Food In Hanoi

Hanoi is a culinary haven, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect Vietnam’s vibrant food culture. From street food to fine dining, here’s a guide to the must-try foods and dining experiences in Hanoi:

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Street Food

1. Pho:
   • Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, with Hanoi being the birthplace of Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup).
   • Must-try spots: Pho Thin, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su.
2. Bun Cha:
   • Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.
   • Famous at Bun Cha Huong Lien (where Anthony Bourdain dined with Obama).
3. Banh Mi:
   • Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with meats, pate, vegetables, and sauces.
   • Try Banh Mi 25 or Banh Mi Pho Co.
4. Banh Cuon:
   • Steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with fish sauce.
   • Best at Banh Cuon Thanh Van or Banh Cuon Gia Truyen.
5. Cha Ca:
   • Turmeric-marinated fish grilled tableside and served with herbs, noodles, and peanuts.
   • Famous at Cha Ca La Vong.
6. Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung):
   • A Hanoi specialty, made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and coffee.
   • Try it at Cafe Giang or Dinh Cafe.

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Local Dishes

1. Bun Thang:
   • A delicate noodle soup with chicken, egg, and shrimp, often garnished with herbs.
   • Best at Bun Thang Ba Duc.
2. Xoi Xeo:
   • Sticky rice topped with mung bean paste, fried shallots, and shredded chicken or pork.
   • Popular at Xoi Yen.
3. Nem Ran (Cha Gio):
   • Crispy fried spring rolls filled with pork, mushrooms, and vegetables.
   • Often served at family meals or street stalls.
4. Goi Cuon:
   • Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice noodles, served with peanut sauce.

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Desserts and Snacks

1. Che:
   • A sweet dessert soup made with beans, fruits, and coconut milk.
   • Try Che Ba Thin or Che 4 Mua Hang Can.
2. Banh Tom Ho Tay:
   • Crispy shrimp fritters served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
   • Best enjoyed at West Lake.
3. Banh Ran:
   • Deep-fried glutinous rice balls filled with sweet mung bean paste.

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Fine Dining

1. Duong’s Restaurant:
   • Offers a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes.
2. La Verticale:
   • French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a colonial-style setting.
3. Green Tangerine:
   • A charming restaurant serving creative Vietnamese and French dishes.

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Food Streets

1. Ta Hien Street:
   • Known as “Beer Street,” it’s also great for street food and snacks.
2. Tong Duy Tan Street:
   • A hub for late-night street food, including seafood and grilled dishes.

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Tips for Eating in Hanoi

• Street Food Hygiene: Choose busy stalls with high turnover for fresher food.
• Cash: Most street vendors and small eateries only accept cash (Vietnamese Dong).
• Local Etiquette: Sit on small plastic stools and enjoy the casual dining experience.

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Hanoi’s food scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering something for every palate. From humble street stalls to upscale restaurants, the city is a must-visit destination for food lovers.