Top 20 best places to eat in Hanoi Vietnam - Latest updated in 2024

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is a true foodie’s paradise with various best places to eat in Hanoi Vietnam. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Hanoi’s most celebrated restaurants, street food stalls, and hidden local gems. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with fragrant pho, savory banh mi, fresh seafood, and so much more. By the end, you’ll have all the insider tips and recommendations needed to enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience in Vietnam’s capital.

Top 20 Best Places to Eat in Hanoi Vietnam

1. Huong Lien Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles aka Bun Cha Obama

• Location: 24 Le Van Huu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

This modest eatery gained international fame when former U.S. President Barack Obama dined here with Anthony Bourdain. Huong Lien serves the quintessential Hanoi dish: grilled pork with rice noodles (bún chả). Succulent grilled pork belly and meatballs are served alongside a plate of fresh rice noodles and a bowl of savory-sweet broth. The dish comes with a variety of fresh herbs and garlic, allowing you to customize each bite. Don’t miss their deep-fried crab spring rolls (nem cua bể) as a perfect accompaniment.

2. Traditional Bat Dan Beef Noodle Soup

• Location: 49 Bat Dan, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM daily

For the best beef noodle soup (phở bò) in Hanoi, head to this family-run establishment. Their rich, aromatic broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, and other spices, resulting in a deeply satisfying bowl of Vietnam’s national dish. Highly recommend trying their soup with a mix of rare and well-done beef slices. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and you can add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime to your liking.

3. Thang Long Grilled Fish

• Location: 19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM daily

Famous for its grilled fish with turmeric and dill (chả cá), this restaurant has been serving the same dish for over a century. The fish, usually snakehead or catfish, is marinated in turmeric and then grilled tableside. It’s served with a variety of fresh herbs, rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and a savory shrimp paste sauce. The interactive dining experience of cooking at your table adds to the charm of this unique Hanoi specialty.

4. Traditional Steamed Rice Rolls

• Location: 14 Hang Ga, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily

Specializing in steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn), this family-run spot offers some of the best in the city. The delicate rice sheets are filled with seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms, then steamed to perfection. They’re served with a side of crispy fried shallots and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and lime. Highly recommend trying their steamed rice rolls with fried egg (bánh cuốn trứng) for an extra protein boost.

5. Hang Bac Crab Noodle Soup

• Location: 11 Hang Bac, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM daily

This unassuming street-side stall serves up some of the best crab noodle soup (bún riêu cua) in Hanoi. The rich tomato broth is loaded with fresh crab meat, cubes of fried tofu, and chunks of tomato. It’s served with rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime and some chili sauce for an extra kick. The soup is often topped with chunks of congealed pig’s blood, which you can request to be left out if you prefer.

6. Yen Sticky Rice

• Location: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM daily

Open nearly 24 hours, Yen is the go-to place for sticky rice (xôi) at any time of day. Their extensive menu offers various toppings, from shredded chicken to pâté. Highly recommend trying the yellow sticky rice with mung beans (xôi xéo), topped with mung bean paste and crispy fried shallots. For meat lovers, the sticky rice with Chinese sausage and pork floss is a delicious option. Each serving comes wrapped in a banana leaf, adding a subtle aroma to the dish.

7. Goc Da Restaurant

• Location: 52 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily

Set in a charming old house, Goc Da specializes in home-style Vietnamese cuisine. Their menu changes daily, but always includes a variety of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Highly recommend trying their grilled eggplant with spring onions (cà tím nướng), which is smoky and tender, and their salt and pepper chicken (gà rang muối), which is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The restaurant’s ambiance, with its wooden furniture and traditional decor, adds to the authentic dining experience.

8. Bach Phuong Southern-Style Beef Noodle Salad

• Location: 67 Hang Dieu, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

This popular spot serves a delicious southern-style beef and noodle salad (bún bò nam bộ). The dish features tender slices of stir-fried beef served over a bed of rice noodles, fresh herbs, and vegetables. It’s topped with crispy fried shallots and peanuts, then dressed with a tangy fish sauce-based dressing. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Highly recommend adding extra peanuts for extra crunch and asking for some pickled vegetables on the side for added zest.

9. Banh Mi 25

• Location: 25 Hang Ca, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

For the best Vietnamese sandwich (bánh mì) in Hanoi, look no further than Banh Mi 25. Their crispy baguettes are stuffed with a variety of fillings, from classic pâté and cold cuts to vegetarian options. Highly recommend trying their grilled pork sandwich (bánh mì thịt nướng), which features juicy marinated pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a generous smear of pâté and mayonnaise. Don’t forget to ask for some chili if you like your sandwich spicy.

10. Pho Thin Bo Ho

• Location: 13 Lo Duc, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Known for their unique style of beef noodle soup (phở), Pho Thin Bo Ho stir-fries the beef before adding it to the soup, giving it a distinct flavor. The result is a rich, savory bowl of noodles that’s different from traditional pho. Highly recommend trying their soup with rare and flank beef (phở tái nạm). The broth is less sweet than other versions, with a pronounced beefiness that beef lovers will appreciate. Don’t forget to add some fresh chili and herbs to your bowl.

11. Ngon Restaurant

• Location: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Set in a beautiful colonial villa, Ngon Restaurant offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes from all regions. It’s a great place to sample different specialties in one sitting. Highly recommend trying their crispy Vietnamese pancake (bánh xèo) – a large, crispy crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and nuoc cham dipping sauce. Also worth trying are their grilled lemongrass skewers (nem lụi), which are fragrant and flavorful. The restaurant’s extensive menu and beautiful setting make it perfect for groups or those wanting to try a little bit of everything.

12. Doi Can Noodles with Fermented Fish Sauce

• Location: 49 Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

This local favorite serves the iconic Hanoi dish of rice noodles with fried tofu and fermented shrimp paste (bún đậu mắm tôm). The platter includes crispy fried tofu, slices of boiled pork belly, Vietnamese herbs, and rice vermicelli. The star of the dish is the pungent fermented shrimp paste, which might take some getting used to but is beloved by locals. If the shrimp paste is too strong, you can ask for fish sauce instead. The combination of textures and flavors makes this a unique Hanoi experience.

13. La Vong Grilled Fish

• Location: 14 Cha Ca, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM daily

One of the oldest restaurants in Hanoi, La Vong has been serving their namesake dish, grilled fish with turmeric and dill (chả cá), for over a century. The white fish, usually snakehead or catfish, is marinated in turmeric and then grilled tableside with copious amounts of dill and spring onions. It’s served with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and a pungent shrimp paste sauce. The interactive experience of cooking at your table adds to the charm of this unique Hanoi specialty.

14. West Lake Shrimp Cakes

• Location: 1 Thanh Nien, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Located near West Lake, this restaurant is famous for its shrimp cakes (bánh tôm). These crispy fritters are made with freshwater shrimp and sweet potato, deep-fried to a golden brown. The combination of sweet shrimp and crunchy batter is irresistible. They’re typically served with lettuce leaves, herbs, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce. Wrap the fritter in a lettuce leaf with some herbs for a perfect bite. The lakeside location adds to the dining experience, especially during sunset.

15. Ly Van Phuc Grilled Chicken Street

• Location: Ly Van Phuc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

This entire street is dedicated to grilled chicken, with several restaurants competing for customers. The chicken is marinated in honey and spices before being grilled to perfection over charcoal. The result is juicy, flavorful meat with crispy, caramelized skin. Highly recommend trying it with a side of sticky rice and pickled vegetables. Don’t miss the grilled chicken feet and wings, which are local favorites. The bustling atmosphere of the street adds to the experience.

16. Sam Cay Si Fish Noodle Soup

• Location: 5 Duong Thanh, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM daily

This modest eatery serves some of the best fish noodle soup (bún cá) in Hanoi. The light, flavorful broth is complemented by tender pieces of fried fish cake and fresh dill. The soup is served with rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs. Highly recommend adding a squeeze of lime and some chili for extra flavor. You can also ask for some additional fried fish pieces if you prefer a heartier meal.

17. Huong Mai Pho Rolls

• Location: 25 Ngu Xa, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Famous for pho rolls (phở cuốn), this restaurant offers a unique twist on the classic noodle dish. Instead of being served in soup, the rice noodle sheets are rolled with beef, herbs, and lettuce, then served with a dipping sauce. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional pho, especially on hot days. Also try their deep-fried pho (phở chiên phồng), where the noodles are fried until crispy and served with a savory beef stir-fry.

18. Ba Xa Commoner’s Rice

• Location: 48 Hang Be, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily

For a true local experience, try this “commoner’s rice” (cơm bình dân) spot. Choose from a variety of pre-cooked dishes to accompany your rice. Options usually include stir-fried vegetables, braised pork, fried fish, and various types of soup. It’s a great way to sample multiple Vietnamese home-style dishes in one meal. The portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable.

19. Ly Quoc Su Vietnamese Pancake

• Location: 52 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

This tiny shop specializes in pillowcakes (bánh gối), crispy fried pastries filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. They’re called pillow cakes due to their shape resembling a small pillow. The pastry is crispy on the outside and savory on the inside. They’re the perfect snack or light meal. Highly recommend trying them with the accompanying sweet chili sauce. Also worth trying are their fried spring rolls (nem rán) if you’re still hungry.

20. Ba Thin Sweet Soups

• Location: 6 Hang Dieu, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM daily

End your culinary journey on a sweet note at Ba Thin. This dessert shop offers a wide variety of Vietnamese sweet soups (chè). Highly recommend trying their mixed bean dessert (chè thập cẩm), which includes a variety of beans, jellies, and tapioca pearls in a sweet coconut milk base. Another popular option is their glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup (chè trôi nước), a warm dessert perfect for cooler evenings. Most desserts can be served either hot or cold, making it a great stop regardless of the weather.

Tips to Hack All of the Highlight Dishes in Hanoi

1. Embrace street food: Some of the best meals in Hanoi are found on plastic stools on the sidewalk.
2. Follow the locals: If you see a long line of locals, chances are the food is worth the wait.
3. Learn some basic Vietnamese: Knowing how to order and say “thank you” can enhance your dining experience.
4. Be adventurous: Don’t shy away from unfamiliar ingredients or preparations.
5. Eat at off-peak hours: To avoid crowds, try eating slightly earlier or later than usual meal times.
6. Use condiments: Most tables will have fish sauce, chili, and lime. Use them to adjust flavors to your liking.
7. Try variations: Many dishes have regional or restaurant-specific variations. Try different versions to find your favorite.
8. Pair with local drinks: Try bia hơi (fresh beer) or cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) with your meals.
9. Don’t be afraid to customize: Many vendors are happy to adjust spice levels or ingredients upon request.
10. Save room for dessert: Vietnamese desserts are unique and delicious, often featuring beans, jellies, and tropical fruits.

Remember, the key to truly experiencing Hanoi’s culinary scene is to keep an open mind and a hungry stomach. Enjoy your food adventure in this vibrant city! Bon Appetit!

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