Best Places To Eat At Hanoi: A Culinary Journey

Embark on a gastronomic adventure in Vietnam’s capital city

If you’re a foodie, Hanoi is the place to be. The bustling city offers a vast array of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. From traditional street food to modern fine dining, Hanoi has it all.

In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to explore the best places to eat in Hanoi. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.

🍲 Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, Hanoi is the birthplace of some of the most famous dishes. Here are some of the best places to try traditional Vietnamese cuisine:

1. Pho Thin

Pho Thin is known for serving one of the best bowls of Pho in Hanoi. This traditional Vietnamese noodle soup is made with beef broth and served with rice noodles, beef slices, onions, and herbs. A bowl of Pho Thin costs around 80,000 VND ($3.50).

2. Bun Cha Hang Manh

Bun Cha is a popular Vietnamese dish made with grilled pork patties and served with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. Bun Cha Hang Manh is one of the best places to try this dish in Hanoi. A serving costs around 50,000 VND ($2.20).

3. Cha Ca La Vong

Cha Ca La Vong is a Hanoi specialty made with grilled fish, herbs, and noodles. The dish is served at this restaurant of the same name, which has been around since the 19th century. A serving costs around 150,000 VND ($6.50).

🍴 Modern Vietnamese Cuisine

While Hanoi is known for its traditional cuisine, the city also has a growing modern dining scene. Here are some of the best places to try contemporary Vietnamese cuisine:

4. Green Tangerine

Green Tangerine is a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The restaurant’s menu features a mix of traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. A main course costs around 200,000 VND ($8.50).

5. The Hanoi Social Club

The Hanoi Social Club is a popular hangout spot for expats and locals alike. The restaurant serves a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. A main course costs around 150,000 VND ($6.50).

🍜 Street Food

No trip to Hanoi is complete without trying the city’s famous street food. Here are some of the best places to satisfy your street food cravings:

6. Banh Mi 25

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, meat, vegetables, and herbs. Banh Mi 25 is a popular street food vendor that serves some of the best Banh Mi in Hanoi. A sandwich costs around 20,000 VND ($0.90).

7. Xoi Yen

Xoi is a Vietnamese sticky rice dish that is often eaten for breakfast. Xoi Yen is a street food vendor that serves a variety of Xoi dishes, including sweet and savory options. A serving costs around 30,000 VND ($1.30).

8. Bun Bo Nam Bo

Bun Bo Nam Bo is a rice noodle dish made with beef, herbs, and peanuts. This popular street food dish is served at various vendors around Hanoi, but one of the best places to try it is at Bun Bo Nam Bo Ba Huyen. A serving costs around 50,000 VND ($2.20).

🍸 Rooftop Bars

For a different dining experience, head to one of Hanoi’s rooftop bars. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a cocktail with a view:

9. Skyline Hanoi

Skyline Hanoi is located on the rooftop of the Lotte Center Hanoi, offering panoramic views of the city. The bar serves a variety of cocktails and wines, as well as light bites. Prices vary depending on the drink.

10. Summit Lounge

Summit Lounge is located on the rooftop of the Pan Pacific Hanoi hotel. The bar offers stunning views of West Lake and the surrounding area. The menu features a selection of cocktails and light bites. Prices vary depending on the drink.

🍧 Desserts

Save some room for dessert and indulge in some of Hanoi’s sweet treats. Here are some of the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth:

11. Hoa Beo Cakes

Hoa Beo Cakes is a family-owned bakery that has been around for over 100 years. The shop serves a variety of traditional Vietnamese cakes and pastries, including mooncakes and sponge cakes. Prices vary depending on the item.

12. Kem Trang Tien

Kem Trang Tien is a popular ice cream shop located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The shop serves a variety of ice cream flavors, including durian and green tea. A scoop costs around 20,000 VND ($0.90).

13. Cau Go Street Food Market

Cau Go Street Food Market is a popular night market that offers a variety of street food and desserts. The market features different vendors selling desserts like sweet soups and Vietnamese-style donuts. Prices vary depending on the item.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Hanoi for food?

The best time to visit Hanoi for food is between September and November, when the weather is cool and dry. This is also the time when many festivals take place, offering a variety of street food and traditional dishes.

2. Is Hanoi’s street food safe to eat?

Yes, Hanoi’s street food is generally safe to eat. However, it’s important to choose vendors with high turnover rates and to avoid raw or undercooked food. It’s also a good idea to carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes.

3. Are there vegetarian options available in Hanoi?

Yes, there are many vegetarian options available in Hanoi. Many restaurants and street food vendors serve vegetarian dishes, and there are also dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the city.

4. What is the best way to navigate Hanoi’s street food scene?

The best way to navigate Hanoi’s street food scene is to go on a food tour. There are many food tours available in the city, which will take you to some of the best street food vendors and introduce you to the local cuisine.

5. What is Hanoi’s most famous dish?

Hanoi’s most famous dish is Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef broth and rice noodles. Pho can be found at many street food vendors and restaurants throughout the city.

6. What is the average cost of a meal in Hanoi?

The average cost of a meal in Hanoi varies depending on the type of cuisine and restaurant. Street food dishes can cost as little as 20,000 VND ($0.90), while fine dining restaurants can cost upwards of 500,000 VND ($22).

7. What is the best way to get around Hanoi?

The best way to get around Hanoi is by foot or by motorbike. The city’s narrow streets can be difficult to navigate by car, and traffic can be congested. Walking or riding a motorbike allows you to explore the city at your own pace.

Conclusion

Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. Whether you’re looking for traditional Vietnamese cuisine or modern fine dining, street food or rooftop bars, you’ll find it all in Hanoi. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your culinary adventure today!

But before you go, remember to practice safe eating habits and to choose vendors with good hygiene practices. And most importantly, enjoy your food!

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary changes or consuming unfamiliar foods.