Embark on a flavorful journey through Hanoi with our guide to 15 must-visit food stops. From street snacks to traditional dishes, explore where to find the city’s best eats.
Hanoi, the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, offers an extraordinary palette of flavors waiting to be discovered. The city’s streets are lined with eateries that serve up the essence of Vietnam, making a food tour in Hanoi an absolute must for visitors. Here’s your ultimate guide to 15 essential stops on your culinary exploration of Hanoi.
1. Ngõ Đồng Xuân: The Culinary Gateway
- Bánh tôm Cô Ầm, at the entrance of Ngõ Đồng Xuân, sets the perfect introduction with its crispy shrimp pancakes.
- Bún ốc Thúy, located at No. 11, offers a tangy snail noodle soup, a Hanoian specialty.
- Bún chả que tre Cô Nga, beside No. 82 Hàng Chiếu in Ngõ Đồng Xuân, where grilled pork over bamboo fires steals the show.
- And more, each stall with dishes priced between 5,000 – 40,000 VNĐ, proving that great taste doesn’t have to come at a high cost.
2. Tống Duy Tân Street: A Food Lover’s Midnight Haven
- Cơm đảo Loan Mai, No. 2A, is famous for its sizzling fried rice.
- Bánh cuốn Kỳ Đồng, No. 11, where steamed rice rolls are served fresh off the steamer.
- Cháo sườn Thọ Xương, No. 1, offering a comforting rice porridge with succulent pork ribs.
3. Tạ Hiện Street: The Flavorful Heart of Old Quarter
- Phô mai que SuXu, No. 10 Tạ Hiện, brings a unique twist to cheese sticks.
- Chân gà sả ớt & Nem chua rán, No. 29A, a must-try for spicy chicken feet and fried fermented pork roll.
- Bánh mì cô Nga, No. 3, showcasing Vietnam’s iconic sandwich with a local twist.
4. Hồ Gươm’s Walking Street: A Melting Pot of Flavors
- Kem Tràng Tiền, No. 35 Tràng Tiền, for a lick of Hanoi’s iconic ice cream.
- Nộm bò khô, No. 23 Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, serving a refreshing dried beef salad.
- Bún riêu Hàng Bồ, No. 51 Hàng Bồ, where you can savor the rich and tangy tomato broth.
5. Bún Chả Hàng Quạt:
- Located at Ngõ 74 Hàng Quạt, this spot is famed for its grilled pork and noodle delight, embodying the soul of Hanoi’s street food.
6. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Hàng Khay:
- At Ngõ 31 Hàng Khay, the combination of fried tofu, vermicelli, and pungent shrimp paste offers an authentic taste of Vietnam.
7. Bún Thang Cầu Gỗ: The Quintessence of Hanoi’s Soup
- Số 48 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm, this place, also known as Bún thang Bà Đức, offers a beautifully complex chicken vermicelli soup that’s both light and enriching.
8. Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư: A Phở Not to Miss
- Số 10 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm, renowned for its deeply flavorful broth and tender beef, a true testament to the art of Phở making in Hanoi.
9. Cháo Sườn Sụn Huyền Anh: A Comforting Delight
- Số 14 Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, offers a rice porridge that’s rich in flavor, perfectly combining the soft texture of rice with succulent pork ribs.
10. Mì Gà Tần 24: For the Soup Lovers
- Số 24 Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, is celebrated for its medicinal chicken noodle soup, a hearty and healthful dish that brings warmth and comfort.
11. Xôi Yến: Sticky Rice at Its Best
- Số 35b Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, here, the sticky rice is not just a dish; it’s an experience, richly flavored and served with a variety of toppings.
12. Bò Nướng Mã Mây: Sizzling and Savory
- Số 47 Mã Mây, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, where grilled beef takes center stage, marinated to perfection and served with a side of fresh herbs and vegetables.
13. Chả Cá Lã Vọng: A Hanoi Specialty
- Số 14 Chả Cá, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, offers the legendary turmeric-marinated fish, grilled and served with dill and peanuts, a dish that’s as flavorful as it is historic.
14. Cafe Trứng Giảng: Where Coffee Meets Creativity
- Số 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm, the birthplace of egg coffee, a creamy, dreamy concoction that combines the richness of egg yolk with the strong kick of Vietnamese coffee.
15. Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân: Sweet Endings
- Số 4 Hàng Cân, Hoàn Kiếm, a quaint dessert shop where traditional Vietnamese sweet soups are served with a modern twist, offering a refreshing end to any meal.
Each of these destinations is a pillar of Hanoi’s culinary scene, representing the vast array of flavors and dishes that the city has to offer. From the savory depths of Bún thang Cầu Gỗ to the sweet, creamy sips of Cafe trứng Giảng, Hanoi’s food landscape is a rich tapestry of taste and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these 15 must-visit spots provide a comprehensive taste of Hanoi’s best, ensuring your culinary journey through Vietnam’s capital is as flavorful as it is unforgettable.
