Top 5 Must-Try Dishes When Visiting Hanoi

Visitors to Hanoi are welcomed into a world of culinary delight as they explore the vibrant street food scene of Vietnam’s bustling capital city. Renowned for its rich culture, historic landmarks, and, above all, its tantalizing street food offerings, Hanoi beckons food enthusiasts from far and wide. With an abundance of street food vendors lining its bustling thoroughfares, Hanoi has rightfully earned its reputation as a paradise for food lovers.

1. Pho Hanoi

• Price Range: 35,000 VND – 90,000 VND

Pho Hanoi, the first delicacy on our list, stands as one of the most beloved dishes across the country. Whether from upscale restaurants or humble street-side vendors, a steaming bowl of pho is always within reach.

Pho Hanoi stands as one of the most beloved dishes across the country

What sets Pho Hanoi apart is its distinctive large, white noodles, swimming in a fragrant broth derived from simmering beef bones. Connoisseurs flock to pho joints around 9 am when the broth reaches its peak richness. It’s a quintessential morning treat, especially during chilly Hanoi weather. 

To savor Pho Hanoi fully, enhance it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of pepper, a squeeze of lemon, and perhaps a side of quarts to sip on—it’s an experience worth indulging in.

2. Bun Cha (Rice Noodles with Barbecue Pork)

• Price Range: 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND

Bun Cha holds a special place in the culinary culture of Hanoi, cherished by locals and celebrated globally, especially after President Obama’s visit in 2018. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but its popularity has endured for generations, symbolizing the essence of Hanoi’s culinary tradition.

Bun Cha holds a special place in the culinary culture of Hanoi

Made with simple ingredients like vermicelli and grilled pork, the magic lies in its unique dipping sauce, a blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. Served with fresh greens and herbs, every bite of Bun Cha is a harmonious explosion of taste.

Hanoians enjoy Bun Cha any time of day, finding sustenance and satisfaction in its flavorful offerings. With variations like Bun Cha wrapped in banana leaves or served for breakfast, this beloved dish continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.

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3. Banh Mi

• Price Range: 20,000 VND – 50,000 VND

Banh Mi, hailed as the “best in the world” by food enthusiasts, holds a special place in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in Hanoi. Unlike its counterparts elsewhere, Banh Mi Hanoi boasts a uniquely thin yet crispy crust, giving way to a soft and fragrant interior.

Banh Mi Hanoi boasts a uniquely thin yet crispy crust, giving way to a soft and fragrant interior

Found on every street corner, Banh Mi stalls in Hanoi offer a plethora of options, from traditional fillings like pork patties and eggs to modern twists with various ingredients. While locals enjoy Banh Mi as a staple breakfast item, foreigners often find themselves enamored by its affordability and culinary diversity.

Whether it’s the sizzling hot burgers or the savory pâté, every Banh Mi tells a story of culinary tradition and innovation, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the vibrant streets of Hanoi.

4. Chả cá (Grilled Fish Cake)

• Price Range: 200,000 VND – 400,000 VND

Ha Thanh cuisine, renowned for its delicacies like pho, bun cha, and fried spring rolls, has captivated foreigners for generations. Among these culinary delights, Cha Ca stands out as a specialty of Hanoi, gaining international recognition after being featured by CNN.

Cha Ca is a meticulously crafted dish, beginning with marinated fish grilled over charcoal and then sautéed to perfection. Its unique flavor profile has left an indelible mark on those who have tasted it, leading to its popularity on the global stage.

Cha Ca is a meticulously crafted dish, beginning with marinated fish grilled over charcoal and then sautéed to perfection

To prepare Cha Ca, flavorful catfish is marinated in a blend of turmeric, garlic, galangal, salt, sugar, and fish sauce before being grilled and sautéed. Served hot at the table, it is accompanied by shrimp paste, dill, scallions, white vermicelli, and roasted peanuts.

Though slightly intricate in its preparation, the dish rewards diners with its exquisite taste and texture. Today, Cha Ca has become a must-try for tourists visiting Hanoi, ensuring its place among the city’s culinary treasures.

5. Nem rán (Fried Spring Rolls)

• Price Range: 30,000 VND – 40,000 VND/set

Nem ran, or fried spring rolls, is a dish celebrated for its tantalizing taste and harmonious blend of ingredients, making it a staple during Tet holiday festivities. Loved by both locals and foreigners alike, nem ran holds a special place in Vietnamese cuisine, often cherished and shared among international communities.

In Hanoi, nem ran is a cherished part of traditional cuisine, featuring delicate rice paper rolls filled with a delectable mixture of shrimp, meat, and various vegetables. The thin, crispy exterior gives way to a savory and flavorful filling, creating an irresistibly delicious bite.

Nem ran is a dish celebrated for its tantalizing taste and harmonious blend of ingredients, making it a staple during Tet holiday festivities

Crafting the perfect nem ran requires skill and precision, as chefs meticulously blend and roll the ingredients to achieve a balanced and moist interior without compromising the integrity of the rice paper. Typically, nem ran contains fresh shrimp, minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, vermicelli, beans, carrots, and a variety of seasonings.

Frying nem ran is an art form in itself, requiring careful attention to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while ensuring the interior is fully cooked. The result is a batch of perfectly cooked spring rolls, free from burnt edges or soggy shells, ready to be enjoyed hot alongside a sweet and sour dipping sauce and pickled vegetables.

Nem ran is best enjoyed fresh and hot, accompanied by a medley of flavors and textures that delight the palate, making it a beloved dish for locals and visitors alike.

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Visitors or food enthusiasts planning to explore Hanoi should not miss the opportunity to embark on a street food tour. By venturing off the beaten path and immersing yourself in the bustling streets and lively markets, you will uncover a captivating world of unique flavors that will leave a lasting impression. If you are planning a trip to Hanoi, make sure to arrive with a hearty appetite and a willingness to indulge in the city’s finest street delicacies