The Best Street Food in Hanoi: A Flavorful Guide for First-Time Visitors

More Than Just Phở and Bánh Mì

Hanoi is renowned for its classics, including phở bò (beef noodle soup), bún chả (grilled pork with vermicelli), and bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich). But the city’s street food goes far beyond that. From bún thang (chicken soup with herbs) to nem rán (crispy spring rolls), every dish offers a taste of Hanoi’s culture and creativity.

Bánh Cuốn: Hanoi’s Beloved Breakfast Rolls

Bánh cuốn is a classic Hanoi breakfast dish made from thin sheets of steamed rice batter, gently rolled and filled with savory ingredients. Popular versions include minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, or even egg.

Served warm, bánh cuốn comes topped with crispy fried shallots and a side of sweet and sour fish sauce (nước mắm chua ngọt), fresh herbs, and a splash of lime. Light yet flavorful, it's a perfect way to start your day like a local.

Bún Ốc: Hanoi’s Tangy Snail Noodle Soup

Bún ốc is a comforting Hanoi staple made with tender snails, rice vermicelli, and a tangy tomato-based broth. Infused with vinegar, pepper, and herbs, the soup has a bright, slightly sour flavor that wakes up the palate.

Some versions come with extras like beef or crab meat, but the star remains the snails—chewy and flavorful. Served with a side of fresh herbs, it's a must-try for adventurous food lovers.

Lẩu: The Ultimate Hanoi Street Hot Pot Experience

Lẩu, or Vietnamese hot pot, is a social dining experience where you cook your own mix of fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood in a bubbling, flavorful broth right at the table.

It may feel a bit overwhelming at first, but lẩu is a beloved local tradition, especially on cool evenings. Grab a seat, share a pot, and toast a cold beer with new friends. It's Hanoi street food at its most communal and memorable.

Bún Cá: Light and Flavorful Fish Noodle Soup

Bún cá is a popular Hanoi lunch dish featuring crispy fried fish served over soft rice vermicelli in a clear, fragrant broth. The soup is often simmered with green vegetables, including local varieties of morning glory (rau muống).

What sets it apart is the aromatic blend of dill, cilantro, and other fresh herbs, creating a refreshing yet savory profile that’s uniquely Northern Vietnamese.

Miến Xào Lươn: Stir-Fried Glass Noodles with Crispy Eel

Miến xào lươn pairs crispy fried eel with chewy glass noodles, stir-fried alongside egg and bean sprouts for a rich, satisfying texture. Though eel isn’t a daily staple, this dish is a hidden gem in Hanoi’s street food scene.

You can also try miến trộn (eel noodles tossed with herbs and cucumber) or cháo lươn (eel porridge) for other delicious takes on this unique ingredient.

Bánh Đa Trộn: Hanoi’s Mixed Flat Rice Noodle Delight

As you wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you might spot a street vendor balancing two baskets—one steaming, one filled with fresh ingredients. She’s likely serving bánh đa trộn, a beloved local dish.

This flavorful mix features thick flat rice noodles topped with fried fish cakes, Vietnamese sausage, tofu, peanuts, and fresh greens. Some versions use glass noodles (miến) for a lighter bite. It's rustic, vibrant, and packed with texture—an authentic taste of Hanoi’s street food charm.

Bánh Tôm: Crispy Shrimp Cakes from West Lake

Bánh tôm hails from Hanoi's Ho Tay (West Lake) area, where fresh shrimp are caught locally. This snack features crispy sweet potato fritters topped with plump prawns, served with a side of sweet and sour fish sauce and shredded papaya.

For the perfect balance, pair it with a refreshing glass of iced soy milk to wash down the crispy indulgence.

Bánh Gối: Hanoi’s Crispy “Pillow” Cake

Bánh gối, or crispy "pillow" cake, is a popular afternoon snack in Hanoi. This deep-fried pastry is stuffed with minced pork, black fungus, vermicelli noodles, and a quail egg, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

If you're craving more fried treats, you can also try hà cao (fried dumplings), phô mai que (fried cheese sticks), and nem chua rán (fried fermented sausage) alongside bánh gối.

Mỳ Gà Tần: Herbal Braised Chicken Noodles

Mỳ gà tần is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines braised chicken with egg noodles. The chicken, often stuffed in empty soda or beer cans with aromatic herbs like mugwort, simmers to absorb the rich flavors.

You can opt for the regular chicken or the more unique (and pricier) black chicken, known for its dark skin and tender meat. It's a comforting, slightly adventurous dish that's well worth trying.

Bánh Đúc Nóng: Hanoi’s Warm Steamed Rice Cake

In Hanoi’s winter months, don’t miss a bowl of bánh đúc nóng—a soft, steaming rice cake made from rice and tapioca flour. The dish is carefully prepared to achieve the perfect balance of texture and consistency.

Filled with black fungus, meat, and topped with crispy fried shallots, it's served with chili garlic fish sauce and fresh herbs. The fragrant, warm dish makes for a perfect afternoon snack on a chilly day.

Chè: Hanoi’s Colorful Sweet Dessert Soup

Chè is the perfect sweet ending to your Hanoi food adventure. This vibrant dessert soup combines layers of red bean and mung bean pastes, chewy glutinous rice balls, and refreshing herbal jelly cubes, all topped with sweet syrup and coconut shreds.

For a true Hanoi experience, try chè thập cẩm with the town’s famous jasmine syrup for a fragrant, indulgent treat.