Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Hanoi, Hà Nội, Vietnam
1. Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup)
A popular Vietnamese dish made from rice noodles and chicken in a clear, flavorful broth, garnished with herbs and spices. Try it at Pho Gia Truong Yen or Bat Dan Pho.
- Authenticity: These restaurants have been serving authentic pho for generations.
- Variety: Both restaurants offer different variations of the dish.
- Atmosphere: Experience the local, bustling environment at these popular spots.
2. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
A dish consisting of grilled pork patties and skewered pork belly served with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a flavorful fish sauce. Try it at Bun Cha Huong Lien or Bar Du Lich Su.
- Celebrity Endorsement: Bun Cha Huong Lien gained international fame when President Obama visited the restaurant.
- Historical Significance: Bar Du Lich Su is located in a former French colonial mansion.
- Innovation: Both restaurants have incorporated modern twists to the traditional dish.
3. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Thin rice rolls filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and wood ear fungus, served with a savory dipping sauce. Try them at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen or Thac Bo.
- Handcrafted: These rice rolls are skillfully handmade and steamed fresh for each order.
- Location: Banh Cuon Gia Truyen is located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
- Affordability: Both restaurants offer a cost-effective way to experience local cuisine.
4. Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish with Dill)
A signature dish of Hanoi, featuring grilled fish cooked at the table with turmeric, dill, and peanuts. Try it at Cha Ca La Vong.
- History: Cha Ca La Vong has been serving this dish since 1914.
- Interactive Experience: The dish is cooked and served at the table for an interactive dining experience.
- Seafood Freshness: The restaurant sources fish daily from local markets to ensure freshness.
5. Banh Mi Hoi An (Hanoi-style Banh Mi Sandwich)
A Vietnamese sandwich filled with various pickled vegetables, pate, and grilled meats. Try it at Banh Mi 25 or Banh Mi Dac Khuan.
- Quality Ingredients: Both restaurants use fresh, high-quality ingredients for their banh mi.
- Popularity: Banh Mi 25 and Banh Mi Dac Khuan are two of the most popular banh mi spots in Hanoi.
- Location: Both restaurants have multiple locations throughout the city.
6. Che (Sweet Soup)
A traditional Vietnamese dessert made from sweetened beans, fruits, or tapioca. Try it at Pho Cuon Gia An or Pho Co.
- Tradition: These restaurants serve a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese desserts.
- Authenticity: The desserts are made from family recipes passed down through generations.
- Variety: Both restaurants offer numerous types of che to choose from.
7. Xoi Xeo (Sticky Rice in a Square Form)
Square-shaped sticky rice served with various fillings such as mung beans or grilled pork. Try it at Xoi Yen or Xoi Gac Hoang Mai.
- Unique Presentation: The square shape of the sticky rice makes for an Instagram-worthy dish.
- Authenticity: Both restaurants serve traditional Vietnamese sticky rice.
- Fillings Variety: Both restaurants offer multiple fillings to choose from.
8. Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls)
Crispy, deep-fried spring rolls filled with ground pork and mushrooms. Try them at Cha Que Cu Cuong or Nem Ran Ga Quan An Ngon.
- Cooking Technique: The secret to the crispy texture lies in the unique cooking technique.
- Flavor Profile: Both restaurants offer a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
- Location: Both restaurants have multiple locations throughout the city.
9. Trung Vit Lon (Duck Egg with Rice Porridge)
A hearty dish consisting of a large duck egg cooked in rice porridge. Try it at Trung Tuyet or Trang An.
- Nutrition: The dish is filling and provides essential nutrients.
- Taste Experience: The dish offers a unique flavor profile due to the large duck egg.
- Location: Both restaurants have multiple locations throughout the city.
10. Trang Tien Ice Cream (Ice Cream Shop)
A popular ice cream shop offering a variety of flavors, including traditional Vietnamese ones. Try it at Trang Tien.
- Unique Flavors: Trang Tien offers flavors like durian and lychee.
- Location: The shop is conveniently located near Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Quality Ingredients: Trang Tien uses high-quality ingredients in their ice cream.
11. Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer)
A popular local beer brewed daily and sold at street vendors. Try it at Bia Hoi Ta Hien or Bia Hoi Yen Phuong.
- Affordability: Bia Hoi is one of the most affordable drinks in Hanoi.
- Freshness: The beer is brewed fresh daily and served in large, shared glasses.
- Social Atmosphere: Bia Hoi vendors provide a lively, social atmosphere for locals and travelers alike.
12. Cafe Pho Co (Vietnamese Coffee Shop)
A traditional Vietnamese coffee shop offering various brewing methods and unique flavors. Try it at Cafe Pho Co.
- Variety: Cafe Pho Co offers numerous brewing methods, such as phin or syphon.
- Unique Flavors: The coffee shop serves traditional Vietnamese flavors like egg yolk and condensed milk.
- Location: Cafe Pho Co has multiple locations throughout the city.
13. Lotus Tea (Sweet Lotus Seed Drink)
A traditional Vietnamese drink made from lotus seeds, sugar, and coconut milk. Try it at Bat Dan Tea or Luong Ngoc Thanh.
- Health Benefits: Lotus seeds are known for their health benefits.
- Taste Experience: The drink offers a unique, slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
- Location: Both tea shops have multiple locations throughout the city.
14. Bun Oc (Snail Vermicelli)
A hearty dish consisting of vermicelli noodles, snails, and various seafood. Try it at Bun Oc Hoang Yen or Bun Oc Anh Vu.
- Taste Experience: The dish offers a unique flavor profile due to the use of snails.
- Authenticity: Both restaurants serve traditional Vietnamese snail dishes.
- Location: Both restaurants have multiple locations throughout the city.
15. Bun Cha Hang Thanh (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
A local favorite featuring grilled pork patties and skewered pork belly served with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a flavorful fish sauce. Try it at Bun Cha Hang Thanh.
- Celebrity Endorsement: Bun Cha Hang Thanh gained international fame when Anthony Bourdain visited the restaurant.
- Flavor Profile: The dish offers a balanced combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
- Location: The restaurant is located near the Long Bien Bridge.