Hanoi Street Foods That Everyone Must Try
- Minh Anh Đào Đức
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
When it comes to food, Hanoi is more than just a capital city—it’s a culinary paradise. The narrow alleys and bustling streets are filled with sizzling woks, fragrant broths, and vendors who have perfected their craft over generations. For food lovers, exploring Hanoi street food is not just about eating—it’s about experiencing culture, history, and tradition on a plate.
Here are the must-try Hanoi street foods that will make your trip unforgettable:
1. Phở Bò (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
No trip to Hanoi is complete without a steaming bowl of Phở Bò. This iconic dish features flat rice noodles in a rich beef broth, simmered with bones and aromatic spices for 8 hours. Topped with tender slices of beef, herbs, and lime, it’s the ultimate comfort food and the pride of Hanoi.
2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
Made famous internationally when President Obama dined on it in Hanoi with Anthony Bourdain, Bún Chả combines smoky grilled pork patties with thin vermicelli rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy broth made from fish sauce, vinegar and sugar. It’s sweet, savory, and refreshing and something you shouldn't miss out on when you are in Hanoi.
3. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)
Crispy on the outside and full of different textures on the inside, Bánh Xèo is a golden rice pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s wrapped in lettuce or rice paper along with an assortment of herbs and dipped in fish sauce to bring about a party of flavor in your mouth. If you enjoy fried food but also want to stay healthy then Bánh Xèo is a must try.
4. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
The French influence on Vietnamese cuisine shines in the Bánh Mì. This beloved street food layers pâté, charsiu (honey roasted pork), pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro and siracha inside a crispy baguette. It’s the perfect grab-and-go meal while exploring Hanoi.
5. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Light, delicate, and flavorful, Bánh Cuốn is made from thin steamed rice sheets rolled with minced pork and mushrooms. Topped with crispy shallots and served with dipping sauce, it’s a breakfast favorite among locals.
6. Bánh Rán (Vietnamese Donuts)
If you have a sweet tooth, Bánh Rán is a must-try. These deep-fried rice balls are filled with sweet mung bean paste or minced pork and mushrooms. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make a delightful street snack.
7. Xôi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice)
Hanoi locals love Xôi for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even late-night snacks. It’s steamed sticky rice topped with a variety of choices—shredded chicken, fried shallots, Chinese sausage, crispy pork belly, caramel sauce pork. Simple but filling, it’s a comfort food for many during the colder days.
8. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Refreshing and healthy, Gỏi Cuốn is made of rice paper rolled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs. Dipped in peanut sauce or fish sauce, these rolls are light yet packed with flavor.
In most places you will be rolling these yourself, but do not worry as the staffs and the local people are always willing to show you how to do it if you are unsure.
9. Phở Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)
A lighter alternative to Phở Bò, Phở Gà features flat rice noodles and chicken breast or thigh in a clear chicken broth topped with minced lime leaves. It’s fragrant, soothing, and often considered the perfect breakfast to start your day in Hanoi.
10. Bánh Tráng (Grilled rice paper)
Street vendors in Hanoi have turned rice papers into a creative street snack. The grilled rice paper is topped with quail eggs, dried beef, scallions, and sauces, creating a crunchy, savory treat often called “Vietnamese pizza.”
11. Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)
One of Hanoi’s most unique specialties is Egg Coffee. Frothy egg yolk whipped with sugar sits on top of strong Vietnamese coffee, creating a creamy, custard-like layer. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted and a must-try in Hanoi.
12. Xoài Lắc (Shaken Mango with Chili Salt)
For a refreshing street snack, try Xoài Lắc. This dish combines green mango slices with chili powder, sugar, and salt, shaken together in a cup for the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and sweet.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Hanoi street food is like embarking on a culinary adventure. From hearty bowls of Phở to refreshing Xoài Lắc, every dish tells a story of Hanoi’s culture, history, and love for food. Whether you’re enjoying a quick Bánh Mì on the go or sipping a slow cup of Egg Coffee, these dishes are an essential part of the Hanoi experience.
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