What to Eat in Hanoi Vietnam: Dishes Every Visitor Should Try
Updated 2026-10-26. Written with AI assistance and checked against our editorial rules; entry rules and prices change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.
In Hanoi, Vietnam, try classic dishes like bun cha, banh mi and cha ca at street food stalls, markets and home-style restaurants. The Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market are good places to start.
Quick answer: dishes to try in Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi's food mixes Vietnamese traditions with some French influence. These dishes give you a good first taste of the city.
Street Food Favorites
Bánh mì, the Vietnamese sandwich, is a must-try. Vendors across the city fill crisp baguettes with grilled pork, pickled vegetables and herbs. Bánh cuốn is another favorite. These are thin steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, often topped with fried shallots.
Local Specialties
Gỏi cuốn are fresh rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, herbs and rice noodles. They come with a dipping sauce. Bún chả is the city's signature lunch: grilled pork with rice noodles, herbs and a sweet, tangy dipping broth.
- Grilled pork with lemongrass and chili
- Bún thang, a delicate chicken noodle soup that is a Hanoi specialty
- Bánh xèo, a crisp rice flour pancake with shrimp and pork
- Gỏi ngó sen, a lotus stem salad with shrimp and pork
- Bún riêu, a noodle soup made with crab
Must-try dishes
Pho
Hanoi is famous for its noodle soups. Look for bún thang, a light chicken broth with rice noodles, shredded chicken, egg and herbs. Miến gà, glass noodles in chicken soup, is another comforting choice. Locals often eat noodle soup for breakfast.
Banh Mi
Banh mi uses a crisp baguette with pickled vegetables, herbs and fillings such as chicken, pork or tofu. It makes a quick lunch or snack. Look for it at markets and street stalls.
Goi Cuon
Goi cuon are fresh rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vegetables and herbs. They are served as a starter or snack with a dipping sauce.
Bun Cha
Bun cha is a classic Hanoi dish. Grilled pork patties and slices sit in a bowl of sweet and sour dipping sauce. You add rice noodles and fresh herbs as you eat. Locals usually have it at lunchtime.
Xoi
Xoi is sticky rice with toppings such as chicken, mung beans or fried shallots. It is a popular breakfast, and vendors sell it in the morning at stalls and markets.
Cha Ca
Cha ca is a Hanoi specialty of fish marinated in turmeric. It is fried at your table with plenty of dill and spring onions. You eat it with rice noodles, herbs, peanuts and a dipping sauce.
For more ideas on where to go, see our guide to Best Places to Travel in October: Where to Go and Why.
Where to eat in Hanoi Vietnam
Street Food Stalls and Markets
Markets and street stalls are the best places to sample local food. Dong Xuan and Long Bien markets offer many local dishes. They also give you a glimpse of daily life in the city.
Home-Style Restaurants
Home-style eateries, known as "com binh dan," serve simple everyday meals. You usually choose a few dishes to go with rice. Many are family-run, and you can find them all over the city, including the Old Quarter.
Other Options
- Explore the Old Quarter's narrow streets for stalls and small eateries.
- Try places near Hoan Kiem Lake for both traditional and modern Vietnamese food.
- Visit Long Bien Market early to see the morning market scene.
- Join a food tour to try many dishes with a local guide.
Food etiquette
Eating out in Hanoi is social. Locals often share dishes with family and friends, and many street stalls use low plastic stools and tables.
Basic table manners
Most meals are eaten with chopsticks and a spoon. Shared dishes go in the middle of the table, and each person takes food into their own bowl. When you eat with locals, let the older people or the host start first.
Cultural norms
- Don't leave your chopsticks standing upright in your rice bowl. It looks like incense at a funeral.
- Wait until the host or the eldest person starts eating.
- Use the serving utensils for shared dishes if they are provided.
At street stalls, check what a dish includes and how much it costs before you order. If you plan a trip in a busy season, see Best Time to Book Flights in Advance: A Simple Guide.
Tips for vegetarians and allergies
Vegetarian Options
Many vegetarian restaurants in Hanoi serve Buddhist-style food. Look for the word "chay," which means vegetarian. Dishes often use tofu, mushrooms and vegetables with rice or noodles.
Gluten-Free Options
Many Vietnamese dishes are based on rice, such as rice noodles, rice paper rolls and sticky rice. Banh mi bread contains wheat, so skip it. Sauces can contain soy sauce, so ask before you order.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
If you have a serious allergy, tell the vendor before you order. Fish sauce, shrimp paste and peanuts are common, so mention them clearly.
- Learn a few Vietnamese phrases for your needs
- Carry a translation card
- Choose places with clear menus
- Watch for cross-contamination at busy stalls
Key takeaways
Must-try dishes
Start with bun cha, banh mi, cha ca and a Hanoi chicken noodle soup. At stalls and markets, you can often watch the cooks prepare your food.
Where to eat
Eat where locals eat: street stalls, markets and home-style restaurants. Dong Xuan Market is a good place to sample several dishes in one visit.
Practical tips
- Restaurants in the busiest tourist spots can cost more.
- Check prices before you order.
- Try new dishes; many are unique to Hanoi.
- For trip planning, see Best Time to Book Flights: A Practical Planning Guide.
Frequently asked questions
What to Expect
Street food in Hanoi is usually cheap, and sit-down restaurants cost more. Costs add up if you try many dishes, so check prices at each stall.
Timing
Many stalls specialize in one dish and serve it at set times. Breakfast foods like xoi and noodle soup sell early, and bun cha is mostly a lunch dish. Some stalls close once they sell out.
What to Avoid
- Choose busy stalls with a high turnover of customers. - Don't drink tap water; drink bottled or filtered water. - Many places have no English menu, so a translation app helps. ## Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Hanoi for food?
You can eat well in Hanoi all year. Mornings are a great time to try breakfast dishes at markets and stalls.
Can I find vegetarian options in Hanoi?
Yes. Look for vegetarian ("chay") restaurants, which you can find in the Old Quarter and other areas. Ask vendors if they can make a dish without meat or fish sauce.
Is it safe to eat street food in Hanoi?
Many visitors eat street food without problems. Pick busy stalls with fresh food and a clean setup.
Can I find restaurants in Hanoi that serve Western food?
Yes. Many restaurants serve Western food, including Italian and French dishes, especially in the Old Quarter and the French Quarter.
What are some popular markets to try street food in Hanoi?
Dong Xuan Market and Long Bien Market are popular. The streets of the Old Quarter are also full of food stalls.
Can I find restaurants that serve breakfast in Hanoi?
Yes. Locals often eat out for breakfast. Try banh cuon, xoi or a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Some cafes also serve Western-style breakfasts.
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