Best Local Dishes in Hanoi You Must Try

Hanoi is not only Vietnam’s capital city but also a culinary paradise. From centuries-old recipes to vibrant street food culture, Hanoi’s cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors that travelers should not miss.

Pro tip: Let the Hanoi City Map guide you through the Old Quarter and help you discover the city’s most famous food spots.

Cha Ca – Hanoi’s Iconic Turmeric Fish

Cha Ca is one of Hanoi’s most unique dishes, made with white fish marinated in turmeric, ginger, garlic, and dill. The fish is pan-fried and served with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.

Cha Ca Hanoi – grilled turmeric fish with dill, noodles, peanuts, and herbs – a must-try local dish in Hanoi

So famous is this dish that there’s even a street in Hanoi Old Quarter named after it – Cha Ca Street. A popular spot to taste authentic Cha Ca is Cha Ca Thang Long on Duong Thanh Street, known for its rich flavor and affordable prices.

Bun Thang – The Sophisticated Hanoi Noodle Soup

Unlike the bold flavors of Pho, Bun Thang is known for its subtle yet complex broth. The clear soup is simmered with dried shrimp, squid, shrimp paste, mushrooms, radish, ginger, and a hint of vinegar. Each bowl can include up to 20 ingredients, making it one of the most refined noodle dishes in Hanoi.

Bun Thang Hanoi – delicate noodle soup with chicken, egg, mushrooms, shrimp paste, and fresh herbs

This light and aromatic dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Banh Cuon – Steamed Rolled Rice Cakes

Light and delicate, Banh Cuon is a perfect choice for breakfast or a mid-morning snack. The dish is made from thin sheets of steamed rice flour filled with ground pork, shrimp or chicken, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and Vietnamese ham (cha lua). It is usually served with blanched bean sprouts and slices of cucumber for extra freshness.

Banh Cuon – Hanoi steamed rice rolls filled with pork, mushroom, and cha lua, served with nuoc cham sauce

Banh Cuon – Hanoi steamed rice rolls filled with pork, mushroom, and cha lua, served with nuoc cham sauceAlthough the ingredients are savory, the overall flavor of Banh Cuon is mild. That’s why it’s best enjoyed with nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce), which adds a sweet, salty, and tangy kick. While you can easily find street vendors selling Banh Cuon throughout Hanoi, a popular spot in the Old Quarter is Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van, known for its English-friendly menu and authentic taste.

Bun Rieu – Crab Noodle Soup in Tomato Broth

Bun Rieu is a comforting noodle soup made with thin rice vermicelli, freshwater crab paste, and shrimp paste, served in a rich tomato-based broth. This dish is a favorite breakfast choice among Hanoians, thanks to its tangy yet savory flavors.

Bun Rieu – Hanoi crab noodle soup in tomato broth, topped with tofu, herbs, and fried crullers

The soup is typically garnished with bean sprouts, tofu, water spinach, lime or tamarind, and fresh herbs. As with most Vietnamese noodle soups, restaurants provide a basket of greens on the side — from lettuce and perilla leaves to cilantro, shredded morning glory, and crunchy fried crullers (quay).

Banh Goi – Vietnamese Fried Dumplings

Resembling small pillows in shape, Banh Goi is a deep-fried dumpling filled with a mix of glass noodles, minced pork, mushrooms, and quail eggs. The crispy rice-flour pastry shell contrasts beautifully with the savory filling, making it a favorite street snack in Hanoi.

 Banh Goi Hanoi – Vietnamese fried dumpling with pork, glass noodles, quail eggs, and dipping sauce

To balance the richness, Banh Goi is served with a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, sugar, garlic, and chili. Many locals also enjoy it wrapped in fresh lettuce and herbs for an added layer of flavor and freshness.

Find These Dishes on the Hanoi City Map Website

Most of these iconic dishes can be found in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a lively area famous for family-run eateries and bustling street food culture. By checking out the Hanoi City Map social media pages, you can easily locate popular food streets like Cha Ca Street or discover hidden restaurants tucked away in small alleys.

 Don’t forget your Hanoi City Map to guide you to the best hidden gems.

Final Thoughts: What to Eat in Hanoi

Hanoi’s cuisine is more than just food — it’s a reflection of the city’s culture and history. From the sizzling Cha Ca and the refined Bun Thang to the silky Banh Cuon and the crispy Banh Goi, each dish tells its own story of tradition and flavor.

👉 Whether you enjoy your meals at street-side stalls or family-owned restaurants, make sure these specialties are on your must-try list when visiting Hanoi. And don’t forget to bring along a Hanoi City Map to help you uncover the city’s hidden culinary gems.