

From bustling street stalls to family-run restaurants, Hanoi offers a culinary journey like no other. These iconic dishes are more than just meals—they’re an invitation to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Plan your food adventure in Hanoi and savor the flavors that make this city a gastronomic paradise!

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