It is well known that a trip to Northern Vietnam is a feast for the eyes. But before departing to the north of Vietnam, reward yourself with a journey to fill your stomach with unique delicacies in Hanoi.
Pho? Banh mi? What else? From smokey grilled meats by the street to a pizza joint we failed to get reservations for thrice (and how about eggs in your beer?), this is the only Hanoi food guide you need.
Bún Bò Nam Bộ Bách Phương
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
Bun Bo Nam Bo Bach Phuong is like a household name, serving what some say is the best street food in Hanoi. Its signature dish bun bo nam bo (beef noodle salad) is a delectable medley of springy noodles, fresh veggies, and tender beef slices. If you’re extra hungry, add a nem chua (sour meatball) or gio (pork roll). Both cost 6,000₫ (~S$0.35).
The eatery sees a steady stream of locals and foreigners. Go earlier or after regular mealtimes to avoid the crowd!
Cost: 60,000₫ (~S$3.50)
Opening Hours: 7:30AM – 10:30PM
Address: 67 Hàng Điếu, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Phở Cuốn Vinh Phong
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| Photo by @vietnamesegod via Instagram |
You may have had pho in soup form, but have you ever had it deep fried? For a textural change, head to Pho Cuon Vinh Phong and order pho chien phong (50,000₫, ~S$2.90). Thick rice noodles are deep fried to a crisp, and finished with a heap of stir-fried vegetables and beef slices. Healthy-ish!
Cost: 50,000₫ (~S$2.90)
Opening Hours: 8AM – 10PM
Address: 40 Ngũ Xã, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hanoi
Spicy Phở Bay
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
I know, it’s pho — but hear me out! We stumbled upon Spicy Pho Bay, a hidden gem that was so pho-king good (hehe) we went back twice. The pho (30,000₫, ~S$1.80) is simple and delicious, with a huge portion of noodles and beef slices. Add a dollop of outrageously spicy, Hainanese chicken rice-esque chilli into the broth to kick it up a notch!
The star of Spicy Pho Bay, though, is the unassuming mixed fried rice (com rang thap cam, 30,000₫). Butter-fried rice is piled high on a plate with Chinese sausages, tofu and spring onions. It’s incredibly fragrant, and perfect for sharing.
Cost: From 30,000₫ – 50,000₫ (~S$1.80 – ~S$2.90)
Opening Hours: 7AM – 11PM
Address: 1a Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
Note: This eatery is located outside Hanoi Old Quarter, where most street food is located. If you’re looking for a nearby alternative, try Pho Gia Truyen.
Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
It’s not exactly unagi, but it’s just as delicious. Mien Luon Dong Thinh specialises in fried and grilled eels. It’s an interesting alternative to the usual proteins, and worth checking out if you enjoy the aromatic, fishy taste of eel. There are both dry and soup noodle versions available, and even porridge too!
Cost: From 25,000₫ – 60,000₫ (~S$1.50 – ~S$3.50)
Opening Hours: 6:30AM – 9:30PM
Address: 87 Hàng Điếu, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Bún Riêu Cua Hàng Bạc
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
Bun rieu is another highly popular noodle dish in Vietnam. This version has freshwater crab, pork, tofu, and vermicelli noodles swimming in a tangy tomato broth. Bún Riêu Cua Hàng Bạc is apparently one of the best stores in Hanoi. The evidence? Hordes of locals crowding here every morning for a hot bun rieu breakfast.
Cost: 30,000₫ (~S$1.80)
Opening Hours: 7AM – 10:30PM
Address: 11 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Chả Cá Thăng Long
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
PSA seafood lovers: don’t miss cha ca, grilled fish with turmeric and dill that originated from Hanoi. Cha Ca Thang Long is a highly recommended restaurant that serves this local delight, and they don’t disappoint. Fresh, tender fish is served alongside vermicelli, fresh herbs, peanuts, and a special in-house dressing.
Cost: 120,000₫ (~S$7)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 9:30PM
Address: 19-21-31, Dương Thành, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Bún Ốc Phố Cổ
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
Simply put, bun oc is snail noodle soup. As strange as it may sound, it’s actually quite light and delicious. (Btw, the snails are from rice paddies, not streets!) Don’t expect anything fancy though. You’ll be sitting on plastic stools by the street slurping these suckers down — just like Anthony Bourdain did.
Cost: 45,000₫ (~S$2.60)
Opening Hours: 7:30AM – 3PM, 5PM – 11PM
Address: 36 Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Hạnh Ngan Dé
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| Photo by collect on the internet |
Duck noodles with a tastier twist! Hanh Ngan De uses muscovy duck, a large duck with leaner and more tender meat. We recommend having boiled duck with savoury glass noodles (mien tron, 45,000₫). Bigger eaters can go for bun mien ngan (50,000₫, ~S$2.90), soupy rice noodles which come with a chunk of coagulated duck blood.
Carnivores can also order boiled (ngan luoc) or grilled duck (ngan nuong) on its own — a one-quarter portion costs 80,000₫ (~S$4.70).
Cost: From 40,000₫ – 320,000₫ (~S$2.30 – ~S$18.60)
Opening Hours: 7AM – 10PM
Address: 63 Cửa Bắc, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hanoi
