Discover Hanoi’s Must-Try Street Food: A Culinary Journey through Iconic Dishes

Exploring Hanoi is all about savoring its vibrant street food. Fresh ingredients, refined traditions, and secret family recipes are the hallmarks of Hanoian cuisine. Ready your chopsticks because here are ten iconic dishes in Hanoi you simply cannot miss!

1. Miến – Hanoi Chicken Vermicelli

Miến, made from mung beans or sweet potatoes, has a delightful chewy texture and a mild umami taste. Typically served with chicken, crab, or freshwater eel, you can enjoy it with broth or stir-fried. A popular custom in Hanoi is to pair miến with quẩy (fried dough sticks), which you can dip in the broth for extra flavor!

Try it at: Miến Trộn, 6 Phùng Hưng, Hoàn Kiếm District

2. Phở – Hanoi Pho

This is a no-brainer for any food lover. Even if you’ve had pho elsewhere in Vietnam, the Hanoi version offers a unique experience. Add chili sauce to start, then top with garlic vinegar for beef pho, or a squeeze of lime for chicken pho to enhance the flavor.

Try it at: Phở Bò Khôi Hói, 50 Hàng Vải, Hoàn Kiếm District

3. Nộm Bò Khô – Beef Jerky Salad

For an afternoon snack, grab a plastic stool and enjoy a plate of nộm bò khô (beef jerky salad). The crunch of green papaya and carrots is softened with a flavored fish sauce, while strips of beef jerky add a unique texture. Feeling adventurous? Ask for a version with beef spleen and tripe.

Try it at: Long Vi Dung, 23 Hoàn Kiếm, Hoàn Kiếm District

4. Bún Đậu – Fried Tofu with Shrimp Paste

Simple but delicious, bún đậu pairs crispy fried tofu with fresh rice noodles. Traditionally served with fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm), you can opt for fish sauce for a lighter alternative. This dish is complemented with fried spring rolls and fresh herbs.

Try it at: Bún Đậu, 6 Mã Mây, Hoàn Kiếm District

5. Mì Vằn Thắn – Wonton Noodles

In Hanoi, mì vằn thắn (wonton noodles) is made even more flavorful with chives, shiitake mushrooms, and crispy pork rind. The highlight of this dish is the large fried dumpling that adds a satisfying crunch to your bowl.

Try it at: Mì Vằn Thắn, Alley 16, Hai Bà Trưng St., Hoàn Kiếm District

6. Chả Cá – Cha Ca La Vong

No city does chả cá like Hanoi. Fatty catfish is marinated in spices, grilled, and served with spring onions and dill sizzling right at the table. The marinade is the key to this dish, and secret family recipes are passed down through generations in Hanoi.

Try it at: Chả Cá Thăng Long, 6B Đường Thành St., Hoàn Kiếm District

7. Bún Chả – Grilled Pork with Noodles

A favorite for lunch, bún chả consists of grilled pork belly and patties served with a fish sauce-based broth. Add rice noodles, spices, and herbs for the perfect bite. For extra indulgence, add nem (fried spring rolls) to your meal.

Try it at: Bún Chả, 40 Cửa Đông St., Hoàn Kiếm District

8. Cà Phê Trứng – Egg Coffee

Finish your Hanoi culinary journey with a cup of creamy cà phê trứng (egg coffee). The strong robusta coffee is balanced by the sweet egg foam topping. It’s a treat for coffee lovers, perfect for sipping while people-watching in Hanoi’s bustling streets.

Try it at: Cà Phê Giảng, Alley 39, Nguyễn Hữu Huân St., Hoàn Kiếm District

9. Bún Cá – Fish Noodle Soup

Bún cá is a refreshing noodle soup with crispy fried tilapia and a sweet-and-sour broth made with pineapples and tomatoes. It’s a great summer dish, often served with fresh herbs and pickled bamboo shoots.

Try it at: Bún Cá Sâm Cây Si, 14 Trung Yên Alley, Hàng Bạc St., Hoàn Kiếm District

10. Bún Thang – Hanoi’s Unique Noodle Soup

Bún thang is a dish made from leftover Lunar New Year foods, such as shredded chicken, Vietnamese ham, omelette strips, and a savory clear broth. This creative dish has become a favorite breakfast option in Hanoi.

Try it at: Bún Thang Bà Đức, 48 Cầu Gỗ St., Hoàn Kiếm District

Conclusion
Hanoi’s street food scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors, showcasing both innovation and tradition. From savory noodle soups to sweet treats, the city’s culinary delights are sure to leave an unforgettable impression. Make sure to try these iconic dishes during your visit!