Top 05 must try local dishes in Hanoi

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, where history and culture intertwined seamlessly with a rich culinary tradition. The hustling streets are lined with food stalls and eateries that offer a tantalizing array of dishes, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. For food enthusiasts and travelers alike, exploring Hanoi’s food scene is an essential part of the experience. From the sizzling sound of grilling meats to the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs, Hanoi’s cuisine promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds.

Here are the TOP 5 DISHES you absolutely MUST TRY to truly savor the essence of Hanoi!
Remember to bookmark the suggested addresses for the greatest deal and the greatest experience. Eat like locals!

1. BÚN CHẢ (Kebab rice noodles)

How does Bún Chả taste?

Bún Chả is a quintessential Hanoi dish that has gained guarantee from gourmets all over the world, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that epitomize Vietnamese cuisine. Bún Chả dish is very familiar to local people who often have it for any meal of the day.

At the heart of Bún Chả lies the perfect harmony of grilled pork belly, imparting a smoky richness that is simply irresistible. Accompanied by a generous portion of rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and crispy spring rolls. Each bite is a tantalizing blend of sweet, sour and savory flavors.

bun-cha-must-to-eat-in-hanoi

Where to have the best Bún Chả in Hanoi?

For an authentic Bún Chả experience, look no further than the bustling streets of Hanoi, where local eateries and street vendors serve up this beloved dish with passion and pride. Whether you’re exploring the historic Old Quarter or venturing off the beaten path, you’re sure to encounter a hidden gem that specializes Bún Chả

Here are our recommendations to have the best Bún Chả in the Old Quarter of Hanoi at the best price.

Hùng Lẩu – Bún Chả & Nem
Address: No.6 Ngo Tram, Hang Bong street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Price: 50.000 VNĐ (~2 USD) per portion
Open from 8:30 PM to 22:00 PM

Bún Chả Hàng Quạt
Address: 74 Hang Quat street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Price: 40.000 VND (~1.5 USD) per portion
Open from 10:00 AM to 14:00 PM

How to enjoy Bún Chả like a local?

Step 1 – Mix it up
Don’t be afraid to mix the grilled meats, noodles, and herbs together in you bowl to create the perfect bite

Step 2 – Dip and dunk
Experiment with different combinations of dipping sauces to find your favorite flavor profile

Step 3 – Embrace the chaos
Embrace the lively atmosphere of a local Bún Chả joint, where the sights, sounds, and smells blend together to create an unforgettable cuisine experience.

2. CHẢ CÁ (Grilled fish)

How does Chả cá taste?

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Hanoi as you discover the exquisite flavors of Chả Cá. This iconic dish, beloved by local and visitors alike, showcases the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam with its bold flavors and aromatic spices.

Chả Cá is a delightful medley of textures and tastes, featuring chunks of tender fish marinated in turmeric and grilled to perfection. The addition of fragrant dill and spring onions lends a unique aroma to the dish, elevating it to culinary excellence. Served sizzling on a skillet, Chả Cá tantalizes the senses with its enticing aroma and visually appealing presentation.

Where to have the best Chả Cá in Hanoi?

For an authentic Chả Cá experience, venture into the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where traditional dishes and family-owned restaurants generation by generation develop the recipe to the finest. Look for establishments that specialize in Chả Cá Lã Vọng, the most renowned version of the dish, named after the famous street where it originated.

Here is our recommendation to have the best Chả Cá in Hanoi with the best deal.

Chả Cá Thăng Long, honored by the Michelin Guide 2023

Large and clean space:

Address: Chả Cá Thăng Long, 6B Duong Thanh street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Price: 120.000 VNĐ (~5 USD) per portion
Open from: 10:30 AM to 21:00 PM

Vendor Chả cá – experience enjoy Chả cá on sidewalk

Address: Chả Cá Lăng 1983, 102 Quan Thanh street
Price: 120.000 VND (~5 USD) per portion
Open from 16:00 PM to 23:00 PM

How to enjoy Chả Cá like a local?

Step 1 – Savor the sizzle
Enjoy the interactive dining experience as you grill the fish yourself at the table, allowing you to control the level of doneness and ensuring maximum flavor

Step 2 – Accompaniments
Accompany your Chả Cá with a variety of fresh herbs, rice noodles, peanuts and dipping sauces to customize each bite to your liking

Step 3 – Indulge tradition
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the dish!

3. BÚN RIÊU (Minced crab Vietnamese noodle)

How does Bún Riêu tastes?

Among the myriad of dishes that define Vietnamese cuisine, Bún Riêu stands out as one of the must-try specialities. This traditional soup is loved by locals and visitors worldwide for its distinct, tangy flavor and rich, healthy ingredient. Bún Riêu is not just a dish, it’s a celebration of Hanoi’s culinary artistry.

This mouth-watering dish primarily features rice vermicelli noodle (bún), the broth is made from a mixture of tomatoes, and freshwater crab fat. Fried tofu, congealed pig’s blood cake (optional), pork and herbs (perilla, bean sprouts, water spinach,…) are often added to enhance the dish’s texture and depth.

bun-rieu-must-to-eat-in-hanoi

Where to have the best Bún Riêu in Hanoi?

Hanoi is a heaven for Bún Riêu lovers, offering numerous spots where you can savor this stunning dish from vendors to restaurants, Bún Riêu appears everywhere, conquering even the most fastidious customers.

Here is our recommendation to have the best Bún Riêu in Hanoi

Bún Cô Dung
Address: 18 Nguyen Sieu street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: 50.000 – 55.000 VND (~2 USD)/ bowl
Open from:
• Morning: 6:30 AM to 14:00 PM
• Afternoon: 17:00 PM – 23:00 PM

Bún Riêu Hàng Lược
Address: 14 Hang Luoc street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Price: 25.000 VND – 60.000 VND (1- 2.4 US)/ bowl
Open from 7:00 AM – 14:00 PM

How to enjoy Bún Riêu like a local?

Step 1 – Customize your bowl:
Locals often add extra herb, lime juice or kumquat and chili to their Bún Riêu for a personalized touch. Don’t hesitate to adjust the flavors to your liking, making each bowl uniquely yours.

Step 2 – Pair with side dishes:
Enhance your Bún Riêu with typical Vietnamese side dishes like Giò (pork cake). These additions complement the soup and provide a fuller dining experience.

Step 3 – Indulge tradition:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the dish!

4. BÁNH XÈO (Vietnamese Crepe)

How does Bánh Xèo taste?

A true gem of Vietnamese street food, originally from the western part of Vietnam, Bánh Xèo is a savory pancake filled with a tantalizing blend of ingredients. The golden-gued pancake, made from rice flour and turmeric, offers a delightful crunch with every bite. Inside, you’ll find a medley of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and sometimes mushrooms or mung beans, creating a symphony of texture and flavors that dance on your palate!

In Hanoi, Bánh Xèo is elevated to new heights by skilled chef and street food vendors. From crowded markets to quaint alleyways, you’ll find countless establishments serving up their own unique twist of this dish.

must-try-vietnamese-food- banh-xeo

Where to have the best Bánh Xèo in Hanoi?

To find the best Bánh Xèo, consider exploring the vibrant street food scene where authentic Vietnamese cuisine thrives.

Here is our recommendation for the best Bánh Xèo in Hanoi

Bánh Xèo
Address: 22 Hang Bo street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Price: 20.000 VND (~1 USD) each
Open from: 14:00 PM to 19:00 PM

Bánh Xèo Hàm Long
Address: Alley 3 Ham Long street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Price: from 15.000 VND (~0.5 USD) each
Open from: 11:00 AM to 22:00 PM

How to Enjoy Bánh Xèo like a local?

Step 1 – Wash your hand clean
Bánh Xèo tastes the best when eaten with hand, so remember to wash your hand clean before enjoy the dish

Step 2 – Wrap and roll
Locals often wrap pieces of Bánh Xèo in rice paper along with fresh herbs and lettuce. This adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making each bite more complex and enjoyable.

Step 3 – Dip generously
The Vietnamese dipping sauce is essential to the Bánh Xèo experience. Don’t hesitate to dip each bite generously to fully appreciate the tangy, savory and slightly sweet flavors it adds

Step 4 – Pair with local beverages
Enjoy your Bánh Xèo with a traditional Vietnamese beverage, such as iced tea or bia hơi (Vietnamese draft beer). These drinks complement the dish well and enhance the overall experience

Step 5 – Indulge tradition
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the dish!

5. PHỞ CUỐN (Phở roll)

How does Phở Cuốn taste?

In the busy streets of Hanoi, amidst the fragrant aroma of simmering Phở broth and sizzling street food, lies a hidden gem of Vietnamese Cuisine: Phở Cuốn. This lesser – known delicacy offers a unique twist on the beloved classic – Phở

Phở Cuốn encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its harmonious blend of flavour and textures. Thinly sliced beef, fragrant herbs, and rice noodles are meticulously rolled in the Pho paper, creating a medley of savory, fresh, and chewy sensations in every bite. Unlike its soup counterpart, Phở Cuốn is served at room temperature, offering a refreshing at light alternative.

pho-cuon-must-eat-in-hanoi

Where to get the best Phở Cuốn in Hanoi?

With its captivating flavors, expert craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage, Phở Cuốn promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that will leave you enchanted by the culinary wonders of Vietnam’s capital city.
Here is our recommendation for the best Phở Cuốn in Hanoi

Phở Cuốn Vinh Phong
Address: 40 Ngu Xa street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi
Price: 45.000 – 85.000 (~1.8 – 3.4 USD) per dish
Open from: 9:00 AM to 22:00 PM

Phở Cuốn 31 Ngũ Xá
Address: 31 Ngu Xa street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi
Price: 30.000 – 60.000 VND (~1.2 – 2.3 USD) per dish
Open from: 9:00 AM – 22:30 PM