If you’re heading to Hanoi, get ready—because the food alone is worth the trip. This city is packed with flavours, from sizzling grills on street corners to bubbling pots of broth that have been simmering for hours. You don’t need a fancy restaurant to eat well here. In fact, the best dishes are often found by tiny plastic stools, right on the sidewalk.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some must-try Hanoi street food.
List of best street food in Hanoi
Here’s a mouthwatering list of the best street food Hanoi has to offer:
Banh cuon
These delicate rice rolls are filled with spiced ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. Finished with crispy shallots and served with a side of fish sauce, they’re light, flavourful and surprisingly satisfying.
Nem cua be
Crispy crab spring rolls are a must-try in Hanoi. These golden, deep-fried delights are filled with crab meat and vermicelli, seasoned with aromatic spices and best enjoyed with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce.
Ca cuon thit
This dish features grilled fish wrapped around juicy pork—a unique combination that works incredibly well. It’s often served with rice noodles, herbs and dipping sauce for a balanced bite.
Pho bo
No trip to Hanoi is complete without a bowl of beef pho. The spiced broth is slow-cooked for hours and served with tender beef slices and fresh herbs.
Bun rieu
A hearty tomato-based noodle soup made with crab, tofu and sometimes snails. It's tangy, savoury and perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Cha ca lang
Cha ca lang is essentially turmeric-marinated fish, pan-fried with dill and green onions. The dish is typically served sizzling hot at your table with noodles, peanuts and fresh herbs.
Pho chien phong
This is pho like you’ve never seen it before. The rice noodles are deep-fried until crispy and then topped with a savoury beef and veggie stir-fry.
Places to eat street food in Hanoi
Here are some of the top spots to try the best local food in Hanoi:
- Duong Thanh Street
- Pho Thin – Lo Duc Street
- Hang Bac Street
- Ngu Xa Street
- Kham Thien Street
- Le Van Huu Street
Conclusion
Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s most vibrant cultural destinations, brimming with unforgettable culinary experiences. Its street food is among the most iconic in the country, offering inimitable flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
As you wander through the bustling streets and savour the local delicacies, it’s important to stay cautious and prepared. A reliable international travel insurance plan can cover lost belongings, cancelled bookings and other common travel hiccups so you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.