The 5 Local Tastes You Must Not Miss While in Hanoi

We thought we talked enough of Hanoi's food; well that's not true

Hanoi's food culture is so vibrant that we can spend days and nights discussing. Everyday new cafe pops up, and delicious street food now spread evenly to almost every districts of the city. Let's not forget the prime options that make Hanoi's food culture where it is today.

Xôi Xếp

Chances are you will encounter this dish in almost every outdoor market. There are even two restaurants fully dedicated to this dish in the Old Quarter. Xôi xếp is sticky rice topped with ground de-hulled mung bean and fried onion. Sometimes it can be served with eggs or steamed chicken breast upon request. The serving is quite filling and is good for any time of the day; however, most Vietnamese have it for breakfast or lunch.

Xôi Xếp - Photo: @_quando87_

Where to try: Xôi Yến is a long-time local favorite located just north of Sword Lake (Hoàn Kiếm Lake) on Nguyễn Hữu Huân street. Ask anyone in the area, and they will know what you're referring to. The price varies; without chicken, a bowl of xôi xếp costs around $0.60. Pair it with a glass of soy milk, and you’ll receive a more energizing boost than a box of granola bars! (Read more about Xôi Xếp).

Bánh Cuốn

If the French have their famous delicious crepes made of wheat, egg, and dairy products, the Vietnamese—particularly Hanoians—take pride in their steamed crepe made from rice flour and water. This savory meal features a stuffing of ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and seasoning. Most street chefs prepare the dish right at the door, so look for a place with steam rising high. Bánh cuốn is served with nước mắm, a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and lime.

Bánh Cuốn - Photo: @cookat_vietnam

Where to try: Bánh Cuốn Gia An on Bà Triệu Street (opposite Vincom Tower) is a more upscale restaurant specializing in bánh cuốn. The price difference is minimal—around $2 for a serving compared to street vendors, who charge about $0.70-$1. You can also request a vegetarian option here. (Read more about Bánh Cuốn Vietnam).

Phở (Noodle Soup)

This universally famous dish is best enjoyed in Hanoi, where it was “invented” in the early 20th century. Phở, or rice noodle soup, is omnipresent in Hanoi, appearing anywhere from street vendors to high-end restaurant chains like Phở 24. Some serve it with chicken and some with beef, and each type of meat offers a variety of sub-dishes, from beef tenderloin to beef brisket and chicken wing to chicken thigh. The tip is to look for places where locals gather the most; that’s where you know you should order and sit down.

Phở - Photo: @pocavillavietnam

Where to try: Phở Bát Đàn is a famous local restaurant renowned for its phở bò (beef rice noodle soup). Located in the Old Quarter, the eatery easily stands out due to the long line of people waiting to be served. It is highly recommended to join the locals, line up for a bowl of phở, and bring it to a selected table to enjoy (Read more about Phở).

Bún Thang

If phở resembles linguine in shape, bún is more like spaghetti. Bún thang is one of the most popular yet hidden dishes in Hanoi and is hard to find outside the Old Quarter or a few specialty restaurants scattered across the city. The chicken broth is expertly prepared, and the dish is beautifully presented; bún thang showcases a harmonious blend of colors—the yellow of sliced egg, the white of bún, the off-white of chicken, and the green of onions and herbs.

Bún Thang - Photo: @athomewithnin

Where to try: Bún Thang Bà Đức on Cầu Gỗ Street is an excellent place to sample this dish. This street vendor has a limited number of seats on the pavement, but you’ll be amazed at how many people can fit in the two-story old house behind the stall. Enjoying bún thang in such a setting will make your meal a highlight of your trip to Hanoi.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng

You've likely read about this name elsewhere; many culinary experts list Chả Cá Lã Vọng as one of the top 100 things you must try before you die. This exquisitely grilled fish is served with bún, peanuts, green onions, dill, and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully selected to minimize bones and fishy odors. A glass of bia hơi or trà đá will definitely enhance the flavors of your meal.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng - Photo: @thegastropologist

Where to try: Chả Cá Lã Vọng restaurant at 14 Chả Cá Street is renowned both nationally and internationally for its tradition and quality in serving this dish. It is pricier than most local foods, typically costing between $7-10, but having your meal in one of the oldest houses in Hanoi, served by traditionally styled chefs, makes it worth every penny.