Hanoi’s food scene is a delicious blend of history, culture, and everyday life. Whether it’s steaming bowls of pho enjoyed at tiny street-side stalls or crisp banh mi layered with fresh ingredients, the capital of Vietnam offers a mix of comforting classics and bold tastes. Eating in Hanoi goes beyond satisfying hunger, offering a taste of the city’s rhythm and the skill of its local cooks. But more significantly, it showcases the delicate balance of flavours that define Vietnamese cuisine. So, it’s no surprise that it is one of my favourite culinary destinations in Asia. Here’s my pick of the best dishes in Hanoi that you can’t miss.
Pho
Vietnam’s national dish originated near Hanoi in the early 20th century. This fragrant noodle soup is a favourite breakfast dish — you will find locals gathering at street-side stalls from early morning for their fix. Pho is essentially a clear, flavourful broth with flat rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and fresh herbs. While beef pho is most traditional, chicken variations are also available. Phở 10 (10 Ly Quoc Su Street) and Phở Gà Nguyệt (5 Phủ Doãn) are the best places to go for each version respectively.
Bun cha
One of my top dishes in Hanoi, bun cha features juicy pork patties and slices of pork belly in a tangy broth. Additionally, it is served with rice vermicelli, herbs, and vegetables on the side. After it was featured in the Parts Unknown Vietnam episode, Bún Chả Hương Liên became a famous spot. It was here that the late Anthony Bourdain relished the dish with President Barack Obama. Alternatively, try the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised Bún Chả Đắc Kim (1 Hang Manh).
Banh mi
Banh mi is the perfect example of Vietnam’s ability to blend cultures and flavours. French colonists introduced the crisp, airy baguette. And the Vietnamese filled it with a mix of ingredients like pate, cold cuts, grilled meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili sauce. Each vendor adds their own twist, creating unique variations. Whether eaten for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, banh mi offers a satisfying taste of Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene. Try it at the popular Banh Mi 25 (25 Hàng Cá) in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Cha ca
Cha ca features chunks of turmeric-marinated fish, which is pan-fried with dill and spring onions right at the table. The spread also includes rice noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. Roll everything up in a rice paper and enjoy a burst of vibrant textures and flavours. Try it at Cai Mam, which has three locations across the city.
Bia hoi
Bia hoi is Hanoi’s beloved fresh beer, brewed daily and served unpasteurised for a light, crisp taste. Considering its low alcohol content, it’s easy to enjoy a few glasses while sitting on low plastic stools at street shops. Locals and visitors gather in the evenings to drink, snack, and socialise, making it as much about the atmosphere as the beer itself. Affordable and refreshing, bia hoi offers an authentic glimpse into Hanoi’s laid-back social culture.
Ca phe
You can’t leave Hanoi without getting a taste of its coffee culture. Traditional Vietnamese coffee is made using a phin (metal coffee filter) and is often sweetened with condensed milk. Check out some of my favourite Hanoi cafes here (opens Instagram). Also try ca phe trung or the famous egg coffee, which combines coffee, condensed milk, and egg yolk. Despite its odd ingredient list, the coffee tastes quite nice, kind of like an airy custard. Read more about this unique concoction in my feature for Mint Lounge.
I hope this guide to the best dishes in Hanoi has piqued your taste buds and will inspire you to plan your own trip to Vietnam. You can find more foodie insights in my feature for Elle Gourmet. Bon appetit!
