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Last Updated: May 29, 2024
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Top 15 Must-Try Hanoi Street Food Experiences | Best Tastes of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, is known for its rich culture, history, and, most especially, its street cuisine. Hanoi has established a reputation as a foodie’s paradise, with hundreds of street food sellers spread across the city.

From the iconic Pho and Banh Mi to the lesser-known Banh Cuon and Bun Thang, Hanoi street food offers an extensive variety of tastes that are distinctive to the city. In this blog, we will highlight the top 20 Hanoi street foods for first-time tourists, as well as provide some useful tips for discovering the city’s bustling street food scene.

Related Article: Best Time To Visit Hanoi For Weather, Festivals, And Tourism

Criteria For Selecting Top 15 Hanoi Street Foods

Prior to getting started, let’s go through the criteria we used to identify the top 20 Hanoi street food experiences for Hanoi-lovers.

1. Popularity Among Locals And Tourists

We selected the street foods that are popular among both locals and tourists. These street foods have stood the test of time and have become an integral part of Hanoi’s culinary culture.

2. Uniqueness And Distinctiveness Of Flavor

Hanoi street food has a particular taste profile that is unique to the region. We chose street dishes that highlight these tastes and offer a unique culinary experience to foreign tourists.

3. Availability And Accessibility

We chose street cuisines that are widely available and can be obtained in most locations of the city. These street dishes are reasonably priced and a popular choice for both residents and visitors.

Let’s see how Paddy Doyle tasted Hanoi street foods!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T3ukdjmT7Q
we tried the BEST STREET FOOD in VIETNAM – Hanoi Edition // Video by Paddy Doyle

Top 15 Hanoi Street Food Experiences For Satisfying Your Tastes

All of the foods listed below can be found at a reasonable cost in most locations of the city and provide a unique culinary experience for any tourist visiting Vietnam. Join us to find out which is the greatest match for you!

1. Pho – Vietnam’s National Dish

Pho is the most well-known Hanoi street food and is considered Vietnam’s national cuisine. A clear broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef are used to make this beef noodle soup. It is served with fresh herbs, raw vegetables and lime wedges, which give the meal a zesty taste. Pho is available almost everywhere in Hanoi and is a must-try for any foreign tourist.

If you’re looking for the best pho in Hanoi, you have a lot of options. Pho Gia Truyen, Pho Ly Quoc Su and Pho Thin in the Old Quarter are both recognized for their classic beef pho, or Pho Bo, while Pho Suong and Pho Bat Dan in quieter areas serve delicious versions of the dish. Another renowned place for beef pho is Pho Thin Bo Ho in the Ba Dinh district. There are lots of wonderful options to discover in Hanoi, whether you want basic pho or something with a twist.

  • Pho Gia Truyen: 49 Bat Dan, Old Quarter, Hanoi
  • Pho Ly Quoc Su: 18 Le Truc, Hanoi
  • Pho Thin Bo Ho: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi

Tips: Try this Hanoi street food at different street vendors to experience the different flavors and styles of preparation.

Pho Vietnam
Pho / “fuh.”

Pho is a popular Vietnamese dish that has captured the appetites and tastebuds of people all over the world. Learn more!

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2. Banh Mi – From International Cuisine Culture To National Brand Equity

Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that has become internationally recognized. A crispy French baguette is loaded with pickled vegetables, pate, egg, meat or tofu, and fresh herbs to make this sandwich. This Vietnamese cuisine is a quick and easy dish that can be found on nearly every street corner in Hanoi.

Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi Old Quarter is the place to go for the best banh mi in town. This renowned restaurant delivers tasty, freshly-made Banh Mi with a variety of fillings such as pork, chicken, and tofu. Another excellent choice is Banh Mi Pho Co, which is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and has this best street food with crispy pig belly. Whether you’re a meat-eater or a vegetarian, Hanoi has plenty of tasty Banh Mi choices.

  • Banh Mi 25: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Banh Mi Pho Co: 38 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Tips: Check for street food stalls that serve freshly baked bread with a variety of meat fillings.

Banh Mi
Banh Mi /ˌbɑːn ˈmiː/

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has acquired popularity both in Vietnam and beyond. Learn more!

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3. Bun Cha – Grilled Pork With Noodles – Iconic Hanoi street food

Bun Cha is a dish of grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. The pork is marinated in a sweet and flavorful mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic. Bun Cha is a popular lunch choice for locals and can be found in most districts of Hanoi.

Bun Cha Huong Lien, widely known as “Obama Bun Cha” since the former US president – Barack Obama dined there during his visit to Hanoi, is one of the greatest spots to taste this exquisite cuisine. This restaurant in the Dong Da district provides superb Bun Cha with succulent pork patties and a tasty soup. Another excellent choice is Bun Cha Ta in the Old Quarter, which serves a good and reasonably priced version of the meal. While visiting Hanoi, be sure to include Bun Cha on your list of must-try delicacies!

  • Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hanoi
  • Bun Cha Ta: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi

Tips: To achieve that authentic smoky flavor, look for street vendors who use charcoal grills.

Bun Cha Obama
U.S. President Barack Obama ate Bun Cha for dinner on his visit in the Vietnamese capital in 2016!
Bun Cha
Bun Cha

Bun Cha is a typical Vietnamese dish that any foodie visiting Vietnam should experience. Learn more!

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4. Nem Ran – Fried Spring Rolls

Nem Ran is a crispy fried spring roll with minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles within. The dipping sauce for this famous street food is comprised of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili. Nem Ran is a must-try street snack in Hanoi because of its crispy texture, flavorful stuffing, and tangy dipping sauce.

An excellent choice is Nem Ran Phan Boi Chau in Hoan Kiem, which serves a vegetarian version of the meal made with mushrooms and tofu. This is the ideal places to savour the crispy, delicious delights of Nem Ran while wandering Hanoi’s streets.

  • Nem Ran Phan Boi Chau: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hanoi

Tips: Search for the street food stall that makes fresh spring rolls to order and serve them hot.

Wonder why Hanoi Old Quarter attracts most tourists? Learn more through our comprehensive Old Quarter guide now!

Nem Ran
Nem Ran

Nem Ran, commonly known as Vietnamese fried spring rolls, is a famous and tasty dish that any foodie visiting Vietnam should eat. Learn more!

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5. Cha Ca – Grilled Fish with Dill

Cha Ca is a grilled fish dish that is marinated in turmeric and served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, peanuts, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The fish is grilled on a charcoal stove and is infused with the flavors of dill, garlic, and onions. This Hanoi food is a specialty and is a popular choice for lunch or dinner.

To try some of the best Cha Ca in the city, head to Cha Ca La Vong, a restaurant that has been serving up the dish for over 100 years. Located in the Hanoi Old Quarter, this eatery offers a delicious version of Cha Ca with perfectly cooked fish and a savory, flavorful marinade. Another great spot is Cha Ca Thang Long, which offers a slightly different take on the dish with a mix of grilled fish and pork.

  • Cha Ca La Vong: 107 Nguyen Truong To, Hanoi
  • Cha Ca Thang Long: 6B Duong Thanh, Hanoi

Tips: Look for street vendors or small restaurants that use fresh fish and grill it over charcoal for the best flavor.

Cha Ca
Cha Ca

This meal is a must-try for visitors visiting Vietnam since it provides a special gastronomic experience unique to the country's northern area. Learn more!

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6. Banh Cuon – Steamed Rice Rolls

Banh Cuon is a steamed rice bun with ground pork, mushrooms, and minced shallots within. These thin rice rolls are served with a fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice dipping sauce. This Hanoi street food is a popular breakfast choice in Hanoi and can be found in nearly every district.

Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van, located in the Hanoi Old Quarter, serves some of the greatest Banh Cuon in town. For almost 25 years, this family-run restaurant has been serving exquisite Banh Cuon with soft, silky rice flour wrappers and a savory filling. Banh Cuon Ba Hanh, located near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, also serves a wonderful vegetarian version of the meal.

  • Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van: 14 Hang Ga, Hanoi
  • Banh Cuon Ba Hanh: 16B Tho Xuong, Hanoi

Do you know that Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is also one of the top museum in Hanoi? Learn more about Hanoi’s museum to choose your best next stop!

Tips: Seek for street sellers that prepare Banh Cuon fresh to order and offer it hot and soft.

Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon

Banh Cuon, a typical dish prepared with steamed rice buns with a savory filling, is one food that Western travelers must try when visiting. Learn more!

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7. Xoi – Sticky Rice

Xoi is a sticky rice dish with various toppings like as fried shallots, shredded chicken, or pork floss. This famous street cuisine is prepared in tiny servings and is suitable for snacking or as a light supper. Xoi is widely available across Hanoi and is a favorite breakfast option among residents.

Just go Xoi Yen, a little bistro in the Old Quarter, for some of the greatest Xoi in town. This restaurant is well-known for its tasty and reasonably priced Xoi, which comes with a choice of toppings such as fried shallots, shredded chicken, and pork floss. Another excellent choice is Xoi Ga Hang Hom, which serves a tasty Xoi with grilled chicken and a savory sauce.

  • Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi
  • Xoi Ga Hang Hom: Hang Hom, Hanoi

Tips: Seek for street sellers who use high-quality sticky rice and provide a range of toppings.

Xoi ngu sac
Xoi

Xoi is a typical Vietnamese meal made with sticky rice and a variety of toppings. This meal provides a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that is distinctive to the country's culture and traditions. Learn more!

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8. Bun Dau Mam Tom – Fermented Shrimp Paste With Rice Vermicelli

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a famous Hanoi street food made of rice vermicelli noodles, tofu, pork belly, and herbs, served with fermented shrimp paste on the side. While it may not appear to be the most appetizing combination, the distinct flavors and textures make it a favorite of both residents and visitors. It’s usually consumed as a snack or light meal and may be found from street sellers and small restaurants all across town.

Bun Dau Hang Khay, a prominent street vendor in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, serves some of the tastiest Bun Dau Mam Tom in town. This restaurant is famous for its crispy tofu and savory fermented shrimp paste sauce, which match the fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles nicely. Bun Dau Co Hang, located in the Dong Da area, also provides a quite different take on the meal with a range of toppings such as grilled pork and shrimp cakes.

  • Bun Dau Hang Khay: 31 Hang Khay, Hanoi
  • Bun Dau Co Hang: 174 Xa Dan 2, Hanoi

Tips: Start with a tiny quantity and gradually add more to modify the flavor to your preference if you’re new to fermented shrimp paste. You could also eat it with fish sauce instead. For the finest experience, go for vendors who sell freshly produced tofu and crispy pig belly.

Bun Dau Mam Tom
Bun Dau Mam Tom

Bun Dau Mam Tom is not just a traditional cuisine, but also a culinary journey that provides a one-of-a-kind and remarkable taste experience. Learn more!

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9. Bun Thang – Chicken Noodle Soup

Bun Thang is a chicken noodle soup that is made with vermicelli noodles, shredded chicken, and an assortment of toppings such as eggs, shrimp floss, and mushrooms. This dish is light and flavorful, making it a popular choice for breakfast or lunch in Hanoi.

Bun Thang Ba Duc, located in the Hoan Kiem area, serves some of the greatest Bun Thang in town. This little restaurant is recognized for its original and tasty Bun Thang, which is created with high-quality ingredients and served with crispy fried bread on the side. Bun Thang Thanh Van, located in the Hang Ga area, also provides a somewhat different spin on the meal with extra toppings such as chicken.

  • Bun Thang Ba Duc: 48 Cau Go, Hanoi
  • Bun Thang Thanh Van: 12-14 Hang Ga, Hanoi

Tip: When eating, first slowly sip to enjoy the sweetness and heat of the water radiating in your mouth, next you will taste the aroma of the accompanying spices. Finally, you should eat the noodles together with eggs, pork rolls and shrimp rolls, so you can feel the indescribable deliciousness of this dish.

Watch out when you walk on the street looking for the best food stalls! Learn all the things you should know about Hanoi transportation here!

Bun Thang
Bun Thang

Bun Thang, a typical Vietnamese meal that originated in Hanoi, is one food that tourists must sample when visiting. Read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind cuisine!

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10. Mien Luon – Eel Noodle Soup

Mien Luon is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with vermicelli noodles and freshwater eel. Deep-fried eel is served in a transparent broth seasoned with ginger, onions, and herbs. Mien Luon is a speciality dish in Hanoi and a popular breakfast or lunch option.

Mien Luon Dong Thinh, located in the Hoang Mai area, serves some of the best dishes in town. This little restaurant is famous for its flavorful and aromatic Mien Luon, which is created with fresh eel and a variety of fragrant herbs and spices. Another excellent choice is Quan Luon 34, which has been serving its famous Mien Luon for over 40 years and is located in the Ba Dinh district.

  • Mien Luon Dong Thinh: 87 Hang Dieu, Hanoi
  • Quan Luon 34: 34 Yen Ninh, Hanoi

Tips: If you like the crispiness, the dried eel vermicelli is a great choice to eat. If you choose soft eel vermicelli, you will have the opportunity to enjoy fragrant, sweet and extremely flavorful eel vermicelli.

Mien Luon
Mien Luon

Mien Luon is a popular Vietnamese dish that almost all travelers should sample while in Vietnam. Learn more!

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11. Ca Phe Trung – Egg Coffee

Ca Phe Trung is a traditional Vietnamese coffee that is made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. This unique coffee drink is creamy and sweet and is a popular choice for locals in Hanoi. Egg coffee can be found in most cafes in Hanoi and is a must-try for foreign tourists.

Café Giang in the Hoan Kiem district serves some of the top egg coffee in the city. This café is recognized for developing the famous egg coffee recipe in the 1940s and has served it ever since. Café Dinh, located in the Hanoi Old Quarter, has a somewhat different take on the dish, with a layer of whipped cream on top of the egg mixture.

  • Café Giang: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi
  • Café Dinh: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi

Tips: You should drink it as soon as you can when the cup of coffee is still hot, otherwise it will have unpleasant smell and is difficult to drink. You can prepare a bowl of hot water so that the egg coffee doesn’t get cold. You can stir when drinking, but don’t stir too much as that the coffee will quickly cool down!

Love a nostalgic Hanoi? Explore Hanoi hidden gems that most people never know!

Egg coffee
Ca Phe Trung – Egg Coffee

Ca Phe Trung, often known as Vietnamese Egg Coffee, is a must-try for visitors to Vietnam. Learn more!

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12. Bia Hoi – Fresh Beer

Bia Hoi is a fresh, light beer that is brewed daily and served in small plastic cups. This beer is a popular choice for locals in Hanoi and is enjoyed at street-side bars and restaurants. Bia Hoi is a must-try for any tourists who want to experience the local drinking culture in Hanoi.

Bia Hoi Corner in the Old Quarter is the place to go for the tastiest Bia Hoi in town. This busy junction is home to a number of street vendors and small pubs that provide ice-cold glasses of Bia Hoi as well as a range of excellent appetizers to accompany the beer. Another excellent option is Bia Hoi Ha Noi 19c, which has been brewing and serving its own Bia Hoi for over 50 years and is located in the Ba Dinh district.

  • Bia Hoi Corner: 14 Dong Thai, Hanoi
  • Bia Hoi Ha Noi 19C: 19C Ngoc Ha, Hanoi

Tips: Look for street-side bars that serve fresh Bia Hoi and offer a variety of Vietnamese snacks to pair with the beer.

Related Article: What is Bia Hoi culture and where to find it in Vietnam?

Let’s see how Max McFarlin sampled Bia Hoi:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFYtw3UIqB4
Owner of Bia Hoi invites me to drink // Video by Max McFarlin
Bia Hoi
Bia Hoi

Bia Hoi is a typical Vietnamese beer that every foreign visitor who visits Vietnam should sample. Learn more!

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13. Com – Green Rice – A good food choice for Hanoi’s autumn!

Com is a type of green rice harvested while the grains are fresh and wet. After that, the rice is roasted and served with a variety of toppings such as fried shallots, shredded chicken, or pork floss. Com is a popular Hanoi street food that international travelers who want to try the Vietnamese cuisine should taste.

Mrs. Man’s Com store, which has been providing tasty and aromatic Com for many years, is a popular stop. Another great option is Com Lang Vong, which is located in the Ba Dinh district and provides a broad range of Com tastes like as lotus seed, pandan, and toasted sesame.

  • Mrs. Man’s Com: 86 Tran Thai Tong, Hanoi
  • Com Lang Vong: 36 Xuan Thuy, Hanoi

Tips: Search for street vendors who serve high-quality green rice with a variety of toppings.

Green rice
Com – Green Rice

Com is a popular traditional Vietnamese dish among both residents and tourists. Learn more!

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14. Kem – Ice Cream

Ice Cream is a Vietnamese ice cream prepared with coconut milk, fruits, and sugars. This creamy and delicious snack is available in most Hanoi cafés and street-side vendors.

Kem Trang Tien, located near Hoan Kiem Lake, is one of the greatest places to obtain excellent and distinctive ice cream flavors. For nearly 60 years, this ice cream shop has been offering its renowned flavors including green tea and black sesame. Fanny’s Ice Cream, located in the Tay Ho area, is another amazing addition, offering a broad selection of flavors created with high-quality ingredients.

  • Kem Trang Tien: 35 Trang Tien, Hanoi
  • Fanny’s Ice Cream: 2 Hang Bai, Hanoi

Tips: Look for shops that offer a variety of flavors to have more fun with your small group of friends or family!

Kem
Kem – Ice Cream

Kem, commonly known as Vietnamese ice cream, is a popular dessert in Vietnam. Learn more!

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15. Pho Cuon – Rolled Pho

Pho Cuon is a Vietnamese cuisine that consists of wrapped up sheets of pho noodles loaded with beef or pork, herbs, and a sweet and salty dipping sauce. This dish is a popular Hanoi street food and can be found in nearly everywhere.

Pho Cuon Huong Mai, located in the Thanh Xuan district, serves some of the best Pho Cuon in town. This restaurant is well-known for its tasty and delectable Pho Cuon, which is cooked from high-quality ingredients and served with a side of fish sauce. Another excellent choice is Pho Cuon Ngu Xa in the Ba Dinh district, which serves a somewhat different version of the meal with extra toppings like fried onions and roasted peanuts.

  • Pho Cuon Huong Mai: 50 Le Van Thiem, Hanoi
  • Pho Cuon Ngu Xa: 27 Ngu Xa, Hanoi

Tips: Look for street food stalls that use high-quality ingredients and make their Pho Cuon fresh to order. Compared to other specialties in Hanoi, eating pho rolls is very simple. No need for chopsticks or fancy spoon, you just need to pick up each noodle roll, dip it directly into the bowl of dipping sauce and then take a bite!

Let’s see how Sonny from Best Ever Food Review Show enjoyed different types of Pho Cuon:

“Flavor explosion! The meat is very savory, well-seasoned, salting herbs it’s mainly just a cilantro adding some flavor on there. But the really special thing is this outside button fog layer but it just kind of makes it chewy it’s a nice chewy texture on the outside!” – Sonny.
Pho cuon rolled pho
Pho Cuon – Rolled Pho

Pho Cuon is a famous Vietnamese dish among both residents and tourists. Learn more!

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What’s next?

Hanoi street food is a bustling and fascinating experience that no foodie should miss while visiting the city. Tourists may discover a world of distinct flavors and tasty cuisine that will make a lasting impression by stepping off the main route and visiting the lively streets and local markets. So if you’re planning a vacation to Hanoi, be sure to come hungry and ready to indulge in some of the city’s greatest street cuisine!

Would like to learn how to cook Vietnamese food? Join our Hanoi cooking class now!

Excited to try a Hanoi street food tour now?

If you’re visiting Hanoi, consider taking a Hanoi street food tour to explore the city’s culinary delights. A guided tour will take you to the best street food spots in the city, and you’ll get to try dishes that you might not have discovered on your own. Plus, a knowledgeable guide will offer insights into the history and culture of Hanoi’s street food scene.

Want to join a street food tour? Check our Hanoi Half-Day Street Food Tour now!

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Written by Hannah Ngo
Co-Founder & COO - Vietnam Is Awesome
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"Dream big, start small, but most of all, start." This mantra captures my approach to life, work, and creativity. I believe in the power of bold aspirations, but I know that the key to success lies in taking that first step—no matter how small. With a passion for exploring new opportunities and constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, I focus on turning ideas into action. Whether it's organizing events, developing educational content, or creating new experiences in the world of craft beverages and hospitality, I embrace the journey, knowing that every great achievement begins with the courage to start.