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A Journey Through Street Food in Hanoi

1. Pho

2. Bun Cha

3. Banh Mi

4. Cha Ca La Vong

5. Bun Rieu

6. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

7. Banh Cuon

8. Nem Ran (Spring Rolls)

9. Thit Xien Nuong (Grilled Meat Skewers)

10. Che (Sweet Dessert Soup)

11. Banh Goi (Vietnamese Empanadas)

12. Mien Luon (Eel Noodles)

13. Banh Tom (Shrimp Cake)

14. Bun Thang

15. Oc (Snails)

16. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

17. Bun Bo Nam Bo (Beef Noodles)

18. Ga Tan (Herbal Chicken Soup)

19. Nom Hoa Chuoi (Banana Blossom Salad)

20. Hoa Qua Dam (Mixed Fruit Dessert)

Conclusion
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Top 20 Street Food in Hanoi: A Guide to Must-Try Dishes

Street food in Hanoi is not just about eating—it’s a cultural experience that captures the spirit of Vietnam’s capital. The streets of Hanoi are alive with the sounds of sizzling grills, bubbling pots, and vendors calling out to passersby. It is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. In this city, food is everywhere, from busy street corners to narrow alleyways, where small stalls serve up mouthwatering dishes passed down through generations.

The beauty of street food in Hanoi is its diversity. Whether you’re craving a steaming bowl of pho, crispy spring rolls, or a fresh banh mi, there’s always something to suit your taste. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the city’s rich history and culinary traditions.

Wander through the Old Quarter, and you’ll be greeted by the enticing aromas of grilled pork, simmering broths, and freshly baked bread. This is where you’ll find the best street food in Hanoi, often at a fraction of the price of a restaurant meal. From early morning to late at night, the streets are filled with locals and tourists indulging in authentic, flavorful food. Exploring Hanoi through its street food is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the city’s heart with our Vietnam Tour Packages!

A Journey Through Street Food in Hanoi

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Known as one of the best things to do in Vietnam, Street food in Hanoi Vietnam is more than just a meal; it’s a window into the city’s history, culture, and way of life. The narrow, busy streets of the Old Quarter are the best to begin your exploration. Here, vendors have perfected their recipes over generations, and eating on the go is a way of life. Many famous foods of Hanoi are found in these streets, where dishes are prepared quickly and served fresh to hungry locals and travelers.

Food in Hanoi reflects the flavors of northern Vietnam, which tend to be less spicy than southern cuisine. This is where you’ll find balanced food, focusing on fresh ingredients like herbs, lime, and fish sauce. Hanoi street food includes everything from savory noodle soups to sweet desserts, making it impossible not to find something that suits your taste buds.

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1. Pho

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When talking about street food in Hanoi, the first dish that comes to mind is pho. This noodle soup, made with a rich, fragrant broth, rice noodles, and your choice of beef or chicken, is one of the most famous foods in Hanoi. The flavor of the broth is enhanced by herbs and spices and simmered for hours to develop its depth. You can find pho at almost every corner, from small Hanoi food stalls to proper restaurants, but some of the best places to try it are in the Old Quarter.

Pho is more than just a meal in Hanoi; it’s an experience. It is typically eaten for breakfast but is available all day. The dish’s simplicity makes it universally appealing, and for many, it is the highlight of their trip to the city. To taste the best pho, seek out food stalls in the Hanoi night market food area or the numerous streets in the Old Quarter.

Price for a Bowl: 40,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.70 – $2.50)

2. Bun Cha

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Another iconic dish, bun cha is grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime, and sugar. Bun cha is one of the best street food in Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can smell the pork grilling on street corners. This dish became even more famous when former U.S. President Barack Obama tried it during his visit to Hanoi. The combination of savory grilled pork and the freshness of the herbs makes it a must-try.

Bun cha is typically eaten for lunch, and the best versions of this dish are often found at small, family-run stalls. The smoky flavor of the grilled pork paired with the tangy sauce is a perfect example of how street food in Hanoi Vietnam combines bold flavors with fresh ingredients.

Price for a Serving: 30,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.50)

3. Banh Mi

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Banh mi is Vietnam’s version of a sandwich, with French influence in the use of a crispy baguette. Filled with a variety of ingredients like pork, pâté, cucumber, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, banh mi is one of the most popular cheap eats in Hanoi. You can easily find it at street corners and small food carts, where it’s made fresh to order.

This dish is perfect for those on the go, as it’s portable and can be eaten at any time of day. The balance of crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors is what makes it one of the famous foods of Hanoi. It is one of the best street food in Hanoi.

Price for a Sandwich: 15,000 – 30,000 VND ($0.60 – $1.30)

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4. Cha Ca La Vong

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This is one of the most unique traditional Hanoi dishes. Cha ca is grilled fish marinated in turmeric and dill, often served to sizzle at your table along with rice noodles, peanuts, and herbs. This dish has a long history in Hanoi, and there’s even a street in the Old Quarter named after it.

Cha ca is typically cooked tableside, where the fish is grilled and then served with fresh ingredients that are mixed in as you eat. It’s a more elaborate dish compared to other Hanoi street foods, but it’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience something authentic and traditional.

Price for a Serving: 120,000 – 170,000 VND ($5 – $7)

5. Bun Rieu

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Bun Rieu is a crab noodle soup that is not as well-known as pho, but just as delicious. The broth is made from crab and tomatoes, giving it a tangy and savory flavor. Topped with fresh herbs, tofu, and sometimes snails or pork, it’s a hearty and comforting meal. This dish can be found at local Hanoi food stalls and is perfect for those looking for something different from the typical pho. It is one of the best street food in Hanoi.

Price for a Bowl: 25,000 – 40,000 VND ($1 – $1.70)

6. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

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Xoi, or sticky rice, is a simple yet satisfying dish. It’s typically served with a variety of toppings, such as shredded chicken, pork floss, or mung beans. You can find xoi at almost every food stall, and it’s one of the most popular cheap eats in Hanoi. This dish is filling, affordable, and offers endless variations. It is one of the best street food in Hanoi.

Xoi is often eaten for breakfast, but you can find it throughout the day, especially in the Old Quarter.

Price for a Serving: 10,000 – 30,000 VND ($0.40 – $1.30)

7. Banh Cuon

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Banh cuon is a dish made of thin, steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a side of dipping sauce. This delicate dish is light but flavorful, and it’s one of the traditional Hanoi dishes you shouldn’t miss. Found at food stalls in the Hanoi night market food area, banh cuon is a popular breakfast dish, though it’s also available as a light snack throughout the day. It is one of the best street food in Hanoi.

Price for a Plate: 15,000 – 30,000 VND ($0.60 – $1.30)

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8. Nem Ran (Spring Rolls)

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Known as nem ran in the north of Vietnam, these crispy fried spring rolls are filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables. They are a classic street food and are found in almost every corner of Hanoi. You can enjoy them fresh off the fryer at food stalls or paired with a noodle dish like bun cha.

Price for a Serving: 15,000 – 25,000 VND ($0.60 – $1)

9. Thit Xien Nuong (Grilled Meat Skewers)

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Grilled meat skewers, or thit xien nuong, are a popular street snack. You’ll often find vendors grilling these skewers over open flames on the street, especially at night markets. The meat is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and perfectly grilled. These skewers are perfect for quick bites while you explore the busy streets of Hanoi.

Price for a Skewer: 10,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.40 – $0.90)

10. Che (Sweet Dessert Soup)

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For dessert, try Che, a traditional Vietnamese sweet soup made with ingredients like beans, fruit, and coconut milk. Found at many Hanoi food stalls, che is a refreshing treat, especially during the warmer months. It’s also one of the most common desserts you’ll find at the Hanoi night market food stalls.

Price for a Bowl: 10,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.40 – $0.90)

11. Banh Goi (Vietnamese Empanadas)

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Banh goi are fried pastries stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles. They are crispy on the outside and savory on the inside, making them a popular street food snack. These are often served with a side of fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. It is one of the best street food in Hanoi.

Price for a Serving: 10,000 – 25,000 VND ($0.40 – $1)

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12. Mien Luon (Eel Noodles)

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If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try mien luon, a dish made with crispy fried eel and glass noodles. It’s a bit more unusual, but it’s packed with flavor and is a favorite among locals.

Price for a Bowl: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)

13. Banh Tom (Shrimp Cake)

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Banh Tom is a deep-fried shrimp cake made with sweet potato and fresh shrimp. It’s crunchy, and savory, and makes for a great snack while walking through the Hanoi night market.

Price for a Serving: 25,000 – 50,000 VND ($1 – $2)

14. Bun Thang

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A lesser-known dish, bun thang is a noodle soup made with chicken, egg, and pork. It’s a lighter dish, perfect for those looking for something simple yet flavorful. This dish can be found at smaller food stalls across the city. It is one of the best street food in Hanoi.

Price for a Bowl: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)

15. Oc (Snails)

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Oc, or snails, are a delicacy in Hanoi. Cooked with lemongrass, chili, and garlic, they are eaten as a snack or light meal. Many street vendors specialize in this dish, and it’s worth trying if you’re feeling adventurous.

Price for a Serving: 25,000 – 50,000 VND ($1 – $2)

16. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

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Banh xeo is a crispy rice pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It’s served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce, making it a popular street food option for those who want something a bit more substantial.

Price for a Bowl: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)

17. Bun Bo Nam Bo (Beef Noodles)

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Bun bo nam bo is a southern Vietnamese dish that has made its way to Hanoi. This dish consists of rice noodles topped with grilled beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce. It’s a flavorful dish that is both light and satisfying.

Price for a Bowl: 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.30 – $2.10)

18. Ga Tan (Herbal Chicken Soup)

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For something warm and comforting, try ga tan, a herbal chicken soup. This dish is known for its medicinal properties and is often enjoyed as a nourishing meal. It is one of the best street food in Hanoi.

Price for a Bowl: 10,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.40 – $0.90)

19. Nom Hoa Chuoi (Banana Blossom Salad)

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Nom hoa chuoi is a salad made from banana blossoms, herbs, and peanuts. It’s light, refreshing, and a great vegetarian option.

Price for a Bowl: 10,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.40 – $0.90)

20. Hoa Qua Dam (Mixed Fruit Dessert)

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For a sweet and refreshing dessert, try hoa qua dam, a mixed fruit dessert topped with crushed ice and sweetened coconut milk. It’s a popular street food dessert that you can find at many stalls throughout the city.

Price for a Bowl: 10,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.40 – $0.90)

Conclusion

The street food in Hanoi Vietnam is not only affordable but also incredibly diverse, offering something for everyone—from the adventurous eater to those who prefer more familiar flavors.

Whether you’re on a budget and looking for cheap eats in Hanoi or eager to dive into the city’s rich food culture, you won’t be disappointed by what the streets have to offer. Make sure to explore the best street food in Hanoi Old Quarter, where food stalls line the narrow streets and offer an authentic taste of the city’s most famous foods. Don’t forget to try the Hanoi night market food for an exciting and flavorful end to your day of exploration.

With this guide, you’ll have a great starting point to dive into the street food culture of Hanoi, discovering everything from hearty meals to sweet desserts at the countless Hanoi food stalls throughout the city. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q:Is it safe to eat Hanoi street food?

Q:Is street food popular in Hanoi?

Q:What are 5 popular street foods in Vietnam?

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