If you’re heading to Vietnam’s buzzing capital, bring your appetite. Hanoi is a food lover’s dream, and I’m not just talking about phở. I kicked off my spring 2025 visit with a food tour and it was the best decision I could have made. Our local guide, Hoan, introduced us to the top foods to try in Hanoi. We stopped at smoky street stalls and hole-in-the-wall cafés that I never would have discovered on my own, each serving up bold, fresh, and unforgettable flavors.
In this guide, we’re diving fork-first into 12 must-eat (and drink) dishes that truly define Hanoi’s vibrant food scene. I’m taking the knowledge (and a few pounds) that I gained on this trip and passing it along to you, dear reader, so that you can skip the tourist traps and experience a real taste of the city. So, if you’re wondering which foods to try in Hanoi, I’ve got you covered. Grab a pair of chopsticks (or just use your hands, no judgement here) and let’s hit the streets.
Top Foods to Try in Hanoi
1. Egg Coffee
Similarly to Hong Kong, coffee is an art form in Northern Vietnam. And nothing expemplifies Hanoi’s food scene quite like an egg coffee. Invented in the 1940s during a milk shortage, it blends strong Vietnamese coffee with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk. The result? A rich, creamy, tiramisu-like treat that’s equal parts dessert and afternoon pick-me-up. While it is a slightly touristy treat to try, it’s still a staple of Hanoi’s food culture. You’ll find in on the menu in both high-traffic tourist areas and at local hangouts. I highly recomend trying it at the latter.
2. Bun Cha (Sweet and Sour Pork Soup)
I will be forever grateful to Hoan for introducing me to bun cha. This sweet and sour soup comes packed with pork belly and mini pork patties, all served with a generous side of vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and greens. It’s a build-your-own adventure in the best way.
Pro tip: Instead of dumping the whole plate of super-thin noodles into the broth, just dunk a mouthful and consume immediatly. The noodles soak up that tangy broth like a sponge and the result is nothing short of magical.
So, why should you try bun cha in Hanoi? The dish is believed to have originated right here in the capital, making it one of the most essential foods to try in Hanoi.
3. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Watching skilled cookes make banh cuon puts every celebrity chef to shame. With the measured movements of an artist, they dole out exactly enough batter to churn out paper-thin rice flour crepes in seconds, before rolling them up on extra-long chopsticks and passing them along to be stuffed, rolled, and cut (with scissors, of course) for serving…all in about 30 seconds flat.
So, what is banh cuon? It’s just about the softest, most delicate delight on your list of foods to try in Hanaoi. These silky rice flour crepes are steamed, then rolled around various fillings (most traditionally, ground pork and wood ear mushrooms), topped with crispy shallots, and served with fresh herbs and a side of nước chấm, Hanoi’s favorite tangy dipping sauce. They’re typically enjoyed for breakfast, but you can snack on these northern Vietnamese delights all day long.
4. Cha Ca La Vong (Turmeric-Marinated Catfish)
Typically prepared tableside with a little extra flair, cha ca la vong is a dish enjoyed on a celebratory night out. The catfish is cooked in advance (marinated in turmeric and garlic, then grilled) and reheated in a large tableside skillet with sauteed dill and green onions for an herbaceous and nutritious meal.
The final dish comes with an array of accoutrments, including rice noodles, peanuts, and fermented shrimp paste (not for the faint of heart). The century-old recipe was born and perfected at Cha Ca La Vong restaurant (go figure) in Hanoi’s Old Quarter — and it’s still one of the best places to try it today.
5. Banh Khuc
If you’re searching for hearty, authentic Northern Vietnamese breakfast, look no further than your neighborhood banh khuc cart. A staple of the local diet, banh khuc is a mung bean paste and pork dumpling packed in sticky rice and steamed in a cudweed leaf. The resulting mass is a savory, stick-to-your ribs meal that’s best enjoyed with a sprinkle of roasted, salted sesame seeds.
6. Bo La Lot (Grilled Beef in Betel Leaves)
Bò lá lốt is a Hanoi street food hero that doesn’t always get the spotlight, but absolutely should. This dish features seasoned minced beef wrapped in wild betel leaves (lá lốt), then grilled over an open flame until smoky and sizzling. The result is a juicy, herbaceous bite with a hint of peppery spice and charred goodness. It’s usually served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and nước chấm for dipping. The flavors are bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
7. Fresh Tropical Fruit
Hanoi’s markets come alive during fruit season, offering a rainbow of tropical delights you’ll want to devour while they’re fresh and abundant. Native favorites include lychee (sweet and floral), longan (honey-like with a jelly texture), mangosteen (tart and creamy), and rambutan (hairy on the outside, juicy on the inside). You’ll also find jackfruit, starfruit, and custard apple, each with its own wild flavor profile. You’ll want to eat your fill while they’re ripe — the flavor just isn’t the same outside of Vietnam.
8. Che (Dessert Soup)
Chè is Hanoi’s answer to dessert, with a twist. This beloved Vietnamese treat isn’t just one dish but a whole category of sweet soups, puddings, and drinks that range from icy and refreshing to warm and comforting. You’ll find endless variations made with mung beans, black beans, tapioca, jellies, sticky rice, coconut milk, and seasonal fruits. Chè ba màu (three-color dessert) is a must-try for its layers of flavor and texture, while chè chuối (banana with coconut milk) offers rich, tropical sweetness.
9. Ca Phe Due (Coconut Coffee)
If you’re craving both a pick-me-up and a sweet treat, cà phê dừa, or coconut coffee, should be on your Hanoi short list. This decadent drink blends strong Vietnamese robusta coffee with creamy coconut milk and a touch of condensed milk, then whips it into a frothy, slushy treat served over ice. It’s rich, refreshing, and just the right balance of bitter and sweet. Some versions are blended like a frappé; others layer the creamy coconut over the dark coffee for a stunning swirl. Either way, the flavor and texture combination makes this drink a must-try when in Hanoi.
10. Banh My
Bánh mì in Hanoi — often spelled “bánh my” locally — is a distinct northern spin on Vietnam’s iconic sandwich. While southern versions tend to be stuffed to the brim with meats, pickles, and sauces, Hanoi’s bánh my is all about balance and simplicity. Think warm, crusty baguette with a thin layer of pâté, cold cuts or grilled pork, a touch of chili sauce, and maybe a few sprigs of cilantro. It’s less saucy, more savory, and often eaten as a quick, no-frills breakfast or afternoon snack. For an authentic taste, head to a street cart or old-school bakery in the Old Quarter.
11. Pho Bo (Beef Pho)
Phở bò is one of Hanoi’s culinary crown jewels — a fragrant, soul-warming bowl of beef noodle soup that’s as much a morning ritual as it is a national treasure. Made with flat rice noodles, tender beef (raw, cooked, or both), and a clear, slow-simmered broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and charred aromatics, it’s subtle, savory perfection. Locals like it simple: a squeeze of lime, a few herbs, maybe some chili, but never drowning in extras. The best bowls are often found at humble street stalls or family-run spots with bubbling pots and early-morning crowds.
12. Nem (Fried Spring Rolls)
Nem, Hanoi’s beloved version of spring rolls, is a crispy, golden bite of northern Vietnamese flavor you can’t miss. Unlike the lighter southern styles, nem rán (as it’s called in the north) is typically filled with a savory mix of ground pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and aromatic herbs, then wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to shatteringly crisp perfection. Served with nước chấm dipping sauce and fresh lettuce or herbs, it’s a beautiful balance of rich and refreshing. Often found at street stalls and family restaurants alike, nem is a festive favorite and a delicious introduction to Hanoi’s underrated food scene.