Hanoi Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

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:

• Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan - 49 Bat Dan St (Old Quarter, very local vibe)

• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su - 10 Ly Quoc Su St (tourist-friendly, consistent quality)

• 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:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha) - 24 Le Van Huu St (famous after Obama’s visit)

• Bun Cha Dac Kim - 1 Hang Manh St (big portions, strong flavors)

• 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:

• Banh Cuon Ba Hanh - 26B Tho Xuong Alley (near the Cathedral, friendly service)

• Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van - 12-14 Hang Ga St (authentic family-run stall)

• 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:

• Cha Ca La Vong - 14 Cha Ca St (the original spot with a century-old recipe)

• Cha Ca Thang Long - 21 Duong Thanh St (clean, modern atmosphere)

• 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:

• Giang Cafe - 39 Nguyen Huu Huan St (where egg coffee was born!)

• Cafe Dinh - 13 Dinh Tien Hoang St (upstairs, overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake)

• 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)

• Xoi Yen – 35B Nguyen Huu Huan St. (Very popular, generous toppings)

• Xoi May – 45B Ly Thuong Kiet St.

• Xoi Ba Thao – 41 Dao Duy Tu St.

Xoi xeo in Hanoi

Bun Thang (Delicate Chicken Noodle Soup)

• Bun Thang Ba Duc – 48 Cau Go St.

• Bun Thang Ngoc Tuyet – 5B Phan Dinh Phung St.

• 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)

• Nom Bo Kho Ho Hoan Kiem – 23 Ho Hoan Kiem St.

• Nom Long Vi Dung – 23 Ho Hoan Kiem St. (Same stretch, good competition)

• Nom Ngoc Lam – 19 Ly Quoc Su St. (Near the Cathedral)

Nom bo kho in Hanoi

Suggested Foodie Itinerary (1 Day Walkable Tour)

Pro Tips for Eating in Hanoi

• Eat like a local: Sit on the tiny plastic stools, don't be afraid to share tables, and dive in with chopsticks.

• Peak time for breakfast: 6–9AM. Street food dinner best from: 6PM–9PM

• Bring cash: Most vendors don’t take cards

• 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.