We love Hanoi food! On our trips to Vietnam, where to eat in Hanoi is just as important as what to see. The food culture here tantalizes the palate and emboldens visitors to venture into the unfamiliar.
On our most recent visit to Vietnam, we were on a mission to eat the best food in Hanoi. We followed foodie tips to top restaurants in Hanoi and took locals’ advice to seek out lesser-known eateries.
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To help other travelers to Vietnam (yes, you), we compiled a list of the Best Hanoi Foods – and where to enjoy them!
Eating in Hanoi, Vietnam: All You Need to Know
For each item we first introduce the dish, then divulge where to go in Hanoi to eat it. We include a map link for each spot so you can easily route yourself to the establishment.
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#1 Pho
We are kicking off with the classic Hanoi food: Pho! This iconic noodle soup dish originated in Northern Vietnam in a village near Hanoi.
Although its popularity has led to variations, the basic ingredients remain the same. Pho Bo (or Beef Pho) is the original recipe.
This is a bowl of clear beef broth with flat rice noodles and thinly sliced beef garnished with green onion, white onion, Thai basil, Thai chilies and cilantro.
Modifications include bean sprouts, a lime wedge, fresh mint, hoisin sauce and a dash of hot Sriracha sauce. Pho Ga (or Chicken Pho) is also now widely available.
Where To Eat Pho in Hanoi
A staple in Hanoi street food, a steaming bowl of Pho can be consumed for any meal. We slurped up oodles of noodles all over town – so we’re offering two recommendations for this must-try food in Hanoi.
Pro Tip: The correct pronunciation of Pho is Fuh, not Foh.
Pho Thin
MAP. Located south of Hoan Kiem Lake, Pho Thin churns out bowl after bowl of Pho Bo. Heavy on the green onions and slightly oily, it’s packed with lots of meat and excellent flavor.
Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan
MAP. This was the first Pho we ate in Hanoi – and it still ranks as one of the very best! The family-run restaurant has been in business for 70 years and perfected the art of Pho.
Pro Tip: They are only open for breakfast (6am -11am) and dinner (5pm – 9:30pm).
#2 Xoi Xeo
We only learned about Xoi Xeo on our most recent Hanoi trip – and I have been craving it ever since! The simple, savory ingredients combine into something utterly satisfying.
The base is glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice), turmeric, mung bean, fried shallot and a layer of semi-solid fat. The hearty meal can be topped with extras, like corn, eggs, chicken or pork.
Where To Eat Xoi Xeo in Hanoi Old Quarter
Customarily served by Hanoi market vendors who wrap the cheerful, yellow-colored dish in old newspaper or banana leaves, Xoi Xeo is served in restaurants, too.
Xoi Yen
MAP. The menu here is quite expansive, but we recommend sticking to the basics and ordering Xoi Xeo. To take it up a notch, get it topped with pork ribs and a deep-fried boiled egg. It’s delicious!
#3 Bun Cha
Bun Cha is another noodle soup that originated in Hanoi, but this one features fatty pork – and we actually believe it is even better than Pho.
This mouthwateringly delicious dish includes both pork balls and strips of pork belly. The meat is served in a bowl with rice vermicelli, sweet and sour fish sauce and often fresh herbs and pickled vegetables.
Top Restaurants in Hanoi for Bun Cha
As one of the top things to eat in Vietnam, there are several places where you can get a bowl of Bun Cha.
Bun Cha Huong Lien
MAP. This is the most famous places in Hanoi for Bun Cha. It gained worldwide attention when President Obama and the late Anthony Bourdain sat down to a meal here in 2016.
We recommend ordering the Obama Special, which is a bowl of Bun Cha, a crispy seafood roll and a beer. Far and away, this was the best Bun Cha we ate in Vietnam!
Pro Tip: The table where they sat is encased in a glass box on the second floor.
Bun Cha Ta
MAP. Unlike the rushed and stark atmosphere of Bun Cha Huong Lien, here they cater to foreigners who are trying the dish for the first time.
The helpful and friendly waitstaff not only explain the dish and show visitors how to consume it, but they are also happy to chat and answer any other questions you might have.
#4 Bun Bo Nam Bo
This translates to Beef Noodles in the South and frequently ranks as one of the top foods to try in Hanoi.
The dish is served in a bowl topped with sliced beef, fried onion, peanuts, bean sprouts and herbs. However, rather than swirling in a broth, it’s topped with a sauce (which is thicker and more flavorful than most broths).
Hanoi Places to Eat Bun Bo Nam Bo
MAP. The best restaurant in Hanoi for Bun Bo Nam Bo is – of course – named Bun Bo Nam Bo!
Listed on the menu as a Beef Noodle Salad, the vegetables used in this version include lettuce, sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro and mint leaves.
The beef, which is marinated in sugar, pepper, fish sauce and seasonings, is not stir-fried until it is ordered.
Pro Tip: Before digging in, use the spoon and chopsticks to stir the ingredients and combine the flavors.
#5 Cha Ca
Another Hanoi specialty – there is actually an entire street in the Old Quarter dedicated to serving it.
The boneless catfish (specifically Hemibagrus) is first cooked with turmeric and in banana leaves over coals, then brought to the table where patrons finish cooking it themselves.
As the succulent fish cooks, diners add dill and spring onions to the skillet, which makes it incredibly fragrant. Once ready, it’s topped with roasted peanuts, rice noodle, dill, onion, coriander and mint with fish sauce.
Cha Ca Restaurants in Old Quarter Hanoi
MAP. At Cha Ca Thang Long the waitstaff is very patient with first-timers and will show diners how to properly complete the cooking process.
#6 Banh Mi
The Banh Mi Sandwich is Vietnamese fast food at its finest. While it’s far from fine dining, the French-inspired creation is delicious and a quintessential Vietnamese food to eat in Hanoi.
When the baguette was introduced to Vietnam in the mid-1800s, it quickly became a staple food. However, it wasn’t until 100 years later that the Vietnamese-style sandwich gained popularity.
The key ingredient is the crispy bread, which is often cut on the top (using scissors) rather than on the side. Typical fillings include cured meats, pate, pickled vegetables, herbs and sauce.
Best Banh Mi Spot in Hanoi Old Quarter
MAP. Often touted, Banh Mi 25 has an English menu, an English-speaking sandwich maker and a long line.
We recommend going all in and ordering the mixed, which includes barbecued pork, jambon (ham) and sausage with pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro and au jus sauce. Delish!
#7 Banh Xeo
Literally translating to Sizzling Pancake, Banh Xeo is fried rice flour and turmeric powder, which makes it look yellow like a fried egg. Then it’s stuffed with pork, shrimp, onions and bean sprouts.
Once cooked, it is cut into strips and wrapped in rice paper, along with lettuce and fresh herbs and sometimes even cucumber and pineapple.
The roll is then dipped into a sweet and spicy peanut sauce (or sometimes a nuoc cham sauce) before being eaten. Yum!
Banh Xeo in Hanoi Old Quarter
MAP. The busy Banh Xeo Zon Pancake shop specializes in Central Vietnam Style Banh Xeo. We each ordered one beef, chicken and shrimp, but you can get all of one kind or mix-and-match.
The service started off a little slow, but the waiters are helpful in showing patrons how to assemble and eat the pancakes.
#8 Pho Cuon and Chien Phong
Pho Chien Phong (Fried Pho) and Pho Cuon (Rolled Pho) are two modern variations that originated in the Truc Bach district, just north of the historic Old Quarter.
Rolled Pho
According to legend, a woman who lived on Truc Bach Lake had guests request bowls of Pho – but she was out of broth. Rather than turn them away, she used cooked rice noodle sheets as wraps.
She filled the rolls with typical ingredients – including spiced minced beef and fresh herbs. Then served them with dipping sauce of fish sauce, garlic, carrots, papaya, lime sugar and chili – and it was a huge hit!
Fried Pho
Those who agonize over the slurping required for Pho soup need to try Pho Chien Phong – or Fried Pho. It consists of plump, deep-fried rice noodle squares topped with a gravy-laden combination of beef, vegetables and herbs.
Where to get Fried and Rolled Pho
MAP. Nearly every restaurant on Truc Bach Lake Island serves Pho Cuon – and most also have Pho Chien Phong. We went with a locals’ suggestion of Pho Cuon Huong Mai.
The rolls, which we enjoyed, come in a 10-count platter – but the reason we would go back is for the heaping serving of Pho Chien Phong.
#9 Bun Ca (Fish Rice)
Kris doesn’t especially like most seafood. However, our hotel staff highly-recommended two Hanoi restaurants that specialize in it. So, we thought we would at least pass on the tips!
Bun Ca at Sam Cay Si
MAP. Bun Ca is a fried fish soup with vermicelli noodles and herbs…and the place to get it is at the Sam Cay Si food stall in Trung Yen Alley. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch (7am to 5pm) and when we passed by, every seat was taken!
Hai San Seafood 68 Hanoi
MAP. This restaurant is a little corner spot in the Old Town that cooks fresh seafood made to order. Patrons can get platters to share or individual meals. Seats fill up quickly for dinner!
#10 Western Food in Hanoi
We love eating the exotic food in Vietnam, but every once in a while, we crave something different. That’s when we seek out Western restaurants in Hanoi!
Pizza 4P’s
MAP. 4P’s is a Japanese-owned pizza chain that has expanded around the world. They even have one in NYC, now!
They use fresh ingredients based on the farm-to-table concept, make their own in-house cheese and offer creative flavor combinations (alongside classic choices).
S’Patisserie
MAP. Truthfully, we don’t love most Vietnamese desserts. They are often too syrupy and sticky sweet.
That’s how we found ourselves indulging in French-inspired pastries and cakes at S’Patisserie. They offer a delightful range and we can recommend the tiramisu and cheesecake!
#11 Hanoi Walking Street Weekend Night Market
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Hang Dao closes for vendors to set up and sell their wares. Among the stalls selling handmade crafts and tourist trinkets are carts dishing out food.
Hanoi Café Culture
Coffee is one of Vietnam’s biggest industries and there are cafes on every street. Vietnamese-style coffee comes with sweet condensed milk – and can be served hot or over ice.
The current Vietnam cafe culture is in flux, featuring a mix of traditional, hidden coffeehouses and modern coffeeshop hangouts.
Café Ta Hien
MAP. For a classic Vietnamese coffee experience, take a seat on one of the plastic chairs in front of Café Ta Hien.
Order your coffee iced with condensed milk…then sit back and watch the world go by; it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Hanoi!
Giang Cafe
MAP. Egg Coffee is a Hanoi specialty. Actually, Vietnamese Egg Coffee was born here in the 1940s when it was difficult to get milk.
The traditional drink is made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk and coffee. The yolks are whipped to create a cream…and it’s superb. The best place to get an Egg Coffee is from the original source: Giang Cafe.
Cong Caphe
MAP. Popular with tourists and locals, Cong Caphe is a chain cafe with multiple locations throughout Vietnam.
The throwback coffeehouse features classic Communist memorabilia and decor. Order their famous coconut iced coffee for a sweet, refreshing afternoon treat!
Hanoi Restaurant Map
Walking in Vietnam is not exactly an easy task. Go in with a plan by using this Google Map for an online version of our Hanoi Restaurants Map.
More Hanoi Food Tips
Now that we have shared our advice of where and what to eat in Hanoi, we have a few important items for your foodie fun in Vietnam!
Vietnam Food Prices
The cost of food in Vietnam is relatively very affordable, however, Hanoi food prices will depend on what you are eating.
- Staple Hanoi Old Quarter Food – like Pho and Banh Mi – can be had for as little as 25k (about $1).
- Specialty Hanoi Cuisine – like Banh Xeo and Fried Pho – can cost up to 65K (about $2.50).
- Nice Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter will likely be more in the range of 125k ($4.75).
- Western restaurants in Hanoi charge the most; a pizza at 4P’s runs around 300k ($11.50).
Hanoi Food Tour
A Hanoi Street Food Tour is a great way to learn about the regional cuisine. Join fellow foodies and a local guide as you make stops at 9 places for tastes of Hanoi!
Hanoi Cooking Class
Fascinated by the food in Hanoi, I joined a cooking class to learn how to prepare the most famous Vietnamese food for myself. You can read the details of my Hanoi Cooking Class!
Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
When you are full of the best Hanoi food, consider doing a little sightseeing. Use our Self-Guided Hanoi Walking Tours and plan your complete trip with our Hanoi Itinerary!
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