Best Hanoi restaurants Banh cuon dish

I wanted to put together this list of the best Hanoi restaurants and places to eat for all food lovers!

Hanoi is a fabulous food city, a haven for foodies and a destination that will leave you craving more.

Check out my list of the best Hanoi restaurants, street food stalls, cafes, and must-visit places to eat.

Before my arrival, I researched the best Hanoi food spots through reviews, food blogger recommendations, and local tips – and then I hit the pavement and set out there to eat.

I usually do a lot of research before eating my way around a new food city or country on my travels. My thoughts behind this is because you may only be there once in your life.

A huge motivation behind my passion to travel is food. So, I aim to have as many memorable food experiences as possible.

I ate at many restaurants, street food vendors and family-run eateries in Hanoi. However, I’ve hand-picked only the best food spots for my Hanoi Food Guide. 

If you’re visiting Hanoi and want to explore the best Vietnamese cuisine in the city, this Hanoi food guide is essential.

Let’s Dive In! 20 Best Hanoi Restaurants and Places to Eat:

PHO

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a quintessential dish in Vietnamese cuisine that has gained international fame for its superb flavours and comforting qualities. 

Pho primarily comprises three key elements: a delicate, aromatic broth, rice noodles, and various garnishes and toppings. The broth is the heart and soul of pho, created by simmering beef bones, fragrant spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and charred onions and ginger for hours, resulting in a rich, savoury base.

The rice noodles used in pho are flat, thin, chewy and smooth. They are typically cooked separately and added to the bowl before the piping hot broth is poured over.

Pho is traditionally served with various garnishes and toppings, allowing diners to personalise their bowl according to their preferences. Common additions include thinly sliced beef or chicken, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime wedges, chilli peppers, and hoisin sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.

Best Hanoi Restaurants to Eat Pho

1) Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc Str

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc

This place was a recommendation from my local Airbnb host. He claimed it was one of the best Hanoi restaurants to taste outstanding pho, so I gave it a shot. He was right, this dish is exceptional.

The base of the broth is light and fragrant, but the depth of flavour is crazy. 

This simple restaurant had just local diners during my visit, not a tourist in sight. They make just one dish here, pho bo (beef noodles), and you pay at the door upon entry. 

A bowl of Pho is VND 70,000 (3 USD), and I was given a tip to order a serving of quay (long savoury donut), because this is how the locals eat this dish.

So an order of quay is VND 5000 ($0.20c), three pieces of quay on a plate.

After taking a seat, my pho arrives, a massive bowl of delicious broth, thinly sliced beef, chewy fresh noodles, and vibrant spring onions. 

It was phenomenal, and I must admit that the quay elevated the dish. So dunk them into your pho and absorb all of those wonderful flavours and enjoy.

Hands down, this is one of the best places to eat in Hanoi; so don’t miss it.

Address: 13 P. Lò Đúc, Phạm Đình Hổ, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Pho, with a side order of quay

Price: VND 70,000 (Pho), VND 5000 (quay) 

2) Phở Xào Phú Mỹ

This small, busy place gets excellent reviews for its Pho Bo (beef noodles) and the stir-fried beef noodles dish. Unfortunately, I was running out of time and stomach room to eat in Hanoi when I finally made it here.

I enjoyed a big, beautifully flavoured bowl of pho bo after a recommendation from a local friend.

It was incredible! As I sat there enjoying every mouthful, I watched local couples and families dine here, and it seemed that they all ordered the stir-fried beef noodles dish, an obvious sign that it must be exceptional too.

I’ve pinned this place for the next time to return to try that dish. Either way, this has to be one of the best Hanoi restaurants to save for your visit.

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Phở Xào Phú Mỹ

Address: 45 P. Bát Đàn, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Pho Ap Chao (Noodle Soup) OR Pho Xao Bo (Stir Fried Beef Noodles)

Price: VND 65,000 (Pho), VND 75,000 (Stir-fried Noodles) 

3) Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn

You’re going to love this! Another exceptional place to enjoy Pho, and it’s located just a few doors away from the excellent pho restaurant that I’ve just listed above.

This pho place is fantastic and very popular with locals and visitors, so be prepared for queues when it’s busy.

The broth in this pho is very light, yet packed with aromatics and flavour. The meat is tender, and of good quality too.

best pho hanoi

I’d recommend adding a dash of vinegar to really get the flavours to sing.

If you’re planning on eating here for breakfast, then arrive as early as possible, between 7.30 – 8.30 am. After this time, it gets really busy and it’s often that they will sell out.

Address: 49 P. Bát Đàn, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Pho Tai Nam

Price: VND 60,000

BANH MI

Banh Mi is the rockstar of Vietnamese street food! It’s a ridiculously delicious sandwich that combines a crispy French baguette, mouthwatering fillings like grilled pork, chicken or marinated beef, pickled veggies for that zing, fresh herbs, and flavourful sauces. 

Banh Mi is my favourite sandwich, and I tried many of them whilst researching this list of best Hanoi restaurants and street food vendors. 

There were many fantastic banh mi in Hanoi, and I think an excellent banh mi comes down to the bread; it has to be crunchy, fresh, soft on the inside and big enough to satisfy.

There are two stand-out banh mi places in Hanoi for me. I’ve listed them below.

4) Banh Mi 25

If you search online for the best Hanoi restaurants, cafes or street food vendors that make a banh mi worth writing home about, then Banh Mi 25 is a place that gets rave reviews. So, of course I had to give it a try.

Ok, I see why people talk about this place. They’re doing everything right! The baguette is fresh, crunchy, and soft on the inside; although I think the roll could be a little larger. But, even if the baguette is a little on the smaller side, the filling makes up for it! 

I ate two banh mi here, the classic BBQ pork and the grilled chicken with avocado (as I’d heard it was divine).

Both sandwiches were fantastic; I didn’t want them to end.

That’s a good sign of a memorable lunch if you ask me.

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Banh Mi 25
Try some of the best foods in Hanoi at Banh Mi 25

This place has grown so much that they’ve got two separate little restaurants across the road from where you can order for takeaway or the same place you can see the girls putting banh mi together at ninja speed.

Address: 25 P. Hàng Cá, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Banh Mi Pate Xa Xiu (BBQ pork with pate)

Price: VND 35,000 

5) Banh Mi Hoi An

I ordered the Banh Mi Special with chicken at this little Banh Mi spot; it was excellent. 

Fresh, crunchy bread, delicious BBQ chicken, all the usual vegetables and fresh herbs and the sauce inside keeps it moist. 

I recommend this place.

Address: 98 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Banh Mi Special with Chicken

Price: VND 30,000

BANH MI CHAO

Simply put, this dish is bread with a combination in a pan.

You can choose what you’d like cooked in your pan, it’s usually meats such as BBQ pork, chicken, Chinese sausage, a slab of pate and sunny-side-up eggs.

The dish comes in a tasty gravy with some warmed crusty baguettes.

6) Banh Mi 25

Yes, another tick for this place! I wanted to try this dish for breakfast rather than just ordering another banh mi.

So, I ordered the BBQ pork with pate and sunny side up egg combo pan, and it rocked!

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Banh Mi Chao

I loved the gravy, and the pate here at Banh Mi 25 is super special. Also, I liked the care taken to heat the two petite baguettes served with this dish. 

I like this restaurant, and I agree it’s some of the best food in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Address: 25 P. Hàng Cá, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Pate Xa Xiu Trung Op 

Price: VND 49,000 

BANH CUON

Banh Cuon is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine that consists of delicate and thin rice flour crepes filled with a flavourful mixture and served with a medley of accompaniments. 

This traditional dish is a favourite for breakfast or as a light meal throughout the day.

The delicate crepes are filled with a mixture commonly made of seasoned ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and minced shallots. 

This filling is seasoned with various ingredients such as fish sauce, pepper, and sometimes dried shrimp, resulting in a burst of flavour.

The crepes are filled and then rolled into delicate parcels, creating a beautiful presentation. 

Banh Cuon comes with a bowl of aromatic herbs like coriander and Vietnamese mint, crispy fried shallots, and the dipping sauce, nuoc cham, a sweet and tangy fish sauce-based condiment.

7) Bánh cuốn Bà Xuân

I stumbled upon this place on my way to explore another neighbourhood in Hanoi. My first impression was that it looked like the kind of place I’d usually seek out.

It looked clean and was relatively busy with locals, the food looked fresh and delicious and I had yet to find somewhere to enjoy Banh Cuon.

I managed to get one of the best seats in the small eatery, one where I could watch ‘the boss’ cooking the delicate rice flour crepes while chatting with diners.

Another woman was just to the side filling the crepes with the mixture, rolling them and cutting them, ready to be served.

 Only 30 seconds after sitting down, the lady brings me a small plate piled with Banh Cuon, a bowl of picked coriander, and the most delicious dipping sauce.

It is my favourite breakfast place in Hanoi; this dish is outstanding.

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Banh Cuon

Address: Dốc P. Hoè Nhai, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Banh Cuon

Price: VND 35,000 

BUN CHA

Bun Cha is a mouthwatering dish with a special place in Vietnamese cuisine. It is a classic and beloved street food speciality, especially in Hanoi. 

Bun Cha combines succulent grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, and a variety of fresh herbs and dipping sauce to create a harmonious and flavoursome culinary experience.

The hero is the grilled pork marinated in fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and other spices. The pork is then grilled over an open flame, imparting a smoky and charred aroma that enhances its taste. 

As you wander around Hanoi, you will soon notice and smell this smoky aroma everywhere.

Bun Cha starts with a plate piled high with soft, thin vermicelli noodles; it’s the perfect base for the dish. Accompanying the noodles is a generous serving of fresh herbs such as mint, coriander, and perilla leaves, which add a refreshing and aromatic element to the dish.

A bowl of charred pork pieces and pork patties are served in addition to a dipping sauce, a tangy mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chilli.

The combination is terrific, and with Hanoi being the home of Bun Cha, here are a few top spots to get your fix!

Best Hanoi Restaurants to Eat Bun Cha

8) Bún chả Hương Liên

This place was made instantly famous when President Obama and Anthony Bourdain dined there together. I had my reservations about eating here as I usually steer clear of hyped-up places such as this, but it was 2 minute’s walk from my apartment.

And, my local host recommended it, and he’d been right about one other best Hanoi restaurant on my list, so I valued his opinion.

So, I went there – and the food was great. Yes, it’s busy with both locals and tourists, but the restaurant is split into three (maybe even four) levels, they sling out the food at a pretty rapid speed, yet it tastes good, and the price is right.

You can go all in and order the Combo Obama, which includes Bun Cha Special (grilled pork bun cha with pork spring roll), a large seafood roll (I recommend this, it’s delicious) and a can of local beer.

The classic Bun Cha (grilled pork) is VND 50,000, a filling meal.

Address: 24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Bun Cha Special & Nem Hai San (Fried Seafood Roll)

Price: VND 60,000 & 35,000 (seafood roll)

9) Bun Cha Ta Hanoi

A reliable spot for Bun Cha in the Old Quarter, and they’ve got a cosy little restaurant area upstairs, too (this is true for most restaurants in Hanoi). 

Sure, it’s probably geared a little towards Western tourists, but you get to sit down in a restaurant and eat some good food – and sometimes you need that after a busy day of exploring the hectic streets of Hanoi.

I’d heard this place do fantastic nem (spring rolls), so I ordered the Bun Nem Ta. It was an enjoyable meal.

Address: 21 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Bun Nem Ta 

Price: VND 65,000

10) Bún Chả Đắc Kim

I arrived pretty late on my first night in Hanoi, and after dropping my bags at my great little hotel in the Old Quarter, this is where I ended up for dinner. 

It was busy, the food looked good (big portions), and I could sit on a small plastic chair and watch the hustle and bustle on the streets, which is exactly what I felt like doing.

It was a good meal; the grilled pork was packed with flavour and had a smoky taste, the portion was very generous, and I was satisfied. I’d eat here again for sure.

Address: 1 P. Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Bun Cha (grilled pork with rice noodle)

Price: VND 70,000

CHA CA

Cha Ca is a famous dish that originated in Hanoi. It is a specialty that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the city. 

Cha Ca combines grilled fish, fragrant herbs, and noodles.

The star ingredient of Cha Ca is typically firm white fish, such as snakehead fish or catfish, marinated in a mixture of turmeric, galangal, garlic, and other aromatic spices. 

The fish is pan-fried until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.

The cooked fish is served on a sizzling hotplate and accompanied by a plate of fresh herbs and condiments.

11) Chả Cá Thăng Long

One of the best Hanoi restaurants to enjoy Cha Ca, and it’s not a secret; everyone knows about it! 

Yes, this restaurant has nice decor, good service and most importantly, the Cha Ca dish you come here to enjoy is fantastic! With its popularity, you may need to wait for a table – but it’s worth it.

Cha Ca hanoi

It is probably the most expensive Hanoi restaurant on my list, but if you know that before going in, you can enjoy a lovely dining experience here.

The option to dine here is via a set menu only. The price is VND 176,000 (7.50 USD) per person; drinks are additional. 

Address: 6B Đường Thành, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Set Menu: Cha Ca + 2 x Spring rolls

Price: VND 176,000/person + tax

XOI XEO

In Hanoi, a popular sticky rice dish locals and visitors love is “Xoi Xeo.” 

Xoi Xeo is a delicious and comforting dish made from sticky glutinous rice steamed and infused with turmeric, creating its vibrant yellow colour. 

Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack throughout the day.

The sticky rice in Xoi Xeo is topped with various savoury ingredients. 

Typical toppings include:

  • Mung bean paste.
  • Fried shallots.
  • Shredded chicken or pork.
  • Sometimes crispy fried onions or roasted peanuts for added texture and flavour.

Additionally, it may be accompanied by pickled vegetables or fresh herbs to balance the richness of the dish.

One of the key elements that set Xoi Xeo apart is the addition of a drizzle of savoury sauce made from fermented soybean (tuong) or fish sauce, which adds a depth of flavour to the dish. 

The sauce enhances the overall taste and brings together the different elements of the dish.

12) Xôi Yến

I walked past this place many times and noticed it was always bustling. So I had to see what all the fuss was about.

I wasn’t too hungry when I stopped by to enjoy my first ‘Xoi Xeo’, so I ordered the sticky turmeric rice with Chinese braised pork over the top. 

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Xoi Yen

My first impressions of this dish are that it’s comforting, filling and feels like something your mum would cook for you. I liked it. 

Many people at this best Hanoi restaurant for Xoi Xeo were enjoying a bowl with the lot!

And that’s the beauty of this dish; you can add as little or as much as you want to build more flavours, and textures; whilst keeping in mind how filling it is. 

I’d recommend a complete dish of Xoi Xeo with all the trimmings to feed two people, so remember that if you stop by here with another person. But yes, stop by here to taste this classic Vietnamese dish; it will remind you of home, wherever that may be.

Address: 35b P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000

Order This Dish: Xoi Xeo (turmeric sticky rice) with Thap Cam (mixed/everything)

Price: VND 65,000 for the dish listed above. Or you can order Xoi Xeo (rice) for VND 20,000 with braised Chinese pork for VND 20,000 as I did for a total of VND 40,000.

VIETNAMESE DESSERTS

Vietnamese desserts typically highlight a balance of flavours, incorporating sweetness, creaminess, and textures that range from chewy to crunchy. 

They often feature ingredients such as coconut milk, pandan leaves, and tropical fruits, which add distinct flavours and aromas to the desserts.

13) Chè Nhà Suvy

This little spot in a quieter part of Hanoi is relaxing and offers some tasty desserts.

I tried this beautiful dish; I didn’t want it to end—almond panna cotta topped with lychee or longan fruits.

This dish is garnished with toasted slivered almonds which adds a nice crunch to the smooth texture of the panna cotta. 

I love that they serve dessert in these beautiful blue porcelain bowls. 

Chè nhà Suvy can get crowded, especially on weekends, but the young staff are efficient. I recommend you stop by here; it’s a great spot.

Best Hanoi Restaurants -Che Nha Suvy

Address: 33 P. Quang Trung, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Chè Khúc Bạch (Almond panna cotta with lychee)

Price: VND 35,000

14) Chè Dung 93

Located in the Old Quarter, this shop has served great desserts for a long time.

So whether you want Kem Xoi (my favourite), pandan sticky rice with coconut ice cream, mango with coconut ice cream or other yummy desserts on offer, this is a solid choice for tasting Vietnamese desserts.

And, with so many to choose from, the English menu with pictures, ingredients/details and prices is appreciated.

Address: 95 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Kem Xoi (Pandan sticky rice with coconut ice cream)

Price: VND 22,000

CA PHE TRUNG (EGG COFFEE)

Egg coffee, also known as “Ca Phe Trung” in Vietnamese, is a unique and indulgent beverage that has gained popularity in Vietnam.

It is a creamy and decadent concoction that combines the rich flavours of coffee with a velvety egg-based mixture.

To make egg coffee, a small amount of strong Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a traditional drip filter. The coffee is then combined with a mixture of whisked egg yolks, condensed milk, and sometimes a touch of sugar or vanilla extract.

The egg mixture is whipped until it becomes thick and frothy, creating a creamy and velvety texture.

Egg coffee is often enjoyed as a dessert-like treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.

This unique beverage originated in Hanoi in the 1940s when fresh milk was scarce, and inventive locals began using whisked egg yolks as a substitute.

Since then, egg coffee has become a beloved speciality in Vietnamese coffee culture, particularly in Hanoi.

15) Cafe Giảng

This is one of the oldest traditional coffee houses in Hanoi. They’ve been making egg coffee for a long time, and they’ve perfected it! 

I like that the price is still very fair for an egg coffee, which is VND 35,000. Many other places in the city start at VND 40,000 for egg coffee, and they’re not nearly as good as here. 

It’s not just egg coffee on the menu here though, they’ve got many other beverages to offer.

The location is very convenient in the Old Quarter and there’s a large bright sitting space upstairs, and you may be lucky enough to score a spot on the balcony if you arrive at a quiet time during the day.

Address: 39 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Egg Coffee

Price: VND 35,000

BUN RIEU

Bun Rieu Cua is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that is known for its rich and flavourful broth. Don’t assume it’s just another variation of Pho though, it’s very different.

The dish typically consists of a tomato-based broth, vermicelli rice noodles, and a variety of toppings, with the standout ingredient being the crab or shrimp paste.

The broth of Bun Rieu Cua is made by simmering tomatoes with other ingredients such as pork bones, dried shrimp, and aromatics like lemongrass and shallots. The result is a savoury and tangy broth that is slightly sweet and acidic from the tomatoes.

The dish gets its name from the crab or shrimp paste that is added to the broth. This paste is made by grinding fresh crabs or shrimp along with their shells, which adds a distinctive seafood flavour and a reddish colour to the broth.

16) Bún Riêu

The first time I tried this dish was on my Hanoi food tour by scooter, which was awesome by the way.

My guide quickly learned that I’m a massive food lover and I knew quite a lot about Vietnamese cuisine and I’d tasted all the classic dishes already.

So, she took me here to taste this dish, bun rieu cua. I loved it.

Cua translates to crab and this soup has loads of crab flavour, yet it didn’t take over the entire taste of the broth, it compliments it perfectly. 

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Bún Riêu

I recommend tasting this dish at this simple outdoor eatery if you’d like to try something a little different.

Address: 17 Hàng Cót, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Bún Riêu Cua

Price: VND 50,000

Join a Food Tour in Hanoi: I’m a big fan of doing food tours and culinary experiences around the world. I explain more in this post about why food tours in Hanoi are a must-do experience.

NEM

In Vietnam, “Nem” refers to a type of Vietnamese spring roll. Nem is typically made by wrapping a mixture of ingredients in a thin rice paper wrapper, which is then fried until crispy or served fresh.

There are two main types of Nem: Nem Ran (fried spring rolls) and Nem Cuon (fresh spring rolls).

17) Nem Vuong

You can find delicious nem all over this food-loving city. And, you may even be thinking that spring rolls are spring rolls, right?

Wrong! Once you find a mouthwatering spring roll with just the right balance of everything, you won’t go anywhere else.

My favourite place to eat the best nem in Hanoi is Nem Vuong.

Best Nem Hanoi

Try nem cua be, made with fresh crab meat, which is particularly good. Unlike regular spring rolls, they are wrapped into a square shape before being fried.

I love this place, so do yourself a favour and pop in for some Bun Nem.

Address: 37 P. Đào Duy Từ, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Nem cua be (crab spring rolls)

Price: VND 20,000 per piece / VND 5000 Bun (noodles)

BANH RAN (and other fried street snacks)

Bánh rán is a Vietnamese dish originating from northern Vietnam. It consists of deep-fried glutinous rice balls that are crispy on the outside and deliciously chewy on the inside. The name “bánh” refers to a wide range of Vietnamese pastries, cakes, and pies, while “rán” means “fried” in Vietnamese.

The outer shell of bánh rán is crafted using glutinous rice flour, which gives it its distinct texture. The balls are carefully coated with white sesame seeds, adding a delightful nutty flavour.

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18) Quán Gốc Đa

Located just around the corner from St Joseph’s Cathedral in the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi, this simple eatery does some serious deep-fried snacks. 

You can sit down inside and enjoy a plate of assorted snacks with a cold beer (as I did before my overnight journey to Ha Giang) or pick up a bag of deep-fried bites and be on your way.

They also offer Pho cuon (fresh spring rolls), so there’s at least one snack that is reasonably healthy.

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Street Snacks

My favourite snacks at this place are:

  • Bánh Gối (also known as pillow cakes) – A popular street food with a crispy and golden brown exterior, stuffed with pork, salted duck egg, Chinese sausage, mushroom and vermicelli noodles.
  • Crispy Shrimp Cakes 
  • Bánh Cam – a mix of glutinous rice flour, rice flour, and a wheat flour crispy exterior with a soft, sweet mung bean-filled centre. Heaven!

Address: 52 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Pillow Cake OR Banh Cam

Price: Starting from VND 5,000 per piece

PHO CUON 

Pho Cuon is a popular Vietnamese dish that is essentially Pho hand rolls. 

Pho Cuon features thinly sliced beef, cooked rice noodles, fresh herbs, and other ingredients, all wrapped in a soft and translucent rice paper roll. The filling typically includes ingredients commonly found in pho, such as tender beef slices, bean sprouts, Thai basil, coriander, and sometimes pickled vegetables or slices of green onion.

The rolls are then served at room temperature, often accompanied by a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chilli, and other seasonings.

This sauce adds a tangy and savoury element that enhances the flavours of the filling. 

It’s the perfect meal or snack food when you’re craving the flavours of Pho noodle soup, without the actual soup!

19) Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng

The best place to enjoy Pho Cuon (Pho rolls). They don’t skimp on the fillings, the dipping sauce is nice and the price is very reasonable.

I also tried the Pho Chien (fried pho) here and it was fantastic. The pho is fresh, crispy and chewy; just how it’s meant to be.

Best Hanoi Restaurants - Pho Cuon

Address: 7 P. Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000

Order This Dish: Pho Cuon

Price: VND 70,000

NOM THIT BO KHA (DRIED BEEF PAPAYA SALAD)

A Vietnamese salad that features dried beef as the main ingredient.

In Nộm Bò Khô, thin strips of dried beef are combined with an assortment of fresh herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients to create a winning salad. The dried beef is full of flavour, having been marinated before being left to dry.

The salad often includes ingredients such as shredded green papaya, carrots, cucumbers, mint leaves, basil, and chopped peanuts.

The combination of textures and flavours is complemented by a tangy and slightly spicy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, chilli, and sugar. 

I must admit that the flavour of this salad does remind me of these top dishes to try in Thailand.

RELATED POST – 15 Best Chiang Mai Restaurants and Places To Eat

20) Long Vi Dung – Nom Thit Bo Kho

This local place is busy! It’s right in the heart of the Old Quarter, but it was packed with locals. They only offer a few dishes and I was told to try the dried beef papaya salad. 

It’s a good blend of balanced sauce to mix through your salad, peanuts for crunch and the saltiness of the dried marinated beef evens up the whole dish. 

There are no prices on the menu, so ensure that you ASK the price before ordering, or you may end up getting the ‘tourist price’.

Address: 23 P. Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Order This Dish: Thit Bo Kha

Price: VND 35,000

That’s it! You’ve reached the end of my list of the best Hanoi restaurants and places to eat! I hope you use this Hanoi Food Guide to eat your way around this fantastic city. Does your favourite Hanoi restaurant appear here? Let us know what it is in the comments below, and we’ll be sure to try it on our next visit to Hanoi.

Do you have a friend planning to visit Hanoi? Help them to enjoy the best food during their trip – and share our Hanoi Food Guide – they’ll appreciate it.

Travel Tips For South East Asia

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you’ll likely be spending a few days in Hanoi. If so, we highly recommend you join a food tour in Hanoi, here’s why.

And if you’re making your way to Da Nang, the beach resort city of Vietnam, don’t miss our post about the 17 Best Restaurants in Danang. No doubt you’ll be visiting one of the most charming cities in Vietnam, Hoi An.

Don’t miss our Food Lovers Guide to Hoi An with 15 excellent suggestions for what dish to eat and where to find it!

And to stay connected in the country, it’s so easy (and affordable) to get an eSIM for Vietnam. View all eSIM data packs for Vietnam.

Have you thought about what to pack for your trip to Vietnam or Southeast Asia? Our ultimate Southeast Asia Packing List has you covered for the essentials.

We highly recommend you try and plan a stop in Thailand too. What an amazing destination this is, one of our favourite countries in the world. Yes, the cuisine is fantastic and you must check out these 12 Delicious Thai Dishes.

And, don’t miss our detailed Food Guide to Chiang Mai – it lists 15 of the best places to eat! And, our guide for the best places to stay in Chiang Mai is really useful too.

Yes, we can recommend these 15 amazing things to do in Thailand and our 26 best travel tips for exploring this country are super handy to know.

We’ve got many posts about how to save money to travel, some awesome travel hacks to help your budget stretch further and even this Food Map of Asia, so you can plan your eating adventure around this delicious continent.

And finally, for our best travel advice, tips, websites, and apps we use to travel the world, find them all on our Travel Resources Page.