Hanoi’s 20 Best Street Eats to Spoil Your Taste Buds

While they may not boast stunning decor or modern facilities, these restaurants have built a reputation over the years for their distinctive flavors that defy imitation.

Hanoians are celebrated for their discerning dining habits, emphasizing both the presentation of the food and the refined manner in which it is consumed. Despite the evolution of lifestyles influenced by modern urbanization, the culinary traditions of Hanoi have remained steadfast across generations.

Interestingly, the locals show a strong preference for street food and local food carts over high-end dining establishments. However, this does not imply they are indiscriminate in their food choices. The enduring popularity and continuous success of long-established eateries in Hanoi demonstrate the resilience of the city's culinary heritage. There are even establishments that have been serving delicious dishes for over 30 years and remain bustling with customers daily.

Bun Cha Hang Quat (grilled pork and vermicelli)

Over the years, 'bun cha' retains its status as a simple dish that is deeply rooted in the flavors of Northern Vietnamese villages. A visit to Hanoi is incomplete without trying this traditional specialty at a dedicated venue that maintains its authentic taste. Although it’s straightforward to prepare, the art lies in marinating and grilling the meat to perfection, alongside creating the quintessential Northern-style sauce that balances sweet and salty. 'Bun cha Hang Quat' has been a favorite for a long time, continuously drawing crowds. Initially featuring just a few tables against a wall, the seating has expanded into the alley at No. 74. The best way to experience how Hanoians indulge in 'bun cha' is to visit this place and savor it firsthand.

Bun cha Hang Quat - Photo: @2uang_

Bun Oc Ngo Cho Dong Xuan (Vietnamese snail noodle soup)

The narrow streets and alleys around Dong Xuan Market are famous for a vibrant culinary scene in the Old Quarter. With an assortment of food stalls serving different types of street food like 'hu tiu' (Southern noodle soup) and 'banh gio' (pyramid rice dumpling), this area is always bustling. Among these, 'bun oc' (snail noodle soup) stands out as a beloved dish amongst locals. A steaming bowl of snail noodle soup topped with fried tofu is an enticing option for any food lover. The 'Bun oc ngo cho Dong Xuan' offers some of the finest flavors in Hanoi.

Bun Oc cho Dong Xuan - Photo: @_nymmm

Mien Ga Hang Buom (Hang Buom chicken glass noodle soup)

The chicken glass noodle soup stall on Hang Buom Street, while unassuming, is perpetually filled with patrons. The standout feature that attracts visitors is its broth. As seating spills onto the sidewalk, diners need to keep an eye on their parked motorbikes. While waiting for a flavorful bowl of 'mien ga', guests can nibble on crunchy breadsticks.

Mien Ga Hang Buom - Photo: @janephan91

Pho Bat Dan (Bat Dan noodle soup)

When thinking of 'pho', 'pho Bat Dan' immediately comes to mind as the epitome of Northern cuisine. Despite the many changes throughout history, Bat Dan noodle soup has retained its influential status. It remains common to see lines of diners, each holding an empty bowl, eagerly waiting to be served outside this restaurant. This bustling style of service continues to be embraced by its patrons.

Pho Bat Dan - Photo: @hanoi_rider

Pho Thin Pho Lo Duc (Thin noodle soup)

Established in 1979, 'pho' Thin is recognized as one of Hanoi's premier noodle soup establishments. Alongside 'pho' Bat Dan, 'pho' Thin has contributed to the acclaimed Vietnamese 'pho' legacy, treasured by locals and international visitors alike. Each bowl is generously filled with meat, abundant onions, and a rich broth that appeals even to the most discerning diners. The restaurant specializes in one style of noodle soup, where beef is quickly cooked in a large pan with a variety of spices.

Pho Thin Lo Duc - Photo: @youko_food

Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh – To Hien Thanh (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls)

Beyond cinnamon rolls and shrimp paste, Mrs. Hoanh’s steamed rice rolls also showcase grilled pork as a highlight of her menu. The thin rice paper and flavorful, marinated meat paired with a savory dip make for an unforgettable 'banh cuon' experience.

Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh - Photo: @bachuaviahe

Chao Ga Ba My – Ly Quoc Su (chicken porridge)

Mrs. My’s chicken porridge stall in the Church neighborhood attracts customers not only for its unique flavor but also for her distinctive service style, which can sometimes come across as robust. However, rest assured, her feistiness is part of her charm, and patrons appreciate her personality as much as her food.

Chao Ga Ba My - Photo: @rey.winter.stuff

Bun Dau Mam Tom - 31 Hang Khay (Vietnamese fermented shrimp paste noodle)

This unpretentious eatery is tucked away in a narrow alley at No. 31 Hang Khay in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. With numerous restaurants offering 'bun dau mam tom' in this alley, pinpointing the best can be tricky. Many locals and seasoned travelers recommend the first restaurant on the left as the primacy of their choice. A typical platter of 'bun dau' boasts a variety of items including fried tofu, black pudding, and various cuts of pork, balancing the richness with thinner slices of pork leg and boiled tongue. This delightful dish is best enjoyed at a sidewalk stall.

Bun Dau Hang Khay - Photo: @eatwlihami

Banh Mi Thit Xien Ba Nga (Bread with grilled pork Mrs. Nga)

Located on Quang Trung Street, 'banh mi thit xien Ba Nga' is a cherished spot for mouthwatering grilled pork sandwiches beloved by Hanoians from all walks of life across generations. The pork is expertly chopped, marinated, and crumpled into soft grilled skewers that can be enjoyed with or without bread.

Banh Mi Thit Xien Ba Nga - Photo: @conanganhang

Nom 25 Ham Long (Vietnamese Salad)

Ham Long is distinguished for its rows of salad stalls, and amongst them, Mei Nga at No. 25 is the oldest and most renowned. The eatery sets itself apart with a distinctive sweet and sour flavor that is unparalleled. Diners can indulge in two primary varieties of salad: the traditional dried beef salad and a sun-dried salad enhanced with organ meats. Additional treats include 'banh bot loc' (Vietnamese tapioca dumplings), 'co ga' (chicken neck), and 'chim quay' (roasted quail).

Nom 25 Ham Long- Photo: @2uang_

Banh Gio Ngo Cho Nguyen Cong Tru (Vietnamese rice pyramid dumpling)

Situated in a small alley near the Nguyen Cong Tru Market, the long-established 'banh gio ngo cho Nguyen Cong Tru' is an excellent choice for a light brunch. Here, 'banh gio' is served in a manageable size and is typically accompanied by lean pork paste and fermented pork roll.

Banh Gio Ngo Cho Nguyen Cong Tru- Photo: @phieulowcarb

Banh Ran Luc Lac Gia Trinh Ngo 16A Ly Nam De (Vietnamese doughnuts)

'Banh ran luc lac' is a favored snack among the people of Hanoi, harking back to the subsidy era. The delightful combination of sweet boiled green peas enveloped in a thin, crispy crust makes this treat irresistible. Additional traditional pastries made by Gia Trinh often sell out quickly, especially during Tet holidays. To secure your favorites during festive times, consider placing an order a week in advance.

Banh Ran Luc Lac Gia Trinh Ngo 16A Ly Nam De - Photo: @giatrinh.bakery

Quay Hang Bong (Hang Bong bread sticks)

For nearly two decades, the 'quay' stall on Hang Bong Street has maintained its appealing flavor. Hot breadsticks have long captivated Hanoi residents, triggering nostalgic memories of childhood with the same taste, familiar vendors, and little plastic chairs reminiscent of the past.

Quay Hang Bong - Photo: @kitchibiicon

Che 16 Pho Ngo Thi Nham (Vietnamese sweet gruel)

This celebrated 30-year-old sweet gruel shop, located at the intersection of Ngo Thi Nham and Le Van Huu Street, is arguably one of the oldest in Hanoi. The shop offers various traditional gruels such as green bean sweet gruel, black bean sweet gruel, lotus seed gruel, and steamed sticky rice paired with sweet gruel. Utilizing natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods, their offerings maintain a light sweetness. Prices are affordable, ranging from just 10,000 VND to 15,000 VND.

Che 16 Pho Ngo Thi Nham- Photo: @linhthuyphung

Xoi Xeo Hang Bai (Vietnamese yellow sticky rice with fried onions)

'Xoi xeo' (Vietnamese yellow sticky rice with fried onions) made by Mrs. May on Hang Bai Street has become a go-to breakfast item for locals over the past two decades. This rich dish includes yellow sticky rice topped with green peas and crisp fried onions. All ingredients are carefully selected for freshness and quality, contributing to the stall’s lasting fame.

Xoi Xeo Hang Bai - Photo: @linhbca

Chao Trai – Tran Xuan Xoan (mussel congee)

In the backstreets of Hanoi, numerous street stalls and restaurants sell mussel congee; however, the only place to relish a well-cooked glutinous rice congee filled with mussel pieces is 'chao trai' Tran Xuan Xoan. For over 30 years, it has earned a reputation for offering delicious mussel congee at an accessible price (around 30,000 VND). The restaurant also offers 'tao pho' (Vietnamese tofu), a popular dish among locals, especially during the summer months.

Chao Trai Tran Xuan Soan - Photo: @fatnbroke_review

Suon Ran Le Duan (pork ribs)

At Le Duan Street, fried ribs have built a solid reputation over the years. Though not a specialty, it is a well-loved snack made from simple ingredients. Thanks to a unique marinating and frying technique, the ribs satisfy even the pickiest customers. Besides fried ribs, patrons can also enjoy other delectable offerings like roasted organ meats, pork rib porridge, and fried chicken.

Suon Ran Le Duan - Photo: @lehoagduong

Mi Van Than So 8 Nguyen Bieu (ramen noodle soup)

Having opened over 20 years ago, the ramen noodle soup stall at No. 8 Nguyen Bieu Street consistently attracts a stream of customers reminiscent of the old subsidy days. The noodles are particularly praised for their delectable broth and flavorful shrimp dumplings.

Mi Van Than Nguyen Bieu - Photo: @phmai307

Bun Rieu Trang, Nguyen Sieu (crab paste vermicelli soup)

This specialty has become a favorite among Hanoians for generations. Its light, delicate profile makes it perfect for a sumptuous breakfast or brunch. Despite the boom of street food options, this 10-year-old restaurant continues to hold the title of the best 'bun rieu' in Hanoi, often requiring customers to queue during peak times.

Bun Rieu Trang Nguyen Sieu - Photo: @numb2192

Xoi Khuc Co Lan, Nguyen Cong Tru (Vietnamese sticky rice balls)

Tucked away in a small alley of Nguyen Cong Tru, 'xoi khuc co Lan' offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese sticky rice balls. This restaurant is known for its unique filling of soft, lean pieces of bacon. 'Xoi khuc' is typically sold on the alley in the mornings, but during afternoons, it moves out to the road.

Xoi Banh Khuc Co Lan - Photo: @foodyhanoi