Northern culture in Vietnam is distinct, and Hanoi is the birthplace of many traditional dishes in the region. Hanoi food is known for its balance and subtlety rather than strong flavors. Unlike the spice-filled cuisine of Southern Vietnam, the dishes in the North are elegant, rooted in centuries of culinary perfection.
Traditional Delights
Hanoi offers a plethora of traditional dishes that are worth savoring. Here are five of the best:
Pho Hanoi
Pho, a rice noodle soup, is considered the national dish of Vietnam, and Hanoi is renowned for serving the best pho. This hearty soup, commonly eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is available from stalls throughout the city. The flavorful broth, made by simmering beef bones with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and black cardamom, is topped with noodles, green onions, and meat. Beef steak, flank, or brisket are popular choices, but chicken is also a delicious alternative.
Banh tom
Banh tom, or West Lake shrimp cakes, are crispy snacks that were originally made using freshwater shrimp from Hanoi’s West Lake. Nowadays, the shrimp comes from other waterways, but the recipe remains unchanged. Shredded sweet potatoes are mixed with batter and shaped into cakes. A whole shrimp is placed on top of each cake before being deep-fried to perfection. The crunchy shrimp complements the deep-fried cake crust, creating a delightful texture. Enjoy this delicious snack wrapped in lettuce, dipped in fish sauce, and accompanied by a cold beer.
Banh cuon
Banh cuon is a delicate rice flour roll filled with meat, mushrooms, and black fungus. Similar to a soft spring roll, it is a popular breakfast choice in Hanoi. The fermented rice batter is steamed, resulting in a thin and translucent pancake. It is then stuffed with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots, rolled up neatly, and served with a side of pork sausage, fresh herbs, and handmade nuoc mam (sweet and sour fish sauce). Despite being a carbohydrate, this dish is light enough to be reminiscent of a salad.
Cha ca La Vong
Cha ca La Vong is a dish that has become a symbol of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The Doan family has been cooking and selling these fish cakes on Cha Ca street since 1871. The fish cakes are made from snakehead fish, marinated with turmeric, shallots, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce. The fish is grilled or baked until fully cooked before being pan-seared with dill to create a crispy exterior. Serve the fish with rice vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and a side of fermented shrimp paste known as “mam tom.”
Bun cha
Bun cha is considered the capital city’s designated lunch. Fatty pork is grilled over charcoal and served in a hot, sweet broth. Thin rice vermicelli, meatballs, and a variety of pickled and fresh vegetables accompany the dish. Mix everything together in the soup for a balanced and satisfying mouthful. Former US President Barack Obama and the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain were both captivated by bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien. This modest eatery now attracts international visitors who come to order the famous “Combo Obama.”
Fine Dining and International Cuisine in Hanoi
While the best Vietnamese food in Hanoi can be found in family homes and humble stalls, the city also offers excellent international cuisine. Hanoi’s cosmopolitan charm has attracted immigrants and travelers from around the world who have left their marks on the local food scene. Here are three fine dining options that serve some of the most delectable Cantonese, Japanese, and French dishes in the country.
Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant
Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisine made with high-quality imported ingredients. This Singapore-based restaurant has been serving Chinese food in Vietnam for 25 years and has earned awards and a Michelin star for its excellence.
Kappou Ishia Sushi
For a change of pace, try an “omakase” Japanese restaurant like Kappou Ishia Sushi, where the chef curates a 10-course set menu for guests. This culinary journey includes appetizers, sashimi, a main dish, a rice course, and a delightful dessert, all hand-selected by the chef.
Spices Garden – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Experience the fusion of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with French gastronomy at Spices Garden in the luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel. This restaurant offers an exquisite menu that includes street food staples like bun cha, pho, and cha ca, prepared and presented with European techniques.
Explore the diverse culinary landscape of Hanoi by indulging in these traditional delights and experiencing the flavors of international fine dining. Whether you choose to savor the authentic local dishes or opt for a culinary journey crafted by renowned chefs, Hanoi’s food scene promises a delightful adventure.
To explore more about Hanoi’s vibrant food culture, check out our Travel Guide.