Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is a foodie heaven with a diverse culinary scene that embodies the country’s history, customs, and inventiveness. The most well-known Hanoi foods are listed in detail below, along with suggestions for the greatest eateries and food vendors to sample them at.

1. Phở (Noodle Soup from Vietnam)
The most famous cuisine in Vietnam, phở, originated in Hanoi. The two options for this tasty noodle soup are chicken (phở gà) or beef (phở bò). Simmering bones, spices, and herbs for hours creates a light yet flavorful broth.

Where to Try:

  • Phở Thìn
    • Address: 13 Lò Đúc Street, Hai Bà Trưng District
    • Specialty: Known for its rich and smoky broth, with stir-fried beef added for extra flavor.
    • Price: ~50,000–70,000 VND
  • Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn
    • Address: 49 Bát Đàn Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Traditional Hanoi-style pho with a clear, aromatic broth. Expect to queue during peak hours!
    • Price: ~50,000–60,000 VND
  • Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư
    • Address: 10 Lý Quốc Sư Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: A favorite among locals and tourists for its balanced flavors and quality ingredients.
    • Price: ~50,000–70,000 VND

2. Bún Chả (Noodles with Grilled Pork )
This dish includes rice noodles, fresh herbs, and grilled pork slices and patties served in a sweet, tangy fish sauce broth. It became well-known throughout the world after Barack Obama ate there while in Hanoi.

Where to Try:

  • Bún Chả Hương Liên (Obama Bun Cha)
    • Address: 24 Lê Văn Hưu Street, Hai Bà Trưng District
    • Specialty: Famous for hosting President Obama, this restaurant serves authentic and flavorful bún chả.
    • Price: ~50,000–70,000 VND
  • Bún Chả Hàng Quạt
    • Address: 74 Hàng Quạt Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Generous portions of grilled pork and noodles, with a bold dipping sauce.
    • Price: ~50,000–70,000 VND

3. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwiches)
French baguettes and Vietnamese ingredients are delightfully combined in Hanoi’s version of bánh mì. Pate, cold cuts, pickled veggies, grilled meat, and herbs are some of the fillings.

Where to Try:

  • Bánh Mì 25
    • Address: 25 Hàng Cá Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Freshly baked baguettes with a variety of fillings, including vegetarian options.
    • Price: ~20,000–40,000 VND
  • Bánh Mì P
    • Address: 12 Hàng Buồm Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Known for its crispy baguettes and flavorful fillings, especially the grilled pork.
    • Price: ~25,000–40,000 VND

4. Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Turmeric Fish)

This signature Hanoi dish features grilled fish marinated with turmeric, dill, and galangal, served with rice noodles, peanuts, and dipping sauce.

Where to Try:

  • Chả Cá Thăng Long
    • Address: 19–21–31 Đường Thành Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: A modern take on the classic dish, with high-quality fish and excellent service.
    • Price: ~120,000–200,000 VND per person

5. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Delicate rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a side of fish sauce and fried shallots.

Where to Try:

  • Bánh Cuốn Bà Hanh
    • Address: 26B Thọ Xương Alley, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Thin, silky rice rolls made fresh to order, served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
    • Price: ~30,000–50,000 VND
  • Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân
    • Address: 12–14 Hàng Gà Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Known for its traditional method of preparation and generous fillings.
    • Price: ~30,000–50,000 VND

6. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

A Hanoi specialty, egg coffee is made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, creating a creamy topping for robust Vietnamese coffee.

Where to Try:

  • Café Giảng
    • Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: The original creator of egg coffee, offering both hot and iced versions.
    • Price: ~30,000–50,000 VND
  • Café Đinh
    • Address: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: A cozy, hidden café with authentic egg coffee and a view of Hoan Kiem Lake.
    • Price: ~30,000–40,000 VND

7. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

A popular breakfast dish, xôi is sticky rice topped with various ingredients like shredded chicken, pork floss, or mung beans.

Where to Try:

  • Xôi Yến
    • Address: 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Offers a wide variety of toppings and combinations for sticky rice.
    • Price: ~20,000–50,000 VND
  • Xôi Bà Thảo
    • Address: 41 Cầu Gỗ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Known for its flavorful, traditional sticky rice dishes.
    • Price: ~20,000–40,000 VND

8. Bún Thang (Hanoi Vermicelli Soup)

A light and flavorful noodle soup made with chicken, pork, egg strips, and herbs, often referred to as Hanoi’s “soul food.”

Where to Try:

  • Bún Thang Bà Đức
    • Address: 48 Cầu Gỗ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Authentic and delicately prepared bún thang in a cozy setting.
    • Price: ~40,000–60,000 VND
  • Bún Thang Hàng Hành
    • Address: 29 Hàng Hành Street, Hoàn Kiếm District
    • Specialty: Known for its aromatic broth and fresh ingredients.
    • Price: ~40,000–60,000 VND

Tips for Food Lovers in Hanoi:

  1. Street Food Culture: Don’t miss out on street food stalls in the Old Quarter for authentic and budget-friendly meals.
  2. Timing: Many local eateries open early in the morning and close after lunch (around 2 PM), so plan accordingly.
  3. Hygiene: Choose busy stalls and restaurants with high turnover to ensure freshness and quality.

Hanoi’s food scene is a journey through flavors, history, and culture. These recommendations will help tourists savor the best of what the capital has to offer!