The local take
Much of the city's cooking happens on the sidewalk, especially in the Old Quarter, where small stalls often focus on a single dish: bún chả with smoky grilled pork, steamed rice rolls, bánh mì with house-made pâté, or noodle soups loaded with snails. Between meals there are sticky-rice sweets, caramel flan from the French years and the city's signature egg coffee. Food alleys and wet markets show how residents shop and snack, while sit-down restaurants around Hoàn Kiếm serve shared trays of home-style dishes for groups, and a few polished dining rooms give Vietnamese flavors a modern spin.
Our local guides chose every spot and wrote a short note on why, and the chips sort the list into street food, casual meals, food markets and fine dining.
CasualBách Phương - Bún Bò Nam Bộ
If you want to try traditional bun bo, here's one eatery to add to your must-visit list.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Ruby N.
Street FoodBánh Cuốn Bà Hoành
Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh is one of the busiest street food places in the area.
Hanoi, Hoàn KiếmRecommended by Ruby N.
Street FoodCasualBánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân
Bánh cuốn is a Vietnamese culinary staple made by filling sheets of rice batter with meat, onion, jicama, and mushrooms, rolling everything up, and steaming it to perfection.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Nhung N.
Street FoodBánh Mì Hải Phòng
There are plenty of places to find bánh mì in Hanoi.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Nhung N.
Street FoodBanh Mi Lan
This bread stall opens every morning to serve fresh traditional Vietnamese bread.
Hanoi, Hai Bà TrưngRecommended by Junie B.
Street FoodBanh My Mama
Banh My Mama is a popular street food stall in the Old Quarter.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Junie B.
Street FoodBánh Rán Mặn
Bánh Rán Mặn is the place to go in the Old Quarter if you want to try traditional Vietnamese doughnuts.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Junie B.
CasualBếp Prime
Bep Prime serves traditional Vietnamese specialties from Hanoi and beyond.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Ruby N.
CasualBlue Butterfly
Located at 69 Mã Mây, the Blue Butterfly Restaurant and Cooking Class offers traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes, plus an array of cocktails, wines, and nonalcoholic…
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Nhung N.
Street FoodCasualBún Chả 41 Cửa Đông
Bún Chả 41 Cửa Đông is located at 41 Cửa Đông in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Nhung N.
Street FoodBún Chả Hàng Quạt
If you want to try traditional bun cha, head to this little spot in the Old Quarter.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Junie B.
Street FoodBún Cô Dung
Bun Co Dung is a popular street food place where you can try noodle soups with a variety of exotic toppings.
Hanoi, Old QuarterRecommended by Ruby N.
Custom tour
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