Hanoi Street Food: 10 Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam’s Capital

Hanoi street food is one of the best ways to experience the culture, flavors, and daily life of Vietnam’s capital. From steaming bowls of pho to crispy tofu and grilled pork, every bite offers a glimpse into Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage. With fresh ingredients, generations-old recipes, and vibrant street corners, Hanoi street food is an unforgettable journey for any food lover.

Ready to eat your way through the best of Hanoi? Here are 10 iconic Hanoi street food dishes that locals swear by and visitors crave!

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1. Miến – Hanoi Chicken Vermicelli

This chewy vermicelli, made from mung bean or sweet potato starch, is often served with chicken, crab, or eel. It’s a comforting and hearty example of Hanoi street food. Don’t forget to dip crispy quẩy (fried dough sticks) in the hot broth!

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

2. Phở – Classic Hanoi Pho

No exploration of Hanoi street food is complete without a hot bowl of pho. This iconic noodle soup comes in beef or chicken varieties, enhanced with lime, chili sauce, or garlic vinegar depending on your preference.

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

3. Nộm Bò Khô – Beef Jerky Salad

This refreshing mix of green papaya, carrots, and spicy beef jerky is a sweet-sour-spicy delight. A light yet flavorful Hanoi street snack.

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

4. Bún Đậu – Fried Tofu with Shrimp Paste

Bún đậu is a simple yet iconic Hanoi street food dish. It features crispy fried tofu, rice noodles, and fermented shrimp paste (or fish sauce for a milder option). Often served with herbs and fried spring rolls.

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

5. Mì Vằn Thắn – Wonton Noodles

A flavorful noodle soup topped with wontons, mushrooms, chives, and crispy pork rinds. The highlight is the large fried dumpling—a crunchy surprise in this bowl of Hanoi street food.

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

6. Chả Cá – Cha Ca La Vong

Fatty catfish marinated in turmeric and spices, grilled and served on a sizzling pan with spring onions and dill. Chả cá is one of the most famous and traditional Hanoi street food dishes.

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

7. Bún Chả – Grilled Pork with Noodles

A lunchtime favorite, bún chả features grilled pork belly and patties in a fish sauce broth. Add noodles, herbs, and spring rolls to make the most of this savory Hanoi street food.

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

8. Cà Phê Trứng – Egg Coffee

Egg coffee is the sweet ending to any Hanoi street food tour. Strong Vietnamese coffee is topped with whipped egg yolk and sugar, creating a creamy foam that balances the bold flavor.

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

9. Bún Cá – Fish Noodle Soup

Crispy fried tilapia in a sweet and sour broth with pineapples and tomatoes makes bún cá a refreshing summer treat. A classic choice for lovers of seafood-based Hanoi street food.

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

Originally created from leftover Tết (Lunar New Year) food, bún thang includes shredded chicken, Vietnamese ham, and omelet strips in a clear broth. A creative and comforting Hanoi street food breakfast.

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

🥢 Conclusion: Savor the Flavor of Hanoi Street Food

Whether you’re sipping egg coffee in a hidden alley or slurping pho on a bustling street corner, Hanoi street food offers an authentic and delicious glimpse into Vietnamese culture. These 10 dishes are just the beginning—get ready to explore more as you eat your way through Hanoi!