Top 12 Must-Eats for Your Ultimate Hanoi Street Food Tour

No trip to Vietnam is complete without diving into the incredible street food scene of Hanoi. The capital city is a paradise for food lovers, where every alley offers something delicious, cheap, and deeply rooted in local culture.

Whether you’re starting your day or looking for a late-night snack, this guide covers the top 12 must-eats in your Hanoi street food tour, including perfect options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light bites.

1. Best Street Foods in Hanoi for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner

These iconic dishes are hearty, flavorful, and deeply representative of Hanoi’s culinary heritage.

1.1.1. Banh Mi

Save

A Vietnamese twist on the French baguette, filled with pâté, cold cuts, herbs, pickled veggies, and a dash of chili sauce.

• Banh Mi 25: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Mi Pho Co: 38 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

1.1.2. Pho – The Soul of Hanoi Cuisine

No Hanoi street food tour is complete without slurping a hot bowl of pho. Choose between pho bo (beef) or pho ga (chicken) for a comforting meal.

• Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Pho Ly Quoc Su: 18 Le Truc, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Pho Thin Bo Ho: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

1.1.3. Bun Cha – Vermicelli with Grilled Pork

Served with a bowl of grilled pork patties, sweet-sour dipping sauce, herbs, and rice noodles.

• Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi (made famous by President Obama’s visit)
• Bun Cha Ta: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

1.1.4. Xoi – Vietnamese Sticky Rice

A popular breakfast dish, topped with mung bean, fried shallots, or pork floss. Hearty and filling.

• Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xoi Ga Hang Hom: 42 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xoi Bu: 61 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Save

1.1.5. Bun Dau Mam Tom – Fermented Flavor Lovers Only

Tofu, rice noodles, and herbs served with a bold fermented shrimp paste dip. A unique Hanoian specialty.

• Bun Dau Hang Khay: 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun Dau Co Hang: 174 Xa Dan 2, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Bun Dau Ngo Gach: 4 Ngo Gach, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Save

2. Ideal Hanoi Street Foods for a Light Meal

Perfect for snacking between meals or exploring Hanoi’s street food scene on foot.

2.2.1. Che – Vietnamese Sweet Soup

Available in countless varieties (beans, coconut milk, jelly, fruits). Best enjoyed cold.

• Xoi Che Ba Thin: 1 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Che Go: 9 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Che 4 Mua: 4 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Save

2.2.2. Banh Ran – Vietnamese Fried Donut

Crispy sesame donut filled with sweet mung bean or empty with a sugar glaze.

• Banh ran Gia Trinh: 16A Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh ran Hang Chieu: 52 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh ran Vong Thi: 242 Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

2.2.3. Banh Trang Tron & Banh Trang Nuong

Save

• Banh Trang Tron: Rice paper salad with beef jerky and tangy herbs
• Banh Trang Nuong: “Vietnamese pizza” grilled with egg, sausage, and cheese

• Banh Trang Tron Chi Ba Beo: 24B Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Trang Tron Hang Trong: 86 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Trang Tron Nguyen Sieu: 3 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2.2.4. Nom Bo Kho – Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef

Crunchy, refreshing, and tangy — this salad is a favorite afternoon snack.

• Nom Bo Kho Ong Gia: 1 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Nom Bo Kho Co Van: 16B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2.2.5. Quay – Hot Bagel Twist

Save

Often served as a side with pho or congee, it’s light, crispy, and addictive.

• Quay Dui Ga: 164 Thai Thinh, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Quay Nong: 48 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Quay Nguyen Luong Bang: 149 Nguyen Luong Bang, Dong Da District, Hanoi

2.2.6. Banh Duc Nong – Hot Plain Rice Flan

Best eaten in winter, served hot with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and savory sauce.

• Banh Duc Nong Co Noi: Alley 8, Le Ngoc Han Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Banh Duc Nong Trung Tu: 103 B5, Trung Tu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Oanh Hoe Nhai: 14C Hang Than, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

2.2.7. Nem Chua Ran – Fried Fermented Pork Rolls

A crunchy street snack, mildly sour and addictive with chili dipping sauce.

• Nem Chua Ran Tam Thuong: 36 Tam Thuong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Nem Chua Ran Chi Hanh: 465 Doi Can, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Nem Chua Ran Thuy Khue: 29/21/30 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Save

3. Best Destinations for a Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour

To fully immerse yourself in the local culinary culture, head to these vibrant food hubs:

3.1. Hanoi Old Quarter

• The beating heart of Hanoi’s street food culture
• Narrow alleys, bustling food stalls, and rich history
• Ideal for sampling pho, banh mi, che, and banh cuon

3.2. West Lake (Ho Tay)

• Scenic lakeside views and a more laid-back vibe
• Try unique snacks like snail noodle soup, yogurt with sticky rice, or grilled skewers

Final Thoughts

With its diverse range of flavors and iconic dishes, a Hanoi street food tour offers more than just food — it’s a cultural journey through Vietnam’s culinary soul. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pho breakfast or a light snack of green papaya salad, Hanoi’s street food scene delivers an unforgettable experience for every palate.

Ready to eat your way through the streets of Hanoi? Bookmark this guide and start exploring today!