Hanoi’s Best Bites: 11 Dishes I Tried (and Loved)
From egg coffee to grilled pork noodles, here’s what to eat in Hanoi and exactly what it’s called (with photos, local tips, and cultural notes you won’t find in a guidebook).
I booked a local-led food tour in Hanoi, and I can’t recommend it enough. These tours are often led by locals who are sharing their culture and making a living by showing travelers the real best-of-the-best. It’s personal, affordable, and often way more authentic than anything in a guidebook.
If you’re headed to Hanoi, don’t miss these:
Bún Chả – Grilled pork patties and caramelized pork belly served in a sweet-savory dipping broth with pickled papaya. Add in cold vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and lettuce to build your perfect bite. It’s smoky, fresh, and the signature dish of Hanoi.
Pâté Bánh Mì – A warm, crispy baguette filled with pork pâté, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and a spicy mayo or chili sauce. I had one from a cart that blew my mind. Simple, fast, and so satisfying.
Phở Bò (Beef Pho) – It’s on every must-eat list, and locals love it too… for good reason. A rich, slow-simmered broth filled with rice noodles, scallions, herbs, and slices of rare and well-done beef. Add lime and chili to your liking. Basically, a hug in a bowl.
Nộm Đu Đủ Bò Khô (Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef) – Crisp shredded green papaya topped with smoky dried beef jerky, mint, crushed peanuts, and a tangy dressing. It’s light but packed with flavor and texture.
Xôi Khúc (Sticky Rice Dumpling) – Sticky rice with a filling of mung bean and savory pork, wrapped in a green herbaceous leaf called khúc and steamed. Served with a sesame-salt mix. Hearty, earthy, and totally comforting.
Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây (West Lake Shrimp Fritter) – Crispy fritters made of sweet potato and whole shrimp, deep-fried until golden and crunchy. It’s messy in the best way and usually eaten with herbs and dipping sauce.
Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) – Slow-cooked beef stew fragrant with lemongrass, star anise, and carrots. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and comes with a soft baguette perfect for dipping. Super underrated and incredibly filling.
Kem Xôi (Coconut Ice Cream with Sticky Rice) – A dreamy combo of creamy coconut ice cream over chewy sticky rice, topped with crispy coconut flakes and roasted peanut crumbs. It’s sweet, slightly salty, and very Hanoi.
Chè Thái (Sweet Coconut Dessert Soup) – Colorful layers of tropical fruit, chewy jellies, and coconut milk over crushed ice. Cold, sweet, and full of surprises in every bite. I could eat this every day in the summer.
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee) – A Hanoi classic. Strong black coffee topped with whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. Creamy, intense, and somehow like dessert and an energy shot in one. I drank mine on a balcony overlooking Beer Street and it was unreal.
Dragon Fruit – Not a dish, but a must. It’s everywhere, usually sold by women on bikes or roadside stalls. I picked one straight from a bicycle basket and ate it in the sun. Sweet, refreshing, and perfectly hydrating.
Pro Tip: Always Carry Cash
Vietnam is developing quickly, but many amazing spots, especially family-run eateries and street vendors, are still cash-only. Don’t expect tap-to-pay or card machines. Carry small bills and be patient. It’s not just practical, it’s respectful.
And Just a Note on Food & Culture
Many restaurants are literally inside people’s homes. The entrance might be a narrow shopfront, but step in and it stretches far back. You might eat sitting on a plastic stool next to someone’s laundry or grandma watching TV. That’s not weird. It’s the norm.
Hanoi was full of some of the warmest people I’ve met and the most memorable food I’ve tasted. Whether I was crouched at a tiny table on the sidewalk or sharing soup in a family kitchen, every meal told a story.
Be adventurous, but smart. Eat local. Try new things. Don’t panic if you get a little tummy trouble. I didn’t, but I brought meds just in case. Honestly, the food in Hanoi was worth every single bite.
