Top 9 Irresistible Hanoi Street Foods

1. Hot rice cake

Hot rice cake (Image source: Collected)

When talking about Hanoi street food, it would be a great oversight to ignore hot rice cake (bánh đúc nóng) – a simple yet captivating snack, especially ideal for chilly afternoons. The cake itself is made from a mixture of rice flour and tapioca flour, creating a characteristic soft and chewy texture. Added to this is a flavorful minced meat mixture stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms, drizzled with a hot, savory fish sauce, and topped with golden fried onions and fresh cilantro for a complete flavor profile.

Although hot rice cakes are sold year-round at many street vendors and small roadside stalls, the most heartwarming feeling is enjoying them on a Hanoi winter afternoon. Sitting on the sidewalk, savoring each spoonful of steaming hot cake, you'll clearly see the essence of Hanoi's street food – simple yet captivating, unassuming yet unforgettable.

2. Pork Rib Congee

Pork rib porridge (Image source: Collected)

As one of the dishes beloved by Hanoi residents for generations, pork rib porridge is not only an ideal choice for a light breakfast but also an indispensable part of Hanoi's street food map. No matter which small alley or market you visit, you'll easily spot steaming pots of porridge emanating from simple roadside stalls.

What makes Hanoi's pork rib porridge unique is that the porridge itself is made from finely ground rice, creating a smooth, creamy consistency and a naturally sweet flavor. The pork ribs are simmered until tender, chopped into small pieces, and served with minced meat, savory shredded pork, and, of course, a few crispy fried dough sticks. Enjoying a hot bowl of pork rib porridge on a chilly day or during a hurried rush hour, one finds a touch of warmth and rustic charm that is uniquely Hanoi.

3. Bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli)

Bun cha (Image source: Collected)

It's impossible to talk about Hanoi street food without mentioning bun cha – an iconic Vietnamese culinary symbol in the heart of the capital. This dish easily captivates diners, from a light breakfast to a cozy dinner, thanks to its harmonious blend of aroma and flavor.

The highlight of bun cha is the meticulously marinated and grilled pork patties, fragrant and succulent. The grilled meat is then dipped into a sweet and sour fish sauce – considered the soul of the dish. Served with fresh rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and crunchy pickled papaya, it creates a truly captivating culinary experience.

4. Types of donuts

Donuts (Image source: Collected)

Fried donuts have long been one of Hanoi's most beloved street foods, especially on cool afternoons. Made from fragrant, chewy glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet mung bean paste, these small, charming donuts are incredibly appealing. Many long-standing donut shops in the Old Quarter still maintain the traditional recipe and sell thousands of donuts every day to both locals and tourists.

The two most popular versions are the sugar-coated donuts – with a sweet, crispy layer of crystallized sugar on the outside, and the honey-coated donuts – soaked in a rich, fragrant honey glaze. Besides these, diners can also enjoy many other equally delicious treats such as savory donuts with vermicelli and meat filling, crispy pillow-shaped donuts, sweet potato donuts, and fried banana donuts – flavors that evoke nostalgic childhood memories of Hanoi.

5. Egg coffee

Egg coffee (Image source: Collected)

As one of the quintessential representatives of Hanoi's street food, egg coffee has long become an indispensable symbol in the capital's culinary culture. With its smooth, golden egg cream topping over a rich coffee base, this drink conquers even the most discerning palates thanks to its perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and bitter flavors.

Although seemingly simple at first glance, making an authentic Hanoi-style egg coffee requires skillful egg whisking techniques, along with a refined approach to coffee selection and temperature control. It's not just a cup of coffee – it's a taste experience steeped in history, transporting drinkers back to quaint little cafes in the heart of the Old Quarter.

Enjoying egg coffee is one of the must-try experiences when exploring Hanoi's culinary scene. Whether you visit a long-established café or a small roadside stall, this drink offers a warm and intimate feeling – true to the rustic yet sophisticated spirit of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

6. Bread

Bread (Image source: Collected)

When it comes to Hanoi street food, it's hard to ignore the alluring flavor of banh mi – a culinary icon that is both familiar and unique. Crispy, freshly baked bread rolls, generously filled with char siu pork, rich pate, fresh green vegetables, and a savory sauce, are sure to delight anyone who tries them.

For tourists, this is not just a quick meal, but also an indispensable cultural experience on their journey to explore Hanoi. Many have exclaimed that the banh mi here is unexpectedly delicious – even better than what they had heard about.

7. Rice rolls

Rice rolls (Image source: Collected)

As one of Hanoi's most traditional street foods, banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) has become a familiar breakfast choice for the capital's residents. The thin, soft, and hot rice flour wrapper encloses a filling of minced meat mixed with finely chopped wood ear mushrooms. When eaten, it's topped with golden fried shallots and drizzled with a rich, savory fish sauce – a harmonious combination that creates an unforgettable flavor. Banh cuon isn't elaborate in its seasonings, but diners can add lemon or chili to their liking. It's not just a breakfast dish, but an indispensable part of Hanoi's refined culinary scene.

8. Shrimp cakes

Shrimp cakes (Image source: Collected)

As one of Hanoi's most nổi bật street foods, shrimp cakes are not only appealing to locals but also captivate many foreign tourists. Originating from the West Lake area, where shrimp are caught fresh daily, this dish boasts a distinctive sweet and rich flavor.

The pancakes are deep-fried to a golden crisp with a crunchy outer layer, topped with whole, bright red shrimp, creating an eye-catching appearance and unforgettable flavor. They are typically wrapped in fresh vegetables such as lettuce, basil, and perilla leaves, then dipped into a sweet and sour fish sauce with thinly sliced green papaya and carrots. Each crispy, fragrant piece of pancake, combined with the vegetables and dipping sauce, creates an irresistible culinary experience.

9. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup (Image source: Collected)

Ranked among Hanoi's most beloved street foods, braised chicken noodles impress with their rich flavor and high nutritional value. The main ingredient is usually firm, free-range chicken or nutritious black chicken. After being prepared, the chicken is stuffed into empty beer or soda cans, along with mugwort and various herbs such as astragalus, codonopsis, and goji berries – all renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for their health benefits. Then, everything is simmered for many hours until the meat is tender and the broth has a distinctive aroma.

The dish can be enjoyed with the braised chicken on its own, or combined with noodles for added satiety and appeal. In the cool Hanoi weather, a steaming bowl of braised chicken noodles is both delicious and healthy, making it the perfect choice for both locals and tourists wanting to explore traditional cuisine.
Wandering around Hanoi, you'll realize that you don't need fancy restaurants; just stopping at a sidewalk stall or a small food cart, you can enjoy unforgettable culinary delights. Each Hanoi street food dish is a vibrant piece reflecting the lifestyle, culture, and people of this city. Don't forget to jot down a list of signature dishes to make your Hanoi exploration more complete and memorable – not only in terms of scenery, but also in every flavor.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-duong-pho-ha-noi-v17524.aspx