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Hanoi, the country's capital, is a culinary haven where traditional recipes and innovative twists converge to create a symphony for the taste buds. From the iconic Pho to the savory delights of Bun Cha and the irresistible Banh Mi, Hanoi's streets beckon food enthusiasts on a gastronomic journey like no other. Join us as we explore the top delicious street foods that define the essence of Hanoi's culinary landscape, where every bite tells a story of tradition, creativity, and the rich cultural heritage that flavors this captivating city. Venture into the narrow alleys, follow the enticing aromas, and immerse yourself in the culinary treasures that make Hanoi a street food paradise.
Rice noodle soup with beef
Step into the vibrant streets of Hanoi, and let the rich, aromatic wafts of Pho beckon you to a culinary adventure like no other. Pho, pronounced "fuh," stands as a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, transcending mere sustenance to become a cultural icon celebrated worldwide.
At its core, Pho is an exquisite noodle soup, boasting a steaming bowl of flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a medley of carefully chosen toppings. Two primary variants grace the Vietnamese culinary stage: Pho Bo (beef) and Pho Ga (chicken). The magic unfolds as thin slices of succulent meat intermingle with the silky strands of rice noodles, all bathed in a broth brewed to perfection.
Best restaurants for beef noodle soup in Hanoi
Pho Thin
Pho Suong
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Bun Cha combined with fresh raw vegetables
Bun Cha, a savory celebration of grilled goodness, features succulent pork patties and tender slices of grilled pork belly served over a bed of vermicelli noodles. The dish is accompanied by a dipping sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Fresh herbs, crispy greens, and pickled vegetables add layers of texture and freshness to this delightful ensemble.
Picture a communal table adorned with a plate of vibrant greens, a bowl of vermicelli noodles, and a sizzling grill loaded with aromatic pork. The ritual involves assembling your own delectable bites – dipping the grilled meat into the flavorful sauce, wrapping it in rice noodles, and adding a burst of freshness with the accompanying herbs.
Bun Cha Dac Kim
Bun Cha Huong Lien ( Bun Cha Obama)
Banh Cuon is served with an array of accompaniments that elevate the dining experience.
Banh Cuon, often referred to as steamed rice rolls or rolled cakes, is a dish that involves thin sheets of steamed rice batter filled with a delectable mixture. The filling typically consists of seasoned ground pork, minced wood ear mushrooms, and aromatic shallots. The delicate rice sheets are meticulously crafted, resulting in a texture that is simultaneously silky and resilient.
Those following food stalls are the best choice for Banh Cuon in Hanoi
Banh Cuon Thanh Van.
Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh
The hot pot promises to treat diners to a delightful feast for the taste buds
Lau (hot pot), also known as steamboat in Indonesia, Singapore or Malaysia, consists of a simmering metal pot of stock at the center of the dining table. While the hot pot is kept simmering, ingredients are placed into the pot and are cooked at the table. Hot pot meals are usually eaten in the winter, during supper time. In Vietnam, we have created so many kinds of hot pot using local ingredients ( chicken, seafood, beef, fish or all mixed together).Each one has its own flavour and can not be confused with the others.
You can have good Lau at those restaurants:
Quan Lau Thang Beo
Phung Hung Pho Restaurant
Bun Bo Nam Bo
Bun Bo Nam Bo is a delectable noodle dish that artfully combines vermicelli noodles with marinated and stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, and a medley of crisp vegetables. The dish is a perfect marriage of textures and flavors, with the tender beef imparting a savory richness complemented by the freshness of herbs and the crunch of peanuts.
Components of Bun Bo Nam Bo:
- Vermicelli Noodles: The foundation of the dish, providing a light and satisfying base for the other ingredients.
- Stir-Fried Beef: Marinated and cooked to perfection, the beef adds savory and tender notes to every bite.
- Fresh Herbs: A fragrant assortment of mint, cilantro, and basil, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Vegetables: Crisp bean sprouts, shredded lettuce, and pickled carrots contribute to the dish's vibrant texture.
- Peanuts: Crushed peanuts provide a delightful crunch, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Recommended restaurants for this special dish
Bun Bo Nam Bo Bach Phuong.
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Banh Tom (fried shrimp cake), an authentic dish from Hanoi, has been recommended by CNN Travel as a must-try dish for foreigners visiting Hanoi city.
Shrimp Cake is often served with a dipping sauce that enhances its taste.
The best place to try banh tom is in the West Lake Shrimp Cake restaurant, which is considered the place where the dish originated. Banh tom was first made in Hanoi in the 1930s when street vendors along Thanh Nien (Youth) road introduced the simple but delicious cake made from the shrimp caught in West Lake. The dish has since grown in popularity and become a specialty in Hanoi capital.The crispy flour coating intermingled with the sweet taste of fresh shrimp creates a distinctive flavor for banh tom. The dish looks truly mouthwatering with the yellow deep-fried flour mixed with the red shrimp. Banh tom is served hot with fresh herbs, pickled carrots and green papaya, and a sweet, sour and spicy sauce
Grilled Fish La Vong Ha Noi
Cha Ca, or Grilled Fish, is a dish that revolves around succulent pieces of white fish, typically catfish or snakehead fish, marinated in a delicate blend of turmeric, galangal, shrimp paste, and other spices. The marinated fish is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both tender and infused with a symphony of flavors.
Cha Ca La Vong
Cha Ca Thang Long
Xoi Yen Ha Noi
Xoi Yen is one of the Hanoians’ favorite sticky rice restaurants in Hanoi. Xôi is basically a sweet or savoury glutinous rice dish that comes with various toppings of your choice ( chicken & eggs, lean pork paste or roasted cinnamon pork ham...) Xoi Yen is known for making great bowls of xoi xeo, which is sticky rice with mung beans and fried shallots. It is eaten as a main dish and is a popular breakfast item in Hanoi.
Baguette Ha Noi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that typically features a crisp and airy French baguette as its foundation. What sets Banh Mi apart is its diverse and flavorful filling. Traditionally, the sandwich includes ingredients such as savory grilled or cold meats (pork, chicken, beef), pate, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables (carrots and daikon radish), fresh cilantro, and chili peppers. The result is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, marrying the crusty exterior of the baguette with the savory, sweet, and tangy elements within.
Banh My 25
Cafe Trung Vietnamese
Cafe Trung is a Vietnamese coffee variation that features a luscious egg-based foam atop a strong and robust cup of coffee. The preparation involves whipping egg yolks with condensed milk and sugar, creating a creamy, almost custard-like froth. This velvety mixture is then generously spooned over a cup of Vietnamese drip coffee, resulting in a beverage that seamlessly marries the bitter notes of coffee with the sweet, velvety richness of the egg-based topping.
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