Best Street Food In Hanoi Old Quarter: A Foodie’s Guide

Are you a foodie looking for an adventure in Hanoi? Look no further than the Old Quarter, where the streets are lined with vendors serving up some of the most delicious and authentic Vietnamese street food. From savory soups to sweet treats, here are the best street foods to try in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

🍜 Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that originated in Hanoi. It’s made with thin rice noodles, herbs, and a hearty broth that’s flavored with beef or chicken. You can find pho at almost any street food vendor in the Old Quarter, but some of the best places to try it are Pho Thin, Pho Gia Truyen, and Pho Bat Dan.

🥖 Banh Mi

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that’s made with a crispy baguette, pickled vegetables, and a variety of meats such as pork, chicken, or beef. Some of the best banh mi stands in the Old Quarter include Banh Mi 25, Banh Mi Ba Lan, and Banh Mi P.

🍢 Bun Cha

Bun Cha is a popular dish in Hanoi that consists of grilled pork meatballs, rice noodles, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. The best places to try Bun Cha in the Old Quarter are Bun Cha Dac Kim, Bun Cha Huong Lien, and Bun Cha Ta.

🍲 Bun Bo Nam Bo

Bun Bo Nam Bo is a beef noodle salad that’s topped with fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy shallots. It’s a refreshing and light dish that’s perfect for a hot day in Hanoi. Some of the best places to try Bun Bo Nam Bo in the Old Quarter include Bun Bo Nam Bo Ba Duc and Bun Bo Nam Bo Ho Guom.

🍜 Bun Thang

Bun Thang is a noodle soup that’s made with chicken broth, shredded chicken, pork, and egg. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that’s often served during festivals in Hanoi. Some of the best places to try Bun Thang in the Old Quarter are Bun Thang Ba Duc and Bun Thang Cau Go.

🍢 Nem Ran

Nem Ran is a Vietnamese spring roll that’s filled with ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables. It’s then deep-fried until crispy and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Some of the best places to try Nem Ran in the Old Quarter include Nem Ran Hang Buom and Nem Ran Hang Manh.

🍜 Pho Cuon

Pho Cuon is a dish that’s made with rice paper rolls filled with beef, herbs, and lettuce. It’s then served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, and garlic. Some of the best places to try Pho Cuon in the Old Quarter are Pho Cuon Huong Mai and Pho Cuon Thanh Tri.

🍢 Cha Ca

Cha Ca is a dish that’s made with grilled fish, turmeric, and dill. It’s then served with rice noodles, peanuts, and herbs. Some of the best places to try Cha Ca in the Old Quarter are Cha Ca La Vong and Cha Ca Thang Long.

🍛 Com

Com is a Vietnamese dish that’s made with steamed rice that’s been flavored with chicken or pork fat. It’s then served with a variety of toppings such as fried egg, grilled pork, and pickled vegetables. Some of the best places to try Com in the Old Quarter include Com Suon Ngon and Com Chay Nang Tam.

🍡 Che

Che is a sweet dessert soup that’s made with a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, and coconut cream. It’s a refreshing and light dessert that’s perfect for hot days in Hanoi. Some of the best places to try Che in the Old Quarter are Che Ba Thin and Che Thuong Hoi.

🍢 Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a Vietnamese pancake that’s made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. It’s then filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts and served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce and lime juice. Some of the best places to try Banh Xeo in the Old Quarter include Banh Xeo Gia Truyen and Banh Xeo Zon.

🍜 Miến Lươn

Miến Lươn is a dish that’s made with eel, vermicelli noodles, and herbs. It’s a specialty in Hanoi and is often eaten during the summer months. Some of the best places to try Miến Lươn in the Old Quarter are Miến Lươn Ngan Son and Miến Lươn Thanh Nga.

🍥 Nem Chua Ran

Nem Chua Ran is a dish that’s made with fermented pork that’s been coated in rice flour and deep-fried until crispy. It’s then served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Some of the best places to try Nem Chua Ran in the Old Quarter include Nem Chua Ran Hang Chieu and Nem Chua Ran Hang Duong.

🍲 Bun Rieu

Bun Rieu is a crab noodle soup that’s made with a tomato-based broth. It’s then filled with vermicelli noodles, crab meat, and tofu. Some of the best places to try Bun Rieu in the Old Quarter include Bun Rieu Cua Dong Ba and Bun Rieu Ganh.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to try street food in the Old Quarter?

The best time to try street food in the Old Quarter is in the evening when the vendors are out and the streets are bustling with activity.

2. Are the street food vendors in the Old Quarter safe to eat from?

Yes, the street food vendors in the Old Quarter are safe to eat from. They follow strict hygiene standards and use fresh ingredients.

3. How much does street food cost in the Old Quarter?

Street food in the Old Quarter is very affordable, with most dishes costing between 20,000 and 50,000 VND ($1-$2 USD).

4. Is it necessary to speak Vietnamese to order street food?

No, it’s not necessary to speak Vietnamese to order street food in the Old Quarter. Most vendors have menus with pictures, and you can point to what you want.

5. What is the best way to explore the street food scene in the Old Quarter?

The best way to explore the street food scene in the Old Quarter is to take a food tour. There are many companies that offer guided tours of the area.

6. Is it customary to tip street food vendors?

No, it’s not customary to tip street food vendors in Vietnam.

7. Is it safe to drink the water in Hanoi?

No, it’s not safe to drink the tap water in Hanoi. You should stick to bottled water.

8. What is the best way to get around the Old Quarter?

The best way to get around the Old Quarter is on foot or by cyclo, which is a bicycle taxi.

9. Is it safe to eat street food if I have food allergies?

If you have food allergies, it’s best to avoid street food and stick to restaurants that cater to your dietary needs.

10. What is the best way to pay for street food?

The best way to pay for street food is with cash, as most vendors do not accept credit cards.

11. What is the busiest street for street food in the Old Quarter?

The busiest street for street food in the Old Quarter is Ta Hien Street.

12. What is the best time of year to visit Hanoi?

The best time of year to visit Hanoi is from October to December, when the weather is cool and dry.

13. What is the best way to avoid getting sick from street food?

The best way to avoid getting sick from street food is to choose vendors that have a lot of customers, as this indicates that the food is fresh and safe to eat.

Conclusion

There you have it, the best street foods to try in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. From savory soups to sweet treats, there’s something for every foodie to enjoy. So put on your walking shoes, grab your appetite, and get ready to experience the delicious and authentic flavors of Vietnam.

But don’t just take our word for it. We encourage you to take a trip to Hanoi and explore the vibrant street food scene