Travelling Tips

10.05.24

Hanoi street food guide: Top 10 must-try dishes recommended by locals

Ann

Join Tubudd on an adventure with a comprehensive and free guide to the top 10 must-try Hanoi street foods that have become locals’ favorites.

Hanoi's street food is unique and hard to find anywhere else. It offers a balance of sweet and savory flavor, a lively atmosphere, and incredibly affordable prices. Whether you're a dedicated foodie or a curious traveler, we've got you covered with everything from traditional pho to hidden vegan restaurant gems. Join Tubudd as we explore the top 10 most searched street foods in Vietnam's capital.

1. Phở (Pho)

It comes as no surprise that phở tops the list of "10 Vietnamese street foods" voted by CNN. Walking down any street in the country, especially in Hanoi, you can easily find crowded pho stalls. This simple yet delicate dish consists of fresh pho noodles, chicken or beef, green onions, and broth, but is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

Pho is amng top list of _10 Vietnam Street foods_ voted by CNN

Address of most famous pho in Hanoi:

• Phở Thìn - 13 Lo Duc Street, Ngo Thi Nham Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi. Price: around 50,000đ/bowl.

• Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư. Price: 50,000 - 77,000đ/bowl.

• Phở Bát Đàn - 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 30,000 - 55,000đ/bowl.

2. Bún chả (Grilled pork with noodles)

Bún chả is one of Hanoi's favorite street foods. It is perfect for eating for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The dish is attractive because of the grilled meat marinated with spices, grilled to perfection, and dipped in a special sweet and sour fish sauce. The dish is combined with fresh vegetables for a perfect flavor.

Bun cha is a perfect combination between grilled pork and vegetables

Address of delicious bún chả in Hanoi:

• Bún chả Hương Liên - 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi. Price: 40,000đ - 85,000đ.

• Bún chả Hàng Than - 34 Hang Than Street, Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Price: 35,000đ - 55,000đ.

• Bún chả Đắc Kim - No. 1, Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 50,000đ - 60,000đ.

3. Bánh đúc nóng (Steamed rice cake)

If you're looking for a delicious and warm snack to enjoy on a winter day in Hanoi, this is the perfect dish. The cake is made from a mixture of rice flour and tapioca flour, and is filled with minced pork and mushrooms. It is then topped with a hot and sour fish sauce, fried onions, and cilantro. Bánh đúc nóng is sold year-round, but it is best enjoyed on a cold winter day, sitting on the sidewalk and eating it warm and filling.

Bánh đúc nóng (Steamed rice cake) is the perfect dish for winter

Where to find delicious banh duc nong in Hanoi:

• Bánh đúc nóng - No. 8 Alley 8B Le Ngoc Han, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi. Price: 25,000đ - 30,000đ.

• Oanh Hòe Nhai - Opposite 57 An Duong, Tay Ho District, Hanoi. Price: 5,000đ - 25,000đ.

• Bánh đúc nóng at Nghia Tan Market - B6 Nghia Tan, Cau Giay District, Hanoi. Price: 10,000đ - 20,000đ.

4. Cháo sườn (Rib porridge)

This is a very popular and traditional street food in Hanoi that can be found anywhere on the streets, in small roadside stalls. The porridge here has a unique flavor, with a thick and smooth texture thanks to being cooked from ground rice. The small rib bones are easy to eat, and the dish is often served with minced pork, dried shrimp, and crispy crullers. Enjoy a bowl of hearty cháo sườn with a glass of soy milk for a warm and filling breakfast or dinner.

Rib Porridge has a unique flavour, wwith a thick and smooth texture

Where to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter:

• Cháo sườn Hàng Bồ - 32 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

• Cháo sườn Huyền Anh - 14 Dong Xuan Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

• Huyện Alley Porridge - 3 Huyện Alley, Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

5. Bánh rán (Various Fried Cakes)

These fried cakes are a sweet treat you should try when you come to Hanoi. With only simple ingredients like glutinous rice flour and mung bean filling, these long-standing shops here can sell tens of thousands of cakes each day. The two most popular types are bánh rán đường (fried cakes with sugar) and bánh rán mật (fried cakes with molasses). There are also other delicious options you should try, such as savory fried cakes (bánh rán mặn), fried dumplings (bánh gối), fried potato cakes (bánh khoai), and fried banana cakes (bánh chuối).

Vietnam has a wide range of fried cakes with different flavours

Where to find delicious banh ran in Hanoi:

• Traditional molasses fried cakes - 52 Hang Chieu Street, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

• Savory fried cakes - 5 Luong Ngọc Quyến Street, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

• Quan Goc Da - 52 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

6. Cà phê trứng (Egg Coffee)

Egg coffee is one of the highlights of Hanoi's cuisine. When visiting the city, many people want to try this special coffee to experience its unique flavor. Unlike strong black coffee or brown coffee, egg coffee is quite easy for everyone to drink. However, making a delicious and aromatic egg coffee without a fishy taste is no easy feat.

Egg coffee is a must-try exxperience in Hanoi

Where to find famous egg coffee in Hanoi:

• Cafe Dinh - 2nd floor, 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: around 30,000đ.

• Giang Cafe - 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: around 35,000đ.

• Cafe Pho Co - 11 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: around 40,000đ.

7. Bánh mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)

If you're looking for some of the best street food in Hanoi, head to the nearest bánh mì stall. These fresh and crispy baguettes are filled with delicious meat, vegetables, and sauces. Many tourists have shared that banh mi Hanoi is a million times better than what they've heard about.

Fresh and crispy baguettes are filled with delicious meat, vegetables, and sauces

Where to find delicious banh mi in Hanoi:

• Banh mi Ba Dan - 34 Lo Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 15,000đ - 25,000đ.

• Banh mi 25 - No. 25 Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 25,000đ - 40,000đ.

• Banh mi Pho Co - 38 Dinh Liet Street, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 25,000đ - 50,000đ.

Besides, if you are a vegan, banh mi chay (vegan banh mi) is a must-try street food in Hanoi. This city offers various options for non-meat eaters, ensuring you won't miss any delicacies on this culinary adventure!

8. Bánh cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)

This is a symbolic street food of the capital that you shouldn't miss. The soft rice rolls are filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, sprinkled with crispy fried shallots, and dipped in a hot fish sauce. It's not as complex or spicy as many other Vietnamese dishes, but you can always add chili or lime to taste. Traditionally, bánh cuốn is a breakfast dish deeply rooted in the local culture.

Bánh cuốn is a breakfast dish deeply rooted in the local culture

Where to find delicious bánh cuốn in Hanoi:

• Banh Cuon Ba Hanh - 26B Tho Xuong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 25,000đ - 40,000đ.

• Banh Cuon Thanh Van - 12-14 Hang Ga Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 15,000đ - 40,000đ.

• Banh Cuon Phuong - 16 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 15,000đ - 40,000đ.

9. Bánh xèo (Vietnamese crepe)

Bánh xèo, a popular Vietnamese dish, is a savory pancake filled with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. In Hanoi, bánh xèo is cherished for its crispy texture and rich flavors. Unlike its counterparts in Southern Vietnam, Hanoi's version of bánh xèo tends to be smaller in size and thinner, allowing for a delightful crunch with every bite. Served alongside fresh lettuce leaves, herbs, and dipping sauce, bánh xèo is a beloved street food in Hanoi, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes that captivate locals and visitors alike.

Banh xeo has a delightful balance of textures and tastes

Where to find delicious banh xeo in Hanoi:

• Banh xèo Loan Báo - 142B Doi Can Street, Ba Đinh District, Hanoi. Price: 20,000 - 50,000 VND

• Thủy Xèo: 166B Doi Can Street, Ba Đinh District, Hanoi. Price: 20,000 - 50,000 VND

• Bánh Xào Cô Minh: 12 Cua Dong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Price: 20,000 - 75,000 VNĐ

10. Bánh tôm (Shrimp Cakes)

This is a street food favorite among tourists. Bánh tôm originated in Hanoi, so you might not find them anywhere else in Vietnam. These deep-fried cakes have a crispy shell and are topped with small shrimp. The shrimp used here are caught fresh from West Lake, making them especially sweet. They are dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce with a touch of green papaya and carrot. Wrap them in fresh herbs and take a bite - the crispy and juicy combination is sure to delight you.

Banh tom has a crispy shell and are topped with small shrimp

Where to enjoy delicious bánh tôm:

• West Lake Shrimp Cakes - No. 1 Thanh Nien Street, Yen Phu, Tay Ho District, Hanoi.

• Co Am Shrimp Cakes - Dong Xuan Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Exploring authentic Hanoi street food with Hanoi Private Map

Hanoi is more than just a capital city, it is where the longstanding history and culture exist in each street and corner. If you are a foodaholic who wants to dive deep into the diverse cuisine culture of Hanoi, you can not miss Hanoi Private Map - a comprehensive guide uncovering the best food in Hanoi where the true taste of this city unfolds.

Hanoi Private Map created by locals will help you uncover the authentic Hanoi

Not confident enough to explore Hanoi street food on your own? Let’s travel with Tubudd’s insightful local buddy and unlock the heart of this enchanting city!

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