As the culinary heart of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi Old Quarter offers a treasure trove of iconic dishes that reflect the city’s rich history and culture. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, discovering the top 10 best dishes to try in Hanoi Old Quarter is an adventure that will leave your taste buds enchanted. This guide takes you through the must-try dishes and where to find them, ensuring you savor the very best that Hanoi has to offer.

Top 10 Best Dishes To Try In Hanoi Old Quarter

Pho and Its Variations

When it comes to the "top 10 best dishes to try in Hanoi Old Quarter," pho inevitably tops the list. You can’t say you’ve experienced Hanoi’s cuisine if you haven’t tried a proper bowl of Pho. Originating in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam, Pho was initially sold by street vendors carrying mobile kitchens. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved dish available in countless variations.

Classic Pho Variations

• Pho Bo (Beef Pho): A rich, savory broth simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, and cinnamon, served with thinly sliced beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.
• Pho Ga (Chicken Pho): A lighter alternative, featuring fragrant chicken broth, shredded chicken, and aromatic herbs.

Modern Takes on Pho

• Pho Cuon: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with stir-fried beef and herbs, dipped in a tangy sauce.
• Pho Chien Phong: Crispy fried pho squares served with a flavorful beef stir-fry.
• Pho Xao: Stir-fried pho noodles with vegetables and beef or chicken.

To savor pho authentically, start by tasting the broth before adding condiments like lime, chili, or garlic vinegar. Typically, garlic vinegar goes with Pho Bo, and lime goes with Pho Ga, but you can pick either or both. Pair pho with quẩy (fried dough sticks) for a true Hanoi experience. Pho cuon or pho chien phong is accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce made from Nuoc Mam, and a side of fresh herbs. Balance each bite with a sip of tea or a light beer.

Where to try Pho in Hanoi Old Quarter:

• Pho bo Khoi Hoi: 50 Hang Vai—A local favorite, famous for its authentic beef pho.
• Pho Cuon Huong Mai: 25 Nguyen Khac Hieu Street—The go-to place for pho cuon and pho chien phong.

Bun Cha—Vermicelli With Charcoaled Pork

Among the "top 10 best dishes to try in Hanoi Old Quarter," bun cha holds a special place. This quintessential Hanoi dish features succulent grilled pork patties and belly slices, served in a tangy broth with green papaya slices, vermicelli noodles, and a side of fresh herbs. Believed to have originated in Hanoi, bun cha gained international fame when President Obama shared a meal of it during his visit in 2016.

To enjoy bun cha like a local, dip the noodles into the broth, add herbs, and savor the harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and sour flavors. Pair it with a plate of crispy fried spring rolls for the ultimate experience.

Where to try Bun Rieu in the Old Quarter:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien at 24 Le Van Huu Street (about 60,000–80,000 VND per serving) 
• Bun Cha 34 Hang Than: for an authentic and budget-friendly experience at 50,000–70,000 VND per serving.

Bun Rieu—Tangy tomato and crab noodle soup

For a lighter yet equally satisfying dish, bun rieu is a must-try dish in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This noodle soup, featuring a delicate broth made from fresh crab, tomatoes, and fermented shrimp paste, is tangy and aromatic. Topped with tofu, beef, giò, and sometimes snails, and a splash of vinegar, bun rieu reflects Hanoi's inventive use of local ingredients.

Some people like to eat Bun Rieu with top mo (crispy deep-fried pork skin) or a flavorful trung vit lon (duck balut) cooked in the broth. A dash of chili paste, a squeeze of kumquat, and a spoonful of fried shallots are the finishing touches to elevate the dish’s flavor. Locals often enjoy bun rieu for breakfast or lunch, accompanied by iced tea.

Where to try Bun Rieu in the Old Quarter:

• Try bun rieu at Bun Rieu Hang Bac at 11 Hang Bac Street, where a bowl costs 40,000–50,000 VND. 
• Another favorite is Bun Rieu Pho Co at 17 Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem, priced at 25,000–40,000 VND.

Bun Dau Mam Tom

Bun Dau Mam Tom is one of Hanoi's boldest culinary experiences, featuring crispy fried tofu, rice vermicelli, and an array of accompaniments like boiled pork, fried pork belly, and fermented shrimp paste (mam tom). This dish is an acquired taste, with Mam Tom providing an umami-rich and pungent punch. It’s served with fresh herbs to balance the flavors.

First, you need to prepare your Mam Tom. Add sugar, kumquat, and chili and whip thoroughly until foamy, sort of like when you beat an egg. Dip the tofu and noodles into the shrimp paste, or request fish sauce if the latter is too strong for your palate. To wash it down, locals usually enjoy their Bun Dau Mam Tom with a side of Tra Da (classic green iced tea), Tra Quat (kumquat iced tea), or Tra Chanh (lime iced tea). Bun Dau Mam Tom vendors always hand out complimentary gum after you eat, so don’t worry about your breath.

Where to try Bun Dau in the Old Quarter:

• Bun Dau Mam Tom Hang Khay (31 Hang Khay Street): A local institution, priced at 40,000–70,000 VND.
• Bun Dau Goc Da (4 Ngo Gach Street): A local favorite, costing 25,000–50,000 VND.

Cha Ca La Vong—Grilled Fish With Vermicelli

A hallmark of Hanoi's culinary heritage, Cha Ca La Vong is a dish so iconic that it has a street named after it. This delicacy features turmeric-marinated snakehead or catfish, pan-fried with dill and spring onions, served alongside rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and the rich Mam Tom. The dish originated over 100 years ago during French colonial rule and was first served by the Doan family at 14 Cha Ca Street.

In a typical Cha Ca restaurant, the marinated fish and dill will arrive at your table in a hot pan on a stove, along with side ingredients like fresh herbs, peanuts, chili, and shrimp paste. To enjoy the dish like a true Hanoian, mix everything in your bowl and savor it in small bites. Pair it with a glass of cold local beer for the ultimate experience.

Where to try Cha Ca La Vong in the Old Quarter:

• Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant (14 Cha Ca Street): The original spot, priced at 150,000–200,000 VND per serving.
• Cha Ca Thang Long (6B Duong Thanh Street): A modern favorite with portions around 120,000–170,000 VND.

Banh Cuon – Steamed Rice Rolls

Banh Cuon, or Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, is a staple breakfast dish in Hanoi. Delicate rice sheets are filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms and served with a side of fish sauce, fried shallots, and a slice of cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage). Dating back centuries, Banh Cuon is a common dish in Northern provinces, each region with its own twists to the dish. In the mountainous regions where it’s colder, people usually enjoy Banh Cuon with a bowl of bone broth instead of fish sauce like in Hanoi.

To enjoy Hanoi’s Banh Cuon, dip the rolls into the fish sauce and savor the balance of savory, tangy, and umami flavors. Add fresh herbs and chili for a burst of flavor. Banh Cuon is commonly enjoyed for breakfast.

Where to try Banh Cuon in the Old Quarter:

• Banh Cuon Ba Xuan (16 Hoe Nhai Street): A Michelin Guide listed Banh Cuon stall, priced at 40,000–60,000 VND.
• Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van (14 Hang Ga Street): A legendary spot, costing 30,000–50,000 VND.

Xoi – Savory Sticky Rice

Xoi, Hanoi’s versatile sticky rice dish, comes in countless variations, making it a perfect snack or meal. Traditionally made with glutinous rice, Xoi is often topped with ingredients like mung beans, fried shallots, and pork floss or shredded chicken and Chinese sausage for a modern twist to the dish. This practical, energy-packed dish is a staple breakfast among workers and students, as it keeps them full all morning.

The most authentic place to have traditional Xoi is from a street vendor early in the morning. You can find them sitting down at a street corner with a basket of different kinds of sticky rice, covered with a piece of cloth to keep it warm. The sticky rice will then be topped with toppings of your choice and wrapped in banana leaves and newspaper. However, you have to wake up pretty early to catch one of these vendors, and there’s little chance they understand English. Modern Xoi restaurants, on the other hand, are open all day, and you have a lot more topping options.

Where to try Xoi in the Old Quarter:

• Xoi Yen (35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street): Famous for its savory toppings, priced at 30,000–50,000 VND.
• Xoi Ba Thu (57 Tho Nhuom): A famous eatery among locals, prices are slightly higher at 50,000–100,000 VND. They are open from 6 AM until 10 AM.

Chao Suon – Pork Rib Congee

Chao Suon, or rice porridge with pork ribs, is a simple yet deeply comforting dish loved by Hanoians. Made by simmering broken rice with tender pork ribs until creamy, it’s often topped with cut-up crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy), pork floss, and a sprinkle of pepper. Chao Suon has long been a staple of Hanoi’s street food culture, often enjoyed as a light meal or a warm treat on chilly mornings.

Where to try Chao Suon in the Old Quarter:

• Chao Suon Hang Bo (32 Hang Bo Street): Renowned for its flavorful ribs, priced at 30,000–50,000 VND.
• Chao Suon Co La (2A Ly Quoc Su Street): A popular spot, costing 25,000–40,000 VND.

Banh Mi Sot Vang

Banh Mi Sot Vang is a lesser-known yet delicious variation of the iconic Vietnamese sandwich. This dish features a baguette served with a rich, aromatic beef stew infused with red wine, a nod to French culinary influence during colonial times. The stew, thickened with spices like star anise and cinnamon, is perfect for dipping crusty bread.

To enjoy it, tear the baguette into small pieces and dip them into the flavorful broth. Add chili and herbs for an extra kick. It’s an indulgent and hearty treat, often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.

Where to try Banh Mi Sot Vang in the Old Quarter:

• Banh Mi Sot Vang Tram (30 Dinh Ngang Street): Famous for its tender beef, priced at 30,000–60,000 VND.

Com – Green Rice

Com, or young green rice, is a seasonal delicacy best enjoyed in autumn. Harvested before the rice fully ripens, the grains are roasted and flattened, creating a fragrant and subtly sweet treat. Traditionally wrapped in lotus leaves, it’s enjoyed on its own or transformed into dishes like Com Xao (stir-fried green rice) and Com cake.

To savor Com authentically, eat it fresh with ripe bananas for a sweet contrast, or try Trang Tien Com Ice Cream. It’s also a thoughtful gift for loved ones, embodying the essence of Hanoi.

Where to try Com in Hanoi:

• Vong Village: The birthplace of Com, where fresh green rice is sold for around 50,000–70,000 VND per pack.
• Hang Than Street: Known for Com cakes, priced at 20,000–40,000 VND each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to eat street food in Hanoi?

Yes, eating street food in Hanoi is generally safe, but there are a few precautions you should take to ensure a pleasant experience. Choose vendors with high turnover, as the food is more likely to be fresh. Look for places where locals are eating—it’s a good sign of quality and hygiene. Avoid raw or undercooked dishes unless you’re at a trusted establishment, and carry hand sanitizer to clean your hands before meals. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with simpler dishes like Banh Mi or Pho before venturing into more adventurous options like Bun Dau Mam Tom.

Where to go in Hanoi for street food?

Hanoi is a street food paradise, and the Old Quarter is its culinary heart. Some of the best spots include:

• Dong Xuan Market: Perfect for sampling a variety of dishes like Chao Suon and Bun Rieu in one place.
• Ta Hien Street: Known as “Beer Street,” this area is famous for both its bustling atmosphere and street food like grilled skewers and Nem Chua Ran (fried fermented pork).
• Tong Duy Tan Street: Another well-known destination for street food lovers. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, from fried rice and snail dishes to Banh Cuon.

Conclusion

Hanoi Old Quarter’s street food scene is a feast for all the senses. Each dish, from the comforting Chao Suon to the autumnal delight of Com, reflects a unique aspect of the city’s culinary heritage. So, the next time you wander through these historic streets, let your appetite guide you to the top 10 best dishes to try in Hanoi Old Quarter—an experience as unforgettable as the city itself.

>>> Hanoi Street Food Tour