Hanoi street food is an essential part when discovering the culture of Vietnam’s capital. Pho, banh mi, bun cha, bun rieu, or the rustic bun dau mam tom,… each dish not only delights the palate but also tells a story of Hanoi’s history and people. Take time to stroll through the streets, savor these incredible flavors, and fully immerse yourself in the culinary beauty of the capital.
Hanoi cuisine is a major attraction for many tourists visiting the city
Best Hanoi street food for a main meal
Hanoi is a culinary paradise, offering an array of enticing street food dishes for main meals. Here are some of the best food in Hanoi Vietnam, and bring stories of the culture and people of this thousand-year-old capital.
Banh Mi
Banh mi is a symbol of the cultural fusion between Vietnam and France, as well as an essential part of the Hanoi street food scene. With a perfectly crispy golden crust, Hanoi’s banh mi features a rich variety of fillings, including creamy pate, savory Vietnamese sausage (cha lua), and tender grilled meat. The flavors are balanced with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a touch of spicy chili sauce.
Hanoians often choose banh mi as a quick yet nutritious breakfast. Small banh mi carts, with their irresistible aroma, can be found on nearly every street corner, ready to serve customers from early morning until late at night. A bite into a crispy banh mi, with its harmonious blend of ingredients, is an unmissable culinary experience when visiting Hanoi.
Banh Mi (Vietnamese name: Bánh Mì)
Pho (Rice Noodle Soup with Beef)
Pho is a quintessential dish that embodies the cultural essence and pride of Vietnamese cuisine. In Hanoi, beef pho is made with a clear, subtly sweet broth simmered from beef bones and fragrant herbs such as cinnamon, star anise, and black cardamom. The soft, slightly chewy rice noodles pair perfectly with thinly sliced beef, green onions, and a dash of lime and chili to enhance the flavor.
Enjoying a steaming bowl of pho on a chilly Hanoi morning is an unforgettable experience. From long-standing establishments like pho to small street-side vendors, each place brings its unique take on this dish, making Hanoi pho a distinctive highlight on the global culinary map.
Pho (Vietnamese name: Phở)
Bun Cha (Rice Vermicelli Dipped in Soup with Pork)
Bun cha is a highly popular lunch choice among Hanoians. The dish features grilled pork patties and slices of marinated pork belly, cooked over charcoal to create an enticing aroma. It is served with fresh rice noodles, a tangy-sweet dipping sauce, and pickled green papaya and carrot.
What makes bun cha irresistible is the harmonious blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors in every bite. One of the best places to enjoy this dish is Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can savor freshly made bun cha while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the capital city.
Bun Cha Ha Noi (Vietnamese name: Bún Chả Hà Nội)
Xoi (Sticky Rice)
Sticky rice is deeply rooted in Hanoi’s daily life, serving as a filling breakfast and a traditional festival dish. Made from carefully selected glutinous rice, xoi is soft, fragrant, and accompanied by a variety of toppings, such as braised pork, fried egg, braised egg, Vietnamese pork sausage, shredded pork floss, and more.
Each type of xoi has its unique flavor. Xoi Xeo, with its golden mung bean topping and rich scallion oil, is one of the most beloved versions. Early in the morning, sticky rice vendors can be found at street corners, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma that beckons anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying start to their day.
Xoi (Vietnamese name: Xôi)
Bun Rieu (Rice Vermicelli Crab-Tomato Soup)
Bun Rieu is a comforting noodle soup beloved by locals and tourists alike. Its tangy broth is made from ripe tomatoes and the natural sweetness of freshwater crab. The dish is garnished with green onions, fermented shrimp paste, chili oil, and fresh herbs like water spinach and bean sprouts for added flavor.
Bun Rieu is a popular choice for a light lunch or dinner, especially on sweltering summer days. The small street vendors selling bun rieu not only offer delicious food but also provide a cozy and rustic dining experience that captures the authentic essence of Hanoi.
Bun Rieu (Vietnamese name: Bún Riêu)
Bun Dau Mam Tom (Tofu with Fermented Shrimp Paste and Noodles)
Bun Dau mam tom is a unique dish that reflects the rustic charm of Hanoi’s cuisine. It consists of soft vermicelli noodles, crispy fried tofu, boiled pork, chewy green rice sausage (cha com), and a tangy-sweet fermented shrimp paste (mam tom). For those unfamiliar with shrimp paste, fish sauce can be used as a substitute, but to fully enjoy the authentic flavor, mam tom remains the top choice.
This dish is often served on a bamboo tray lined with banana leaves, adding a homely and traditional touch. Bun dau mam tom not only offers a delightful taste but also showcases the sophistication of Hanoi’s culinary art, where every ingredient is carefully chosen and meticulously prepared.
Bun Dau Mam Tom (Vietnamese name: Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)
Best Hanoi street food for a snack
Hanoi food for light meals offers unique and unforgettable experiences. These snacks are not just casual treats but also an essential part of exploring the distinctive culinary culture of Vietnam’s capital.
Nom Thit Bo Kho (Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef)
Green papaya salad with dried beef is a popular and beloved snack in Hanoi, especially in the afternoon. This dish combines crunchy shredded green papaya, savory dried beef, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs. A tangy and sweet dressing, skillfully prepared, is drizzled over the salad, creating a burst of flavor with every bite.
Enjoying this salad on small plastic stools at roadside stalls lets you soak in the vibrant and laid-back atmosphere of Hanoi’s streets. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you a sense of the city’s warmth and charm.
Nom Thit Bo Kho (Vietnamese name: Nộm Thịt Bò Khô)
Thit Xien Nuong (Grilled Meat Skewer)
Hanoi grilled pork skewers are a signature street food, closely associated with the image of Vietnam’s capital. This dish captivates diners with its rich, fragrant flavor from pieces of meat marinated with care. The pork, often taken from shoulder cuts or belly, is both tender and slightly fatty. Before grilling, the meat is marinated with fish sauce, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, honey, and a bit of pepper to create a harmonious taste.
Enjoying Hanoi grilled pork skewers is not just a culinary experience but also a way to feel the unique culture of the city. These skewers are often sold at street stalls or sidewalk vendors, where sellers are always busy flipping the meat over glowing charcoal. The dish is typically served with baguettes, sticky rice, or fresh vegetables to enhance its flavor.
Thit Xien Nuong (Vietnamese name: Thịt Xiên Nướng)
Banh Tom and Banh Goi (Shrimp Pancakes and Fried Dumplings)
Shrimp pancakes (banh tom) and fried dumplings (banh goi) are two crispy street snacks that embody Hanoi’s culinary style. Shrimp pancakes are made from a crispy batter topped with fresh shrimp and fried to a golden hue. Fried dumplings, on the other hand, feature a thin crust filled with minced pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and vegetables, creating a balanced and flavorful bite.
Both are served with a diluted fish sauce dipping mixture containing vinegar, garlic, and chili, alongside fresh greens like lettuce and coriander. These treats are perfect for sharing with friends during the afternoon or evening while discovering Hanoi’s street food culture.
Banh Tom (Vietnamese name: Bánh Tôm)
Banh Goi (Vietnamese name: Bánh Gối)
Banh Trang Tron and Banh Trang Nuong (Mixed Rice Paper and Grilled Rice Paper)
Mixed rice paper (banh trang tron) and grilled rice paper (banh trang nuong) are two irresistible snacks loved by Hanoi’s youth. Mixed rice paper includes soft rice paper, shredded green mango, quail eggs, dried beef, and roasted peanuts, all tossed together with a tangy, spicy-sweet sauce. Its diverse flavors make it hard to resist.
Grilled rice paper, often dubbed “Vietnamese pizza,” combines crispy rice paper with toppings such as egg, sausage, cheese, and green onions. Grilled over hot charcoal, it releases an enticing aroma that draws everyone in. These snacks not only satisfy cravings but also showcase the endless creativity of the Hanoi street food scene.
Banh Trang Tron (Vietnamese name: Bánh Tráng Trộn)
Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese name: Bánh Tráng Nướng)
Tao Pho (Silken Tofu in Sweet Syrup)
Tao pho is a light, refreshing snack often enjoyed on hot summer days in Hanoi. This silky-smooth dessert is served with a mildly sweet jasmine-infused syrup. Some variations include toppings like tapioca pearls, shredded coconut, or jelly, adding to its appeal.
Sitting at a quiet street corner and savoring a chilled bowl of tofu pudding, you’ll experience the simplicity and elegance of Hanoi’s culinary artistry. This dish is not only delicious but also brings a sense of calm and comfort.
Tao Pho (Vietnamese name: Tào Phớ)
Kem Trang Tien (Trang Tien Ice Cream)
Trang Tien ice cream is more than just a snack; it’s a culinary icon that evokes nostalgia for generations of Hanoians. Made from natural ingredients, it features traditional flavors like green rice, coconut milk, mung bean, or chocolate.
Enjoying a stick of Trang Tien ice cream on the pavement allows you to feel the familiar, down-to-earth vibe of the capital. Each bite carries a hint of the past, taking you back to the simpler days of Hanoi.
Kem Trang Tien (Vietnamese name: Kem Tràng Tiền)
Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)
Egg coffee is a unique beverage that everyone visiting Hanoi should try. Made by whipping egg yolks with sugar, milk, and hot coffee, this drink offers a creamy, rich flavor that’s hard to resist. The velvety egg foam on top complements the robust black coffee beneath, creating a perfect balance.
Egg coffee is not just a drink but an art form in Hanoi’s culinary tradition. Sitting in a vintage café, sipping egg coffee while watching the bustling streets, you’ll feel the serene and timeless beauty of this thousand-year-old city.
Ca Phe Trung (Vietnamese name: Cà Phê Trứng)
The best places to explore Hanoi street food
Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake are renowned destinations offering unique culinary experiences for both locals and visitors. Take your best time to explore Hanoi and soak in the distinctive atmosphere they provide!
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is not only a cultural and historical area of Hanoi but also a street food paradise. The area around the lake is packed with food stalls and street vendors where you can enjoy iconic dishes like fried cakes (banh ran), green papaya salad with dried beef (nom bo kho), and the famous Trang Tien ice cream. The airy, refreshing atmosphere around the lake makes it a delightful spot to savor delicious food while admiring the sparkling beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake at night.
The pedestrian zone around the lake during weekends is an excellent opportunity to explore Hanoi street food. You’ll come across small carts offering a variety of dishes, from pho cuon (rolled pho) and bun cha to grilled street snacks. Each dish here not only offers incredible flavors but also tells the story of Hanoi’s culinary evolution through the ages.
>> Read more: 16 unique and exciting things to do in Ha Noi
West Lake
West Lake, with its expansive space and fresh air, is another ideal destination for exploring Hanoi street food. Around the lake, particularly on Thanh Nien Road and Trich Sai Street, you’ll find numerous eateries offering signature dishes like West Lake shrimp cakes (banh tom), boiled snails (oc luoc), and a variety of grilled snacks.
West Lake shrimp cakes are a must-try here. These crispy treats, filled with fresh, sweet shrimp, are served with tangy dipping sauce and fresh herbs. In the evening, sitting at a small lakeside eatery, enjoying shrimp cakes while watching the sunset over the water, you’ll experience an unmatched sense of peace and relaxation in the heart of Hanoi.
Additionally, West Lake is famous for its charming cafés and specialty drinks. A warm cup of egg coffee or a refreshing lotus tea is the perfect way to wrap up your culinary exploration here.
The street food stalls are a distinctive feature of Hanoi’s culinary culture
Conclusion
Hanoi street food is not just a harmonious blend of traditional flavors and creativity but also a reflection of the soul of this thousand-year-old capital. Exploring street food is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the bustling rhythm of life and feel the warmth and hospitality of the local people.
Iconic destinations like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and West Lake are perfect places to experience a Hanoi that is both ancient and modern through dishes rich in local flavors.
To make your journey even more fulfilling, consider joining Hanoi tours with Hoabinh Tourist. With thoughtfully designed itineraries, Hoabinh Tourist will guide you to the most prominent attractions, savor signature dishes, and have an in-depth experience of Hanoi’s culture and people.
>> 1/2 Day Morning Hanoi city tour: Tran Quoc Pagoda – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Vietnam Ethnology Museum
>> 1/2 Day Afternoon Hanoi city tour: Temple of Literature – Hoa Lo Prison Museum – Ngoc Son Temple
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