Must-Try Foods In West Lake (Ho Tay) (Hanoi) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of West Lake (Ho Tay), Hanoi, Vietnam

The culinary history of West Lake, often referred to in Vietnamese as "Ho Tay," is steeped in the rich and diverse gastronomic traditions of Hanoi. The lake itself has been a popular retreat for Hanoians, offering scenic beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. This setting has inspired a unique food culture around its perimeter, often based on fresh ingredients sourced from the lake and its surrounds. West Lake is known for its sumptuous street food and sophisticated restaurants that serve a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes, often influenced by French, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in West Lake (Ho Tay), Hanoi for Tourists

1. Bun Cha (Non-Veg) - Grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs.
2. Pho (Non-Veg) - Vietnam's signature noodle soup, which comes in chicken (Pho Ga) or duck (Pho Vit) versions for non-beef options.
3. Banh Tom Ho Tay (Non-Veg) - West Lake's special shrimp cake, made from freshwater shrimp and sweet potatoes.
4. Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Non-Veg) - Grilled fish seasoned with turmeric and dill, traditionally served with rice noodles.
5. Banh Cuon (Non-Veg) - Steamed rice rolls often filled with pork and mushrooms, a lighter alternative.
6. Nem Cua Be (Non-Veg) - Crab spring rolls that are crispy and flavorful.
7. Goi Cuon (Non-Veg) - Fresh spring rolls filled with greens, prawns, and herbs.
8. Xoi Xeo (Veg) - A popular sticky rice dish topped with mung bean paste, fried shallots, and sometimes served with pate or chicken.
9. Banh Mi Chay (Veg) - A vegetarian take on Vietnam's famous sandwich, can be made utterly without meat and still incredibly tasty.
10. Che (Veg) - A traditional Vietnamese dessert, which is a sweet soup or pudding with various ingredients like beans, fruits, and sticky rice.

Top Famous Restaurants in West Lake (Ho Tay), Hanoi

Banh Tom Ho Tay

Address: Thanh Nien, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam

Famous For: Banh Tom (Non-Veg) - Crisp shrimp patties that are a delicacy of the West Lake area.

Chả Cá Thăng Long

Address: 31 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Famous For: Chả Cá (Non-Veg) - A tasty fish dish that is synonymous with Hanoi cuisine.

Quan An Ngon

Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Famous For: Bun Cha and Pho (Non-Veg) - Offers some of the best traditional Hanoian dishes.

The Hanoi Social Club

Address: 6 Hoi Vu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Famous For: A variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including Banh Mi Chay (Veg).

Vegetarian Restaurant Bo De Tam

Address: 89 Nguyen Khuyen, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi

Famous For: Traditional Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine, offering dishes like Xoi Xeo Chay (Veg).