Eat Like a Local: A Must-Try Hanoi Food Tour Adventure

From hidden cafes to off-the-beaten-path attractions, I will be your guide through the culinary wonders of Hanoi. Discover the city's best-kept secrets, savor delicious local dishes, and explore traditional markets that will tantalize your taste buds.

Check out my food series blog:

What are the differences between Northern and Southern Vietnamese cuisine?
Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available on a Hanoi food tour?

What is the best time of year to visit Hanoi for a foodie?

There is no single "best time" to visit Hanoi for food enthusiasts, as the city offers a diverse array of culinary delights year-round. However, certain factors, such as weather and seasonal ingredients, can enhance your food experience.

Year-Round Availability

Most of Hanoi's iconic dishes, like Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi, are available throughout the year. The city's vibrant street food scene ensures that you can always find delicious eats regardless of the season.

Seasonal Highlights

While you can enjoy many foods year-round, some dishes and experiences are particularly delightful during specific times of the year:

Spring (March to April)
- Festivals and Specialties: Spring in Hanoi is marked by various festivals, such as Tet (Lunar New Year), which usually falls in late January or February. During Tet, you can try special holiday foods like Banh Chung (sticky rice cake).
- Weather: Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it a pleasant time for outdoor dining and food exploration.
Summer (May to August)
- Fresh Fruits: Summer brings an abundance of tropical fruits, such as lychees, mangoes, and dragon fruit. You can find these fruits at local markets and in refreshing desserts.
- Cool Treats: Beat the heat with Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) and Chè, a popular dessert made with sweetened beans, fruits, and coconut milk.
Fall (September to November)
- Mooncakes: During the Mid-Autumn Festival (around September), mooncakes become a seasonal treat. These pastries are filled with various sweet or savory ingredients.
- Cooler Weather: The cooler temperatures make it perfect for enjoying hot bowls of Pho and Bun Rieu on the street.
Winter (December to February)
- Hearty Soups: Winter is ideal for indulging in warm, comforting dishes like Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and Bun Thang (a Hanoi specialty noodle soup).
- Street Food Culture: The cool weather enhances the experience of Hanoi's street food culture, making it enjoyable to explore and eat outside.

Personal Recommendation:

Personally, I find the fall and winter seasons the most enjoyable for food exploration in Hanoi. The cooler temperatures (ranging from 15°C to 25°C) make it pleasant to wander the streets and indulge in hearty street foods. The fall season also offers beautiful weather, fewer tourists, and the unique charm of Hanoi's autumn scenery, which adds to the overall experience.

What are the must-try dishes in Hanoi?

Check out and save my Hanoi food tour list here!

Breakfast Option:

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Banh Cuon (Vietnamese Rice Rolls)
Xoi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice)
Pho Ga, Pho Bo.
Cafe

Lunch/Diner:

Bun Cha
Bun Bo Hue
Bun Rieu Cua
Cha Ca La Vong
Pho

Snack/Small Bites (an xe chieu)

Bubble Tea/Boba
Vietnamese Panna Cotta (Chè Khúc Bạch Suvy)
Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad /Grilled Rice Paper (Vietnamese Pizza)
Snail dishes
Nem Lui (Grilled Ground Pork on Lemongrass Skewers)
Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)
Nem Chua Ran (Fried fermented pork sausages)
Thit Xien Nuong (Grilled Pork Skewer)
Banh Bot Loc (Vietnamese Steamed Tapioca Dumplings)
Banh Goi (”Pillow” Meat Hand Pies)

Beef noodle soup (Pho):

Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, and while it's enjoyed throughout the country, the Northern style, particularly in Hanoi, is a must-try for any food enthusiast. Unlike the sweeter Southern version, Northern Pho features a clear, savory broth made by simmering beef bones for hours. The result is a delicate yet deeply flavorful soup that highlights the natural essence of the beef. In Hanoi, Pho is enjoyed all day long, and a bowl typically costs between $2 and $5.

**Where to Try:**
**Pho Suong**: 24B Trung Yen Alley, Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District
**Pho Khoi Hoi**: 50C Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem District
**Pho Lam**: 48 Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem District

(Remember to order a side dish of ‘quay’ and iced tea!)

Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)

While Pho Bo gets much of the attention, Pho Ga is equally delightful. The chicken is tender, and the broth is light yet flavorful, often enhanced with herbs like cilantro and green onions. This dish offers a different but equally satisfying taste experience compared to its beef counterpart.

**Where to Try:**
**Pho Ga Huyen Huong**:
**Pho Ga Van Mieu 17**: Located near the Temple of Literature, this spot is perfect for a post-visit meal. The chicken here is particularly tender, and the broth is rich in flavor.

Xoi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice)

Sticky rice, or Xoi, is a versatile dish that’s often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It comes with various toppings like dried pork, fried shallots, sesame, and peanuts. For more elaborate versions, visit these spots where you can add an array of toppings such as pork floss, sweet sausage, and even eggs.

Where to Try:

Price Range: $0.5 - $4

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Banh Mi is a popular street food in Vietnam, offering a delightful blend of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. A basic Banh Mi includes vegetables, egg, and pate, but you can find versions with a variety of meats and toppings. It’s a common breakfast option but is enjoyed at any time of the day.

Price Range: $1 - $3

Where to Try:

Street vendors and small shops are scattered throughout Hanoi, each offering their unique twist on this iconic sandwich. Look for crowded stalls, which are usually a good indicator of quality.

Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Vermicelli Soup)

This spicy, flavorful soup from Hue is a bit different from Pho, with its rich, spicy broth and thicker noodles. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of heat. The broth is simmered with beef bones, lemongrass, and chili, creating a complex and satisfying dish.

Where to Try: Bun Bo Hue An Cuu: 151 Doi Can, Ba Dinh District

Bun Rieu (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup)

Bun Rieu is a tangy, savory soup made with crab paste, tomatoes, and a variety of other ingredients. It’s a Hanoi specialty that should not be missed. The soup is light yet packed with flavors, and the addition of fresh herbs and a hint of tamarind gives it a unique taste.

Where to Try:Bun Rieu Hang Cot: 17 Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem District

Bun Cha

Bun Cha is a beloved Hanoi specialty, featuring marinated, charcoal-grilled pork patties and slices served with a dipping sauce, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. This dish is famous for its combination of smoky, savory pork and light, fresh accompaniments.

Cha Ca La Vong (Hanoi Fried Fish with Turmeric and Dill)

Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a must-try when in Hanoi. This dish features fish marinated with turmeric and galangal, then fried with fresh dill and green onions. It’s typically served with rice noodles, peanuts, and a fermented shrimp dipping sauce. The combination of the aromatic herbs and the delicate fish creates an explosion of flavors and textures.

The experience of cooking the fish at your table adds to the charm.

Cafe Culture

Vietnamese coffee is rich, bold, and incredibly full-bodied. Introduced by the French, coffee has become a central part of Vietnamese culture. The traditional Vietnamese coffee drip filter (phin), sweetened condensed milk, and the unique egg coffee (cà phê trứng) are hallmark elements.

Instead of cocktail or happy hour culture, in Vietnam, we drink coffee all day long. Try the different variations, such as the iced coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá) or the robusta-based brews that are unique to Vietnam.

Cafe Giang: 39 P Nguyen Huu Huan Str.

The creator of the famous egg coffee, this cafe offers a creamy, delightful coffee experience that’s a must-try for visitors. The egg coffee here is a harmonious blend of strong Vietnamese coffee and a rich, creamy egg mixture that is whisked to perfection.

Cộng Cà Phê: 27 Nha Tho str

One of Hanoi's most famous cafe chains, known for its nostalgic decor that harks back to the Vietnam War era. The cafe's story began in 2007, inspired by founder Linh Dung’s childhood memories of Hanoi during the subsidy period from 1976 to 1986. With over 80 locations across Vietnam, Korea, and Malaysia, Cộng Cà Phê has set a trend in vintage cafe design.

Signature Drinks:

Coconut Coffee Smoothie: This refreshing blend combines the robust flavors of Vietnamese coffee with the creamy sweetness of coconut, making it a standout drink that has catapulted Cộng Cà Phê into the spotlight for Vietnamese coffee innovation.
Ca Phe Sua Da: A classic Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk, where the rich condensed milk complements the coffee’s natural bitterness.
Saigon Salted Kumquat: Offering a taste of Vietnam’s tropical essence, this drink is perfect for summer, with a sweet and uniquely regional flavor from Vietnam’s capital.

Cafe Ban Cong: 2 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District

Cafe Ban Cong offers a charming and nostalgic atmosphere, with decor inspired by old Hanoi. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the balcony while watching the bustling street below.

Vietnamese Desserts and Drinks

Vietnamese Panna Cotta (Chè Khúc Bạch Suvy): A delightful Vietnamese dessert similar to panna cotta, Chè Khúc Bạch is a popular summer treat with a texture akin to slushes and boba drinks. It comes with a variety of toppings.
- Location: 33 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem District
- Video: Che Khuc Bach Suvy
Sua chua thach la nep Dinh Liet
Vietnamese boba tea: Phe La (24 Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem District)

Vietnamese Street Food

Banh Trang Tron:

Location: 33 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem District
Video: Banh Trang Tron

Quan Goc Da:

Location: 52 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District
This is one of my favorite spots. Right next to the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. This food stall serves many small bites for mid-day snacks like fried fermented pork sausages, “pillow” meat hand pies, Vietnamese steamed tapioca dumplings, etc.

Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)

Banh Xeo is an irresistible Vietnamese dish known for its crispy yet delicate golden-brown crust. The inside of the bánh xèo is filled with delicious flavors: pork and shrimp, and sprinklings of mung bean, onions, and bean sprouts.

Location: : 29 Ton Duc Thang Street, Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da District.

Nem Lui (Grilled Ground Pork on Lemongrass Skewers)