The best food in Hanoi Old Quarter is a tantalizing journey through the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. From the iconic banh mi to the aromatic pho, the Old Quarter is a foodie’s dream destination. Dive into this guide to discover where to find these culinary treasures and why they are must-tries on your visit to Hanoi. If you’re looking for the best street food in Hanoi Old Quarter or wondering what the Hanoi Old Quarter must-eat dishes are, this list has got you covered.
1. Banh mi
Banh mi is Vietnam’s most famous culinary export, and for good reason. This delicious sandwich is a perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines, reflecting the country’s colonial history. It’s undoubtedly one of the good food in Hanoi Old Quarter that you shouldn’t miss.
How to make banh mi: Banh mi is a familiar dish for Vietnamese people. It’s made from fresh, hot, crisp French baguette. Then, the chef will start cutting along the body of the bread, and they will add ingredients such as grilled meat, fried fish cakes, shumai, etc. Then they add raw vegetables such as cucumber, carrots and herbs. Finally, they add the sauce directly to increase the flavor of the banh mi.
Price: 15,000 to 30,000 VND (approximately $0.65 to $1.30 USD)
Suggestions places to eat:
- Banh mi 25 at 25 Hang Ca Street
- Banh mi Hoi An at 8B Hang Buom Street
- Or you can read more at: Best banh mi spots in Hanoi Old Quarter
2. Pho
Pho consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat – usually beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). The broth is the soul of the dish, simmered for hours with bones, spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, and aromatics such as ginger and onion. It’s a quintessential part of the best food in Hanoi Old Quarter experience.
How to make pho: The broth is prepared by simmering bones (usually beef) for several hours, sometimes overnight. The spices are carefully toasted to release their flavors before being added to the broth. Rice noodles are cooked separately and added to the bowl just before serving. Thin slices of meat are then placed on top, cooking gently in the hot broth. Fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and mint are served alongside for diners to add as they please.
Price: 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.30 to $2.15 USD)
Suggestions of places to eat:
- Pho Gia Truyen at 49 Bat Dan Street
- Pho Thin at 13 Lo Duc Street
3. Bun cha
Bun cha consists of grilled pork served in a sweet and savory broth, accompanied by rice noodles (bun) and a plate of fresh herbs and vegetables. The pork is usually a combination of minced pork patties and sliced pork belly, both grilled over charcoal to achieve a smoky flavor. It’s one of the best street foods in Hanoi Old Quarter that you must try.
How to make bun cha: The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and various spices before being grilled. The broth, known as nuoc cham, is made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water, often with floating bits of pickled green papaya or carrot. The dish is served deconstructed, allowing diners to combine the elements as they prefer.
Price: from 40,000 to 60,000 VND ($1.70 to $2.60 USD)
Suggestions of places to eat:
- Bun Cha Huong Lien at 24 Le Van Huu Street, famously known as “Obama Bun Cha” after the former president’s visit.
- Bun Cha Dac Kim at 1 Hang Manh Street, has been serving this dish for over 100 years.
4. Goi cuon (Spring rolls)
Goi cuon typically consists of rice paper wrapped around a filling of cooked shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, and an assortment of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. Unlike their fried counterparts (cha gio), goi cuon are served fresh and uncooked.
How to make goi cuon: The ingredients are carefully arranged on a piece of moistened rice paper, which is then rolled tightly to form a neat package. The skill lies in achieving the right balance of ingredients and rolling technique to create a roll that holds together when dipped in sauce. Goi cuon is usually served with a rich peanut dipping sauce or nuoc cham.
Price: 15 thousand VND for 1 roll and usually sold in 2 or more rolls
Suggestions of places to eat:
- Quan An Ngon at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street
- Ngon Restaurant at 26 Tran Hung Dao Street
5. Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake)
Banh xeo, often called Vietnamese pancakes or crepes, are a delightful street food that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Despite originating in central Vietnam, banh xeo has become a beloved dish throughout the country, including in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
How to make banh xeo: The batter is poured into a hot skillet and swirled to create a thin, crispy pancake. The filling ingredients are then added and the pancake is folded in half, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender filling. Banh xeo is traditionally served with a variety of fresh herbs and lettuce leaves, which are used to wrap pieces of the pancake before dipping in nuoc cham sauce.
Price: 40,000 to 60,000 VND ($1.70 to $2.60 USD).
Suggestions places to eat:
- Banh Xeo Sau Phuoc at 52 Hang Buom Street
- Quan An Ngon at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street
6. Bun dau mam tom (Vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste)
Bun dau mam tom is a dish that might challenge Western palates but is beloved by locals. This unique combination of flavors and textures is a true Hanoi specialty and a must-try for adventurous eaters exploring the best food in Hanoi Old Quarter.
How to make bun dau mam tom: The tofu is cut into cubes and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The vermicelli noodles are boiled and served cold. The mam tom is usually diluted with lime juice, sugar, and chili to create a dipping sauce. All components are arranged on a plate or banana leaf, allowing diners to mix and match as they please.
Price: 30,000 to 100,000 VND ($1.30 to $4.07 USD).
Suggestions places to eat:
- Bun Dau Metoe at 53 Hang Khay Street
- Bun Dau Cay Bang at 27 Hang Khay Street
7. Banh Beo
Banh beo, while originating from the central region of Vietnam, has found its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. These small, savory steamed rice cakes are a delightful snack or light meal.
How to make banh beo: The batter is poured into small, shallow dishes and steamed until set. Once cooled, the toppings are added, creating a perfect bite-sized treat. The dish is usually served in the steaming dish itself, with several pieces making up a serving.
Price: 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.30 to $2.15 USD). Banh beo is usually sold in portions of 8-10 pieces depending on the size of the cake
Suggestions of places to eat:
- Quan An Ngon at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street
- Nha Hang Ngon at 26 Tran Hung Dao Street
8. Cha ca La Vong (La Vong grilled fish)
Cha ca La Vong is a dish so iconic that it has a street named after it in the Old Quarter. This aromatic, turmeric-infused fish dish is a true Hanoi specialty and a must-try for any food enthusiast.
How to make cha ca La Vong: The fish is first marinated in a mixture of turmeric, garlic, and other spices. It’s then partially cooked before being brought to the table in a sizzling pan with hot oil. Diners finish the cooking process themselves, adding generous amounts of dill and spring onions to the pan. The cooked fish and herbs are then served over rice noodles and garnished with peanuts.
Price: 120,000 to 200,000 VND ($5.20 to $8.60 USD) per person.
Suggestions of places to eat:
- Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant at 14 Cha Ca Street
- Cha Ca Thang Long at 19-21-31 Duong Thanh Street
9. Banh ran (Deep-fried glutinous rice ball)
Banh ran is one of the best street foods in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “banh cam” in the south of Vietnam, it is a popular sweet snack found throughout the Old Quarter. These crispy, chewy balls are a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
How to make banh ran: The glutinous rice dough is made and then wrapped around a filling of sweetened mung bean paste. The balls are then rolled in sesame seeds and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a delightful contrast of textures – crispy on the outside, chewy in the middle, with a soft, sweet center.
Price: 5,000 to 10,000 VND ($0.20 to $0.40 USD) per piece.
Suggestions of places to eat:
- Around Hang Dieu Street
- Quan An Ngon at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street
10. Bun oc (snail noodle soup)
Last but not least on our list of the best food in Hanoi Old Quarter is bun oc, a unique and flavorful noodle soup that showcases Vietnam’s love for snails. This dish is particularly popular for breakfast or as a late-night snack, offering a comforting warmth and rich flavors that locals swear by.
How to make bun oc: The snails are carefully cleaned and then cooked until tender. The broth is prepared by simmering pork or chicken bones, often with added tomatoes for the red version. The snails are then added to the broth along with other ingredients like fried tofu and fish cakes. When served, the cooked rice noodles are placed in a bowl, topped with the hot broth and snails, and garnished with fresh herbs like Vietnamese balm, cilantro, and green onions.
Price: 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.30 to $2.15 USD)
Suggestions of places to eat:
- Bun Oc Co Huyen at 36 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street
- Bun Oc Pho Co at 42 Nguyen Sieu Street
The best food in Hanoi Old Quarter offers a rich culinary experience that should be noticed. From the iconic pho to the flavorful bun cha, each dish is a testament to the vibrant street food culture of Hanoi. As you explore these local delicacies, you’ll satisfy your taste buds and gain a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese cuisine. For more insights and travel tips, make sure to check out Vietnam Travel Tips and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the halal food options available in the area.
