Hanoi Street Food: A Culinary Adventure Through the Capital’s Unique Flavors

Vietnamese cuisine is famously regional, and nowhere is this more evident than in Hanoi. While some dishes can be found across the country, many street foods in the capital are truly one of a kind. In Hanoi, food isn’t just something you eat—it’s something you experience. There’s no need for upscale restaurants or formal attire; the best dishes are served right on the streets, with the warm smiles of local vendors inviting you to taste their beloved recipes. All you need is an open mind and an appetite for discovery.

Beyond Hanoi’s “big three” dishes—pho bo (beef noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), and banh mi (Vietnamese baguette)—the city’s street food scene is a flavorful journey that promises variety and bold flavors.

1. Bánh Cuốn – Steamed Rice Rolls

A classic Hanoian breakfast, banh cuon consists of thin rice sheets filled with minced pork, mushrooms, or eggs. Topped with crispy shallots and served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce, herbs, and lime, it’s a light yet flavorful way to start the day.

2. Bún Ốc – Snail Noodle Soup

This comforting bowl features chewy rice vermicelli with tender snails, often paired with beef or crab. The broth, infused with tomato, vinegar, and black pepper, brings a delightful tang. A side plate of fresh herbs completes the experience.

3. Lẩu – Vietnamese Hot Pot

A true communal dish, lau invites everyone to gather around a simmering pot filled with fresh vegetables, meat, seafood, and tofu. It’s more than a meal—it’s a social event that brings people together over hearty bites and cold beer.

4. Bún Cá – Fish Vermicelli Soup

A lunchtime favorite, bun ca features crispy fried fish served in a light broth with rice noodles and morning glory (a local green vegetable). Fresh herbs like dill and coriander enhance the distinct aroma and flavor.

5. Miến Xào Lươn – Stir-fried Glass Noodles with Eel

Crispy eel may sound exotic, but it’s surprisingly delicious. Stir-fried with glass noodles, egg, and bean sprouts, it creates a satisfying mix of textures. You can also try miến trộn (eel salad noodles) or cháo lươn (eel porridge).

6. Bánh Đa Trộn – Mixed Flat Rice Noodles

Often sold by street vendors balancing baskets on shoulder poles, banh da tron includes flat brown noodles, tofu, sausage, fish cakes, and vegetables. Topped with peanuts and fried shallots, it’s a rustic dish that’s full of charm and flavor.

7. Bánh Tôm – Hanoi Shrimp Cakes

Originating near West Lake (Ho Tay), these crispy shrimp fritters are made with sweet potato batter and fresh shrimp, then deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re best enjoyed with sweet fish sauce, pickled papaya, and a cold glass of soy milk.

8. Bánh Gối – Crispy Pillow Cakes

These deep-fried turnovers are stuffed with minced pork, vermicelli, wood ear mushrooms, and quail eggs. Often served with a mix of fried dumplings, cheese sticks, and fermented pork rolls, they’re perfect for an afternoon snack.

9. Mỳ Gà Tần – Herbal Braised Chicken Noodles

Not for the faint of heart, this rich noodle soup features herbal-stuffed chicken—sometimes black-skinned chicken—slow-cooked inside metal cans. Served with egg noodles and strong herbal flavors like mugwort, it’s both hearty and therapeutic.

10. Bánh Đúc Nóng – Steamed Savory Rice Cake

Perfect for chilly days, banh duc nong is made from rice and tapioca flour, topped with minced pork, mushrooms, fried shallots, and a splash of chili fish sauce. Its soft, savory texture makes it a cozy comfort food in Hanoi winters.

11. Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Soup

No food tour is complete without dessert. Che is a layered sweet treat made from beans, jellies, sticky rice balls, and coconut milk. The mixed version, che thap cam, is especially popular with its fragrant jasmine syrup and colorful appearance.