The Ultimate Guide to Traditional Hanoi Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

Welcome to our ultimate guide to traditional Hanoi cuisine! In this journey, we will explore the vibrant food culture of Hanoi, the must-try dishes, and the best places to find these culinary delights.

Day 1: A Gastronomic Adventure Begins

1. Start Your Day with Pho

Your culinary adventure in Hanoi begins with a bowl of Pho, the quintessential Vietnamese dish that has become famous worldwide. Head to Cau Go Street, where you will find plenty of street vendors serving their version of this hearty noodle soup.

Recommended Spot: Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan Street). Known for its rich broth and tender beef slices, this place is a local favorite.

2. Mid-Morning Snack at Xoi Yen

Next, head to Xoi Yen (35B Nguyen Huu Huan) to try one of Hanoi’s delightful snacks — Xoi (Sticky Rice). This dish is often topped with a variety of ingredients like mung beans, fried shallots, and pork.

3. Lunchtime with Bun Cha

For lunch, try Bun Cha — a dish of grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs. Visit Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu Street), famously known as the place where President Obama dined with Anthony Bourdain.

The smoky flavor of the grilled meat paired with the fresh, zesty herbs makes it a must-try.

4. Afternoon Delight: Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang

To jolt yourself out of that post-lunch slump, head to Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan) to savor the unique Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung). This creamy concoction made with egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee will surely delight your taste buds.

5. Evening: Nem Ran and Nem Cua Be at Cha Ca Street

For dinner, head to Cha Ca Street and indulge in some Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls) and Nem Cua Be (Crab Spring Rolls). The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make these spring rolls a perfect way to end your first day.

Don’t forget to try the local brew, Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer), available at many small street-side bars around this area.

Day 2: Delving Deeper into Hanoi’s Flavors

1. Breakfast: Banh Mi at Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen

Kickstart your second day with a delicious Banh Mi, the Vietnamese baguette sandwich that’s a must-eat in Hanoi. Head to Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen for a truly royal breakfast experience.

This place serves some of the best Banh Mi in town, with a crispy baguette and a variety of fillings like pate, ham, and fresh vegetables.

2. Mid-Morning: Bun Thang at Bun Thang Thanh Thanh

After breakfast, make your way to Bun Thang Thanh Thanh (23 Ton That Thiep) for a mid-morning treat. Bun Thang is a sophisticated Hanoi dish that combines shredded chicken, omelet strips, pork sausage, and mushrooms in a rich, clear broth.

3. Lunchtime: Cha Ca La Vong at Cha Ca Thang Long

For lunch, head to Cha Ca Thang Long (6B Duong Thanh Street) to enjoy Hanoi’s iconic dish, Cha Ca La Vong. This dish features flavorful grilled fish seasoned with turmeric and dill, served with rice noodles and peanuts.

This establishment has been serving up its famous grilled fish for over a century, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

4. Afternoon Snack: Sweet Treats at Xoi Che Ba Thin

When the afternoon cravings hit, head to Xoi Che Ba Thin (1 Bat Dan Street) for a taste of traditional Vietnamese desserts. Here, you’ll find delicious Xoi (Sticky Rice) and Che (Sweet Soup) varieties that offer a sweet respite from the day’s savory delights.

5. Evening: Snail Noodle Soup at Bun Oc Co Sau

For dinner, dive into a bowl of Snail Noodle Soup (Bun Oc) at Bun Oc Co Sau (354 Bach Mai Street). This unique dish features a tangy tomato-based broth filled with snails, tofu, and sometimes beef or pork.

The flavors are both refreshing and invigorating, perfect for an adventurous eater looking to try something different.

Day 3: Immersed in Hanoi’s Culinary Traditions

1. Breakfast: Pho Cuon at Ngu Xa Street

Start your day with a visit to Ngu Xa Street, where you can try Pho Cuon. This dish consists of fresh, uncut pho noodles rolled with beef and herbs, served with a dipping sauce.

Recommended Spot: Pho Cuon Huong Mai. Renowned for their fresh ingredients and flavorful rolls.

2. Mid-Morning: Banh Cuon at Thanh Van

For a mid-morning snack, head to Banh Cuon Thanh Van (81 Le Van Huu Street) to enjoy Banh Cuon, delicate steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms. These rolls are typically served with a side of cha (Vietnamese pork sausage) and a dipping sauce.

3. Lunchtime: Xoi Xeo at Xoi Yen

For lunch, enjoy one of Hanoi’s staple dishes, Xoi Xeo, a type of sweet sticky rice often served with mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, and a savory topping like pork or chicken. Xoi Yen (35B Nguyen Huu Huan) is famous for its wide variety of toppings and delicious sticky rice.

4. Afternoon Break: Che at Che 95

In the afternoon, treat yourself to Che, a traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert soup, often made from beans, fruit, and coconut milk. Visit Che 95 (95 Hang Bac) to explore various flavors and cool down with a refreshing bowl of sweet delight.

5. Dinner: Hanoi Style Grilled Fish at Cha Ca La Vong

For dinner, relive the experience of another timeless Hanoi dish at Cha Ca La Vong (7-9 Ho Xuan Huong). They serve an iconic Hanoi specialty featuring chunks of fish seasoned with turmeric and dill, cooked tableside, and served with noodles and herbs.

This historic location has been preparing this dish for generations, making it a must-visit for any culinary explorer.

A Journey Through Hanoi’s Culinary Wonders

As you explore Hanoi’s food scene, remember to take your time, ask locals for recommendations, and be open to trying new things. Each meal is a story, and each taste is a new memory waiting to be made. Whether it’s a humble bowl of Xoi or an exquisite dish at a renowned restaurant, the flavors of Hanoi are sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart.

So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey through the vibrant streets of Hanoi. Your taste buds will thank you!