Hanoi emerged as a tourist sensation not only for its rich collection of historical landmarks and architectural sites but also for its vibrant cuisine. If you wish to unveil the dynamic range of dishes here, check out our guide to the best local places to eat in Hanoi.
Local Places to Eat in Hanoi for Breakfast
Pho Suong
Pho Suong is one of the first and most famous pho brands in Hanoi. It is also one of the noodle shops that put “Hanoi Pho” on the global culinary map. You can visit here early in the morning for a taste of authentic Pho right in the Old Quarter. Pho Suong has a rich, sweet taste, rich from the hour-long stewed bones and meat.
Address: 36B Mai Hac De Street, Hai Ba Trung District
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10 PM
Price: VND 30,000 – VND 50,000
Dong Thinh Eel Noodle Soup
Mien Luon (Eel Noodle Soup) is a specialty of Ninh Binh Province that made its way to Hanoi due to its uniquely savory taste. Here, they specialize in fried and grilled eels. However, you can ask for the noodle soup version, which is an interesting alternative to the usual Pho.
Address: 87 Cua Dong Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: VND 25,000 – VND 60,000
Xoi Xeo Hang Bai
If you’re in for a more hearty breakfast dish, head to the Hang Bai – Ly Thuong Kiet junction to find a Xoi Xeo stall. It’s a dish of sticky rice and sliced sweet mung beans, topped with Vietnamese sausages, fried garlic, and a splash of chicken fat. The symphony of both sweet and savory tastes will put a smile on your face immediately.
Address: 37 Hang Bai Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 6 AM – 10 AM
Price: VND 15,000 – 30,000
Local Places to Eat in Hanoi for Lunch
Banh Duc Nom
Banh Duc is a specialty of Hanoi that not many foreigners know about. There are two types of Banh Duc: hot and cold. The hot version is made from pre-cooked rice cake, served with hot minced pork soup, topped with cilantro and fried garlic. The cold Banh Duc has the same rice cake, but it’s served cold with bean sprouts and peanuts.
Address: 28 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 7 AM – 9 PM
Price: VND 15,000 – 33,000
Bun Cha Ta
Bun Cha is a dish of grilled pork patties and noodles that goes alongside a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili. After President Obama tried Bun Cha during his visit to Vietnam, the already booming business took off. Now, only a few establishments still maintain the authentic way of preparing the dish. Bun Cha Ta is one of them.
Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 8 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: VND 25,000 – VND 50,000
Snail Noodle Soup
Bun Oc (Snail Noodle Soup) is another staple of Hanoi cuisine. It’s a light and delicious dish, made from freshwater snails, tomatoes, and topped with herbs. Do expect to share a seat with locals and enjoy your noodles on the streetside.
Address: 36 Lương Ngoc Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
Price: VND 45,000
Local Places to Eat in Hanoi for Dinner
Com Suon Dao Duy Tu
For dinner, let’s try the famous “Com Suon Dao Duy Tu”. They are known for their rice with perfectly grilled meat. The rice has a smoky, buttery taste from being fried under immense heat. Then it’s served with succulent, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs. It’s a must-try whenever you’re in Hanoi.
Address: 47 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: VND 50,000 – VND 65,000
Cha Ca Thang Long
If you’re a seafood lover, do not skip Hanoi’s Cha Ca. This unique creation consists of grilled fish marinated in turmeric, dill, spring onions, noodles, and fermented shrimp paste. The dish is so famous that people named a street after it!
Address: 19-21-31 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: VND 120,000
Mi Ga Tan 24
Mi Ga Tan 24 is a great street stall to try Mi Ga Tan, which is instant noodles served with a fragrant herbal chicken stew. It’s popular among locals all-year-round but is most enjoyable during the cold winter days. If you’re feeling under the weather, the medicinal property inside the broth will kick the illness right out of you!
Address: 24 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
Price: VND 40,000 – 60,000
Honorable Mentions for Local Places to Eat in Hanoi
Banh Gio Miss Beo
Banh Gio is a staple of Hanoi’s dynamic cuisine, adored by all generations. You can have it at any time, at every corner of this bustling city. One of the best places for Banh Gio is Miss Beo’s stall on Thuy Khue Street. They serve amazing rice dumplings at an affordable price.
Address: 5 Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho District
Opening hours: 7 AM – 8:30 PM
Price: VND 12,000 – VND 27,000
Xoi Che Ba Thin
Xoi Che Ba Thin serves one of the best Xoi Che – a traditional Vietnamese dessert of sticky rice and red bean soup. It’s a perfect dish for the freezing wintertime and those with a sweet tooth. You can also find a wide assortment of Vietnamese sweet soup here.
Address: 1 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11 PM
Price: VND 15,000 – VNd 25,000
Beef Jerky Salad
This comfort food is very popular among local students. The dish combines shredded papaya, beef jerky, herbs, and a fish-sauce-based dressing. Its crunchy texture and refreshing taste go great on a summer day.
Address: 5 Hang Giay Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 11 PM
Price: VND 25,000 – VND 44,000
Final Words on Local Places to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi is a city with a unique culinary identity, made rich by streams of immigrants from different parts of the country as well as foreign influences. It’s a cuisine that honors ingenious ways of preparing simple ingredients and an affordable price that fits the budget of commoners. Above are our recommendations for local places to eat in Hanoi, through which we hope to give you a taste of the city’s dynamic and vibrant culinary scene.
Check out more fun things to do in Hanoi:
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