Where to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter is always a significant concern for tourists visiting this vibrant area. A Hanoi Old Quarter food tour, packed with various street foods of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, awaits your exploration. Besides famous attractions, discovering the best eateries enhances your travel experience. Here are 12 outstanding locations to savor the most delicious dishes during your Hanoi trip.
1. Hang Quat Street for Kebab Rice Noodles (Bun Cha)
Bun cha is one of the most famous Vietnamese noodle dishes. The version on Hang Quat Street entices visitors with its mouthwatering aroma of marinated pork, grilled over charcoal and served with fresh noodles and vegetables. The accompanying fish sauce enhances the flavor, often enriched with lemon juice, water, and sugar.
- Suggested location: Alley 74, Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District
2. Cha Ca Street for La Vong Fish Cake
A must-try for Hanoi food lovers, Cha Ca La Vong (turmeric fish) has over 130 years of history. The dish consists of fried fish marinated with turmeric, garnished with spring onions and dill, and served with vermicelli, vegetables, peanuts, and dipping sauces. The perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sour flavors makes it unforgettable.
- Suggested location: No. 14, Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District
3. Dong Xuan Market for Snail Noodles
Dong Xuan Market is famous for its snail noodles, a beloved local specialty. The crispy snails combined with a warm, flavorful broth and fresh vegetables make it an ideal breakfast dish, especially on a chilly morning.
- Suggested location: Dong Xuan Alley, Hoan Kiem District
4. Bat Dan Street for Pho
Pho, Vietnam’s national dish, is a must-try when visiting Hanoi. Bat Dan Street offers an authentic experience with a bowl of rich and aromatic beef noodle soup.
- Suggested location: No. 49, Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
5. Hang Khay Street for Bun Dau Mam Tom
Bun dau mam tom is a rustic Vietnamese dish featuring vermicelli, crispy fried tofu, spring rolls, blood sausage, and fresh herbs. The highlight is the shrimp paste, mixed with sugar, lemon, and chili for an intense flavor. If you prefer, fish sauce can be used as an alternative.
- Suggested location: Alley 31, Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem District
6. Hang Gai Street for Fried Fermented Pork Rolls
A popular street food in Vietnam, fried fermented pork rolls are a crispy delight. For an extra treat, try the cheese-filled version, typically served with cucumber, green mango, and refreshing beverages like lemon or kumquat tea.
- Suggested location: No. 36, Tam Thuong Alley, Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District
7. Hang Chieu Street for Wonton Noodles
A bowl of wonton noodles on Hang Chieu Street features thick, chewy noodles, fragrant broth, and a variety of toppings, including dumplings, char siu, and chives, all perfectly combined for a delicious meal.
- Suggested location: No. 54, Hang Chieu Street, Hoan Kiem District
8. Hang Can Street for Sweet Soup
To satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Hang Can Street for a variety of sweet soup (che). The selection changes with the seasons, ensuring a fresh and delightful experience.
- Suggested location: No. 4, Hang Can Street, Hoan Kiem District
9. Hang Bo Street for Herbal Chicken Noodle Soup
This dish features chicken stewed with aromatic herbs like ginseng, dried jujube, and longan, offering both nutritional benefits and a unique taste.
- Suggested location: No. 24, Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District
10. Cau Go Street for Hanoi Chicken Noodles (Bun Thang)
A staple for many Hanoians, bun thang combines chicken, pork rolls, shrimp, eggs, and shiitake mushrooms for a light yet flavorful dish.
- Suggested location: No. 48, Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District
11. To Tich Street for Mixed Fresh Fruits with Yogurt
A refreshing and healthy treat, this dish includes seasonal fruits like strawberries, mango, jackfruit, and dragon fruit, mixed with creamy yogurt.
- Suggested location: To Tich Street, Hoan Kiem District
12. Hang Bong Street for Hot Bagel Twists
Crispy and golden brown, these bagel twists are served hot with fish sauce, making them a popular street snack among young people.
- Suggested location: No. 73, Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District
Explore More in Hanoi
Besides indulging in Hanoi’s cuisine, don’t forget to visit famous attractions like West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Turtle Tower, Hanoi Opera House, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Hanoi Museum. A perfect blend of culinary delights and cultural landmarks will make your trip to Hanoi unforgettable.