Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam with a long history of traditional culture. It is well known for its typical foods such as Pho, Bun thang, Cha ca La Vong and so on. The following is a list of the top 5 most popular foods in Hanoi which you cannot miss while visiting.
1. Pho (Noodle soup)
Stemmed from Hanoi, Pho has shown its position not only in Vietnamese cuisine but also world cuisine. Nowadays, Pho appears everywhere from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Some is served with chicken and some with beef. Each type of meat entails a variety of sub-dishes, from beef tenderloin to beef brisket, chicken wing to chicken thigh. Pho is traditionally served as a breakfast, but now you can enjoy it whenever you like. Fresh herbs, clear stock and soft noodles are 3 important factors to making an outstanding Pho.
Where to try: Pho Bat Dan, Pho Thin, Pho 24, Pho Suong, Pho Ly Quoc Su
Price: above 50,000VND
Time: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
2. Bun Cha (vermicelli with grilled pork)
Bun Cha is one of the most popular foods in Hanoi. It’s the combination of grilled pork, fish sauce, vinegar, lime, sugar, chill, garlic and served with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Where to try: Bun cha 34 Hang Than, Bun Cha Hang Manh, Bun Cha Mai Hac De, etc
Price: above 30,000VND
Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
3. Banh cuon (steamed rice cake)
Taste the French influence in this famous and delicious recipe made of wheat, egg and dairy products. Vietnamese especially Hanoians take pride in their steamed crepe made from rice flour and water. Ground pork, wood-ear, onion and seasoning are stuffed inside this savory meal. Most of the chefs make it right at the entrance door using the steaming method. Banh cuon is served with a mixture of fish sauce including sugar and lime.
Where to try: Banh cuon Gia An – Ba Trieu street , Banh Cuon Thanh Van, 14 Hang Ga street
Price: above 25,000VND
Time: 7:00 am-11:00 am and 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
4. Cha ca La Vong (La Vong fried ground fish)
Cha ca La Vong is listed as one of the top 100 things you have to try before you die by many cuisine experts. It is exquisitely grilled fish served with vermicelli, peanut, green onions, dills and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully chosen so that there are not too many bones and fishy smells. A glass of beer or ice tea will definitely give your meal more flavors.
Where to try: Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant, 14 Cha Ca Street
Price: about 180,000VND/ pax
Time: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
5. Bun Thang
Bun thang is one of the most delicious foods in Hanoi and one can hardly find it outside of the Old Quarter or a few special restaurants scattered across the city. The chicken broth is artistically done and the dish is beautifully served. Bun thang is a harmonious blend of color; the yellow of sliced egg, the white of vermicelli’ the off-white of chicken and the green of onions and herbs.
Where to try: Bun Thang Ba Duc, Bun Thang Cau go street
Price: above 30,000VND
When visiting Hanoi, you should try one of the above dishes to see typical old Hanoi Cuisine.
