17 Delightful Street Food in Hanoi to Treat Your Palate

Hanoi is a city that takes the word 'street food' seriously. A stroll through the city's heart will quickly draw your attention to the numerous food stalls littered everywhere. During the day, it may seem like there is an uncountable number of food stalls, but that pales compared to the number of food stalls that crop up after the sun sets. The phenomenon of street food in Hanoi comes alive at night when the chaotic streets spill out with street-side meat, bicycles laden with fruit and vegetables, simmering pots of stock on doorsteps, boiling kettles, tipping teapots and sacks overflowing with rice.

The streets host a wide variety of exotic, mouthwatering yet inexpensive food you should definitely not miss out on. Here is a list of the best street food in Hanoi:

1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Pho is Vietnam's favorite street food. When you walk through any Vietnamese city, you cannot help but notice the people holding onto steaming bowls of pho and savoring the delicacy, chopsticks in hand. Fun fact: Pho originated in Hanoi. Undoubtedly, Hanoi must have the best pho in the country, which does not disappoint. The city is scattered with street shops selling delectable rice noodle soup with a choice of either chicken (pho ga) or beef (pho bo).

Price for a Bowl: VND 50,000
Places to Try Pho in Hanoi:
- Beef Pho at Pho Bat Dan in Hoan Kiem
- Chicken Pho at Pho Lam Nam Ngu near the Hanoi Hilton
- Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan)
- Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc)

2. Xoi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice)

Xoi is classic street food in Hanoi that is also Vietnamese comfort food. Xoi, or sticky rice, is so well molded by Vietnamese chefs into various dishes that it can be compared to a work of art. Xoi Yen, a modern version of Xoi, comprises glutinous rice layered on top with green mung bean paste and chicken fat. Xoi may also be served with hard-boiled eggs, pork, beef, or fish. A warm dish of Xoi, along with some fresh Hanoi beer, is perfect for a chilly day. 

Price for a Bowl: VND 10,000
Places to Try Xoi in Hanoi:
- Xoi Yen (35b Nguyen Huu Huan)

3. Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs)

While Pho is considered the favorite food of Hanoi, Bun Cha comes in a close second. This mouthwatering medley of grilled pork and steamed sticky rice is seasoned with fresh herbs, papaya slices, red chilies, and garlic. Deep-fried spring rolls are added to this mix to provide a crispy taste. In fact, Bun Cha was eaten by the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, during his visit to Vietnam! 

Price for a Bowl: VND 10,000
Places to Try Bun Cha in Hanoi:
- Obama Combo from Bun Cha Huong Lien at 24 Le Van Huu
- Nha Hang Thanh Hop (12 Dinh Liet)
- 34 Hang Than

4. Bun Bo Nam Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad)

Bun Bo Nam Bo may not originally be from Hanoi, but Hanoi has adopted it as its own and added its swirl of flavor to enhance the already tasty creation. This mélange of grilled beef, vegetables, herbs, crispy onions, and rice noodles, served in a large bowl and garnished with fresh lime juice and chili sauce, offers an exotic burst of flavors in your mouth, satisfying the need of seeking out street food in Hanoi. 

Price for a Bowl: VND 30,000
Places to Try Bun Bo Nam Bo in Hanoi:
- 67 Hang Dieu
- 89 Hàng

5. Pho Cuon (Vietnamese Fresh Rice Noodle Rolls)

Pho Cuon is the tastiest finger food you can consume of all the street food in Hanoi. Pho Cuon consists of large rice noodles delicately and skillfully rolled around beef and green herbs to create an intricately made wrap. The delicate flavors of this dish can be spiced up by a side serving of Nuoc Cham - a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and chili. 

Price for a Bowl: VND 40,000
Places to Try Pho Cuon in Hanoi:
- Pho Cuon Huong Son (19 Ngu Xa)

6. Banh Cuon (Vietnamese Rice Rolls)

Banh Cuon is an odd-looking dish. Comprising of large misshapen bits of fermented rice noodles served with fresh herbs and bowls of pork, mushroom, and minced shallots, this dish has a unique taste of its own. For the adventurous few who wish to get a more in-depth taste of the local street food in Hanoi, the Banh Cuon may be flavored with a bold dipping sauce made from ca cuona, the essence of a giant water bug. This light treat is a perfect snack as you stroll around the Old Quarter. Banh Cuon can be found everywhere along the Old Quarter, usually at small family-run shops or carts. 

Price for a Bowl: VND 20,000
Places to Try Banh Cuon in Hanoi:
- 14 Hang Ga

7. Che(Vietnamese Dessert Drink)

Che is a very versatile Vietnamese dessert. In fact, Che is a word associated with sweet Vietnamese and comprises a vast number of sweet dishes under its umbrella. Che can be either hot or cold, with various ingredients like mung beans, red beans, fruits, tapioca beans, and even sugarcane and porridge. At some shops, you can sample the different kinds of Che and take your pick out of them! 

Price for a Bowl: VND 10,000
Places to Try Che in Hanoi:
- Che Ba Thin (1 Bat Dan)

8. Bia Hoi (Draught Beer)

When indulging in some scrumptious street food in Hanoi, it will remain incomplete without a taste of the local beer. After sunset, the entire Old Quarter area wakes up, and numerous stalls open up, placing their respective plastic stools outside on the sidewalk. This is the perfect time to grab a locally brewed Bia Hoi and strike up a conversation. This locally brewed fresh beer will leave you craving for more, and the best part is that it is dirt cheap! The beer is also very light (about three percent alcohol) and will not leave you too tipsy.

Price for a Bowl: VND 5,000
Places to Try Bia Hoi in Hanoi:
- Old Quarter

9. Vietnamese Ice Cream

Ice Cream seems odd, almost out of place on this list. Ice Cream here does not refer to the mundane everyday ice cream we consume. The street food scene of Hanoi has modified Ice cream, too, and added its touch to it! Vietnamese ice cream is a light treat that will cool you down on a particularly sultry day. This bizarre creation consists of a coconut filled with ice cream and topped with coconut meat, peanuts, chocolate sauce, and a tube of cinnamon.  This dish consists of creamy ice cream encased by a crispy outer layer. 

Price for a Bowl: VND 5,000
Places to Try Ice Cream in Hanoi:
- Flan or baked ice cream at 60 Hang Trong
- Coconut ice cream served at 29 Hang Than

10. Vietnamese Egg Coffee

The people of Hanoi enjoy their daily dose of caffeine. In fact, the Hanoians are connoisseurs of brewing coffee in multiple distinctive kinds of ways. One particularly remarkable caffeinated drink is Egg Coffee, locally known as Café Trung. The decadent beverage is made by adding a sweet topping of whisked chicken egg yolk, Vietnamese powder, sweetened condensed milk, butter and cheese over a base of strong coffee, making it feel more like a dessert than coffee, thus landing it a spot in the directory of must-have street food in Hanoi. This brew comes either steaming hot or iced. Though a little pricey compared to the standard coffee, this brew is worth it. 

Places to Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi:
- Giang Cafe (39 Nguyen Huu Huan)
- Coconut ice cream served at 29 Hang Than

11. Bun Oc (Snail Noodles)

Bún ốc is a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its unique blend of flavors and textures. At the heart of Bún ốc is a flavorful and aromatic broth made from slow-cooked pork bones, which is then infused with a range of spices and herbs. The soup is then served over a bed of vermicelli noodles, with tender pieces of escargot (or snails) and sliced beef or pork added for a meaty and satisfying texture. The dish is typically garnished with various fresh herbs, including cilantro, mint, and basil, as well as bean sprouts and thinly sliced onions. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped chili peppers are added for a tangy and spicy kick that brings all the flavors together. Bún ốc is enjoyed as a mid-day meal or a hearty snack. If you can try it, it's definitely worth a taste!

Price for a Bowl: VND 30,000-35,000
Places to Try Bún ốc in Hanoi: No. 6 Hang Chai, No.202 Doi Can

12. Cao Lau (Vietnamese Noodle Bowl)

Cao lầu, the pride of Hoi An cuisine, is not just a dish but a story that unfolds with every bite. Legend has it that Cao lầu was first created centuries ago when Hoi An was a bustling port town on the Spice Route. The dish was born out of necessity, as local merchants needed a hearty meal to sustain them on long sea voyages. This dish is a mouth-watering fusion of flavors and textures that will delight any foodie. What makes Cao lầu so special is the way the dish is prepared. The noodles are made with water from a local well, giving them a distinct texture unlike anything else you'll find in Vietnamese cuisine. The broth is then slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors of the pork and herbs to meld together in a simply divine way.

But the real star of the show is the sauce. Made from a blend of fermented soybeans, sugar, and fish sauce, it adds a savory, umami flavor that ties the whole dish together. The crispy wontons and fresh herbs add a freshness and crunch, making each bite a true delight. If you're ever in Hoi An, do yourself a favor and try Cao lầu. You won't regret it!

Price for a Bowl: VND 20,000 - 50,000
Places to Try Cao lầu in Hanoi: Cao Lau Thanh

13. Hanoi-Style Barbecue

Hanoi-style barbecue, known as "nhậu," is more than a meal. It's a social occasion, a chance to gather with friends and family over fresh, high-quality ingredients grilled to perfection. With an interactive cooking process, you can choose your cuts of meat and participate in grilling if you desire. The electric atmosphere of street-side stalls and cozy restaurants creates a sense of camaraderie and conviviality that's hard to find anywhere else. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this beloved tradition in Hanoi, complete with cold beers and an array of dipping sauces to top off the juicy, smoky, and caramelized meats.

Price for a Bowl: VND 30,000-70,000
Places to Try Hanoi-Style Barbecue in Hanoi: King BBQ Ham Nghi

14. Banh Xeo and Nem Lui (Vietnamese Rice Pancakes)

Banh Xeo and Nem Lui are two mouth-watering Vietnamese dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds! Banh Xeo is a savory crepe made with rice flour and turmeric, filled with a delectable combination of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and a medley of aromatic herbs. Nem Lui, on the other hand, is a flavorful grilled pork sausage served on a stick with fresh herbs and rice paper for wrapping.
Banh Xeo's crispy texture and the combination of different flavors in each bite make it a popular dish among foodies worldwide. Meanwhile, Nem Lui's smoky and tender pork, combined with the freshness of the herbs and rice paper, creates a mouth-watering explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Price for a Bowl: VND 30,000-50,000
Places to TryBanh Xeo and Nem Lui in Hanoi: Banh Xeo Zon, Banh Xeo Hong Phong

15. Banh Tom (Vietnamese Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters)

In just one bite, Bánh tôm will charm any crowd with its irresistible combination of crispiness, sweetness, and savory goodness. This Vietnamese appetizer is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, featuring succulent shrimp and crispy sweet potato that will leave your taste buds dancing. Served hot and paired with a zesty dipping sauce, Bánh tôm is a true delight for anyone who loves seafood and Asian cuisine. 

Price for a Bowl: VND 30,000
Places to Try Bánh tôm in Hanoi: Bánh tôm Hồ Tây, Bánh tôm Số 14 Hàng Than

16. Banh Goi (Vietnamese Crispy Fried Dumpling)

Banh goi is a mouth-watering Vietnamese snack that will leave you craving for more! This savory pastry is filled with ground pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles, then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The result is a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that gives way to a flavorful and juicy filling. Served hot and paired with a tangy dipping sauce, banh goi is perfect for a quick snack or a light meal on the go. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular street food in Vietnam and a must-try for any food lover.

Price for a Bowl: VND 10,000
Places to Try Banh Goi in Hanoi:  La Kan, Xoi Yen

17. Banh Da Tron (Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad)

This Vietnamese street food favorite is a delightful mix of crispy rice paper, chewy tapioca noodles, succulent pork sausage, and zesty herbs, all tossed together with a deliciously spicy sauce. It's the perfect snack to satisfy your hunger and taste buds, whether on the go or looking for a quick and satisfying bite. Don't miss out on this irresistible dish that's sure to become a new favorite!

Price for a Bowl: VND 20,000- 35,000
Places to Try Banh Da Tron in Hanoi: Banh Da Tron Hang Hom, Banh Da Cua Dong Xuan

Hanoi Food Tours

Often, you may find it slightly difficult to find all the food you want to try out. So, Hanoi has made your job easy for you. Multiple private agencies offer street food tours both during the day and at night, and if you are inclined to be indecisive, this is a great option. There are also food trips on Xe Om for those who do not wish to walk. A food trip may cost between VND 450,000 - VND 1,500,000 based on the timing, the mode of transportation, and the area covered.

Cost: VND 450,000 - VND 1,500,000