In Ha Noi, a myriad of Vietnamese culinary delights awaits your discovery. From savory street eats to cherished family recipes, the city is a vibrant tapestry of flavors. With its bustling streets and rich culinary heritage, Ha Noi invites you to embark on a gastronomic adventure. Get ready to indulge in fresh ingredients, time-honored traditions, and unforgettable flavors as you navigate the city's food scene. Don't miss out on these ten iconic dishes that capture the essence of Ha Noi's culinary charm!
01 Pho Ha Noi
Absolutely go for it. Trying the Ha Noi version of pho is a must, no questions asked. Even if you're already familiar with pho from other regions in Vietnam, the Ha Noi variation offers its own unique experience. Don't be intimidated by the array of condiments that accompany your bowl of pho. If you're unsure where to begin, kick things off with a dash of spicy chili sauce, followed by a dollop of garlic vinegar for beef pho, or a generous squeeze of lime for chicken pho.
Try it:
Pho bo Khoi Hoi 50 Hang Vai St., Hoan Kiem District
02 Mien Ha Noi
Crafted from mung bean or sweet potato, mien (vermicelli) boasts a delectably chewy texture and subtle umami flavor. Whether adorned with chicken, crab, or freshwater eel, miến can be savored either in a bowl with broth or stir-fried to perfection. In Ha Noi, pairing most noodles with quay (fried breadsticks) is customary, and vermicelli is no different. And remember to dip those quay into the flavorful broth for an extra burst of delight!
Try it:
Mien tron 6 Phung Hung St., Hoan Kiem District
03 Nom Bo Kho Ha Noi
Nom Thit Bo Kho, a delightful concoction known as dried beef salad, combines Vietnamese beef jerky, peanuts, shredded fresh green papaya, slices of dried beef, all tossed in a delicate fish sauce dressing. Unlike its Thai or Lao counterparts, this rendition isn't overly bold or spicy. For a perfect pairing, don't forget to add a side of nem cuon, or fresh spring rolls. We opted for the pork rolls, filled with a tantalizing mixture of pork skin, toasted rice powder, papaya, and Thai basil.
Try it:
Long Vi Dung 23 Hoan Kiem St., Hoan Kiem District
04 Bun Thang Ha Noi
Transforming leftover Lunar New Year ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, bun thang elevates scraps to a whole new level. With a medley of Vietnamese ham, shredded chicken, omelette strips, and spoonfuls of savory umami broth, each bite tells a story of resourcefulness and flavor. As a beloved local breakfast staple, bun thang showcases Hanoi's timeless culinary ingenuity at its finest.
Try it:
Bun thang Ba Duc 48 Cau Go St., Hoan Kiem District
05 Bun Cha Ha Noi
Primarily savored as a lunchtime treat, bun cha harmoniously blends chargrilled pork belly and patties with a tangy diluted vinegar fish sauce. To savor this delicacy, dip your rice noodles into the fish sauce bowl, sprinkle with spices and herbs, then aim to capture a bit of everything in each mouthful. For an extra hearty indulgence, consider complementing your bun cha with a side of nem (fried spring rolls).
Try it:
Bun cha 40 Cua Đong St., Hoan Kiem District
Bun cha Tuyet 34 Hang Than St., Ba Đinh District
Bun cha Huong Lien 24 Le Van Huu St.
06 Cha Ca Ha Noi
Marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, fatty catfish takes center stage in the iconic dish known as cha ca. Served table-side, the fragrant fish is stir-fried with generous portions of spring onions and dill over intense heat, creating a sensory spectacle. Indulging in cha ca in Ha Noi is more than just a meal—it's an unforgettable experience.
Try it:
Cha ca Thang Long 6B Duong Thanh St., Hoan Kiem District
07 Bun Rieu Cua Ha Noi
This delectable tangy tomato-based soup features delicate rice vermicelli, crowned with pounded freshwater crabmeat, crispy fried tofu, and vibrant green onion. As you delve in, warm tomato chunks and tender morning glory await your eager spoon. A tantalizing dollop of chili sauce, fragrant fresh herbs, and a dash of garlic vinegar complete this culinary masterpiece.
Try it:
11 Hang Bac St., Hoan Kiem District
08 Bun Dau Mam Tom Ha Noi
Indulge in the simple yet exquisite pleasure of crispy fried tofu and fresh rice noodles, a beloved duo in Ha Noi's culinary repertoire. Bun dau, a cherished lunchtime delight, combines golden tofu and tender noodles in perfect harmony. Traditionally accompanied by mam tom (fermented shrimp paste), but for those seeking a lighter option, fish sauce is also available.
Try it:
Bun dau 6 Ma May St., Hoan Kiem District
Bun dau Huong 55 Ngo Phat Loc, Hang Bac St., Hoan Kiem District
09 Pho Cuon Ha Noi
Get ready for a twist on the classic pho experience! Pho Cuon presents itself as a refreshing salad roll, filled with savory beef, crisp lettuce or mustard greens, and an assortment of fragrant herbs, all snugly wrapped in moist rice paper. Served chilled and accompanied by a delectable nước chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce), it offers a tantalizing burst of flavors with every bite. This culinary gem is commonly found in the Truc Bach neighborhood, a charming enclave that exudes a cozy, communal vibe, distinct from the bustling energy of other parts of Hanoi.
Try it:
Pho cuon 31 Ngu Xa, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh District
10 Nem Cua Be Ha Noi
You can find many types of spring rolls all over Vietnam, but nem cua be, made with fresh crab meat, are the best of the fried variety. They are a specialty from Hai Phong, a seaside town north of Ha Noi, but they are plenty delicious in Ha Noi too. They come with a side of bun (rice noodles), crunchy bean sprouts, and a plate of raw herbs. These are great snacks with beer!
Try it:
Nem Vuong Pho Co 37 Dao Duy Tu St., Hoan Kiem District
11 Trang Tien Ice Cream
Trang Tien Ice cream is a beloved spot in Ha Noi, famous for its sticky rice ice cream bars and coconut ice cream scoops in crispy waffle cones. Don't miss their signature kem cốm (green rice flake) ice cream bar – it's irresistible!
12 Ca phe trung Ha Noi (egg coffee)
Conclude your exceptional dining experience in Ha Noi with a delightful cup of creamy egg coffee. This unique beverage harmoniously blends strong robusta coffee with a luscious layer of sweet egg foam, creating a true delight for coffee aficionados. Picture yourself relaxing under the comforting shade of khaya trees, indulging in a steaming cup of fluffy ca phe trung (egg coffee), while observing the vibrant hustle and bustle of locals zipping past on motorbikes. It's moments like these that truly encapsulate the timeless charm of Ha Noi.
Try it:
Ca phe Giang Alley 39, Nguyễn Huu Huan St., Hoan Kiem District