Tripadvisor just named Hanoi—the bustling, heart-of-Vietnam city—as the Best Food Destination in the World for 2024!
If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi (or Vietnam in general), I’ve got you covered. I’ve put together a list of must-try dishes straight from the locals—these are the flavors they swear by. Consider this your handy, no-fuss guide to eating your way through the city.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with Hanoi Cuisine
There’s a famous Vietnamese saying: “Ăn Bắc, mặc Nam”—literally, “Eat like Northern people, dress like Southern people.” It basically means Northern food is amazing, while Southerners are known for their style.
This saying comes from the historical and cultural differences between Vietnam’s North and South. The North, home to Hanoi—the country’s thousand-year-old capital—has a long history and a refined sense of tradition.
That shows in its cuisine: dishes are thoughtful, delicate, and balanced, never hitting you with overly salty, sweet, sour, or spicy flavors. It’s the kind of food that wins over locals and visitors alike.
Even though I’m from Central Vietnam (Nha Trang) and spent years living in Saigon, Hanoi’s food has a special place in my heart.
The city is a food lover’s dream—from quiet little cafes to bustling street food corners, there’s always something new to try. Honestly, even locals sometimes get overwhelmed by all the tasty options!
Don’t worry though—I’ve put together a guide to help you navigate Hanoi’s food scene. You’ll get the best dishes, insider tips, and a few secrets on how to enjoy Hanoi like a local.
1. Phở
If there’s one dish you have to try in Hanoi, it’s Phở. This is where it all began, so no trip to the city is complete without a steaming bowl in your hands.
A classic Phở is simple but magical: rice noodles (bánh phở) in a fragrant, slow-cooked broth, topped with tender slices of beef or chicken. Hanoi-style Phở is more subtle than the sweeter, herb-heavy versions you might find in Saigon or abroad.
Here, the flavors are delicate and perfectly balanced, often served with pickled garlic and a homemade fermented chili sauce instead of heaps of herbs, bean sprouts, hoisin, and sweet chili sauce.
Related article| Differences between Northern Phở and Southern Phở
Where to eat:
Phở Bò (Beef Phở): Phở Bát Đàn, Phở bò Khôi Hói, Phở Vui
Phở Gà (Chicken Phở): Phở Gà Nguyệt, Phở Hàng Điếu, Phở Gà Huyền Hương
But Hanoi doesn’t just stop at the classic bowl. The city offers a fun twist on Phở with variations like:
Phở Bò Sốt Vang: This rendition combines Pho rice noodles with a Vietnamese-style red wine beef stew, resulting in a tantalizing blend of flavors.
Where to eat: Phở bò Khôi Hói, Phở bò Lý Béo.
Phở Trộn: A delightful twist on Pho, this version presents a Pho noodle salad that harmonizes fresh herbs, vegetables, protein like beef or chicken and a tangy soy sauce dressing.
Where to eat: Phở Hạnh, Phở Gà Nguyệt.
Phở Chiên Phồng: Inflated fried Pho noodles are paired with stir-fried beef. It resembles the appearance of Italian Gnocco fritto while boasting Vietnamese flavors.
Where to eat: Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng, Phở Cuốn 31.
Phở Cuốn: Similar to Vietnamese spring rolls, phở cuốn replaces the traditional rice paper wrap with delicate Pho noodle sheets, offering a fresh and delightful alternative.
Where to eat: Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng, Phở Cuốn 31.
Phở Áp Chảo (or Phở Xào Giòn): this dish feature a platter of crunchy fried Pho noodles topped with delicious stir-fried beef and veggies.
Where to eat: Phở xào Thái Béo, Phở xào Phú Mỹ.
2. Bún Chả Hà Nội
Bún Chả might have become world-famous after that unforgettable meal shared by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi, but for locals, it’s always been a beloved everyday dish.
What makes it special is the smoky grilled pork—both juicy patties and thin slices—served with soft vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a bowl of Northern-style sweet-and-sour fish sauce for dipping. It’s light yet flavorful, comforting yet refreshing, the kind of balance that Hanoi cuisine is known for.
Head down south and you’ll meet Bún Chả’s sister, Bún Thịt Nướng. Same idea of grilled pork with noodles, but with its own Southern twist—different toppings, a bolder sauce, and a flavor profile that feels more rustic.
Where to eat:
3. Chả Cá Lã Vọng
If there’s one dish that screams “Hanoi tradition,” it’s Chả Cá Lã Vọng. Imagine tender freshwater fish fillets, marinated with shrimp paste, galangal, and turmeric, then sizzling away in a pan with loads of green onions and dill. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
It doesn’t stop there—the fish is enjoyed with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and of course, the bold and funky Mắm Tôm (fermented shrimp paste) or a gentler option, Nước Chấm (Vietnamese dipping fish sauce).
Where to eat:
4. Nem Rán Hà Nội
If you stroll through the streets of Hanoi, you’ll quickly fall in love with Nem Rán—Hanoi’s classic fried spring rolls. Crispy on the outside, packed with flavor on the inside, they’re usually filled with a mix of ground pork, shrimp, aromatic Vietnamese herbs, and a touch of spice.
They’re best enjoyed wrapped in fresh lettuce and dipped in a bowl of tangy fish sauce—simple, satisfying, and addictive. Another Hanoi favorite is Nem Cua Bể (Square Crab Spring Rolls), which hails from Hải Phòng and brings a slightly different seafood twist to the table.
Head down south, and you’ll meet Nem Rán’s cousin, Chả Giò—similar at heart but with its own Southern flair.
Where to eat:
5. Bánh Cuốn
Think of Bánh Cuốn as Vietnam’s answer to dim sum—soft, delicate, and perfect for breakfast. If you’re familiar with Cantonese Cheong Fun, you’ll notice the resemblance, but Bánh Cuốn has its own Hanoi charm.
Silky rice sheets are filled with seasoned pork, wood ear mushrooms, and sometimes a runny egg. Locals steam them like delicate crepes, then top the rolls with crispy shallots.
Served with fresh herbs, chả lụa (pork sausage), chả quế (cinnamon sausage), cucumber, bean sprouts, and a drizzle of fish sauce, every bite is light, flavorful, and a little addictive.
Where to eat:
6. Bún Riêu
If you’re after something tangy, comforting, and a little different, Bún Riêu is a must-try. This crab noodle soup has a bright tomato-based broth, soft vermicelli noodles, and toppings like fried tofu, minced paddy crabs, pork, and sometimes freshwater snails.
The flavors strike a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory—light and refreshing, especially on a hot day. What sets Hanoi’s version apart is the use of fresh paddy crabs, prepared the traditional way, making it an authentic and vibrant taste of the city.
Where to eat:
7. Bún Bò Nam Bộ
One of my favorite light and fresh Vietnamese dishes has to be Bún Bò Nam Bộ.
Think tender stir-fried beef, vermicelli noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and a bunch of fragrant herbs—all tossed together in a tangy-sweet fish sauce that just ties everything perfectly. Down in the South, it goes by Bún Bò Xào, but no matter the name, it’s always a winner.
Vietnam loves its rice noodle salads, and there’s a reason why—they’re simple, refreshing, and full of flavor.
Other must-tries include Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork), Bún Chả Giò (crispy spring rolls), Bún Thịt Xào (stir-fried pork), Bún Gà Nướng (grilled chicken), and Bún Tôm Nướng (grilled shrimp).
Where to eat:
8. Xôi Xéo
If you’re wandering the streets of Hanoi in the morning, you’ll probably spot Xôi Xéo—sticky rice with hand-cut mung bean paste—being sold at tiny street stalls. It’s a favorite breakfast for locals, and honestly, it stole my heart too.
The dish is simple but packed with flavor: sticky rice cooked with turmeric and chicken fat, topped with smooth mung bean paste and crispy fried shallots. What looks humble at first bite is actually rich, comforting, and surprisingly addictive.
Nowadays, Hanoians like to jazz it up with extra toppings—think Vietnamese liver pâté, Thịt Kho Tàu (Northern caramelized pork belly), Chả Quế (cinnamon pork sausage), or Ruốc/Chà Bông (pork floss).
Where to eat:
For all the sticky rice fans out there, I’ve shared a few favorites on my blog:
9. Bún Cá
Fish noodle soup isn’t just a Hanoi specialty—you’ll find delicious versions all over Vietnam, from Bún Cá Đà Nẵng to Bún Cá Nha Trang (my hometown!) and Bún Cá Kiên Giang.
The star of Bún Cá Hà Nội is crispy, deep-fried freshwater fish fillets and dill fish cakes, served in a fragrant broth made from fish bones and plenty of fresh dill.
Add in some fresh herbs and soft vermicelli noodles, and you’ve got a bowl that’s comforting, flavorful, and unmistakably Hanoi.
Where to eat:
10. Cháo Sườn Sụn
Hanoi does Cháo Sườn Sụn (Pork Ribs Porridge) a little differently than anywhere else. Instead of whole rice grains, it’s made with rice powder and glutinous rice powder, giving it a smooth, velvety texture—almost like a rich, savory baby food.
Don’t be fooled by its gentle appearance, though; every spoonful is packed with flavor.
The magic is in the mix: creamy rice porridge, flavorful pork ribs broth, tender pork pieces, savory pork floss, and crispy Dầu Cháo Quẩy (fried bread sticks). Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
I have such fond memories of enjoying a warm bowl of this on chilly Hanoi evenings—it’s comfort food that literally warms you from the inside out.
Where to eat:
11. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm
Bún đậu mắm tôm—rice noodles with fried tofu and that famously bold fermented shrimp paste—definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. Its funky, punchy flavor is what makes it so beloved.
In fact, it even caught the attention of the New York Times as one of the latest trending Vietnamese foods!
But don’t worry if Mắm Tôm feels a little intimidating—most places also serve the classic dipping fish sauce, so everyone can enjoy this Hanoi favorite in their own way.
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12. Bún Mọc
If you’re looking for a bowl of comfort straight from Hanoi, Bún Mọc is it. This rice noodle soup features a clear, flavorful broth and soft pork balls—called Mọc—made from Giò Sống (Vietnamese pork paste).
Outside of Vietnam, finding a good bowl of Bún Mọc is a bit of a challenge, unlike Phở, Bánh Mì or Bún Bò Huế. So while you’re in Hanoi, don’t miss your chance to try it—it’s simple, satisfying, and utterly comforting.
Where to eat:
13. Cà Phê Trứng
If there’s one drink that screams Hanoi, it’s Cà Phê Trứng, or Vietnamese Egg Coffee. Invented by the legendary Mr. Giảng, this creamy, frothy coffee has won over hearts both in Vietnam and around the world.
When you’re in Vietnam, don’t just stop at the famous Cà Phê Sữa Đá (iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk). Make sure to try Cà Phê Trứng, Cà Phê Muối (salted coffee), and Cà Phê Dừa (icy coconut coffee)—each one is a little adventure in a cup.
If you want a souvenir that actually tastes like Vietnam, grab some Vietnamese ground coffee and a Phin filter. I’ve even shared a post on Vietnamese coffee brands with tips and recommendations to help you pick the best ones.
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Everyone’s taste is different, but I hope this guide makes planning your Hanoi food adventure a little easier. Don’t forget to save or pin it—you’ll thank yourself when hunger strikes and you need a quick foodie reference!
