This blog post is all about the best places to eat in Hanoi.
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Hanoi, it’s eat.
The food here is a cultural experience in itself, a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavours.
From hidden street food gems to iconic restaurants that have been around for decades, Hanoi’s food scene is both a delicious blend of tradition and innovation.
As someone who could easily spend all day hopping between noodle shops and coffee spots, I’ve put together this guide to help you uncover the best places to eat in Hanoi.
Whether you’re slurping a bowl of steaming pho on a tiny plastic stool or digging into perfectly grilled cha ca, these 15 places to eat in Hanoi will give you a true taste of Hanoi’s culinary magic.
This blog post is all about the best places to eat in Hanoi.
Vietnamese Food 101: The Local Dishes to Try
Vietnamese food is a balance of contrasts: hot and cold, crunchy and tender, and also sweet and sour.
Northern Vietnamese cuisine, in particular, is known for its subtle and refined flavours, focusing on fresh herbs, clear broths, and delicate seasoning.
When you’re eating in Hanoi, you’re diving into centuries of history. Recipes have been passed down through generations, but often unchanged, and the best meals are cooked with the kind of care that feels personal.
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The Must-Try Dishes in Hanoi
Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup): Hanoi is the birthplace of pho, and you haven’t truly experienced the city until you’ve had a steaming bowl of it.
Bun Cha: Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles and a tangy dipping sauce — the perfect mix of smoky, tangy, and also fresh.
Cha Ca: Turmeric-marinated fish, grilled tableside and paired with dill and vermicelli noodles.
Banh Cuon: Thin steamed rice rolls stuffed with savory pork and mushrooms, topped with fried shallots.
Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): A Hanoi specialty — rich, creamy, and also sweet, it’s like dessert in a cup.
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So, let’s get into the 15 places to eat in Hanoi that will take your taste buds on the ride of their life.
15 of the Best Places to Eat in Hanoi
1. Pho Thin
Address: 13 Lò Đúc, Phạm Đình Hổ, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Pho Thin is a household name in Hanoi and has been serving steaming bowls of pho since 1979.
This spot stands out because of its unique technique: the beef is stir-fried with garlic before being added to the soup, creating a smoky flavour that enriches the broth. The bustling, no-frills atmosphere makes it a quintessential Hanoi experience and one of the best places to eat in Hanoi to try pho.
So, order the Pho Bo (beef pho). Pair it with some fresh herbs and also a squeeze of lime for the ultimate comfort meal.
2. Bun Cha Huong Lien
Address: 24 Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Famously known as the “Obama Bun Cha” spot after former President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain dined here, this humble restaurant offers a standout version of Hanoi’s iconic dish.
This is one of the best places to eat in Hanoi for Bun Cha. The grilled pork patties are so smoky and juicy, and the dipping sauce has just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
3. Cha Ca La Vong
Address: 14 Phố Chả Cá, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
As the originator of cha ca (turmeric-marinated fish), this historic restaurant has been delighting diners for over 130 years.
The flavours are bold, with a distinct herbal kick from dill and scallions, with the fish served in a sizzling pan at your table.
Order the Cha Ca. Don’t forget to mix it with dill, peanuts, and also vermicelli for the full effect.
4. Banh Cuon Ba Hanh
Address: 26B Thọ Xương, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Tucked away in a peaceful alley near St. Joseph’s Cathedral, this charming eatery is renowned for its banh cuon (steamed rice rolls).
Each roll is thin, translucent, and also stuffed with a flavourful mix of minced pork and mushrooms. The friendly service and cozy ambiance make it one of the best places to eat in Hanoi.
Order the Banh Cuon. The rice rolls come stuffed with pork and mushrooms, topped with crispy shallots. Dip them in the accompanying fish sauce for a burst of flavour.
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5. Xoi Yen
Address: 35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Specializing in xoi (sticky rice), Xoi Yen elevates this humble dish into something extraordinary.
The toppings range from savoury shredded chicken to caramelized pork belly. Locals and tourists both flock here for a filling and affordable meal.
Order the Xoi Ga. The shredded chicken, fried shallots, and soy sauce make this dish so unforgettable.
6. Quan An Ngon
Address: 18 Phan Bội Châu, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Quan An Ngon is a fantastic introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, offering a wide variety of regional dishes in a beautiful courtyard setting.
The open kitchen also allows you to watch the chefs expertly prepare each dish.
Order the Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) and Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup). Both are beautifully presented and packed with flavour.
7. Cafe Giang
Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Founded in 1946, Cafe Giang is the birthplace of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee. The combination of whipped egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee creates a rich, velvety drink that also feels like a hug in a cup.
Order the Egg Coffee. It’s like a sweet, velvety latte but with a subtle eggy twist.
8. Dong Xuan Market Food Stalls
Address: Đồng Xuân Market, Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
This bustling market is a paradise for food lovers. The maze of stalls offers everything from noodle soups to sweet treats, and it’s also the perfect place to sample authentic street food.
Order the Bun Oc (snail noodle soup) and Nem Chua Ran (fried fermented pork).
9. Banh Mi 25
Address: 25 Hàng Cá, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Banh Mi 25 is a small, family-run shop that serves some of the best banh mi in Hanoi. The baguettes are baked fresh daily, and the fillings are so packed with flavour.
Order the Banh Mi Pate. The crusty baguette, creamy pate, and also crunchy veggies are a match made in heaven.
10. Pho Bat Dan
Address: 49 Bát Đàn, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Known for its old-school charm, Pho Bat Dan serves pho in a communal, self-service setting. The broth here is clear but deeply flavourful, a testament to the restaurant’s decades-long dedication to perfection.
Order the Pho Bo. Join the locals in line and savour every spoonful.
11. Ly Club Hanoi
Address: 4 Lê Phụng Hiểu, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Housed in a stunning French colonial villa, Ly Club Hanoi combines old-world elegance with exceptional Vietnamese cuisine. This is the place to treat yourself to a fine dining experience, where every dish is presented with an artistic touch.
The menu features both traditional and fusion dishes, offering a taste of Vietnam with a creative twist.
Order the grilled river prawns with lemongrass and chilli.
12. Street Stalls at Hang Be Market
Address: Hàng Bè Market, Hàng Bè, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
So, if you want to experience Hanoi’s street food culture like a local, Hang Be Market is the place to go. This bustling market offers an authentic slice of daily life in Hanoi, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to street food favourites.
It’s a vibrant and slightly chaotic spot, but the reward is some of the city’s most affordable and delicious bites. The food stalls are packed with options, so come with an appetite and a sense of adventure.
Order the Banh Goi (fried dumplings) and also the Che (a sweet soup dessert).
13. Cha Ca Anh Vu
Address: 120 Giảng Võ, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Cha Ca Anh Vu offers a more modern take on the iconic cha ca dish while staying true to its roots. This restaurant is known for its relaxed vibe and excellent service, making it a great spot for both locals and tourists.
The fish is marinated with turmeric, galangal, and spices, then cooked at your table with fresh dill and scallions, creating a fragrant and flavourful dish. The interactive aspect of the meal makes it even more memorable.
Order the Cha Ca Anh Vu. The house-made sauce takes it to the next level, so thank me later!
14. Com Pho Co
Address: 1 Hàng Buồm, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Nestled in the Old Quarter, Com Pho Co is a cozy spot that specializes in traditional Vietnamese rice dishes. It’s the kind of place locals frequent when they want comforting, home-style meals.
The decor is simple but charming, with wooden furniture and vintage-inspired touches that evoke Hanoi’s old-world charm.
The menu focuses on classic recipes passed down through generations, making it a great place to experience authentic but tasty Vietnamese flavours.
Order the Com Ga (chicken rice). Simple, satisfying, and also packed with flavour.
15. Bun Rieu Cua Hang Bac
Address: 11 Hàng Bạc, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
For a taste of Hanoi’s famous bun rieu, this unassuming eatery is a gem. The restaurant is small and often packed with hungry diners, but the food is worth the wait.
Bun rieu is a crab noodle soup with a tangy tomato-based broth, and this spot is celebrated for both its fresh ingredients and bold flavours. You’ll find locals slurping bowls of this comfort food morning, noon, and night.
So, order the Bun Rieu. The tangy tomato broth and fresh herbs will have you coming back for seconds.
The Best Places to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi’s food scene is vibrant, diverse, and also endlessly delicious.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned foodie, these 15 restaurants offer a window into the soul of the city.
So grab your chopsticks, and let the flavours of Hanoi sweep you off your feet.
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