Best Food Souvenirs Hanoi: A Guide to the Best and Tastiest Treats in Vietnam’s Capital City

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is known for its rich and diverse food culture. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, the city offers an incredible array of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. But what could be better than enjoying the local food yourself? Bringing some home with you, of course! Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best food souvenirs Hanoi has to offer, so you can take a little piece of Vietnam’s food culture back with you.

🥜 Roasted Peanuts

Roasted peanuts are a popular snack in Vietnam, and Hanoi is no exception. You’ll find them sold by street vendors on every corner, and they make for a perfect snack to munch on while exploring the city. The peanuts are usually roasted with salt, but you can also find them spiced with chili or other seasonings. They come in small, resealable bags that are perfect for packing in your luggage.

🍵 Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee is world-famous for its unique flavor and brewing process. The coffee is brewed in a phin, a small metal filter that sits atop a cup. The resulting coffee is strong and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness from the condensed milk that’s added. You can buy bags of Vietnamese coffee at any local market, or pick up a phin to take home and brew your own.

🌶️ Chili Sauce

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its liberal use of chilies, and chili sauce is a staple in many dishes. Hanoi is home to some of the best chili sauce in the country, with variations ranging from mild to extremely spicy. You can find them sold in jars or bottles at local markets, and they make for a great addition to any pantry.

🍶 Rice Wine

Rice wine, or ruou can, is a traditional Vietnamese liquor made from glutinous rice. The wine is usually brewed in small batches by local families, and each batch can have a unique flavor profile depending on the ingredients and brewing process. You can find rice wine sold in small bottles at local markets or specialty shops, and they make for a great souvenir or gift.

🍍 Dried Pineapple

Dried pineapple is a popular snack in Vietnam, and Hanoi has some of the best around. The pineapple is sliced thin and dried in the sun, resulting in a sweet and chewy treat that’s perfect for snacking on-the-go. You can find them sold in bags at local markets, and they make for a healthy and delicious souvenir.

🍜 Pho Noodles

Pho is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, and Hanoi is home to some of the best pho in the country. You can take home a taste of this delicious dish by buying a bag of pho noodles at a local market. The noodles are usually made from rice flour and come in various thicknesses, so you can find the perfect match for your taste buds.

🥟 Banh Cuon Rice Rolls

Banh cuon is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from steamed rice rolls filled with pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients. It’s a popular breakfast food in Hanoi, and you can take a taste of it home by buying a package of the rice rolls at a local market. They’re easy to cook and make for a delicious and authentic Vietnamese meal.

🥜 Peanut Candy

Peanut candy is a sweet and crunchy treat that’s popular in Vietnam. It’s made by mixing roasted peanuts with caramelized sugar and then pressing the mixture into small squares or rectangles. You can find them sold in small bags at local markets, and they make for a great snack to enjoy on-the-go.

🦐 Shrimp Chips

Shrimp chips, or banh phong tom, are a popular snack in Vietnam. They’re made by mixing shrimp paste with tapioca flour and then deep-frying the mixture until it puffs up. The result is a light and crispy chip that’s perfect for dipping in chili sauce or enjoying on its own. You can find them sold in bags at local markets or specialty shops.

🍚 Sticky Rice

Sticky rice, or xoi, is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s made by steaming glutinous rice and then mixing it with various ingredients such as beans, corn, or meat. You can find sticky rice sold in small bags at local markets, and it makes for a great addition to any meal or snack.

🍊 Dried Orange Peel

Dried orange peel is a common ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, and it’s also a popular souvenir. The peel is dried and then used to add a citrusy flavor to dishes such as braised pork or stir-fried vegetables. You can find dried orange peel sold in small bags at local markets, and it’s a great way to add some Vietnamese flavor to your own cooking.

🐷 Pork Floss

Pork floss, or ruoc, is a popular snack in Vietnam. It’s made by shredding dried pork and then seasoning it with various spices and flavorings. The result is a salty and savory snack that’s perfect for munching on-the-go. You can find pork floss sold in small bags at local markets, and it’s a great way to bring home some Vietnamese flavor.

🍪 Coconut Cookies

Coconut cookies, or bánh dàu xẻ, are a sweet and crunchy treat that’s popular in Vietnam. They’re made by mixing coconut flakes with flour and sugar and then baking them until they’re crispy. You can find them sold in small bags at local markets or specialty shops, and they make for a great snack or gift.

🥖 Banh Mi Bread

Banh mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that’s made with a crispy baguette, meat, vegetables, and a variety of sauces and spices. The bread is a key ingredient in the sandwich, and you can find banh mi bread sold at local markets or bakeries in Hanoi. It’s a great way to bring home a taste of Vietnam and make your own banh mi sandwiches.

🥜 Sesame Candy

Sesame candy, or bánh mè xẻ, is a sweet and nutty treat that’s popular in Vietnam. It’s made by mixing sesame seeds with sugar and then pressing the mixture into small squares or rectangles. You can find them sold in small bags at local markets, and they make for a great snack to enjoy on-the-go.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best food souvenirs to buy in Hanoi?

The best food souvenirs to buy in Hanoi include roasted peanuts, Vietnamese coffee, chili sauce, rice wine, dried pineapple, pho noodles, banh cuon rice rolls, peanut candy, shrimp chips, sticky rice, dried orange peel, pork floss, coconut cookies, banh mi bread, and sesame candy.

2. Where can I buy food souvenirs in Hanoi?

You can buy food souvenirs in Hanoi at local markets, specialty shops, and bakeries. Some popular markets include Dong Xuan Market, Cho Hom Market, and Quang Ba Flower Market.

3. How do I pack food souvenirs for travel?

When packing food souvenirs for travel, it’s important to make sure they’re dry and sealed properly. Use airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in. You can also wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or newspaper to prevent breakage.

4. Are food souvenirs from Hanoi safe to eat?

Food souvenirs from Hanoi are generally safe to eat, but it’s important to check for expiration dates and signs of spoilage before consuming them. If in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating anything that looks or smells off.

5. Can I bring food souvenirs from Hanoi through customs?

You can bring food souvenirs from Hanoi through customs, but there are restrictions on certain items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and dairy products. It’s best to check with your local customs office for specific regulations before traveling with food souvenirs.

6. Are food souvenirs from Hanoi affordable?

Food souvenirs from Hanoi are generally affordable, with prices ranging from a few dollars to a few dozen dollars depending on the item and quantity. Some items such as rice wine and pho noodles can be quite cheap, while others such as shrimp chips and pork floss may be slightly more expensive.

7. What can I do with food souvenirs from Hanoi?

There are many things you can do with food souvenirs from Hanoi, such as eating