Top 12 Must-Try Dining Spots in Hanoi Old Quarter

Discover the top 12 must-try dining spots in Hanoi Old Quarter with Vietnam Discovery Travel. From the iconic Pho on Bat Dan Street to the flavorful Bun Cha on Hang Quat Street, these culinary gems offer an authentic taste of Hanoi’s rich food culture. Explore traditional dishes, savor unique flavors, and experience the vibrant street food scene that makes Hanoi a food lover’s paradise.

1. Hang Quat Street for Kebab Rice Noodles (Bun Cha)

Overview

Hang Quat Street, located in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, is a bustling destination famous for its Kebab Rice Noodles, or Bun Cha. This iconic Vietnamese dish features succulent grilled pork served over a bed of rice noodles, accompanied by fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect to be greeted by the savory aroma of grilled meat wafting through the air. The dish is typically served with a side of fresh vegetables and herbs, including lettuce, coriander, and basil, which add a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavor of the pork. The dipping sauce, a harmonious blend of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and lime, perfectly complements the dish, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Must-Try Places

• Bun Cha Dac Kim: Located at 1 Hang Manh Street, this place is renowned for its delicious Bun Cha and generous portions.
• Bun Cha 34: Situated at 34 Hang Than Street, this eatery is celebrated for its authentic taste and friendly service.

2. Cha Ca Street for La Vong Fish Cake – A Great Choice for Hanoi Food Tours

 Overview

Cha Ca Street is synonymous with La Vong Fish Cake, a dish so iconic that the street is named after it. This culinary delight features grilled fish marinated in turmeric and dill, served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and fresh herbs.

What to Expect

Diners can anticipate a unique dining experience where the fish is cooked right at the table on a charcoal stove. The interactive aspect of grilling the fish yourself adds to the enjoyment of the meal. The combination of flavors from the turmeric, dill, and fresh herbs creates a dish that is both aromatic and flavorful.

Must-Try Places

• Cha Ca La Vong: Located at 14 Cha Ca Street, this restaurant is famous for its original La Vong Fish Cake recipe that dates back over a century.
• Cha Ca Thang Long: Situated at 21 Duong Thanh Street, this place offers a modern twist on the classic dish with equally delicious results.

3. Dong Xuan Market for Snail Noodles

Overview

Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest and oldest markets in Hanoi, is a treasure trove for food lovers. Among its many culinary offerings, Snail Noodles stand out as a must-try dish.

What to Expect

Snail Noodles, or Bun Oc, is a flavorful soup featuring rice noodles and tender snails, served in a savory broth made from tomatoes and herbs. The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, adding a refreshing touch to the rich broth.

Must-Try Places

• Bun Oc Co Beo: Located inside Dong Xuan Market, this stall is famous for its hearty servings and authentic taste.
• Bun Oc 36: Situated at 36 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, this eatery is well-known for its flavorful broth and generous portions of snails.

4. Bat Dan Street for Pho

Overview

Bat Dan Street is a legendary destination for Pho, Vietnam’s national dish. This aromatic noodle soup, made with beef or chicken, is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine and a must-try for any visitor to Hanoi.

What to Expect

Pho on Bat Dan Street is renowned for its rich, clear broth, tender slices of beef or chicken, and fresh herbs. The soup is typically served with a side of lime, chili, and bean sprouts, allowing diners to customize their bowls to their liking.

Must-Try Places

• Pho Bat Dan: Located at 49 Bat Dan Street, this eatery is famous for its traditional Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and long lines of eager customers.
• Pho Thin: Situated at 13 Lo Duc Street, this restaurant offers a unique take on Pho with stir-fried beef added to the broth.

5. Hang Khay Street for Bun Dau Mam Tom – A Tasty Hanoi Old Quarter Food

Overview

Hang Khay Street is the go-to destination for Bun Dau Mam Tom, a dish that features fried tofu, rice noodles, and a pungent shrimp paste dipping sauce. This dish is a true test of a traveler’s culinary adventurousness.

What to Expect

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines crispy fried tofu, soft rice noodles, and fresh herbs. The shrimp paste, which can be an acquired taste, adds a unique umami flavor to the dish. For those who are not fans of shrimp paste, fish sauce is often available as an alternative.

Must-Try Places

• Bun Dau Mam Tom Hang Khay: Located at 31 Hang Khay Street, this place is famous for its authentic taste and vibrant atmosphere.
• Bun Dau Ngo Tram: Situated at 27 Hang Khay Street, this eatery offers a delicious version of the dish with a variety of sides.

6. Hang Gai Street for Fried Fermented Pork Rolls

Overview

Hang Gai Street is well-known for its Fried Fermented Pork Rolls, or Nem Chua Ran. This popular street food is a must-try for visitors looking to experience the unique flavors of Hanoi.

What to Expect

Nem Chua Ran is made from fermented pork that is seasoned, wrapped in banana leaves, and then deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy, flavorful snack that is often served with a side of chili sauce for dipping.

Must-Try Places

• Nem Chua Ran Hang Gai: Located at 36 Hang Gai Street, this spot is famous for its crispy rolls and tangy dipping sauce.
• Nem Chua Ba Tam: Situated at 29 Hang Gai Street, this eatery is known for its delicious rolls and friendly service.

7. Hang Chieu Street for Wonton Noodles

Overview

Hang Chieu Street is a popular destination for Wonton Noodles, a dish that features delicate wontons and chewy noodles in a savory broth.

What to Expect

Wonton Noodles, or Mi Hoanh Thanh, is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of pork-filled wontons with the satisfying texture of egg noodles. The broth is typically garnished with green onions and cilantro, adding a fresh touch to the dish.

Must-Try Places

• Mi Hoanh Thanh Hang Chieu: Located at 11 Hang Chieu Street, this place is known for its flavorful broth and generous servings of wontons.
• Wonton Noodles 28: Situated at 28 Hang Chieu Street, this eatery offers a delicious version of the dish with a variety of toppings.

8. Hang Can Street for Various Types of Sweet Soup

Overview

Hang Can Street is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, offering a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese sweet soups, or Che.

What to Expect

Che comes in many forms, featuring a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, jellies, and coconut milk. These sweet soups can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile and delightful treat.

Must-Try Places

• Che Hang Can: Located at 93 Hang Can Street, this spot is famous for its diverse selection of sweet soups and refreshing flavors.
• Che 4 Mua: Situated at 4 Hang Can Street, this eatery offers a wide range of Che, each with its unique taste and texture.

9. Hang Bo Street for Noodle Soup with Chicken Stewed with Herbs

Overview

Hang Bo Street is renowned for its Noodle Soup with Chicken Stewed with Herbs, a dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic herbs and rice noodles.

What to Expect

This dish, known as Pho Ga Ham Thuoc Bac, features chicken that has been slow-cooked with medicinal herbs, resulting in a rich, flavorful broth. The noodles and chicken are served with fresh herbs and a side of lime and chili.

Must-Try Places

• Pho Ga Ham Thuoc Bac Hang Bo: Located at 49 Hang Bo Street, this place is famous for its hearty broth and tender chicken.
• Pho Ga 36: Situated at 36 Hang Bo Street, this eatery offers a delicious version of the dish with generous portions.

10. Cau Go Street for Hanoi Chicken Noodles (Bun Thang)

Overview

Cau Go Street is the ideal destination for Bun Thang, a traditional Hanoi dish that features chicken, pork, and egg served over rice noodles in a clear broth.

What to Expect

Bun Thang is a visually appealing dish, with its various ingredients arranged artfully in the bowl. The broth is light yet flavorful, and the combination of chicken, pork, and egg creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Must-Try Places

• Bun Thang Cau Go: Located at 32 Cau Go Street, this place is known for its authentic taste and beautiful presentation.
• Bun Thang Ba Duc: Situated at 48 Cau Go Street, this eatery offers a delicious version of the dish with a unique twist.

11. To Tich Street for Mixed Fresh Fruits with Yogurt

Overview

To Tich Street is famous for its Mixed Fresh Fruits with Yogurt, a refreshing and healthy dessert that is perfect for a hot day in Hanoi.

What to Expect

This dessert, known as Hoa Qua Dam, features a variety of fresh fruits such as mango, watermelon, and dragon fruit, mixed with yogurt and sometimes topped with condensed milk. The result is a delicious and nutritious treat that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Must-Try Places

• Hoa Qua Dam To Tich: Located at 5 To Tich Street, this spot is famous for its fresh and flavorful fruit desserts.
• Fruit Mix 10: Situated at 10 To Tich Street, this eatery offers a wide range of fruit mixes with yogurt, each as delicious as the next.

12. Hang Bong Street for Hot Bagel Twists

Overview

Hang Bong Street is the place to go for Hot Bagel Twists, a popular street food that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

What to Expect

These bagel twists, known as Quay Nong, are deep-fried until golden brown and often served with a side of chili sauce for dipping. They make for a delicious and satisfying snack that is perfect for any time of day.

Must-Try Places

• Quay Nong Hang Bong: Located at 53 Hang Bong Street, this spot is famous for its crispy and flavorful bagel twists.
• Hot Bagel Twists 79: Situated at 79 Hang Bong Street, this eatery offers a variety of bagel twists with different fillings and toppings.

Discovering the top 12 must-try dining spots in Hanoi Old Quarter is a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss. Each location offers a unique taste of Hanoi’s rich food culture, from the famous Pho on Bat Dan Street to the delicious Bun Cha on Hang Quat Street. With Vietnam Discovery Tours, you can explore these authentic flavors and vibrant street food scenes in a seamless, guided experience. Book your tour with Vietnam Discovery Tours to savor the best of Hanoi’s cuisine and make unforgettable memories. Enjoy the taste of tradition and the excitement of discovery!