Must-Try Foods In Hanoi (Vietnam) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Hanoi, Vietnam

The culinary scene in Hanoi is steeped in history and reflects a blend of influences from Chinese cuisine, French colonial past, and local flavors. The city's street food culture is particularly renowned. During the 1000 years of Chinese rule, Vietnamese cuisine adopted many of Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. Later, the French colonial period introduced ingredients such as onions, coffee, and baguettes to the local palate.

Traditional Hanoian cuisine is known for its balance of flavors and usage of fresh herbs. The emphasis is on the freshness of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation methods. Hanoi is particularly famous for its noodles and soups, with pho being the most iconic dish. The unique combination of spices and expert craft required to prepare these dishes speaks to the culinary prowess of Hanoi's chefs, both past and present.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Hanoi

1. Pho (Non-veg): A Vietnamese staple, pho is a fragrant noodle soup typically served with beef or chicken and a variety of fresh herbs.
2. Bun Cha (Non-veg): Grilled pork served over vermicelli noodles (bun) with herbs and dipping sauce.
3. Banh Mi (Non-veg): The Vietnamese sandwich, which often includes a variety of meats and vegetables in a French baguette.
4. Banh Cuon (Non-veg): These are delicate rice crepes filled with minced pork and mushrooms.
5. Cha Ca (Non-veg): Grilled fish seasoned with turmeric and dill, typically eaten with rice noodles.
6. Nem Cua Be (Non-veg): Crab spring rolls containing crab meat, minced pork, and various vegetables.
7. Bun Thang (Non-veg): A sophisticated noodle soup with a clear broth and a complex combination of ingredients including chicken, Vietnamese ham, and egg.
8. Xoi Xeo (Veg): A sweet or savory sticky rice dish often topped with ground mung beans and fried onion.
9. Che (Veg): A sweet dessert soup or pudding available in many variations with ingredients such as beans, fruit, and tapioca pearls.
10. Banh Goi (Non-veg): Pillow-shaped dumplings filled with pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles, akin to a savory pastry.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hanoi

• Cha Ca La Vong – 14 Cha Ca St., Hoan Kiem District (Famous for: Cha Ca, Non-veg)
• Banh Mi 25 – 25 Hang Ca St., Hoan Kiem District (Famous for: Banh Mi, Non-veg with veg options)
• Pho Gia Truyen – 49 Bat Dan St., Hoan Kiem District (Famous for: Pho, Non-veg)
• Bun Cha Huong Lien – 24 Le Van Huu St., Phan Chu Trinh Ward (Famous for: Bun Cha, Non-veg)
• Green Tangerine – 48 Hang Be St., Hoan Kiem District (Famous for: French-Vietnamese fusion, Veg & Non-veg options)
• Minh Chay Vegan Restaurant – Various Locations (Famous for: Vegan dishes, completely Veg)
• Quan An Ngon – 18 Phan Boi Chau St., Hoan Kiem District (Famous for: a variety of traditional dishes, Veg & Non-veg)
• Bun Bo Nam Bo – 67 Hang Dieu St., Hoan Kiem District (Famous for: Bun Bo Nam Bo, Non-veg)
• KOTO – 59 Van Mieu St., Dong Da District (Famous for: Social enterprise diner with Vietnamese dishes, Veg & Non-veg)
• Xoi Yen – 35B Nguyen Huu Huan St., Ly Thai To Ward (Famous for: Xoi, Veg & Non-veg)