Hanoi is a city of history, charm, and unforgettable flavors. Among its many cultural treasures, the local food stands out as a defining experience. Rooted in tradition and perfected over generations, these dishes capture the essence of Hanoi like nothing else.
If you’re a food lover heading to Vietnam’s capital, make sure to taste these iconic dishes. We’ve included some trusted spots to try each one.
1. Hanoi Noodle Soup (Phở Hà Nội)
- Pho Thin – 12 Lo Duc St
- Pho Ly Quoc Su – 10 Ly Quoc Su St
- Pho 49 Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan St
Pho isn’t just Vietnam’s national dish—it’s a gift from Hanoi to the world. While pho is served across the country, the version in Hanoi stands apart with its rich broth, subtle spices, and the delicate balance only Hanoians seem to master.
Among all, Pho 49 Bat Dan in the Old Quarter is a personal favorite. The queue outside says it all.
2. Grilled Pork with Vermicelli (Bún Chả)
- Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha) – 24 Le Van Huu St
- Bun Cha Dac Kim – 1 Hang Manh St
Bun Cha is a beloved Hanoi staple—smoky grilled pork served in a flavorful broth with vermicelli and herbs. Even President Obama couldn’t resist a taste during his visit.
The broth, made from a family recipe passed down through generations, ties everything together in the most satisfying way.
3. West Lake Shrimp Cakes (Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây)
- Banh Tom Ho Tay – 1 Thanh Nien St
- Co Am Shrimp Cake – Dong Xuan Alley, Hang Chieu
- Banh Tom Ho Tay – 15 Hang Tre St
Golden, crispy shrimp cakes are a popular favorite snack in Hanoi. Traditionally made with shrimp from West Lake, these cakes are deep-fried and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. The blend of shrimp, sweet potato, turmeric, and rice flour creates a bite that’s rich, crunchy, and uniquely Hanoi.
Note: Prices vary. Some places charge per piece (10,000–20,000 VND), while others charge by the dish (50,000–130,000 VND). Always check the menu before ordering.
4. Vermicelli with Tofu and Shrimp Paste (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)
- Bún Đậu Ngõ Trạm – 1B Ngo Tram St
- Bún Đậu Tùng Hương – 49 Phat Loc Lane
- Bún Đậu Mã Mây – 8 Ma May St
Unforgettable yet straightforward, this dish has been a favorite in Hanoi for generations. It’s a vibrant tray of crispy tofu, vermicelli, boiled pork, fried spring rolls, herbs, and the star, shrimp paste (mắm tôm), pungent and intensely flavorful. It’s not for everyone, but if you dare, it’s an unforgettable taste of Hanoi.
5. Noodle Rolls (Phở Cuốn)
- Phở Cuốn Phương Mai – 25 Ngu Xa St
- Phở Cuốn Hưng Bền – 33 Ngu Xa St
- Phở Cuốn Hương Mai – 25 Ngu Xa St
Phở cuốn is a fresh twist on the classic pho. Instead of broth, soft rice noodle sheets are wrapped around stir-fried beef and herbs, then dipped into a tangy fish sauce-based dip. Light, fragrant, and perfect for hot days.
6. La Vong Fish Cake (Chả Cá Lã Vọng)
- Vua Chả Cá – 26C Tran Hung Dao St
- Chả Cá Hà Thành – 20 Nguyen Van Huyen St
- Chả Cá Vọng Ngư – 29 Nguyen Chi Thanh St
This dish is pure Hanoi heritage. Fatty chunks of grilled fish, sizzling in a turmeric and dill sauce, are served with vermicelli, herbs, and a fermented shrimp sauce. It’s rich, aromatic, and deeply rooted in the city’s culinary history.
Prices range from 150,000 to 400,000 VND per set (1–3 people), so it’s best shared with friends for both taste and value.
7. Grilled Intestines (Lòng Nướng)
- Nướng Gầm Cầu – 6 Gam Cau St
- Lòng Rán Nhất Quán – 23 Nguyen Sieu St
- Long Quán Yummy – 58L Ngo Thi Nham St
A local delicacy for the adventurous, grilled intestines are crispy, chewy, and full of smoky flavor. Often enjoyed with a glass of rice wine, this dish is a beloved late-night snack in Hanoi.
Expect to pay 70,000–120,000 VND per plate, depending on the size and cut of the meat.
8. Trang Tien Ice Cream (Kem Tràng Tiền)
- Trang Tien – 458 Minh Khai, Times City, Hai Ba Trung District
A Hanoi icon since 1958, Trang Tien Ice Cream is a nostalgic treat that locals have loved for decades. Cool, creamy, and uniquely Vietnamese, it’s perfect on a sweltering summer day. With a variety of flavors starting from just 10,000 VND, it’s a sweet stop that won’t break the bank.
9. Dried Beef Salad (Nộm Bò Khô)
- Long Vi Dung – 53 Dinh Tien Hoang St
- Mai Nga – 25 Ham Long St
Crunchy green papaya, chewy dried beef, fragrant herbs—this local salad is an explosion of textures and flavors. Slightly sweet, a bit spicy, and always refreshing, nộm bò khô is served by the plate, usually priced around 50,000 VND.
Craving a taste of Hanoi? These dishes are just the beginning. Save this post or share it with friends to make the most of your culinary journey through the capital.
