Hanoi is where food means tradition and care. Dishes here are made better by the city’s old charm and the chefs’ loyalty to handmade cooking. These chefs refuse shortcuts and prefer to do things the traditional way. Every meal in Hanoi tells a story, reflecting the city’s history, culture, and pride in its culinary identity. Let’s explore 8 specialties that make Hanoi’s food scene so special with Vietnamnomad.
1. Pho
I live in the South, so trust me when I say pho in Hanoi is amazing—and I’m not biased. Even though you can eat pho anywhere, you’ll regret skipping it in Hanoi. Pho here is all about keeping the ingredients true to their original taste. No extra lime, herbs, or sauces like in the South. The broth is clear, the noodles are soft, and the beef is plentiful. Your taste buds will love the garlic vinegar and spring onions. Eating pho in Hanoi is like drinking coffee in Saigon—it’s more than food, it’s a lifestyle. There’s nothing more authentic and immersive than eating pho on little plastic stools on the sidewalks alongside the locals.
Tip: Order a side of fried dough sticks (quay) and dip them in the broth. They soak up the soup and add carbs to your meal, enhancing the overall flavor.
Where to eat:
- Pho Thin Bo Ho (61 Dinh Tien Hoang): 60,000 VND ($2.30, 1 USD ≈ 26,000 VND)
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (10 Ly Quoc Su): 65,000 VND
2. Bun Cha Hanoi
The name says it all—this dish is the culinary representative of Hanoi. It’s not just bun cha, it’s bun cha Hanoi. Maybe because it started here, or maybe because nowhere else does it as well. After Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama shared a meal of bun cha in 2016, the dish became world-famous. Bun cha is served in a unique way: grilled pork belly and meatballs, fresh herbs, cold noodles, and a bowl of sweet-and-sour dipping sauce with pickled papaya—all placed on one tray. You take some noodles and herbs, dip them into the sauce, bite the juicy meat, and enjoy. Every element is served separately, allowing you to mix it your way.
Tip: Bun cha is usually eaten at lunch. Try it at a street-side spot where puffs of aromatic smoke linger, and don’t forget to get an extra nem ran—the deep-fried spring rolls that go excellently with the dish.
Where to eat:
- Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu): 60,000 VND
- Bun Cha Hang Quat (74 Hang Quat): 50,000 VND
3. Banh Cuon
Banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) is a light but tasty dish that recently gained attention after being mentioned in the Michelin Guide. It’s made of thin steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. The soft wrapper and crunchy filling make a fun combo. Though it’s a steamed dish, the flavor is rich thanks to the smoky grilled pork and sweet dipping sauce. It’s often served with pork sausage, especially the cinnamon-flavored kind. You can eat it any time of the day. The skillful steaming process and smooth texture are a big part of its charm.
Tip: Order a glass of herbal tea or corn milk—both pair really well with banh cuon.
Where to eat:
- Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh (66 To Hien Thanh): 35,000 VND
- Banh Cuon Ba Xuan (16 Doc Hoe Nhai): 30,000 VND
4. Bun Thang
Not many tourists know bun thang, but it’s one of Hanoi’s best noodle dishes. “Thang” means soup, and the highlight here is the clear, sweet broth made from bones and vegetables. It’s topped with thin slices of egg, pork sausage, chicken, mushrooms, and fried onions, all neatly arranged. It looks beautiful and tastes light but filling—perfect for breakfast and a great way to start a day of exploring. It’s a true showcase of balance, care, and flavor, with a touch of elegance in every bowl.
Tip: Add a few drops of shrimp paste or a slice of lime for extra depth.
Where to eat:
- Quan Cu Restaurant (31A Phan Dinh Phung): 60,000 VND
- Bun Thang Ba Tong (56 Ngo Si Lien): 50,000 VND
5. Cha Ca La Vong
Cha ca La Vong (La Vong grilled fish) is not only a Hanoi treasure but also one of Vietnam’s culinary highlights. The star is ca lang (bagrid catfish)—a freshwater fish known for being tender, flavorful, and nutritious. It’s cooked in a way that eliminates any fishiness while preserving its juicy texture. When served, it’s heated in a pan with lots of dill and spring onions—simple ingredients that bring out the best in each other. It’s eaten with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste for extra flavor. Locals often add chili and lime juice to the mix for more punch. The sizzling sound and aroma as it cooks at the table make the meal even better.
Tip: If shrimp paste is too strong for you, you can use fish sauce instead. Ask for both if you’re curious and want to compare.
Where to eat:
- Cha Ca Thang Long (6B Duong Thanh): 120,000 VND
- Cha Ca Phan (14 Nguyen Binh Khiem): 135,000 VND
6. Pho Cuon & Pho Ran
To cool down in Hanoi’s summer, locals created dry versions of pho: pho cuon and pho ran (pho rolls and deep-fried pho). These dishes still use pho noodles, beef, and herbs. Pho cuon wraps stir-fried beef and herbs in wide rice noodle sheets, like a soft spring roll. It’s eaten with a tangy dipping sauce and is light and refreshing. Pho ran is different—it fries the noodles until crispy, then adds stir-fried beef and veggies. There’s also pho chien phong, where noodle squares are fried into golden puffs and topped with beef and onions. Each version gives you the classic pho flavor in a fun, new way.
Tip: These dishes come in big portions—great for sharing. If eating alone, just pick one.
Where to eat:
- Pho Cuon 31 Ngu Xa (31 Ngu Xa): 48,000 VND
- Pho Cuon Chinh Thang (7 Mac Dinh Chi): 80,000 VND
7. Ngan Chay Toi
Ngan chay toi is crispy duck fried with garlic. The duck is marinated, then fried with lots of garlic until golden and crunchy. You get juicy duck with crispy garlic that’s hard to resist. A full meal comes with duck (fried or boiled—or both), your choice of noodles (rice vermicelli or glass noodles), bamboo shoot soup, fresh herbs, and a strong garlic-ginger fish sauce. It’s served on a tray with low stools—just like locals eat. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cooler evenings in Hanoi.
Tip: Get half-fried and half-boiled duck to try both styles. Mix the meat with the noodles and dip for the best balance of taste.
Where to eat:
- Ngan Chay Toi Thuy Luong (61 Hang Luoc): 230,000 VND
- Bun Ngan Hang Thiec Dung Huyen (61 Hang Thiec): 250,000 VND
8. Ca Phe Trung
It’s not food, but ca phe trung (egg coffee) is a key part of Hanoi’s food scene. This drink stands out because of its unique mix: whipped egg yolk and hot black coffee. Some people think it tastes like dessert because it’s rich and creamy, like whipped cream. It’s simple—just eggs and coffee—but balanced perfectly to create a famous Hanoi drink. Many cafes use a hidden recipe that has been passed down for generations. It’s sweet, strong, and unlike anything else.
Tip: Drink it while it’s still hot. If it cools down, it can taste a little eggy. For first-timers, stir gently and sip slowly to enjoy the texture.
Where to drink:
- Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan): 40,000 VND
- Cafe Dinh (13 Dinh Tien Hoang): 30,000 VND
The list above is just a small part of Hanoi’s food map. Still, these are some of the most special dishes that show the creativity and skill of local chefs. Don’t leave Hanoi without trying one (or all) of them.
Note: Restaurant recommendations are based on the authors’ experiences; prices may vary.
