6 Must-try Local Food In Hanoi

Hanoi street food tours, an integral part of its sidewalk culture, contribute to the city’s charm. No Hanoi travel itinerary is complete without indulging in its tempting street food offerings. With an array of diverse dishes with distinct flavors and wholesome ingredients, Hanoi’s cuisine is sure to astonish every visitor.

TOP 6 must-eats in your Hanoi street food tour

1. Phở 

This one is a no-brainer. Even if you’ve had phở elsewhere in Vietnam, it’s worth giving the Hanoi variant a try. If the many condiments that come with your phở seem confusing at first, start with a bit of gritty chili sauce, then top with a spoonful of garlic vinegar for beef phở, or a squeeze of lime for chicken phở. 

Recommend : Phở bò Khôi Hói 50 Hàng Vải St., Hoàn Kiếm District

2. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm

Simple fried tofu and noodles have never tasted so good! A match made in heaven, crispy golden tofu and fresh rice noodles are a much-loved Hanoian lunch. Originally bún đậu is served with mắm tôm (fermented shrimp paste), but you can also choose fish sauce as a lighter alternative. Young rice patties, fried spring rolls, and herbs complete the beautiful ensemble.  

Recommend: Bún đậu Gốc Đa . Add: 4 Ngõ Gach Street, Hoàn Kiếm District 

3. Chả Cá Hà Nội ( Hanoi Grilled Fish) 

Nowhere else does chả cá like Hanoi. Fatty catfish is marinated in spices and grilled, then stirred with lots of spring onions and dill on high heat right at the table. Eating chả cá in Hanoi is an experience in itself. The most important element of good chả cá is the marinade. Original recipes are kept secret in family-run restaurants for generations.  

Recommend :  Chả cá Thăng Long. Add:  6B Đường Thành St., Hoàn Kiếm District

4. Bún Chả Hà Nội ( Hanoi Grill Pork )

Almost exclusively a lunch dish, bún chả combines chargrilled pork belly and patties with diluted vinegar fish sauce in a harmonious concoction. Put your rice noodles into the fish sauce bowl, add spices and herbs, then try to get a little bit of everything in one bite. For a hearty upgrade, go ahead and order some nem (fried spring rolls) with your bún chả.

Recommend : Bún chả ngõ Hàng Quạt, Add: 74 Hàng Quạt street, Hoàn Kiếm District

5. Nem rán ( Hanoi Spring Rolls ) 

Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls are delicious with crispy exterior and flavorful filling. This dish is a must in any traditional Vietnamese banquets or celebrations. 

6. Cà Phê Trứng ( Egg Coffee)

Round out your amazing meal in Hanoi with a cup of creamy egg coffee. The strong robusta is balanced out by the sweet egg foam on top, making this drink a real treat for coffee lovers. Sitting under the shade of khaya trees, sipping on a hot, fluffy cà phê trứng, watching locals drive by on motorbikes — now that’s a classic Hanoi moment. 

Recommend : Cà phê Giảng. Add:  Alley 39, Nguyễn Hữu Huân St., Hoàn Kiếm District