Top 10 Must-Try Dishes for First-Time Visitors to Hanoi
Visiting Vietnam’s capital for the first time? One of the best ways to understand its culture is through its cuisine. Bursting with bold flavors, fresh herbs, and local tradition, Hanoi food is a delicious adventure waiting to be explored.
Here are 10 essential dishes every traveler must try in Hanoi:
1. Pho – The National Noodle Soup
No dish represents Vietnamese cuisine better than pho. In Hanoi, pho features a clear beef-based broth, flat rice noodles, and tender slices of meat, often served with scallions and lime.
📍Where to try: Pho Gia Truyen or Pho Thin Lo Duc
🔗 More on Pho – Wikipedia
2. Bun Cha – Grilled Pork with Vermicelli
This is the dish that wowed President Obama. Juicy grilled pork patties, thin vermicelli noodles, and a bowl of dipping fish sauce with pickles make bun cha a must.
📍Try it at: Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha)
3. Cha Ca – Turmeric Fish with Dill
This iconic Hanoi food dates back over a century. Fish is marinated in turmeric and cooked at your table with fresh dill and scallions.
📍Legendary spot: Cha Ca La Vong, on the street named after the dish!
4. Banh Cuon – Steamed Rice Rolls
Soft, thin rice crepes filled with minced pork and mushrooms, topped with fried shallots and served with dipping sauce. Light, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast.
📍Try: Banh Cuon Ba Hanh
5. Xoi Xeo – Sticky Rice with Mung Bean and Shallots
A comforting street food dish often eaten for breakfast. It’s a bright yellow sticky rice topped with mung bean paste and fried shallots, sometimes served with meat or egg.
📍Best at: Xoi Yen
6. Bun Rieu – Crab Paste Noodle Soup
This vibrant red soup features crab paste, tomatoes, tofu, and thin noodles in a tangy broth. It’s hearty, sour, and deeply satisfying.
📍Look for local vendors around the Old Quarter
7. Nem Ran – Fried Spring Rolls
Northern-style spring rolls are packed with minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli, then deep-fried until golden. Enjoy with lettuce and herbs.
📍Common in family-run restaurants and food tours
8. Banh Goi – Vietnamese Empanadas
Crispy and golden, banh goi are stuffed with pork, vermicelli, and mushrooms. Think of it as the Vietnamese version of a samosa!
📍Found at street food stalls in Dong Xuan Market
9. Egg Coffee – Hanoi’s Unique Creation
Sweet, creamy, and surprisingly light—egg coffee is a Hanoi invention. It combines strong Vietnamese coffee with whipped egg yolk and sugar.
📍Original place: Giang Cafe
🔗 Egg Coffee Story – CNN
10. Che – Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup
End your food tour with che, a sweet treat with beans, coconut milk, jelly, and fruit. It’s colorful, cold, and refreshing.
📍Try it at: Che Ba Thin, near Hoan Kiem Lake
Where to Experience These Dishes
For a full Hanoi food experience:
Explore the Old Quarter for authentic street vendors
Visit Dong Xuan Market for quick local eats
Join a guided food tour on Almondtravel for convenience and local insights
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping egg coffee in a hidden alley or enjoying grilled pork with vermicelli, Hanoi food offers more than just flavor—it tells a story of history and culture. These 10 dishes are your perfect starting point to discover the city’s rich culinary traditions.