10 Must-Try Dishes When Visiting Hanoi: The Ultimate Hanoi Food Guide
“Try these dishes when you come to Hanoi, you won’t forget about their taste”
Overview about Hanoi street food
Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers. Hanoi cuisine reflects centuries of history, local traditions, and fresh ingredients, creating unforgettable flavors that attract visitors from around the world. From comforting noodle soups and traditional street snacks to refreshing bia hoi (fresh Hanoi beer), Hanoi offers an authentic culinary experience you cannot miss.
If you are wondering what to eat in Hanoi, here are 10 must-try dishes when visiting Vietnam’s capital.
10.Hanoi Pho ( Vietnamese traditional noodle soup)
One of the most iconic dishes when mentioning Hanoi, Pho has become the soul of the city, reflecting its culture and daily life. It originated in the late 19th and early 20th century in Nam Dinh during the French colonial period. It is believed to have evolved from a simple noodle soup, with early influences from French pot-au-feu (beef stew) and Chinese beef-noodle. Today, Hanoi Pho is a symbol of Vietnamese culture and daily life. It represents the authentic Vietnamese taste and culture.
We highly recommend trying Pho at 34 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi—this Michelin-recommended restaurant is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
If you’d like to explore even more amazing Vietnamese flavors, consider joining our A Taste Of Vietnam Tour. On this 13 day journey, you’ll discover unique local foods from North to South Vietnam.
9. Hanoi Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
Did you know ?
In 2016, Former United States President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain sat on small plastic stools at Bun Cha Huong Lien in Hanoi, tasting a simple street food meal of Hanoi Bun cha and Hanoi beer. The moment showed the world that even global leaders and famous chefs can’t resist the authentic charm of Hanoi’s street food culture.
Bún cha was born in Hanoi in the 20th century as a humble street food. It gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, becoming an integral part of Hanoi’s culinary culture. Hanoi Bun cha features charcoal-grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors.
8. Banh cuon ( Pho roll)
Bánh cuốn is a traditional Hanoi breakfast dish made from thin steamed rice sheets filled with minced pork and fried shallots. Banh cuon originated in Thanh Tri, Ha Noi and believed to have originated in traditional rice-farming villages near Hanoi when Vietnamese ancestors migrated to the region and Prince An Quoc, son of the Hung King, taught the art of making steamed rice crepes.
You can try this delicious local specialty on our Street Eat & Bites Tours, where we take you deep into Hanoi’s vibrant food scene.
7. Bun rieu cua ( Crab noodles soup)
A tangy tomato-based noodle soup with freshwater crab paste, tofu, snails and herbs. Hanoi Bun rieu cua originated during the Later Le Dynasty (15th–18th centuries) as a rural, crab-based dish. It has a long history deeply rooted in Vietnam’s agricultural, rice-growing culture, with early versions focusing on freshwater crabs found in rice paddies.
Another fun fact about Hanoi Bun rieu: Anthony Bourdain loves Bun rieu, he said in his CNN travel show: ‘The spicy flavor, the amazing broth with tomatoes, herbs, rice noodles, and fresh snails – it’s truly delicious. Take a look at these tasty snails!’
6. Hanoi Banh Mi ( Vietnamese bread)
Banh mi was introduced by the French in the 1860s and was once considered a luxury food. with pâté, and butter in Vietnam. However, Vietnamese cooks adapted the sandwich by adding local herbs, pickled vegetables, chili, and sauces. After Vietnam gained independence,the Hanoi Banh Mi evolved into a uniquely Vietnamese street food — lighter, fresher, and packed with bold flavors.
5. Xoi (Sticky Rice)
Sticky rice has existed in Vietnam for thousands of years. Before noodle soups became popular, sticky rice was a staple breakfast for farmers and workers because it was filling and easy to carry. Xoi represents Vietnam’s deep connection to rice culture and remains a popular Hanoi street food breakfast today.
If you’re a vegan foodie, our Hanoi Vegan Trail, Food Walking Tour is perfect for you! Join us to enjoy delicious vegan sticky rice and a variety of other tasty plant-based dishes.
4. Hanoi Nem Rán ( Hanoi Fried Spring Rolls)
Hanoi Nem ran traditionally appeared during family celebrations, Lunar New Year (Tet), and special gatherings. Each family often had its own recipe using available ingredients.
Over time, the dish moved from home kitchens to restaurants and street food stalls, becoming one of Vietnam’s most recognizable foods worldwide. In Hanoi, nem is typically served as nem rán ( Hanoi fried spring rolls), which are crispy and filled with a mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. They are often accompanied by fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce.
3. Bia hoi Hanoi( Hanoi Fresh Beer)
Originating during the French colonial period and evolving into a uniquely Vietnamese tradition, bia hoi reflects the social rhythm of life in Vietnam. Its low alcohol content, crisp taste, and incredibly low price have made it a beloved local beer for generations. Sit on a small plastic chair, absorb the lively street noise, and enjoy a glass of fresh Hanoi bia hoi like a true Hanoian. This iconic local beer is best savored with friends over lively conversations, making it a quintessential experience when visiting Hanoi.
This Hanoi local beer is featured in our Afternoon Food Walking Tour, where you can savor local flavors and experience the city’s rich food culture firsthand!
2. Banh ran man (Fried stuffed rice cakes)
Bánh rán mặn (savory fried glutinous rice ball) is a beloved Northern Vietnamese street food, with the origin to the Chinese jian dui (sesame ball). Evolved as a local specialty in Hanoi, this deep-fried snack features a crispy, chewy glutinous rice shell filled with minced pork, wood-ear mushrooms, vermicelli, and carrots, typically served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
1. Hanoi Cafe trung (Hanoi egg coffee)
Originated in Hanoi in 1945, is a rich and creamy drink made by mixing whipped egg yolks with sugar, condensed milk, and strong robusta coffee. This rich and creamy drink is one of the most unique coffee experiences in the world. Join us for the Morning Food Walking Tour where we feature the iconic Hanoi egg coffee and other Hanoi local foods.
Or you can sign up for our Hanoi Coffee Making Class Available at 10:00am and 2:00pm to create your own egg coffee.
Where to Experience Authentic Hanoi Street Food
There are thousands of street vendors in Hanoi that can be challenging for first-time visitors. Join us for the Hanoi Street Food Tour and enjoy authentic local foods experiences.
Final thought
Hanoi’s dishes were born from history, necessity, and creativity — from colonial influence and wartime innovation to rural traditions and Hanoi street food culture. When you try these foods, you’re not just tasting flavors — you’re experiencing the stories that shaped Hanoi itself.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter and enjoy sitting on a small street stool as you dive into Hanoi’s incredible food culture! With our Afternoon Food Walking Tour you will have a chance to taste the best Hanoi street food.