Best Places To Eat In Hanoi: A Culinary Exploration

When it comes to Vietnam’s culinary scene, Hanoi is a must-visit destination. From traditional street food vendors to upscale restaurants, the city offers a diverse range of dining options that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best places to eat in Hanoi, including hidden gems and popular eateries that you can’t afford to miss. So put on your stretchy pants and let’s get started!

🍜 Pho Thin – Where The Pho Fans Go

Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, and Pho Thin has been serving up steaming bowls of goodness for over 40 years. Located in an unassuming alleyway, this humble eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The secret to their success lies in their signature broth, which is simmered for hours with beef bones, ginger, and spices. The result is a rich, savory broth that packs a punch of flavor.

What’s On The Menu At Pho Thin?

Aside from their famous pho, Pho Thin also serves up a variety of other dishes, including beef stir-fry, fried rice, and spring rolls. However, it’s their pho that steals the show, and we highly recommend trying the pho bo (beef pho) or pho tai nam (rare beef and brisket pho).

How Much Will It Cost?

A bowl of pho at Pho Thin will set you back around 50,000 VND (approximately $2.20 USD). The prices are more than reasonable, considering the quality of the food.

🍛 Bun Cha Huong Lien – Obama’s Favorite Spot

If it’s good enough for Barack Obama, it’s good enough for us. Bun Cha Huong Lien is a small eatery that gained international fame after the former US President dined here during his visit to Vietnam. The restaurant specializes in bun cha, a dish consisting of grilled pork patties, vermicelli noodles, and a side of herbs and dipping sauce. It’s simple, yet oh-so-delicious.

What’s On The Menu At Bun Cha Huong Lien?

While bun cha is the star of the show, Bun Cha Huong Lien also offers other Vietnamese staples, such as spring rolls and fried rice. However, it’s the bun cha that keeps customers coming back for more.

How Much Will It Cost?

A serving of bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien costs around 70,000 VND (approximately $3 USD). The portions are generous, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

🍲 Cha Ca La Vong – Fishy Business

Cha Ca La Vong is a Hanoi institution that has been serving up cha ca (grilled fish) since 1871. The dish features chunks of turmeric-marinated fish, served sizzling hot with dill, peanuts, and spring onions. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers, and the lively atmosphere of the restaurant only adds to the experience.

What’s On The Menu At Cha Ca La Vong?

While cha ca is the main attraction, Cha Ca La Vong also offers other seafood dishes, such as squid and shrimp. However, it’s the cha ca that draws in the crowds.

How Much Will It Cost?

Cha Ca La Vong is a bit pricier than some of the other eateries on this list, with a serving of cha ca costing around 200,000 VND (approximately $8.70 USD). However, the experience is worth splurging on.

🍢 Banh Cuon Gia Truyen – Steamed Rice Rolls Done Right

Banh cuon is a popular Vietnamese snack made from steamed rice rolls, filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots. Banh Cuon Gia Truyen is a small family-run restaurant that has been perfecting the art of banh cuon for over 30 years. The rice rolls are soft and silky, and the filling is bursting with flavor.

What’s On The Menu At Banh Cuon Gia Truyen?

Aside from banh cuon, Banh Cuon Gia Truyen also offers other Vietnamese dishes, such as noodles and fried dumplings. However, it’s the banh cuon that’s the star of the show.

How Much Will It Cost?

A serving of banh cuon at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen costs around 30,000 VND (approximately $1.30 USD). It’s a steal for the quality of the food.

🍜 Bun Bo Nam Bo – A Salad-Like Noodle Dish

Bun bo nam bo is a unique noodle dish that’s more like a salad than a traditional noodle soup. The dish features vermicelli noodles topped with stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, peanuts, and a tangy sauce. Bun Bo Nam Bo is a small eatery that serves up some of the best versions of this dish in Hanoi.

What’s On The Menu At Bun Bo Nam Bo?

Bun Bo Nam Bo is a specialty restaurant that only serves one dish – guess what it is? However, they do offer variations of the dish, such as with chicken or tofu instead of beef.

How Much Will It Cost?

A serving of bun bo nam bo at Bun Bo Nam Bo costs around 60,000 VND (approximately $2.60 USD). It’s a filling and refreshing dish that won’t break the bank.

🍜 Pho Bat Dan – A Classic Favorite

Pho Bat Dan is another pho joint that’s been around for decades, and for good reason. The broth at Pho Bat Dan is made from a secret recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and the noodles are handmade daily. The result is a bowl of pho that’s both comforting and flavorful.

What’s On The Menu At Pho Bat Dan?

While pho is the main attraction, Pho Bat Dan also offers other Vietnamese dishes, such as fried rice and stir-fried noodles. However, it’s their pho that’s the star of the show.

How Much Will It Cost?

A bowl of pho at Pho Bat Dan costs around 50,000 VND (approximately $2.20 USD). It’s a steal for the quality of the food.

🍲 Bun Cha Ta – A Secret Spot

Bun Cha Ta is a hidden gem that’s tucked away in a narrow alley. The restaurant may be hard to find, but it’s worth the effort. Bun Cha Ta serves up some of the best bun cha in Hanoi, with juicy pork patties and crispy spring rolls that will leave you wanting more.

What’s On The Menu At Bun Cha Ta?

Aside from bun cha, Bun Cha Ta also offers other Vietnamese dishes, such as stir-fried noodles and fried rice. However, it’s their bun cha that’s the highlight.

How Much Will It Cost?

A serving of bun cha at Bun Cha Ta costs around 50,000 VND (approximately $2.20 USD). It’s a steal for the quality of the food.

🍢 Xoi Yen – The Sticky Rice Specialist

Xoi Yen is a bustling eatery that’s famous for their sticky rice dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of toppings, such as pork floss, grilled chicken, and steamed eggs. Xoi Yen is a great spot for a quick, tasty breakfast or lunch.

What’s On The Menu At Xoi Yen?

Xoi Yen specializes in sticky rice dishes, but they also offer other Vietnamese snacks, such as banh mi and spring rolls.

How Much Will It Cost?

A serving of sticky rice at Xoi Yen costs around 25,000 VND (approximately $1.10 USD). It’s a cheap and filling meal that won’t disappoint.

🍲 Bun Bo Hue – Spicy Noodle Soup

Bun bo Hue is a spicy noodle soup that hails from the central region of Vietnam. The dish features thick vermicelli noodles, sliced beef, and pig trotters in a spicy broth that’s flavored with lemongrass and chili. Bun Bo Hue Gia An is a popular spot for this dish, with a recipe that’s been passed down through generations.

What’s On The Menu At Bun Bo Hue Gia An?

Bun Bo Hue Gia An specializes in bun bo Hue, but they also offer other Vietnamese dishes, such as spring rolls and fried rice.

How Much Will It Cost?

A bowl of bun bo Hue at Bun Bo Hue Gia An costs around 40,000 VND (approximately $