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Hanoi food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Hanoi.
What to eat in Hanoi
5 signature dishes, 3 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Phở Bò
A fragrant beef noodle soup with a rich, star anise-infused broth, tender slices of beef, and fresh herbs. It's the quintessential Hanoi breakfast and a national icon.
Bún Chả
Grilled pork patties and slices served in a bowl of sweet and savory dipping sauce, accompanied by rice vermicelli noodles and a generous plate of fresh herbs. The smoky char of the pork is key.
Chả Cá Lã Vọng
Turmeric-marinated fish, pan-fried tableside with dill and spring onions, served with vermicelli, peanuts, and shrimp paste. It's a unique Hanoi specialty with a distinctive aroma.
Bánh Cuốn
Delicate steamed rice rolls filled with seasoned ground pork and mushrooms, topped with fried shallots and served with a light dipping sauce. The texture is incredibly light and smooth.
Cà Phê Trứng
Hanoi's famous egg coffee, a rich espresso topped with a creamy, sweet, meringue-like froth made from egg yolks and condensed milk. It's a decadent dessert-like coffee experience.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bustling, historic, sensory overload.
More local, slightly less tourist-centric, authentic.
Relaxed, scenic, trendy cafes and restaurants.
Dietary notes
Hanoi's traditional cuisine is heavily reliant on pork, beef, and fish, making strict vegetarian or vegan options challenging to find outside of specialized eateries. Many dishes contain fish sauce or shrimp paste. Gluten-free options may be limited due to soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients in some preparations.
Local etiquette
- •Always use your right hand when giving or receiving anything, especially money or food.
- •Slurping noodles is acceptable and a sign of enjoyment.
- •When eating street food, sit on the small plastic stools provided; it's part of the experience.
- •Tipping is not customary, but rounding up the bill for good service is appreciated.
- •Carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) as many street vendors and small shops do not accept cards.