Around Hanoi Cathedral: What to eat from morning to night?

Explore the vibrant culinary map around the Cathedral

Not only an ancient architectural work and historical destination, the area around Hanoi Cathedral is also a vibrant culinary paradise, where visitors can discover countless delicious dishes from early morning until late at night. The small streets interweave to create a rich culinary map, attracting anyone who loves the capital's culture.

The area of Hanoi Cathedral is always crowded and bustling. — The area around Hanoi's Cathedral is always crowded and bustling. Photo: Huy Nguyen

Famous breakfast with pho recommended by Michelin

Starting the day in this area, visitors can choose from many famous pho shops, including Michelin-starred ones.

Pho Tu Lun Au Trieu: Unique rich broth

Located right next to the Cathedral, Pho Tu Lun is a familiar address that has been awarded the Bib Gourmand (good food with affordable prices) award for three consecutive years. The restaurant's characteristic is its cloudy, fatty broth, different from most clear pho restaurants in Hanoi. The fresh beef is pounded with a knife before being put into the bowl, helping to preserve its natural sweetness. Each bowl of pho here costs from 55,000 VND.

Cloudy, rich broth is the unique feature of Pho Tu Lun restaurant. — The cloudy, rich broth is the restaurant's signature. Photo: The Bang

Pho Oanh Tho Xuong: Nam Dinh flavor in the heart of Hanoi

Just a few hundred meters away, Pho Oanh in Tho Xuong alley offers the typical Nam Dinh pho flavor. The restaurant is always crowded with customers, especially on weekends. The rare beef is thinly sliced, pounded, and then poured over boiling broth to keep it sweet and tender. The crispy, fresh brisket is also a big plus. The price of a bowl of pho here is quite affordable, starting at only 40,000 VND.

Pho Oanh has the flavor of Nam Dinh pho. Photo: Linh Trang

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: A familiar meeting place for tourists

Also a Michelin-recognized Bib Gourmand address, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is a familiar destination for many tourists, especially international visitors. The restaurant is often full and diners have to wait in line. Pho here costs from 70,000 VND per bowl.

The world of snacks keeps you busy in the afternoon

In the afternoon, the streets around the church become bustling with attractive snacks.

Grilled sour spring rolls and fried dishes

Grilled nem chua is a famous snack of this area, usually sold from late afternoon. The fresh pink nem, slightly charred edges are grilled over charcoal, served with chili sauce, jicama and green mango. In addition, visitors can order additional fries or fried nem chua.

Grilled sour sausage is a famous snack that attracts young tourists. — Grilled fermented pork roll is a famous snack that attracts young tourists. A plate of food like the one in the picture costs 220,000 VND. Photo: Huy Nguyen

Goc Da Fried Dumplings: Crispy in a small alley

Although small, the Go Da Banh Goi shop is always crowded during rush hour. The hot Banh Goi has a golden, crispy crust and a filling of meat, wood ear mushrooms, vermicelli, and Chinese sausage. The dipping sauce, mixed according to a traditional recipe, is the soul of the dish. A Banh Goi costs 14,000 VND. The shop also serves shrimp cakes, fried cakes, and fried spring rolls.

Goc Da dumplings with crispy crust and full filling. — In addition to banh goi, the restaurant also has shrimp cakes, fried cakes, fried spring rolls, tapioca dumplings... Photo: Huy Nguyen

Autumn green rice flakes: An elegant gift from Hanoi

In autumn, rustic green rice stalls appear around the Cathedral area. Enjoying the fragrant green rice or sweet sticky rice while watching the streets is an experience not to be missed.

Sticky rice with green rice attracts diners. — Green sticky rice attracts diners. Photo: Huy Nguyen

Warming dishes for the evening

When it gets dark, hot dishes take over, bringing a feeling of warmth and satisfaction.

Huyen Alley Rib Porridge

This famous rib porridge shop is a great choice for a light dinner. The porridge is made from finely ground rice flour and bone broth, making it thick and delicious. Toppings include crunchy pork cartilage, fried breadsticks and dried pork floss. Each bowl of porridge costs from 30,000 VND.

A bowl of Ngo Huyen rib porridge with full toppings. — Each bowl of porridge is usually topped with 2 fried breadsticks and some dried pork floss for more flavor. Each bowl of porridge costs from 30,000 VND.

Chan Cam Eel Vermicelli: Bib Gourmand Class

Located at the intersection of Chan Cam and Ly Quoc Su, this eel noodle shop is also recommended by Michelin Guide in the Bib Gourmand list in 2025. Diners can choose from noodle soup, mixed noodle or eel salad. The fried eel here is especially crispy, not hard or soaked in oil. The broth and dressing are both mixed harmoniously and richly. The price of each meal ranges from 45,000 to 60,000 VND.