Hanoi is not only known as the capital of Vietnam but also for its diverse and rich cuisine, with many delicious dishes that leave a lasting impression on visitors. Below are some must-try dishes you shouldn’t miss when visiting Hanoi.
1.Hanoi Beef Pho (Phở Bò Hà Nội)
When it comes to Hanoi’s cuisine, you simply cannot miss beef pho – a signature dish that has gained worldwide fame. The broth is light yet flavorful, made by simmering beef bones to perfection. The soft, smooth rice noodles paired with thinly sliced, perfectly cooked rare beef, fresh herbs, and crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy) create an irresistible flavor combination. You can enjoy this famous dish at popular spots like Phở Thìn Lò Đúc or Phở Bát Đàn.
2. Bún Chả
Hanoi’s bún chả has a distinctive flavor, made from grilled pork belly and meatballs cooked over a charcoal grill. It is served with fresh vermicelli noodles and a tangy-sweet fish sauce. To enhance the taste, diners often add fresh herbs such as lettuce and coriander. Notably, Bún Chả Hàng Mành and the famous Bún Chả Obama at Hương Liên are two well-known spots to enjoy this delightful dish.
3. Bún Thang
Bún thang is a refined dish that combines a variety of ingredients, with a clear and subtly sweet broth made from chicken bones, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms. A bowl of bún thang features fresh rice noodles, thinly sliced egg crepes, shredded chicken, Vietnamese pork sausage (giò lụa), dried shrimp, and fragrant herbs. One of the must-visit places to enjoy this dish is Bún Thang Cầu Gỗ, where you can savor the delicate flavors and artistry of this traditional Hanoi specialty.
4. Chả Cá Lã Vọng
The famous chả cá Lã Vọng has long been a specialty of Hanoi. The dish features fresh snakehead fish marinated with turmeric and various spices, then grilled over charcoal and sautéed with oil and green onions. When served, you wrap the grilled fish with rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers, accompanied by a rich and flavorful fermented fish sauce (mắm tôm). This combination creates an irresistible appeal that makes chả cá Lã Vọng a must-try dish in Hanoi.
5. Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây
Bánh tôm Hồ Tây consists of just two main ingredients: flour and shrimp. The dish features a crispy golden-brown shell that encases fresh shrimp, deep-fried to perfection. It is typically served with fresh herbs and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce. This dish makes for an ideal snack while you stroll around West Lake (Hồ Tây), enjoying the picturesque sunset views. The combination of the crunchy exterior and the succulent shrimp, paired with the vibrant herbs, makes bánh tôm Hồ Tây a must-try treat for both locals and visitors.
6. Cốm Làng Vòng
When talking about autumn in Hanoi, one cannot forget cốm Làng Vòng, with its tender, fragrant green grains. Cốm can be enjoyed on its own or used in various dishes, such as chè cốm (green rice pudding), bánh cốm (green rice cakes), and chả cốm (green rice spring rolls). Particularly, cốm is a special gift during the autumn season, symbolizing the traditional flavors of the capital. This dish captures the essence of Hanoi’s culinary heritage and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the tastes of the city.
7. Xôi Xéo Hà Nội
Xôi xéo is a popular breakfast dish among the people of Hanoi, featuring soft, fragrant glutinous rice topped with smooth mashed mung beans, rich scallion oil, and savory shrimp floss. You can enjoy xôi xéo at various street food stalls or small eateries scattered throughout the streets of Hanoi. The combination of the sticky rice, creamy mung bean topping, and flavorful accompaniments makes xôi xéo a satisfying and delicious way to start your day in the capital.
Above are some of the best dishes you should try when visiting Hanoi. Each dish reflects the rich cultural heritage and culinary style of the Hanoians, ensuring that you will remember these flavors and grow to love Vietnam even more.