7 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN HANOI
"Food is memories." - José Andrés
Exploring the Culinary Delights of Hanoi
You will never truly understand a city's essence until indulging in its culinary delights. In Hanoi, the vibrant food capital of Vietnam, food is not just a means of sustenance but a celebration of flavors, colors, and aromas. From mouth-watering street food to refined traditional dishes, Hanoi offers a captivating gastronomic adventure that will leave you yearning for more. Here is a quick list of our top places to eat in Hanoi:
Pho 10
In our opinion, this place was the best traditional Northern-style pho we’ve ever had. The beef pho had such a clean broth but also came with such deep flavors - imagine the pho you’ve been eating, but ten times better!
Pho Thin
In terms of non-traditional pho, we very much enjoyed this restaurant’s unique stir-fried garlic beef pho. The stir-fried beef makes the broth super fatty and delicious! Please note that it is a very local spot so be prepared to be yelled at and confident in finding a seat at a communal table. You should also definitely order the deep-fried Chinese donuts to eat with your pho. The crispy donut soaks up the delicious soup and it adds to the whole experience!
Bun Cha Dac Kim
This Bun Cha restaurant was much better than the very famous Obama/Bourdain restaurant (Bun Cha Huong Lien) in our opinion. The food stall isn’t the cleanest but if you can overlook it, it was delicious!
Banh Mi 25
As you wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi, you will come across the irresistible aroma of Banh Mi stalls. If you’ve never had one, a banh mi is an iconic Vietnamese sandwich mixing French and Vietnamese flavors, boasting a crispy baguette filled with savory meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a medley of pate and sauces. This specific banh mi stall is a great stop to pick up a few banh mi to fuel your adventures in Hanoi.
Bubble banh MI
If a sit-down quick-service type of restaurant is what you are looking for, then we recommend this cute little hole in the wall for more amazing banh mi with an extra crispy baguette. More hipster than traditional, but delicious nonetheless.
Giang Cafe
The original cafe that created the famous Hanoi egg coffee, a unique and indulgent delicacy. Egg coffee has been a beloved part of Hanoi's culinary landscape since the 1940s. Created by Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, this creamy and sweet concoction was born out of necessity during a shortage of fresh milk. Combining whisked egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee, this luxurious drink quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike. Today, sipping on a velvety cup of egg coffee at one of the city's traditional cafes has become a quintessential Hanoi experience, blending history, culture, and gastronomy in every memorable sip.
HOME Hanoi Restaurant
While we enjoyed eating along the streets of Hanoi during our adventures, we wanted to try an “upscale” restaurant and taste their modern take on Vietnamese cuisine. Home is an adorable "fancy" restaurant that is still very affordable in comparison to US prices. The decor is reminiscent of Hoi An with lots of little lanterns and the food was elevated and yummy. It's a good stop if you're looking for a calmer pace and dine in for a refined Vietnamese meal.
The Magic of Street Food
We cannot talk about Hanoi's food scene without mentioning its vibrant street food culture. As we explored the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, our senses were tantalized with the fragrant scents of sizzling meats, tangy herbs, and steaming noodle dishes. Hawkers skillfully flip Banh Cuon, a delicate rice crepe filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, while others expertly ladle out Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup.
As we made our way to the renowned food stalls along Hang Be and Hang Manh streets, we arrived at Hanoi's street food legacy; we quickly pulled up some tiny plastic stools, joined the locals, and dove into the exquisite Cha Ca La Vong, a specialty dish of turmeric-marinated fish sautéed with dill, scallions, and peanuts. We washed the flavorful and tender fish with a refreshing glass of "bia hơi," the locally brewed draft beer that perfectly complements the bold flavors of Hanoi's street cuisine.
Traditional Elegance
If you're looking for a more refined dining experience, Hanoi boasts an array of traditional restaurants where age-old recipes are preserved and presented with understated elegance. We highly recommend HOME Hanoi Restaurant for those looking for a complete meal that’s not a hawker or street stall. The restaurant looks as if it was transported from Hoi An with its intricate and colorful lanterns strewn across the rooftop and live performances at the center of this unique and historical location.
For an indulgent treat, sample the famous Bun Cha, a traditional dish consisting of grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a delectable dipping sauce. A visit to Bun Cha Huong Lien, the reputed restaurant where Barack Obama famously dined during his visit, or our local fave, Bun Cha Dac Kim, is an absolute must if you wish to savor one of Hanoi’s most delicious delicacies.
Coffee Culture in Hanoi
No culinary exploration of Hanoi is complete without immersing yourself in the city's vibrant coffee culture. The locals take their coffee seriously, and you'll find a myriad of cafes tucked away in narrow alleyways and colonial buildings. Pull up a chair, order a cup of "ca phe sua da" (iced coffee with condensed milk), and watch the world go by.
For an authentic experience, head to Giang Cafe, the birthplace of egg coffee. This rich, velvety concoction made with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk is a true Hanoi specialty that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and enough caffeine-driven energy for the day.
It’s no wonder Starbucks continues to struggle to succeed in Vietnam - Vietnamese coffee remains supreme in price, quality, and flavor. Coffee lovers and aficionados - do NOT skip the coffee here.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi's food scene is a testament to the city's rich history, culture, and the passion of its people. From street food to traditional dishes and the bustling coffee culture, every culinary experience in Hanoi is an adventure waiting to be savored. So, take a bite, sip a cup of coffee, and let Hanoi's vibrant flavors sweep you away on an unforgettable journey of gastronomic delight.
