Hanoi Street Food: Top 10 DELICIOUS dishes You Can’t Miss
Want to know about Hanoi Street Food ? And how to eat and enjoy the culinary adventure in Hanoi ? If you are wondering these questions? Don’t worry, in this post, Prime Travel will help you discover TOP 10 Must-Try dishes when you travel to Hanoi, Vietnam !
I. What is attractive about Hanoi street food ?
Hanoi street food is one of the most attractive aspects of this city. It is a reflection of its rich history, culture, and diversity. Hanoi street food offers a variety of dishes that are delicious, affordable, and satisfying. You can find everything from noodles, sandwiches, and soups, to cakes, ice cream, and coffee. Hanoi street food is also a way to connect with the locals and experience their daily life.
II. Top 10 Must-try Dishes in Hanoi street food
1. Banh Mi
Banh Mi – The world’s best street food is a Vietnamese sandwich that consists of a crusty baguette filled with various ingredients such as meat, pate, cheese, pickles, vegetables, and sauces. Banh Mi is a fusion of French and Vietnamese influences, and it is one of the most popular street foods in Hanoi. You can find Banh Mi stalls everywhere in the city, and each one has its own specialty and flavor.
Banh Mi – The world’s best street food ( Source: Internet )
Some of the most common types of Banh Mi are:
- Banh Mi Thit: with pork, ham, or sausage
- Banh Mi Ga: with chicken
- Banh Mi Pate: with pate and cheese
- Banh Mi Trung: with egg
- Banh Mi Chay: with tofu and vegetables (for vegetarians)
2. Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a dish that consists of grilled pork patties and slices served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. Bun Cha is a signature dish of Hanoi, and it is often eaten for lunch.
Bun Cha Ha Noi – One of the best dishes to try in Hanoi ( Source: Internet )
The pork is marinated with garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and vinegar, and then grilled over charcoal until charred and juicy. The rice noodles are thin and soft, and the herbs add freshness and aroma to the dish. The dipping sauce is made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, and chili, and it balances the flavors of the meat and noodles.
3. Pho
Pho is a famous Vietnamese noodle soup that consists of rice noodles, broth, meat, and herbs. Pho is considered the national dish of Vietnam, and it is eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pho originated in northern Vietnam, and Hanoi is known for its authentic and flavorful Pho.
Pho – The symbol of Vietnamese cuisine ( Source: Internet )
There are two main types of Pho in Hanoi:
- Pho Bo: with beef
- Pho Ga: with chicken
The broth is the soul of Pho, and it is simmered for hours with bones, spices, onion, ginger, and other ingredients. The rice noodles are thin and smooth, and the meat is tender and sliced thinly. The herbs include basil, mint, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers.
4. Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon is a dish that consists of steamed rice crepes filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. Banh Cuon is a delicate and light dish that is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Banh Cuon with tasty flavor In Hanoi ( Source: Internet )
The rice crepes are made by spreading a thin layer of rice batter on a steaming cloth over boiling water. The filling is seasoned with salt, pepper, shallots, and fish sauce. The dish is served with fried shallots, cilantro, sliced cucumber, bean sprouts, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, and chili.
5. Pho Cuon
Pho Cuon is a dish that consists of rice noodles rolled with beef and herbs in rice paper wrappers. Pho Cuon is a modern variation of Pho that was invented in Hanoi in the late 1990s. It is similar to spring rolls or summer rolls but uses rice noodles instead of rice vermicelli.
Hanoi Street Food: Pho Cuon ( Source: Internet )
The beef is marinated with garlic, soy sauce, and sugar, and then stir-fried until cooked. The herbs include basil, mint, cilantro, and lettuce. The dish is served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, and chili.
6. Ca Phe
Ca Phe is Vietnamese coffee that is brewed with a metal filter called a phin over a cup of condensed milk. Ca Phe is strong, bitter, and sweet, and it can be enjoyed hot or iced. Ca Phe is a part of the daily life of Hanoians, who love to sip it in the morning, afternoon, or evening. You can find Ca Phe shops and stalls everywhere in the city, and each one has its own blend and style.
Coffee ( Ca Phe ) – Hot drink in Hanoi ( Source: Internet )
Some of the most popular types of Ca Phe are:
- Ca Phe Sua: with condensed milk
- Ca Phe Sua Da: with condensed milk and ice
- Ca Phe Den: black, without milk
- Ca Phe Trung: with egg yolk and sugar
Read more>>> Coffee in Vietnam
7. Cha Ca
Cha Ca is a dish that consists of grilled fish marinated with turmeric, galangal, and dill, served with rice noodles, peanuts, scallions, herbs, and a dipping sauce. Cha Ca is a specialty of Hanoi, and it has a history of over 100 years. The dish was created by the Doan family, who owned a restaurant called Cha Ca La Vong in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Cha Ca La Vong – One of the traditional dishes in Hanoi ( Source: Internet )
The fish used for Cha Ca is usually catfish or snakehead, and it is cut into bite-sized pieces and skewered on bamboo sticks. The fish is grilled over charcoal until golden and crispy, and then transferred to a sizzling pan with oil, turmeric, galangal, dill, and scallions. The dish is served on a hot plate with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, and chili.
8. Trang Tien Ice Cream
Trang Tien Ice Cream is a Hanoi specialty that has been delighting generations of locals and tourists since the mid-20th century.This ice cream offers a variety of flavors made from natural Vietnamese ingredients, such as coconut milk, chocolate, beans, and young rice.
Hanoi Street Food: Trang Tien Ice Cream since 1958 ( Source: Internet )
Trang Tien Ice Cream is famous for its buttery and luscious taste that can be enjoyed in any season. Whether you prefer a cone, a cup, or a stick, you will find it that suits your palate and mood. Don’t miss this iconic Hanoi treat when you visit the city!
9. Xoi Xeo
Xoi Xeo is a dish that consists of sticky rice topped with mung bean paste, fried shallots, and shredded chicken or pork. Xoi Xeo is a colorful and tasty dish that is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Xoi Xeo – The popular Hanoi Food ( Source: Internet )
The sticky rice is cooked with turmeric, which gives it a yellow hue. The mung bean paste is made by steaming and mashing mung beans with oil and salt. The fried shallots add crunch and aroma to the dish. The shredded chicken or pork is seasoned with salt, pepper, and fish sauce.
10. Kem Xoi
Kem Xoi is a dessert that consists of sticky rice topped with coconut ice cream, roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds. Kem Xoi is a unique and delicious dessert that combines hot and cold elements.
Kem xoi – Favorite dish for hot summer ( Source: Internet )
The sticky rice is cooked with pandan leaves, which give it a green color and a fragrant smell. The coconut ice cream is creamy and sweet, and the roasted peanuts and sesame seeds add crunch and nuttiness to the dessert.
III. TIPS for taking the best Hanoi food tour
Hanoi is a paradise for street food lovers, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing for first-time visitors. How do you know where to go, what to eat, and how to avoid getting sick? That’s why taking a street food tour with a local guide is the best way to experience the authentic and delicious cuisine of this city. Here are some tips for taking the best Hanoi street food:
How to choose the best Hanoi Food Tour ( Source: Le Yen )
- Pick a reliable and experienced tour company with good reviews and ratings.
- Book your tour early to avoid missing out.
- Tell your guide about any dietary needs or preferences you have.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and exploring.
- Bring water, tissues, and hand sanitizer for hygiene and safety.
- Be adventurous and open-minded. Try new things and learn about the food and culture.
- Have fun and enjoy the food and the experience.
Here is the TOP 10 unique and delicious dishes in Hanoi, hope that after reading this post, Prime Travel hope that you will have the best experience in Hanoi Street food.
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