Discover the culinary delights of Hanoi, a true haven for food lovers! Savor the rich, comforting flavors of Pho, indulge in the refreshing taste of traditional green papaya salad, and don’t miss the iconic Vietnamese egg coffee. Join one of our curated private food tours and let your chosen local expert guide you through this unforgettable culinary journey.

1. Best Street Foods in Hanoi for travel lovers

1.1. Banh Mi

Banh mi is a must-try street food in Hanoi, blending French and Vietnamese flavors into a tasty sandwich. For one of the best experiences, head to Banh Mi 25 in the Old Quarter. They offer a range of fillings like pork, chicken, and tofu, all packed with fresh ingredients. Another great spot is Banh Mi Pho Co, known for their crispy pig’s belly banh mi, perfect for meat lovers.

• Banh Mi 25: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem District
• Banh Mi Pho Co: 38 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District

1.2. Pho

Pho is the soul of Hanoi street food and an essential part of any food tour. This flavorful beef noodle soup, made with clear broth and fresh herbs, is loved across Vietnam. If you want to try some of the best pho in Hanoi, check out Pho Ly Quoc Su, Pho Thin, or Pho Bat Dan, all in the Old Quarter. 

• Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District
• Pho Ly Quoc Su: 18 Le Truc, Ba Dinh District
• Pho Thin Bo Ho: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District

1.3. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)

Bun cha is another local favorite, consisting of grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs served with a savory dipping sauce. For an iconic experience, visit Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by President Obama. Or try Bun Cha Ta for an affordable and tasty option.

• Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District
• Bun Cha Ta: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District

1.4. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

Xoi is a popular breakfast choice among locals, offering a range of savory toppings like fried shallots, shredded chicken, or pork floss on sticky rice. Xoi Yen is one of the top spots to try this comforting dish, along with Xoi Ga Hang Hom and Xoi Ba Son.

• Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District
• Xoi Ga Hang Hom: 42 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem District
• Xoi Ba Son: 44 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District

1.5. Bun Dau Mam Tom (Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste)

For the more adventurous, Bun Dau Mam Tom is a dish made of vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, pork belly, and a fermented shrimp paste that packs a punch. Try it at Bun Dau Hang Khay, Bun Dau Co Hang, or Bun Dau Ngo Gach for an authentic Hanoi experience.

• Bun Dau Hang Khay: 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem District
• Bun Dau Co Hang: 174 Xa Dan 2, Dong Da District
• Bun Dau Ngo Gach: 4 Ngo Gach, Hoan Kiem Distric

2 Light Meals and Snacks

2.1. Che (Sweet Soup)

Che is a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. Made with beans, glutinous rice balls, and herbal jelly, it’s a sweet treat worth trying. Some great places for che include Xoi Che Ba Thin and Che Go.

• Xoi Che Ba Thin: 1 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District
• Che Go: 9 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
• Che 4 Mua: 4 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District

2.2. Banh Ran (Fried Donut)

Banh ran is a classic Hanoi snack, often enjoyed in the afternoon. These fried donuts have a crispy crust with delicious fillings. For the best banh ran, check out Gia Trinh, Hang Chieu, or Vong Thi.

• Banh Ran Gia Trinh: 16A Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem District
• Banh Ran Hang Chieu: 52 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem District
• Banh Ran Vong Thi: 242 Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho District

2.3. Rice Paper Salad & Vietnamese Pizza

Both rice paper salad and Vietnamese pizza are popular late-night snacks. Rice paper salad mixes quail eggs, shredded mango, and dried beef, while Vietnamese pizza is a crispy rice paper with egg, beef, and more. For a taste, stop by Banh Trang Tron Chi Ba Beo or Banh Trang Tron Hang Trong.

• Banh Trang Tron Chi Ba Beo: 24B Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District
• Banh Trang Tron Hang Trong: 86 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District
• Banh Trang Tron Nguyen Sieu: 3 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem District

2.4. Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya with Beef Jerky Salad)

Nom, a refreshing salad made with green papaya, beef jerky, and peanuts, offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. For a great nom experience, check out Nom Bo Kho Ong Gia or Nom Bo Kho Co Van.

• Nom Bo Kho Ong Gia: 1 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh District
• Nom Bo Kho Co Van: 16B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem District

3. Top Destinations for a Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour

3.1. Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is a treasure trove of street food, with every corner offering something delicious. Be sure to visit Dong Xuan Market for an array of snacks and noodle dishes. Also, don’t miss Ta Hien Street, a lively spot for “bia hoi” (fresh beer) and local bites.

3.2. West Lake (Ho Tay)

West Lake offers a more peaceful street food scene with stunning lake views. Try the famous shrimp cakes or banh gio (pyramid dumplings) at the local eateries. Grab a seat on a plastic stool and enjoy these delights the way locals do.

If you follow a special diet or have an allergy to a specific food, let the chef know! They’ll make sure to take that into consideration so you can have an enjoyable and safe experience.