1. Pho - The Iconic Noodle Soup
A bowl of Pho is warm, rich, and full of history. Hanoi is its birthplace, try it early in the morning, like the locals do.
Top spots:
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Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan - 49 Bat Dan St (Old Quarter, very local vibe)
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Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su - 10 Ly Quoc Su St (tourist-friendly, consistent quality)
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Pho Thin - 13 Lo Duc St (beef stir-fried before adding to soup, signature style)
Pho is a must in Hanoi
2. Bun Cha - Char Grilled Pork with Noodles
This is the dish President Obama enjoyed in Hanoi - smoky pork, light noodles, and herbs.
Top spots:
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Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha) - 24 Le Van Huu St (famous after Obama’s visit)
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Bun Cha Dac Kim - 1 Hang Manh St (big portions, strong flavors)
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Bun Cha Tuyet - 34 Hang Than St (well-loved by locals)
Bun cha is second favorites among tourist
3. Banh Cuon - Steamed Rice Rolls
Soft, warm rice rolls filled with seasoned pork and mushrooms, topped with crispy shallots.
Top spots:
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Banh Cuon Ba Hanh - 26B Tho Xuong Alley (near the Cathedral, friendly service)
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Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van - 12-14 Hang Ga St (authentic family-run stall)
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Banh Cuon Hang Bo - 68 Hang Bo St (great for breakfast lovers)
Banh cuon Hanoi
4. Cha Ca - Grilled Fish with Dill & Noodles
A true Hanoi specialty - fish marinated in turmeric, grilled and served with herbs, peanuts, and vermicelli.
Top spots:
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Cha Ca La Vong - 14 Cha Ca St (the original spot with a century-old recipe)
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Cha Ca Thang Long - 21 Duong Thanh St (clean, modern atmosphere)
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Cha Ca Anh Vu - 120K1 Giang Vo (a bit farther but a local favorite)
Cha ca Hanoi
5. Egg Coffee - A Hanoi Invention
Created during the milk shortage in the 1940s, this rich and creamy coffee is now world-famous.
Top spots:
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Giang Cafe - 39 Nguyen Huu Huan St (where egg coffee was born!)
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Cafe Dinh - 13 Dinh Tien Hoang St (upstairs, overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake)
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Loading T Cafe - 8 Chan Cam St (cosy, vintage vibes, less touristy)
Hanoi egg coffee
Local Favorites Beyond the Obvious
Xoi Xeo (Sticky Rice with Mung Bean and Shallots)
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Xoi Yen – 35B Nguyen Huu Huan St. (Very popular, generous toppings)
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Xoi May – 45B Ly Thuong Kiet St.
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Xoi Ba Thao – 41 Dao Duy Tu St.
Xoi xeo in Hanoi
Bun Thang (Delicate Chicken Noodle Soup)
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Bun Thang Ba Duc – 48 Cau Go St.
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Bun Thang Ngoc Tuyet – 5B Phan Dinh Phung St.
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Bun Thang 29 Hang Hanh – Quiet spot in the heart of Old Quarter
Bun thang in Hanoi
Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef)
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Nom Bo Kho Ho Hoan Kiem – 23 Ho Hoan Kiem St.
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Nom Long Vi Dung – 23 Ho Hoan Kiem St. (Same stretch, good competition)
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Nom Ngoc Lam – 19 Ly Quoc Su St. (Near the Cathedral)
Nom bo kho in Hanoi
Suggested Foodie Itinerary (1 Day Walkable Tour)
Morning |
Pho at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su → Egg coffee at Cafe Dinh |
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Lunch |
Cha at Huong Lien → Banh Cuon Ba Hanh nearby |
Afternoon |
Explore around Dong Xuan Market for snacks |
Dinner |
Cha Ca at Thang Long → Dessert at Che Ba Thin |
Nightcap |
Banh Mi for late-night bite + fresh beer on Ta Hien Street |
Pro Tips for Eating in Hanoi
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Eat like a local: Sit on the tiny plastic stools, don't be afraid to share tables, and dive in with chopsticks.
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Peak time for breakfast: 6–9AM. Street food dinner best from: 6PM–9PM
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Bring cash: Most vendors don’t take cards
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Follow your nose (and the crowd): Busy stalls usually mean great food and high turnover—your best freshness indicator.
Explore Hanoi’s food with New Asia Tours
Hanoi's culinary scene is a harmony of smoky grills, fragrant herbs, rich broths, and sweet surprises. With this Hanoi Food Guide, you're ready to wander alleys, sit by tiny tables, and eat like a true Hanoian.
Book your Vietnam tour with New Asia Tours and taste the best of the capital with local experts by your side.