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Hanoi stands not only as a hub for politics, economics, culture, and society but also boasts a diverse range of culinary, showcasing the artistry of its people in both cooking and eating food. The tradition of treating food as an art form is deeply embedded in the culture of Hanoi, persisting to this day as a distinctive cultural characteristic that captivates first-time visitors. In Jan 2023, Hanoi topped the list of the Best Food Destinations for 2024, voted by Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel site. This recognition helps the locals try more to preserve the traditional cuisine as well as create more appealing dishes.
The elegance of Hanoi cuisine is evident in its meticulous preparation, the manner of consumption, and the sentiments shared between the provider and the recipient. Rooted in centuries of history, Hanoi's culinary legacy has been passed down through generations, resulting in a distinctive and enduring flavor. When you find yourself in the capital of Vietnam, make sure to indulge in the following delectable Hanoi dishes featured in the article compiled by Izitour!
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1. Phở Hà Nội (Pho Hanoi)
Pho Hanoi is a time-honored traditional dish, carrying the unique flavors of the Northern region of Vietnam. Hanoi and Nam Dinh are often considered the birthplaces of pho, and you can find it in any province across Vietnam. However, Hanoi's pho is the finest due to its robust broth and fresh ingredients. Some places even serve pho with bagel twists, and those in Hanoi are believed to be more delicious than elsewhere. If the variety of condiments is overwhelming, add a touch of spicy chili sauce, then elevate the taste with a spoonful of garlic vinegar for beef pho or a squeeze of lime for chicken pho. Travelers can opt for chicken pho, beef pho, or duck pho based on their culinary preferences.
>> Read more about Where to savor the best Pho in Hanoi.
2. Bún Chả (Barbecued pork with rice vermicelli)
A serving of bun cha consists of rice noodles, a sweet and tangy dipping sauce accompanied by pickled julienned carrots and radishes in vinegar, and several savoury grilled pork patties infused with the aroma of charcoal and pepper. Dip your rice noodles into the fish sauce, add the various spices and herbs, and aim for a well-balanced bite that includes a bit of everything. For an extra satisfying experience, consider adding some nem (fried spring rolls) to accompany your bun cha.
>> Read more about The 6 Best Bun Cha Restaurants in Hanoi
3. Bún riêu cua (Crab noodle soup)
Hanoi's delicious crab noodle soup, known as bun rieu cua, is a beloved dish for noodle enthusiasts. To create the perfect broth, the chef must carefully select high-quality ingredients, particularly naturally grown crabs. The authentic flavour of Hanoi's broth is a harmonious blend of the sourness from vinegar and the aromatic sweetness of field crab bricks.
People in Hanoi often add shrimp paste to their crab noodle soup to enhance the overall taste. If you're not a fan of shrimp paste, make sure to inform the seller not to include it in your bowl when placing your order!
4. Bún Thang (Hanoi chicken combo noodle soup)
It would be a mistake if you visit Hanoi without trying bun thang – a delectable dish that you should not miss in the capital city. The preparation and presentation of bun thang are quite intricate. In addition to rice vermicelli and broth, it includes thinly sliced trứng tráng (thinly sliced omelettes), gio lua (Vietnamese ham), chicken meat, mushrooms, dried radish, and various fresh herbs...
All of these ingredients are finely shredded. When you take a bite, it's hard to forget the sweet taste of the broth blending with the spiciness of chili and the richness of the ingredients. Enjoying a steaming bowl of Hanoi's bun thang when you're hungry is truly an unmatched experience.
5. Banh Mi
Hanoi's banh mi is highly praised by food enthusiasts for its creative variations, featuring a diverse range of fillings such as grilled meat, cold cuts, pork sausage, Vietnamese ham, roast pork, egg and more. Banh mi bears some resemblance to Western sandwiches; however, Vietnamese banh mi stands out for its wide array of fillings and diverse ingredients. Many travelers come to Hanoi specifically to indulge in this simple yet nutritious breakfast option.
6. Cháo sườn (Pork rib congee)
Cháo Sườn or Pork Rib Congee, one of the trademark dishes of Hanoi, is a popular choice by Hanoian throughout the year. Traditionally, locals enjoy rib congee with crispy fried dough (quẩy), lots of black pepper, and a touch of chili powder for those who like it more spicy. To diversify the dish and serve many different tastes, the owners have created some congee versions like minced pork seasoned with fish sauce, richly flavored stir-fried frog meat with onions and cilantro, etc. Slurping a spoon of steaming congee in the morning would be a great start to a comfortable day. To try out this famous congee, go to a small food stall run by old ladies sitting next to baskets in an alley somewhere in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
7. Bún đậu mắm tôm (Noodles with fried tofu, shrimp paste)
"Bun dau" is a Hanoi delicacy that gained popularity for its simple yet delicious ingredients. The combination of crispy fried tofu and fresh rice noodles creates a heavenly and beloved lunch in Hanoi. Traditionally, bun dau is accompanied by "mam tom" (fermented shrimp paste), but for a lighter option, fish sauce is also available. The addition of young rice patties, fried spring rolls, and herbs completes this delightful ensemble.
8. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed rice roll)
Every traveler setting foot in the capital should indulge in the dish called "bánh cuốn" in Hanoi. Despite being present in many provinces, "bánh cuốn" in Hanoi still captivates people's hearts with its distinctive flavor. Made from steamed rice flour, "bánh cuốn" is often served with Vietnamese ham, and minced pork, and dipped in fish sauce, accompanied by fresh herbs. Alternatively, if you're a vegetarian, you can order "bánh cuốn" with a separate dipping sauce, which is also delicious. Although it's a simple dish, it's worth a try when you are in Hanoi.
9. Xôi (Sticky rice)
Xoi is a familiar dish, rich in the culinary culture of the people of the capital city. The soft and fragrant glutinous rice, combined with various toppings, creates a special allure. Xoi comes in diverse varieties, catering to all tastes and preferences. For the sticky rice lovers, there's xoi xeo (sticky rice with mung bean), xoi san (cassava sticky rice), xoi trang (white sticky rice), xoi com (young sticky rice), xoi ngo (corn sticky rice), xoi dau den (sticky rice with black beans), xoi lac (sticky rice with peanuts)... When Xôi is paired with different meats, you can enjoy chicken sticky rice, braised pork and eggs, sausage, pate sticky rice,... Each type has its own flavor and irresistible charm.
10. Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled fish with turmeric and dill)
Next on the list is the famous Cha ca La Vong, a specialty in Hanoi as well. This dish was introduced in 1871 by the Doan family. The preferred type of fish for Chả Cá Lã Vọng is typically fresh hemibagrus because its few bones, sweet meat, and aromatic qualities compared to other fish varieties. Picture a piece of crispy fried white fish infused with the delightful aroma of dill and turmeric. The well-balanced flavour and texture contribute to making Chả Cá one of the most remarkable culinary creations in the city.
>> Find out more about The Best Cha Ca Hanoi
11. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring rolls)
Goi cuon is a classic dish originating from Hanoi, Vietnam. It consists of rice paper rolls filled with a diverse range of ingredients, including cooked shrimp, pork, herbs, and vegetables. Usually, it is accompanied by a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, and chili pepper. Goi cuon is frequently savored as an appetizer or a light meal. This dish is readily available at street food stalls and restaurants across Hanoi, praised for its refreshing and delicious flavors.
12. Nộm bò (Beef jerky salad)
Both chewy and crunchy at the same time, Beef jerky salad is a favorite snack among the people of Hanoi, especially the younger generation. You might also find it in Nam Dinh or Saigon though the ingredients might be different. This dish is crafted from thinly sliced and appropriately chewy pieces of dried beef, marinated and mixed with green papaya, shredded carrots, roasted peanuts, and aromatic herbs, all combined with a sweet and sour fish sauce that is very appealing. Hanoian savour the Nộm bò khô as a big afternoon snack, so the food starts being sold from around 3 pm till running out.
We have taken you through the remarkable dishes of Hanoi cuisine. While delving into Hanoi's food, besides fancy restaurants, make a further point to explore local markets, street vendors, and intimate family-run establishments for an authentic experience of Vietnamese cuisine. Hope this post is useful for you. See you in our new post!
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