Must-Try Foods In Old Quarter (Hanoi's Historic District) (Hanoi) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

The Old Quarter of Hanoi, known locally as 'Phố Cổ Hà Nội,' has a rich culinary history that reflects the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. With its labyrinth of bustling streets and alleyways, the Old Quarter has long been the melting pot of Hanoi's gastronomic and cultural traditions. Dating back over a thousand years, the area was once a busy trade center where merchants and artisans gathered to sell their goods.

Culinary techniques and flavors in Hanoi have been profoundly influenced by historical factors including periods of Chinese and French colonialism and Vietnam’s own dynastic rulers. It has led to a diverse range of food offerings that combine sweet, sour, salty, and hot flavors. Food stalls and family-run eateries in the Old Quarter often serve recipes that have been passed down for generations, encapsulating the authenticity of Hanoian cuisine.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Old Quarter

1. Phở (Chicken Noodle Soup) - Non-veg

A quintessential Hanoian dish, Phở consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and herbs, often served with chicken (Phở gà).

2. Bánh mì (Vietnamese Sandwich) - Non-veg

This Vietnamese sandwich is a product of French colonialism, consisting of a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients including vegetables, pâté, and typically pork or chicken.

3. Bún chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles) - Non-veg

Bún chả features grilled pork patties, a plate of white rice noodles (bún), and herbs along with a dipping sauce.

4. Cha Ca (Turmeric Fish with Dill) - Non-veg

A Hanoi-exclusive dish where fish is seasoned with turmeric and dill, served over rice noodles with peanuts and a variety of herbs.

5. Bánh cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls) - Non-veg

Thin rice flour rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat (typically pork) and mushrooms.

6. Nộm hoa chuối (Banana Flower Salad) - Veg

A refreshing salad made from banana flowers, often mixed with green papaya, carrots, and tofus, dressed in a tangy sauce.

7. Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Pancake) - Veg/Non-veg

Savory fried pancakes made of rice flour, water, turmeric powder, stuffed with ingredients such as shrimp, beansprouts, and served with lettuce and herbs.

8. Bún riêu (Tomato and Crab Soup) - Non-veg

A tomato-based soup with rice vermicelli and freshwater crab paste, topped with an array of fresh herbs.

9. Cà phê trứng (Egg Coffee) - Veg

A Hanoi specialty where a creamy, meringue-like egg white foam is placed on top of robust Vietnamese coffee.

10. Xôi (Sticky Rice) - Veg

A popular local snack that can be served either sweet or savory, topped with a variety of mixtures such as steamed peanuts or corn.

Top Famous Restaurants in Old Quarter

Phở Gà 26

Address: 26 Hàng Nón, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Phở Gà (Chicken Noodle Soup) - Non-veg

Bánh Mì 25

Address: 25 Hàng Cá, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Bánh mì (Vietnamese Sandwich) - Non-veg

Bún Chả Hương Liên

Address: 24 Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh

Famous Food: Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles) - Non-veg

Chả Cá Thăng Long

Address: 31 Dương Thành, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Cha Ca (Turmeric Fish with Dill) - Non-veg

Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền

Address: 12 Hàng Gà, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Bánh cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls) - Non-veg

Quán Ăn Ngon

Address: 18 Phan Bội Châu, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Nộm hoa chuối (Banana Flower Salad) - Veg

Bánh Xèo Zòn

Address: 25 Lò Sũ, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Pancake) - Veg/Non-veg

Bún Riêu Cua

Address: 11 Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Bún riêu (Tomato and Crab Soup) - Non-veg

Cafe Giảng

Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Cà phê trứng (Egg Coffee) - Veg

Xôi Yến

Address: 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm

Famous Food: Xôi (Sticky Rice) - Veg