FOOD TOUR IN HANOI: TOP 10 MUST TRY DISHES FOR AN AUTHENTIC CULINARY ADVENTURE

Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, is a paradise for food lovers. With its rich history and diverse culinary traditions, the city offers a tapestry of flavors that capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. If you’re planning a food tour of Hanoi, here’s a list of 10 dishes that you cannot miss!

1. Bun Dau Mam Tom Hang Khay

A serving of Bun Dau Mam Tom at Hang Khay costs about 30,000 VND, and includes a variety of toppings such as rice vermicelli, fried tofu, pork knuckle, green rice cake, fried spring rolls, and pork intestines. The essence of this dish lies in the bowl of shrimp paste, which is prepared to be rich and flavorful, appealing to many people’s tastes.

The vermicelli and tofu portion is extremely high quality and attractive.

Address: No. 31, Hang Khay Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 – 50.000 VND (1.2 – 2 USD).

2. Bun Thang Cau Go

Bun Thang Cau Go is also known as Bun Thang Ba Duc. The restaurant has a relatively small space and does not have any elaborate signage, yet it still attracts a large number of food enthusiasts to experience its delicious offerings.

Bun thang, a Hanoi specialty, always attracts the “hungry stomachs” of many food lovers.

The bun thang here features a light and sweet broth, and each serving includes a variety of toppings such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, chicken, and quail eggs, among others.

Address: No. 48, Cau Go Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 – 55.000 VND (1.2 – 2.2 USD).

3. Pho Ly Quoc Su

Pho Ly Quoc Su is a well-regarded pho eatery in Hanoi, known for its rich flavors and quality. While it may be slightly pricier than other options, many reviews highlight its delicious broth and fresh ingredients, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Beef Pho is one of the top dishes in Vietnam.

Pho is a familiar address for those who are enamored with the flavors of Hanoi’s pho. The beef here is fresh and tender, while the broth is cooked to perfection, captivating the taste buds of even the most discerning diners.

Address: No. 108 – 156 – 210, Vo Chi Cong Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

Prices: 60.000 – 120.000 (2.4 – 4.8 USD).

4. Chao Suon Huyen Anh

Chao Suon Sun Huyen Anh is located in a small alley next to Dong Xuan Market. Although the prices are relatively high, the porridge here is very popular among locals.

When eating Huyen Anh cartilage rib porridge, sprinkle salted pork floss on top.

The porridge has a smooth and thick consistency, melting in your mouth and blending perfectly with the sweetness of the tender, simmered pork ribs and the savory shredded pork sprinkled on top.

Address: No. 14, Dong Xuan Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM daily.

Prices: 30.000 – 50.000 VND (1.2 – 2 USD).

5. Mi Ga Tan 24

A food tour in Hanoi cannot be complete without a visit to the famous Mi Ga Tan 24. The dish here is highly regarded for its delicious and unique flavors.

Mi Ga Tan 24

Ga Tan consists of free-range or black chicken simmered with mugwort, and when served, it emits a fragrant aroma that is not only delightful but also very beneficial for health.

Address: No. 24, Hang Bo Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM daily.

Prices: 35.000 – 50.000 (1.4 – 2 USD).

6. Xoi Yen

Xoi Yen has been a beloved establishment for the people of Hanoi for nearly 30 years. The sticky rice here is very soft and fragrant, and when served, it is topped with rich and flavorful chicken broth.

Xoi Yen

The sticky rice is often accompanied by various toppings such as pâté, eggs, braised meat, shredded pork, and pickled cucumbers.

Address: No. 35B, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily.

Prices: 25.000 – 40.000 VND (1 – 1.6 USD).

7. Bo Nuong Ma May

Walking along Ma May Street, you will soon catch the enticing aroma of delicious grilled beef. The beef, after being thoroughly cleaned, is marinated with rich spices and grilled evenly on all sides over hot coals until it is perfectly cooked and juicy, then presented on a plate for customers.

Just one plate of grilled beef from Ma May is enough to leave you feeling full.

Address: No. 47, Ma May Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM daily.

Prices: 50.000 – 100.000 VND (2 – 4 USD).

8. Cha Ca La Vong

For a unique experience, visit Cha Ca street, where this famous dish is served at various establishments. Cha ca La Vong is one of the signature dishes that has made Hanoi’s cuisine famous.

Cha Ca La Vong

You can enjoy this delicious dish at number 14 Cha ca in the Hang Dao Ward. The fish here is rich and fatty in flavor, typically served with herbs and shrimp paste that is prepared according to the restaurant’s traditional recipe.

Address: No. 14, Cha Ca Street, Hang Dao Ward, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Prices: 30.000 – 70.000 VND (1.2 – 2.8 USD).

9. Che Hang Can                 

This is a long-established dessert shop in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The shop has a clean space, decorated with many old photographs that create a nostalgic atmosphere.

Che Hang Can is the ideal place to end your Hanoi food tour with sweets.

The menu here features a variety of refreshing dessert options, most of which have a light sweetness that is very palatable. A typical bowl of dessert usually includes a variety of appealing toppings.

Address: No. 4, Hang Can Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily.

Prices: 15.000 – 30.000 VND (0.6 – 1.2 USD).

10. Bun Cha Hang Quat

For traditional bun cha flavors in Hang Quat, you should try the Bun Cha Restaurant at 74 Hang Quat Street. This eatery is well-regarded for its fresh ingredients and authentic taste, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Bun Cha Hang Quat

This bun cha restaurant has been operating for many years at Hang Quat and has been passed down through generations. However, the dish here has never changed its delicious flavor. The grilled meat is still made from marinated pork belly, seasoned to be tender and flavorful, then grilled over charcoal, served with small, chewy rice vermicelli and a dipping sauce with a distinctive sour taste that is enticing.

Address: No. 74, Hang Quat Street, Ha Noi.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 – 50.000 VND (1.2 – 2 USD).