Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is a paradise for food lovers. The city’s street food scene is vibrant, diverse, and packed with bold flavors that define Vietnamese cuisine. From steaming bowls of phở to crispy bánh mì, Hanoi’s street food culture is an experience in itself. Jellyfish will take you on a journey through the must-try Vietnamese street food in Hanoi, where to find the best dishes, and how to enjoy them like a true local.
1. Why Hanoi’s Street Food is Special?
- Authenticity – Many street food vendors have been perfecting their recipes for generations.
- Affordability – Most street food dishes cost between $1 to $3 USD, making it budget-friendly.
- Local Experience – Eating at street stalls and sidewalk eateries lets you dine like a true Hanoian.
Now, let’s explore the best Vietnamese street food in Hanoi you can’t miss!
2. Phở – Hanoi’s Iconic Noodle Soup
No visit to Hanoi is complete without trying phở, Vietnam’s most famous noodle soup. Unlike the sweeter Southern version, Hanoi-style phở has a clear, delicate broth infused with beef bones, star anise, and cinnamon.
- Popular Variations:
- Phở bò – Beef noodle soup
- Phở gà – Chicken noodle soup
- Where to Try:
- Phở Gia Truyền (49 Bát Đàn) – Famous for its rich broth
- Phở Thìn (13 Lò Đúc) – Known for stir-fried beef topping
3. Bún Chả – Grilled Pork with Vermicelli
A Hanoi specialty, bún chả consists of grilled pork patties and sliced pork belly, served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy fish sauce-based broth.
- Best Way to Eat: Dip the noodles into the broth and eat with fresh herbs.
- Where to Try:
- Bún Chả Hương Liên (24 Lê Văn Hưu) – Made famous by Barack Obama’s visit
- Bún Chả Đắc Kim (1 Hàng Mành) – A local favorite for over 50 years
4. Bánh Mì – The Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich
Hanoi’s version of bánh mì is slightly different from the Southern style, focusing on simple yet flavorful ingredients like pâté, pork, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce.
- Popular Fillings:
- Bánh mì pate – Pâté and pork
- Bánh mì trứng – Fried egg sandwich
- Where to Try:
- Bánh Mì 25 (25 Hàng Cá) – A tourist favorite with great variety
- Bánh Mì Bà Dần (34 Lò Sũ) – Traditional Hanoian-style baguettes
5. Chả Cá Lã Vọng – Grilled Turmeric Fish
A dish unique to Hanoi, chả cá consists of fish marinated in turmeric, grilled, and served with dill, peanuts, and vermicelli noodles.
- How to Eat: Mix everything together and enjoy with fish sauce.
- Where to Try:
- Chả Cá Thăng Long (21-31 Đường Thành) – A must-visit for seafood lovers
6. Bánh Cuốn – Steamed Rice Rolls
Bánh cuốn are thin steamed rice sheets rolled with minced pork and mushrooms, topped with crispy shallots.
- Best Pairing: Served with a dipping sauce and Vietnamese sausage.
- Where to Try:
- Bánh Cuốn Bà Hanh (26B Thọ Xương) – Soft, flavorful rice rolls
7. Cà Phê Trứng – Vietnamese Egg Coffee
This iconic Hanoi drink is a must-try! Cà phê trứng is made with strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy layer of whipped egg yolk and condensed milk.
- Taste: Rich, creamy, with a caramel-like sweetness
- Where to Try:
- Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân) – The birthplace of egg coffee
8. Bánh Tôm – Crispy Shrimp Cakes
A famous Hanoi snack, bánh tôm is deep-fried shrimp cakes made with sweet potato batter, typically served with fish sauce and fresh herbs.
- Where to Try:
- Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây (1 Thanh Niên) – Overlooking West Lake, the perfect place to enjoy this crispy delight
9. Street Food Etiquette & Tips in Hanoi
- Eat like a local – Don’t be afraid to sit on low plastic stools and join the crowd.
- Be mindful of cleanliness – Choose stalls with a high turnover of customers.
- Cash is king – Most street vendors do not accept credit cards.
- Try different vendors – The best street food in Hanoi isn’t always from the most famous places!
10. Final Thoughts – Explore Hanoi’s Street Food with Confidence
Hanoi’s street food is an unforgettable experience, full of bold flavors and culinary traditions. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of phở, biting into a crispy bánh mì, or sipping on creamy cà phê trứng, each dish tells a story of Vietnam’s rich food culture.
Jellyfish will help you explore Vietnamese street food in Hanoi by equipping you with the language skills needed to confidently order street food, chat with vendors, and truly experience the local lifestyle.
For more information and free consultancy, please fill the form below! We will reach out to you!
👉👉 Learning Vietnamese – Jellyfish Vietnam
✦ Hotline: 096 110 6466
✦ Website: https://learningvietnamese.edu.vn
✦ Head office: 1st Floor, Web3 Tower, 4 Duy Tan, Cau Giay, Ha Noi
✦ Branch office: 2nd floor SH5.11 Vinhomes Marina, Vinh Niem, Le Chan, Hai Phong
✦ Head office in Japan: 4F Westhill Building, Nishigotanda 2-24-4, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
