Top 12 Must-Try Street Foods in Hanoi: A Delicious Tour Guide

Embark on a culinary adventure through Hanoi with our guide to the top 12 must-try street foods. From the iconic Pho to the crispy Banh Mi, discover the vibrant flavors and unique dishes that define this city’s rich food culture. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual traveler, these street foods will tantalize your taste buds and offer an authentic taste of Hanoi.

1. Best Street Foods in Hanoi for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

1.1.1. Banh Mi

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, is a perfect blend of crispy baguette filled with various ingredients such as pate, pork, cucumber, pickled carrots, and herbs. It’s a quick, tasty meal ideal for any time of the day.

Recommended Spot: Banh Mi 25
Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 20,000 – VND 35,000

1.1.2. Pho – An Essential Dish for the Best Hanoi Street Food Tour

Pho, the national dish of Vietnam, consists of rice noodles in a flavorful beef or chicken broth, garnished with herbs, lime, and chili. It’s a must-try when in Hanoi.

Recommended Spot: Pho Gia Truyen
Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 40,000 – VND 60,000

1.1.3. Vermicelli with Grilled Pork (Bun Cha)

Bun Cha features grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. This dish is particularly famous in Hanoi.

Recommended Spot: Bun Cha Huong Lien
Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Price: VND 35,000 – VND 50,000

1.1.4. Vietnamese Sticky Rice (Xoi) – A Perfect Dish to Kickstart Your Hanoi Food Tour

Xoi is sticky rice mixed with various toppings like mung bean, fried shallots, and pork. It’s a filling and flavorful option for breakfast or lunch.

Recommended Spot: Xoi Yen
Address: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 15,000 – VND 30,000

1.1.5. Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Fermented Shrimp Paste (Bun Dau Mam Tom)

This dish combines vermicelli noodles with fried tofu, fresh herbs, and a pungent fermented shrimp paste. It’s a unique taste experience for adventurous eaters.

Recommended Spot: Bun Dau Mam Tom Hang Khay
Address: 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 20,000 – VND 40,000

1.2. Ideal Hanoi Street Foods for a Light Meal

1.2.1. Sweet Soup (Che)

Che is a sweet soup dessert made with a variety of ingredients like beans, fruit, jelly, and coconut milk. It’s a refreshing treat, especially on a hot day.

Recommended Spot: Che Ba Thin
Address: 93 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 10,000 – VND 25,000

1.2.2. Vietnamese Fried Donut (Banh Ran) – One of the Best Hanoi Street Foods

Banh Ran are small fried donuts filled with mung bean paste or coated with sesame seeds. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Recommended Spot: Banh Ran Ngo Cho Dong Xuan
Address: Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 5,000 – VND 10,000

1.2.3. Rice Paper Salad & Vietnamese Pizza (Banh Trang Tron & Banh Trang Nuong)

Banh Trang Tron is a rice paper salad mixed with various ingredients like dried beef, herbs, and peanuts, while Banh Trang Nuong is a grilled rice paper topped with quail eggs, dried shrimp, and scallions.

Recommended Spot: Banh Trang Tron Hang Trong
Address: 90 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 20,000 – VND 30,000

1.2.4. Green Papaya with Beef Jerky Salad (Nom Bo Kho)

This salad consists of shredded green papaya mixed with beef jerky, herbs, and a tangy dressing. It’s a light and flavorful snack.

Recommended Spot: Nom Thuy
Address: 23 Ho Hoan Kiem, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 20,000 – VND 40,000

1.2.5. Hot Bagel Twist (Quay)

Quay are deep-fried dough sticks that are crispy and golden brown. They are often enjoyed with porridge or dipping sauce.

Recommended Spot: Quay Trung Hoa
Address: 73 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 5,000 – VND 10,000

1.2.6. Hot Plain Rice Flan (Banh Duc) – Among the Best Foods for Your Hanoi Street Food Tour in Winter

Banh Duc is a warm, savory rice flan topped with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, served with a side of fish sauce. It’s especially popular during the winter months.

Recommended Spot: Banh Duc Ngo Cho Dong Xuan
Address: Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 10,000 – VND 20,000

1.2.7. Fried Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua Ran)

Nem Chua Ran are deep-fried rolls made from fermented pork. They are crispy on the outside and tangy inside, often served with chili sauce.

Recommended Spot: Nem Chua Ran Hang Bong
Address: 36 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Price: VND 10,000 – VND 25,000

2. Best Destinations for a Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour

2.1. Hanoi Old Quarter

The Hanoi Old Quarter is a bustling area filled with narrow streets and alleys, each dedicated to a different trade or specialty. It’s a treasure trove of street food delights, with vendors offering everything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to modern snacks.

Key Streets for Food:

• Ta Hien Street (for Bia Hoi and snacks)
• Hang Buom Street (for a variety of street food)
• Hang Bac Street (for Che and other sweets)

2.2. West Lake

West Lake, or Ho Tay, is a scenic area known for its beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also home to numerous street food vendors and casual eateries.

Key Areas for Food:

• Thanh Nien Street (for Pho Cuon and seafood)
• Quang An Flower Market (for late-night snacks)
• Xuan Dieu Street (for a mix of local and international cuisine)

Hanoi’s street food scene is a vibrant and essential part of the city’s culture, offering a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. From the rich flavors of Pho to the delightful sweetness of Che, these top 12 must-try street foods are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss out on these iconic dishes during your visit. Enjoy the authentic tastes of Hanoi and make your trip truly memorable with these delicious treats!