What to Eat in Hanoi? 27 Famous and Delicious Hanoi Dishes

Hanoi cuisine is not just about eating—it is a collection of memories, culture, and love passed down through generations. If you are wondering "What to eat in Hanoi?", the answer is not just a single dish, but an entire rich culinary map capable of moving any food lover's soul. From rustic dishes like snail noodles and steamed rice rolls to "national" favorites like pho, bun cha, and Trang Tien ice cream, each dish carries its own story and a unique piece of Hanoi's soul. Spend a day (or a few) fully exploring these famous Hanoi delicacies recommended below.

1. Hanoi Snail Noodles (Bun Oc) - A Famous Hanoi Breakfast

Without needing luxury ingredients, Hanoi snail noodles conquer food lovers with their simplicity and sophistication. The dish is made from familiar ingredients such as apple snails or small freshwater snails, fresh rice vermicelli, ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and rustic spices. Yet, when combined, they create a steaming, flavorful bowl of noodles that anyone who tries it once will remember forever.

The broth is clear and light yet deeply flavorful—meticulously simmered from bones and snail boiling water, with a touch of giấm bỗng (rice wine dregs vinegar) for a characteristic mild sourness. The eye-catching colors, gentle aroma, spicy kick of chili, and the fragrance of perilla leaf make this dish not only warm the hearts of Hanoians on early autumn mornings but also a favorite for travelers visiting the capital.

Good places to try:
- Bún ốc Giang – 36 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún ốc sườn (Rib & Snail noodles) – 57 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún ốc sườn Cô Sáu – Ground floor, 354 Bach Mai, Hai Ba Trung Dist.

2. Hanoi Pho (Pho) - The "Everyone's Favorite" Specialty

It is no coincidence that Pho is considered the culinary symbol of the capital. Unlike Saigon pho, the rice noodles in Hanoi are usually flatter, wider, softer, and chewier. The broth is crystal clear and rich with the flavor of simmered bones, topped with chopped green onions and herbs—just enough to warm your heart early in the morning.

Many places serve it with crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy)—an unbreakable habit of authentic Hanoians. Whether it is beef pho, chicken pho, or goose pho, each bowl leaves a very unique, distinctly Northern aftertaste.

Good places to try:
- Phở Gia Truyền: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Phở Thìn: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung Dist.
- Phở Vui (Beef specialties): 25 Hang Giay, Hoan Kiem Dist.

3. Hanoi Rice Noodle Rolls (Pho Cuon) - Don't Miss It!

Not complicated yet highly addictive—that is Hanoi phở cuốn. Sheets of soft rice noodles are rolled around stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and pickled vegetables, then dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce with garlic and chili. It is the perfect afternoon snack that fills you up while remaining light and refreshing, making it ideal for beating the summer heat.

Good places to try:
- Phở cuốn Hương Mai: 25 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh Dist.
- Phở cuốn Hưng Bền: 35 Nguyen Khac Hieu, Ba Dinh Dist.
- Phở cuốn Ngũ Xá: 233A To Hieu, Cau Giấy Dist.

4. Bun Cha (Bun Cha) - Internationally Acclaimed Specialty

If you could only choose one dish to try when coming to Hanoi, bún chả is definitely the name you cannot miss. Don't confuse it with Southern grilled pork noodles—Hanoi bún chả features a distinctive dipping sauce mixed from fish sauce, vinegar, garlic, pepper, and crunchy pickled kohlrabi and carrots. The hot grilled pork, fragrant from charcoal grilling, is eaten with fresh vermicelli and herbs, creating an emotional culinary experience.

Good places to try:
- Bún chả Cửa Đông: 41 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún chả Đắc Kim: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún chả Sinh Từ: 57 Nguyen Khuyen, Dong Da Dist.

5. Vermicelli with Pork Balls & Taro Stems (Bun Moc Doc Mung)

Simple yet flavorful, this is a dish you must try when setting foot in Hanoi. A steaming bowl of noodles comes with round pork balls mixed with wood ear mushrooms, tender pork trotter slices, crunchy taro stems (dọc mùng), and a clear, sweet broth made from well-simmered pork bones. Add a bit of spicy chili and fragrant fried shallots, and you get a taste experience true to the Old Quarter style.

Good places to try:
- Bún mọc Hàng Lược: 57-59 Hang Luoc, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún mọc sườn chua Xã Đàn (Sour rib): 181 Xa Dan, Dong Da Dist.
- Bún mọc chân gà (Chicken feet): 45A Mai Hac De, Hoan Kiem Dist.

6. Eel Glass Noodles (Mien Luon) - A Light and Nutritious Dish

Eel glass noodle is a Hanoi specialty loved for its rich, nutritious flavor. It is prepared with simple ingredients like glass noodles, eel, green onions, perilla, Vietnamese coriander, and roasted peanuts. When eating, you will feel the sweetness of the broth, the rich flavor of the eel, the spiciness of chili, and the aroma of herbs. It makes a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Good places to try:
- Miến lươn bà Thiện: 104 A49 Thai Thinh, Dong Da Dist.
- Miến lươn Chợ Nam Đồng (Nam Dong Market)
- Miến lươn 9 Phủ Doãn: 9 Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Miến lươn 34 Yên Ninh: 34 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh Dist.
- Miến lươn 1 Chân Cầm: 1 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem Dist.

7. Hanoi-Style Boiled Chicken (Ga Luoc) - Tender and Juicy

Boiled chicken is a familiar dish across Vietnam, but boiling a chicken so that it has glossy, golden skin and firm, sweet, non-dry meat is an art—and Hanoians know exactly how to do it. The chicken is boiled over precise heat and cooled in its own broth to lock in sweetness. It is usually served with lime-pepper salt or ginger fish sauce. In Hanoi, try eating it with compressed rice vermicelli mats (bún lá) or mung bean sticky rice (xôi vò).

Good places to try:
- Thiên Vương - Gà Mẹt & Gà Không Lối Thoát: 288 Thai Ha
- Gà Thiên Trúc: 312 Nguyen Trai, Ha Dong Dist.

8. Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup (Bun Rieu Cua)

To understand why Hanoi bún riêu cua is so beloved, you must try this rustic yet sophisticated dish. Fresh field crabs are crushed and filtered, then cooked over low heat until the crab paste aggregates into soft floating clouds on the surface. Ripe tomatoes add color, shrimp paste brings out the aroma, fried tofu adds crunch, and a few slices of Vietnamese pork sausage (giò lụa) complete the bowl.

The Hanoi twist comes from the seasoning—using rice wine vinegar for a clean sourness, paired with a pungent dash of shrimp paste and fresh chili slices.

Good places to try:
- Bún riêu phố Quang Trung: 2F Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún riêu phố Nguyễn Siêu: 32 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem Dist.

9. Crab Flat Rice Noodles (Banh Da Cua)

While you can find crab flat noodles in many northern cities, the rustic, simple flavor of Hanoi's version is unforgettable. The chewy brown flat noodles are served with a rich broth, a hint of sour vinegar, and spicy chili.

Good places to try:
- Bánh đa cua Hàng Đồng: 8 Hang Dong, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bánh đa cua Phố Trung Liệt: 143 Trung Liet, Dong Da Dist.
- Bánh đa cua & miến trộn Huỳnh Thúc Kháng: 16 Huynh Thuc Khang, Dong Da Dist.

10. Green Khuc Cake / Sticky Rice (X0i Khuc)

Xôi khúc (or bánh khúc) is a traditional pastry made from glutinous rice, cudweed (lá khúc), mashed mung beans, and fatty pork seasoned with black pepper. Buying bánh khúc as a souvenir gift is wonderful, as it encapsulates the rustic scent of the countryside and the flavor of homeland glutinous rice.

Good places to try:
- Bánh khúc Cô Lan: 69B Nguyen Cong Tru, Hai Ba Trung Dist.
- Bánh khúc Quân: 35 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem Dist.

11. Bread with Beef Stew (Banh Mi Bo Sot Vang)

Chilly Hanoi weather is the absolute best time to enjoy bánh mì sốt vang. Crispy toasted bread is dipped into a rich, deeply seasoned wine sauce filled with tender beef pieces. It is a light yet completely satisfying breakfast to start your day.

Good places to try:
- Beefsteak Sauce Bread Shop: Alley 35 Thai Thịnh, Dong Da Dist.
- Tiệm số 252 Hàng Bông: 252 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Trâm – Bánh mì sốt vang Đình Ngang: 30 Dinh Ngang, Hoan Kiem Dist.

12. Dong Cac Pyramid Rice Dumpling (Banh Gio Dong Cac)

Bánh giò is a rustic Hanoi street food carefully wrapped in thick layers of banana leaves. The savory pork and wood ear mushroom filling inside is savory and rich. A hot bánh giò when you are hungry will keep you warm and full for hours.

Good places to try:
- 33 Dong Cac, Dong Da Dist.

13. Egg Coffee (Cafe Trung) - Giang Café

A creamy, fragrant cup of egg coffee blending the slight bitterness of coffee with the fluffy richness of whipped egg yolk is the ultimate way to start a day in Hanoi. While thousands of cups are sold daily across the city, Café Giảng remains the ultimate go-to spot. Order a hot cup to experience the floating, creamy egg foam on top of bold coffee.

Address: Alley 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem Dist.

14. Thanh Tri Steamed Rice Rolls (Banh Cuon Thanh Tri)

Alongside coffee, Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls are a light breakfast that people "remember forever." The paper-thin, slightly chewy rice sheets are rolled with a simple filling of fragrant fried shallots and a bit of minced pork. It is dipped in a mild, well-balanced fish sauce and eaten with soft pork sausage (chả lụa).

Good places to try:
- Bánh cuốn Bà Hoành: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bánh cuốn gia truyền Thanh Vân: 12-14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bánh cuốn Bà Xuân: dốc Hòe Nhai, Ba Dinh Dist.

15. Hanoi Masterpiece Vermicelli Soup (Bun Thang)

If you have to choose the most elegant and meticulous dish in Hanoi, bún thang is the prime candidate. An authentic bowl requires over 20 ingredients, including paper-thin shredded fried egg, shredded boiled chicken, finely sliced pork sausage, dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, pickled radish, and green onions. The clear, sweet broth made from chicken bones and dried shrimp acts as the soul that unifies everything.

Good places to try:
- Bún thang Cầu Gỗ: 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún thang Hàng Hòm: No. 2, Alley Hang Chi, Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún thang Hàng Hành: 29 Hang Hanh, Hoan Kiem Dist.

16. Vermicelli with Fried Tofu & Shrimp Paste (Bun Dau Mam Tom)

In contrast to the elegance of bún thang, bún đậu mắm tôm is rustic, bold, and full of personality. A small bamboo platter holds rice vermicelli mats, golden-fried tofu, green rice pork patties (chả cốm), or boiled pork, served with fresh herbs and pungent shrimp paste. The shrimp paste is the soul of the dish—once you overcome the initial smell, you will love the mix of savory, sweet, and fatty flavors.

Good places to try:
- Bún đậu mắm tôm Ngõ Trạm: 1B Ngo Tram, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bún đậu Trung Hương: 49 Alley Phat Loc, Hang Bac
- Bún đậu Cây Bàng – Đại La: 129 Dai La, Hai Ba Trung Dist.

17. Fried Fermented Pork Rolls (Nem Ran / Nem Chua Ran)

While Thanh Hoa is famous for raw fermented pork rolls, Hanoi takes pride in nem rán—the ultimate crowd-pleaser for friend gatherings. These rolls offer a mild sweetness from fresh meat and glass noodles, tightly wrapped and deep-fried to a golden crisp.

Good places to try:
- Nem nướng 10 Ấu Triệu, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Nem nướng 46 Yên Phụ, Tay Ho Dist.
- Nem nướng 44 Yên Phụ Nhỏ, Tay Ho Dist.

18. La Vong Grilled Fish (Cha Ca La Vong) - A Culinary Representative

Skipping chả cá Lã Vọng when talking about Hanoi specialties is a massive mistake. Made from hemibagrus fish (cá lăng)—which has few bones and firm, sweet meat—the fish chunks are marinated and fried right at your table in a hot pan with dill and green onions. It is eaten with rice vermicelli, peanuts, and savory shrimp paste.

Good places to try:
- Chả Cá Vọng Ngư: 29 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ba Dinh Dist.
- Chả cá Thăng Long: 21 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Chả cá Lão Ngư: 171 Thai Ha, Hoan Kiem Dist.

19. Fried Pork Intestines (Long Ran) - The Ultimate Drinking Food

For street food lovers, fried pork intestines are a must. The intestines are thoroughly cleaned and fried until the edges turn golden and crispy while the inside remains tender and rich. Eat it with vermicelli, herbs, and spicy, sour shrimp paste.

Good places to try:
- Lòng rán Nhất Quán: 23 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Lòng rán 16 Hàng Gà, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Lòng rán 27, Ngõ 16 Hoàng Cầu, Hoan Kiem Dist.

20. Green Rice Cake (Banh Com) - A Traditional Sweet Treat

Bánh cốm is a symbol of sophistication and nostalgia. The outer shell is made from young green rice, offering a delicate green color and a gentle aroma. Inside is a smooth, sweet filling of mashed mung beans. It is a classic gift for weddings and festivals.

Good places to try:
- Bánh cốm Bảo Minh: 12 Hang Than, Ba Dinh Dist.
- Bánh cốm Tươi Xào Xưa Nay: 60 Hang Than, Ba Dinh Dist.
- Cốm Vòng Hà Nội: 36, Alley 63 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay Dist.

21. Hanoi Banh Mi (Banh Mi Ha Noi)

Hanoi bánh mì stands out with creative fillings ranging from grilled pork, french fries with fermented pork rolls, fried sausages, fried eggs, to rich pate. Bánh mì Dân Tổ is famous for its mixed filling where all ingredients are stir-fried together, drawing long queues from 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Prices range from 20,000 VND to 60,000 VND.

Good places to try:
- Bánh mì Dân Tổ: Cao Thang & Tran Nhat Duat intersection (Opens 3 AM - 7 AM)
- Bánh mì Lãn Ông: 8 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bánh mì nem khoai Đặng Văn Ngữ: 7A, Alley 4C Dang Van Ngu, Dong Da Dist.

22. Sandworm Omelet (Cha Ruoi) - An Autumn-Winter Specialty

If you visit Hanoi during autumn or winter, don't miss chả rươi. Sandworms (a rare seasonal delicacy) are mixed with minced pork, eggs, tangerine peel, green onions, dill, and chili, then fried until golden. The tangerine peel gives it a unique, warming aroma.

Good places to try:
- Chả rươi Hưng Thịnh: 1 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Chả rươi Gia Ngư: 25 Gia Ngu, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Chả rươi Hằng Béo: 244 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung Dist.

23. Tofu Pudding (Tao Pho) - A Beloved Sweet Dessert

Hanoi tào phớ consists of silky smooth tofu slices served in a sweet jasmine-infused sugar syrup. Today, it is creatively upgraded with rich caramel, grass jelly, chewy boba pearls, and shaved ice.

Good places to try:
- Vua Tào Phớ: 50 Thai Ha, Dong Da Dist.
- Tào phớ Jelly Bean: 28 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Tào phớ Caramen: 172 Dai Tu, Hoang Mai Dist.

24. Hanoi Shrimp Cakes (Banh Tom)

A rustic snack where fresh freshwater shrimps are coated in a flour and mashed mung bean batter, then deep-fried to a golden crunch. It is best eaten hot, wrapped in fresh lettuce and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce.

Good places to try:
- Bánh tôm Hàng Bồ: 55 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Bánh tôm Hồ Tây: 1 Thanh Nien, Tay Ho Dist.
- Bánh tôm Cô Ầm: Alley Dong Xuan, Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem Dist.

25. Trang Tien Ice Cream (Kem Trang Tien)

Located right in the heart of the capital, Trang Tien ice cream is a culinary icon. People come here to enjoy classic flavors like green rice (cốm), coconut milk, green bean, or cocoa while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of the city.

Address: 35 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi.

26. Dried Beef Salad (Nom Bo Kho)

A street food favorite made of crispy shredded green papaya, chewy and intensely marinated dried beef slices, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and a sweet, sour, and spicy dressing.

Good places to try:
- Nộm Vân: 16B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Nộm Ông Phúc: Alley 1 Nghia Tan, Cau Giay Dist.
- Nộm Huế: 21 Dang Tran Con, Dong Da Dist.

27. Black and White Almond Panna Cotta Soup (Che Khuc Bach)

A refreshing dessert featuring silky, melt-in-your-mouth milk jelly cubes (panna cotta), served in a light, sweet syrup with longans or lychees, topped with toasted almond slices.

Good places to try:
- Chè khúc bạch Linh Linh: 12 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Chè Nhà Suvy: 33 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Khúc Bạch Diệp Phương: 9 Bui Thi Xuan, Hoan Kiem Dist.