Top 10 Must-Try Authentic Vietnamese Dishes in Hanoi

Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a food lover’s paradise. Its streets are lined with vendors and restaurants offering a wide array of delectable Vietnamese dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re visiting Hanoi, here are the top 10 must-try Vietnamese dishes you shouldn’t miss:

(Most of the dishes on the list below are priced between 30,000 VND and 100,000 VND, about 1$ – 4$).

1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodles) – The Most Iconic and Delicious Dish in Vietnamese Cuisine

No visit to Hanoi is complete without savoring a steaming bowl of Pho, a flavorful noodle soup made with beef or chicken, garnished with fresh herbs and lime. It’s a national treasure and a breakfast staple.

How to eat Pho?

To enjoy Pho, add bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and lime to your bowl. You can also mix in the accompanying hoisin and chili sauce to taste.

Then, use chopsticks and a soup spoon to savor the noodles and broth.

Where to eat Pho in Hanoi?

In Hanoi, you can find Pho, the country’s beloved noodle soup, in numerous eateries ranging from street stalls to renowned restaurants. Here are a few most known places to enjoy Pho in Hanoi:

Pho Gia Truyen (No.49 Bat Dan Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Pho Thin (No.13 Lo Duc Str., Hai Ba Trung District).

Pho 10 (No.10 Ly Quoc Su Str., Hoan Kiem District).

2. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork and Noodles) – Signature Hanoi’s Dish

This Hanoi specialty features grilled pork patties served in a sweet and tangy fish sauce, alongside rice noodles and fresh herbs. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

How to eat Bun Cha?

To eat Bun Cha, take a piece of rice noodle, some herbs, and a pork patty, and dip it into the sauce. Combine these elements and enjoy a delightful medley of flavors.

Where to taste Bun Cha in Hanoi?

Here are some recommended places in Hanoi to savor this delightful dish:

Bun Cha Huong Lien (No.24 Le Van Huu Str., Hai Ba Trung District).

Bun Cha Dac Kim (No.1 Hang Manh Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Bun Cha 34 (No.34 Hang Than Str., Hoan Kiem District).

3. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Bread)

A Vietnamese sandwich that combines French and Vietnamese influences. It features a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients like grilled meats, pâté, fresh vegetables, and condiments.

How to eat Banh Mi?

To eat Banh Mi, simply pick it up with your hands and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures. It’s the perfect street food to eat on the go.

Where to find Banh Mi?

Banh Mi is a beloved Vietnamese sandwich known for its combination of French baguettes and local ingredients. Here are some recommended places to enjoy Banh Mi in Hanoi:

Banh Mi 25 (No.25 Hang Ca Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Banh Mi Hoi An (No.4 Hang Dieu Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Banh Mi 172 (No.172 Hang Bac Str., Hoan Kiem District).

4. Bun Bo Nam Bo (Southern Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad)

A refreshing and hearty dish that includes marinated beef, rice vermicelli, and an array of herbs, peanuts, and a tasty fish sauce dressing.

How to eat Bun Bo Nam Bo?

To savor Bun Bo Nam Bo, mix all the ingredients together, ensuring that the beef, noodles, herbs, and peanuts are well combined with the fish sauce dressing. Use chopsticks to pick up the noodles and other ingredients.

Where to eat the original flavor of Bun Bo Nam Bo?

While it’s not as widely available as some other Vietnamese dishes, you can still find excellent places to enjoy Bun Bo Nam Bo in Hanoi. Here are some recommended places to try this dish:

Bun Bo Nam Bo Hanoi (No.67 Hang Dieu Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Bun Bo Nam Bo So 1 (No.118 Hang Dieu Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Bun Bo Nam Bo 67 (No.67 Hang Dieu Str., Hoan Kiem District).

5. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Fresh & Delicious Vietnamese Food
(vegan option available)

These translucent rice paper rolls are packed with shrimp, herbs, pork, rice vermicelli, and served with a peanut dipping sauce. They’re a healthy and tasty option.

How to eat Goi Cuon?

Dip these translucent rice paper rolls in the provided peanut dipping sauce for a delightful combination of flavors. Use your hands or chopsticks to handle these delicate rolls.

Where to eat taste real Goi Cuon?

You can find Goi Cuon in a variety of places, from street vendors to restaurants. Here are some recommended spots to enjoy Goi Cuon in Hanoi:

Goi Cuon 12 Ngoc Ky (No. 12 Ngoc Ky Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Gia Truyen Cuon (No.48 Dinh Cong Trang Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Goi Cuon Pho Hang (No.38 Hang Vai Str., Hoan Kiem District).

6. Cha Ca La Vong (Fried Fish with Turmeric and Dill) – Mouthwatering Vietnamese Dish

A unique Hanoi dish, it consists of grilled fish (usually catfish) marinated in turmeric and dill, served with rice noodles, peanuts, and fresh herbs.

How to eat Cha Ca La Vong?

Take the grilled fish and aromatic herbs, wrap them in rice paper, and dip in the shrimp paste sauce. It’s a hands-on dining experience that bursts with flavor.

Where to eat authentic Cha Ca La Vong?

Cha Ca La Vong (No.14 Cha Ca Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Cha Ca Thang Long (No.21 – 31 – 43 Duong Thanh Str., Hoan Kiem District).\

Cha Ca Anh Vu (116 K1 Giang Vo Str., Ba Dinh District).

7. Xoi Xeo (Sticky Rice with Mung Bean)

A simple but comforting dish, it features sticky rice mixed with mung beans and topped with crispy shallots and a savory sauce.

How to eat Xoi Xeo?

Spoon some of the sticky rice onto a plate and add the accompanying toppings, including crispy shallots and savory sauce. You can use a fork or spoon to enjoy this comforting dish.

Where to eat authentic Xoi Xeo?

While it may not be as widely available as some other Vietnamese dishes, you can still find excellent places to enjoy Xoi Xeo in Hanoi. Here are some recommended spots:

Xoi Yen (No.35B Nguyen Huu Huan Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Xoi Xeo 28 Hang Vai (No.28 Hang Vai Str., Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District).

Xoi Xeo 14 Lang Ha (No.14 Lang Ha Str., Ba Dinh District).

8. Bun Rieu Cua (Red Noodle Soup With Crab)

A crab noodle soup, known for its sweet and savory broth filled with rice vermicelli, tofu, crab meat, and tomatoes.

How to eat Bun Rieu Cua?

Enjoy this crab noodle soup by combining the various elements in the bowl, ensuring you get a bit of everything in each spoonful. Use chopsticks and a spoon to capture all the flavors.

Where to eat authentic Bun Rieu Cua?

Bun rieu cua 11 Hang Bac (No.11 Hang Bac Str., Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District).

Bun rieu Hang Bo (No.44 Hang Bo Str., Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District).

Bun rieu top mo Hang Cot (No.17 Hang Cot Str., Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District).

9. Banh Xeo (Sizzling Pancakes)

Vietnamese savory pancakes, which are crispy on the outside and filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. They are usually wrapped in rice paper and dipped in fish sauce.

How to eat Banh Xeo?

To eat Vietnamese savory pancakes, take a small portion, wrap it in rice paper along with herbs, and dip in fish sauce. Use your hands or chopsticks to construct your perfect bite.

Where to eat Banh Xeo?

Here are some recommended places to enjoy Banh Xeo in the city:

Banh Xeo Loan Beo (No.153D Doi Can Str., Ba Dinh District).

Banh Xeo Ham Long (Alley at No.3 Ham Long Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Banh Xeo Nem Lui Co Minh (No.12 Cua Dong Str., Hoan Kiem District).

10. Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)

While not a dish, this unique Hanoi coffee deserves a spot on the list. It’s made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, creating a creamy and sweet coffee topping that’s a real treat.

How to drink Ca Phe Trung?

Gently stir the whipped egg yolk and coffee together before sipping to experience the rich and sweet flavor. Use a spoon to enjoy this unique

Hanoi coffee creation.

Where to drink Ca Phe Trung?

Giang Café (No.39 Nguyen Huu Huan Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Dinh Café (No.13 Dinh Tien Hoang Str., Hoan Kiem District).

Café Nang (No.6 Hang Bac Str., Hoan Kiem District).

 

In addition, if you’re looking to savor authentic Vietnamese dishes with elevated flavors and preparation techniques, you can consider dining at Red Bean Ma May Restaurant, a high-end Vietnamese cuisine restaurant located in the Old Quarter.

Address: Red Bean Ma May Restaurant, No.94 Ma May Str., Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist.

Discover Red Bean Ma May’s Menu.

When you’re in Hanoi, make sure to explore the local street food vendors and traditional restaurants to experience the rich and diverse flavors of these must-try Vietnamese dishes. Each one offers a unique taste of Vietnamese culinary culture that you’ll cherish long after your trip. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Hanoi!

EHG – Elegance Hospitality Group.

Image source: Collected.