Discover the heart of Vietnam’s culinary heritage in the vibrant city of Hanoi. With its deep cultural roots spanning over a thousand years, Hanoi is renowned for its rich and diverse local cuisine. It’s an essential part of daily life and culture here, and no trip to the city would be complete without sampling its iconic dishes.
If you’re looking for the best Hanoi food, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 must-try foods that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through this bustling city.
5 Dishes Of Best Hanoi Food That You Cannot Miss
According to TripAdvisor, Hanoi has recently been crowned the “Best Food Destination” by readers’ votes. With its mouth-watering cuisine and rich culinary culture, Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t take our word for it; join the millions of satisfied travelers who have voted Hanoi their top pick for a gastronomic adventure.
Phở (Vietnamese Rice Noodles)
The quintessential taste of Vietnam cuisine
Hanoi is the center of Vietnam’s culture and politics, also the birthplace of many Vietnamese foods, including the world-renowned Phở. Following its rise in popularity after the war with the United States, Vietnam’s famous noodle soup dish has become a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is now featured on menus all over the world. Despite consisting of only broth, rice noodles, herbs, and beef, the flavors of this simple recipe can be surprisingly complex. You will be delighted after just one bowl of the miraculous “Pho”!
Bún Chả (Vermicelli with Pork)
Famous street food with reasonable prices
Bún Chả, a Hanoi specialty, became famous as one of the best Vietnamese foods after Anthony Bourdain featured President Obama enjoying it on his TV show “Parts Unknown”.
Do not miss out on this mouth-watering street food that is available at various food stalls and street kitchens across the city! Sink your teeth into the juicy pork patties that are barbecued on an open charcoal brazier and served on a bed of cold rice noodles with assorted foliage and a slightly sweet sauce. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind taste experience, where bread and ketchup are replaced with rice noodles and a modified version of fish sauce.
Nộm Bò Khô (Dried Beef Salad)
One of the best snacks that cannot be ignored (Souce: Collected)
Nộm Bò Khô is a Vietnamese salad that is incredibly delicious and healthy. It consists of dried beef, green papaya, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts tossed together with lime and fish sauce dressing.
The beef is thinly sliced and dried, giving it a unique texture and flavor that pairs well with the crunchy green papaya. The fresh herbs, such as cilantro and mint, add a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. Roasted peanuts provide a nutty crunch that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
This light and quick meal is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it perfect for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Miến Lươn (Eel Noodles)
Full of nutrition and irresistible flavor (Souce: Collected)
Although not everyone may find the idea of eating eels appealing, a serving of Miến Lươn could change their mind. The dish consists of deep-fried sliced eels, which removes any unpleasant odors and transforms the eels into something that looks nothing like the slippery fish we are accustomed to.
Served with glass noodles made from cassava flour and a light soup of eel bones and ginger, Miến Lươn makes for a surprisingly pleasant and nourishing meal.
>> See Tour: A Food Lover’s Tour of Vietnam
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)
A tasty specialty of Hanoi (Souce: Collected)
Vietnam is one of the largest producers of Robusta coffee in the world, and its coffee is famous for its taste. You can enjoy your caffeine fix in many different ways in Vietnam, such as with a yogurt coffee or the Hanoian specialty, Cà Phê Trứng (egg coffee). This delightful drink is made with whipped egg yolk and is especially enjoyable during Hanoi’s winter.
If you are a curious traveler visiting Hanoi, you might notice an interesting beverage on the menu of many cafes and restaurants, which is a mixture of egg and coffee called Cà Phê Trứng. It’s a unique and delightful drink that you shouldn’t miss if you want to try the delicious local specialties of the capital city.
Find out more information through this video:
Some Tips In Mind Before Trying Some Hanoi Food
Here are several key things you should know about Hanoi’s famous street foods to help guide your culinary adventures.
Explore Hanoi’s street food scene with our essential tips!
Street Stalls are Where Flavor Lives
Many of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes are found at street stalls rather than restaurants. Bún chả and miến lươn are just some foods you’ll find sizzling away on carts and tables set up on sidewalks. These stalls often have die-hard followings of regular local customers. Lines can wrap around the block at peak times. Be patient – the wait is worth it for fresh, authentic dishes.
Fresh Herbs and Vegetables are Key
You’ll notice fresh herbs and vegetables featured heavily in Hanoian cuisine. Dishes like phở, bún chả and gỏi cuốn are built around a base of mint, basil, lettuce, and bean sprouts. It’s important to add these ingredients yourself to each bite to experience the full layered flavors. Don’t be scared – pile those herbs high! They provide texture, aroma, and health benefits to meals.
Street Food is Incredibly Affordable
Compared to Western countries, you’ll find Hanoi’s street foods to be quite budget-friendly. A filling bowl of phở usually costs around $1-2 USD. Other dishes like bún chả, and miến lươn are also very affordable. You can enjoy multi-course meals for just a few dollars each. Drinking coffee or juice is also inexpensive. This makes indulging in the local cuisine very accessible for travelers.
Coffee is More than Just a Beverage
In Hanoi, coffee is so much more than a pick-me-up, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Cafes are community hubs where locals chat for hours over iced coffees or cà phê trứng.
Ordering is also an art. You will be asked how you take your cà phê đen (black coffee) in terms of sweetness and condensed milk level. Sip slowly and take in the lively atmosphere. Coffee is also a popular accompaniment to breakfast foods like banh mi and breads.
>> Read More: Best 5 Vietnam Destinations For Coffee Lovers
Etiquette Tips for Street Food
When ordering from stalls, it’s polite to wait patiently for your food rather than crowding the vendor. Smile and say “cảm ơn” (thank you) when paying and receiving your dish. Also, don’t forget to bring cash – many stalls don’t accept cards. It’s customary to eat standing up or find a sidewalk bench nearby. Locals rarely dine in at street stalls. Finally, be open-minded when it comes to unusual ingredients – you never know what new flavors you might love!
Final Thoughts
Hanoi food is a culinary treasure trove that offers a diverse range of dishes, unique flavors, and cultural significance. Exploring the city’s food scene will not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and traditions. So, Craft Your Dream Culinary Trip with Asia Pioneer Travel to immerse in the vibrant food culture of Hanoi and expect a gastronomic adventure that will delight and inspire you!
