Hanoi Street Food Tour: A Culinary Adventure Through the Old Quarter

Hanoi is often called the food capital of Vietnam, and the best way to experience its rich culinary scene is through a street food tour. Wandering through the Old Quarter’s bustling alleys, you’ll discover iconic dishes like pho, bun cha, banh mi, and the city’s legendary egg coffee.

A Hanoi street food tour is not just about eating-it’s a cultural journey that connects travelers with local traditions, family-run stalls, and the daily rhythm of Hanoi’s vibrant streets.

A Hanoi street food tour offers a delightful exploration of Vietnam's capital city, renowned for its vibrant culture, historical significance, and, above all, its delectable street cuisine. With a plethora of street food vendors scattered throughout the city, Hanoi has rightfully earned its status as a haven for food enthusiasts.

Hanoi street food tours, an integral part of its sidewalk culture, contribute to the city's charm. No Hanoi travel itinerary is complete without indulging in its tempting street food offerings. With an array of diverse dishes with distinct flavors and wholesome ingredients, Hanoi's cuisine is sure to astonish every visitor.

1. TOP 12 must-eats in your Hanoi street food tour

A Hanoi street food tour is an excellent way to experience Vietnam's vibrant culinary culture. Renowned for its unique blend of fresh herbs, spices, and harmonious flavors, Hanoi street food will bring you an unforgettable culinary experience. Let's take a look at our list of the 12 must-eats in Hanoi:

1.1 Best street foods in Hanoi for breakfast/ lunch/ dinner

1.1.1 Banh mi

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

Banh mi, a delicious French-inspired sandwich, is undoubtedly one of the best street foods in Hanoi. For the best banh mi experience, head over to Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi Old Quarter. This well-known establishment offers freshly-made banh mi with a variety of fillings such as pork, chicken, and tofu, all packed with flavor. Another excellent choice is Banh Mi Pho Co, located near Hoan Kiem Lake, which serves banh mi with crispy pig’s belly, a must-try for meat lovers.

1.1.2 Pho - An essential dish for the best Hanoi street food tour

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

Pho is a ubiquitous Hanoi street food, widely recognized as Vietnam's national dish. This beef noodle soup is made with clear broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef, and served with fresh herbs, raw vegetables, and lime wedges. For those looking for the best pho experience in Hanoi, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pho Ly Quoc Su, Pho Thin, and Pho Bat Dan in the Old Quarter are all renowned for their classic beef pho.

1.1.3 Vermicelli with grilled pork (Bun cha)

Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Bun Cha Ta: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Bun cha, a dish of grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce, is a quintessential Hanoi street food that is loved by locals and visitors alike. For an unforgettable bun cha experience, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, which was famously visited by Former US President Barack Obama during his trip to Hanoi. Another great option is Bun Cha Ta in the Old Quarter, which serves a tasty and affordable version of this classic dish.

1.1.4 Vietnamese sticky rice (Xoi) - A perfect dish to kickstart your Hanoi food tour

For an exceptional Xoi experience, make your way to these recommended spots to indulge in the best xoi in town:

Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Xoi Ga Hang Hom: 42 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Xoi Ba Son: 46 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Xoi, a delightful sticky rice dish with a variety of flavorful toppings like fried shallots, shredded chicken, or pork floss, is a beloved street food in Hanoi. Hanoians particularly enjoy xoi as a favorite breakfast option, starting their day with its comforting flavors.

1.1.5 Vermicelli with fried tofu and fermented shrimp paste (Bun dau mam tom)

For a memorable bun dau mam tom experience, be sure to visit these recommended destinations:

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

Bun dau mam tom, a renowned Hanoi street food, showcases a delightful combination of rice vermicelli noodles, tofu, and pork belly, accompanied by fermented shrimp paste. The unique blend of flavors and textures has made it a beloved choice among locals and tourists alike.

In addition to bun dau mam tom, other noodle dishes worth trying in Hanoi include bun oc (snail noodle soup), bun thang (chicken noodle soup), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), and bun moc (meatball noodle soup).

1.2 Ideal Hanoi street foods for a light meal

1.2.1 Sweet soup (Che)

For an unforgettable Che experience, make your way to these places:

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

Che, or sweet soup, is the best dessert to beat the summer heat in Hanoi. The che in Hanoi features layers of red beans and mung beans, glutinous rice balls, herbal jelly cubes, and a drizzle of syrup topped with coconut shreds. For an unforgettable Che experience, make your way to these places:

1.2.2 Vietnamese fried donut (Banh ran) - One of the best Hanoi street foods

Some good places to get this snack are:

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

Banh ran, a delectable Vietnamese fried donut, is an absolute must-try on your Hanoi street food tour. This delightful treat can be found at every market or street corner in the city, beckoning food lovers with its enticing golden crust, crispy texture, and flavorful fillings. With its irresistible taste, banh ran is perfect for enjoying as a late afternoon snack, satisfying your cravings with its delicious flavors.

1.2.3 Rice paper salad & Vietnamese pizza (Banh trang tron & Banh trang nuong)

To try these special dishes, visit:

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

Rice paper salad and Vietnamese pizza are popular night-time snacks in Hanoi, readily available on almost every corner. Rice paper salad consists of rice paper, quail eggs, shredded mango, fresh herbs and flavorful dried shredded beef. Meanwhile, Vietnamese pizza features crispy rice paper topped with beaten egg, dried shredded beef, minced pork, sausage, and more.

1.2.4 Green papaya with beef jerky salad (Nom bo kho)

When in Hanoi, immerse yourself in the tantalizing flavors of Nom at these renowned establishments:

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

Nom, a true testament to the wholesome and well-balanced cuisine of Vietnam, is a must-try dish to visitors. This vibrant salad features green papaya and carrots, combined with flavorful beef jerky, crunchy peanuts, aromatic herbs, and a harmonious blend of mixed fish sauce.

1.2.5 Hot bagel twist (Quay)

Let’s visit some of the best hot bagel twist shops in Hanoi:

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

Hot bagel twist (banh quay nong) is a must-try Hanoi street food that should not be overlooked by tourists. Made from flour, these crispy and hot bagel twists are commonly served as a side dish alongside the famous pho and other noodle dishes. When dipped in the broth of pho, the bagel twists take on a subtly sweet taste. This hot and crispy delicacy is especially popular in winter.

1.2.6 Hot plain rice flan (Banh duc) - Among the best foods for your Hanoi street food tour in winter

Some of the best places to eat the delicious banh duc in Hanoi are:

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

Banh duc, also known as plain rice flan, is renowned for its simplicity. It is considered a staple dish in the Northern region of Vietnam. Made primarily from non-glutinous rice flour or corn flour and peanuts, banh duc has a jelly-like texture and a mild flavor. A hot bowl of plain rice flan is topped with ground pork, finely-chopped wood ears, fried onions, roasted sesame seeds, and fragrant herbs.

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1.2.7 Fried fermented pork roll (Nem chua ran)

When it comes to the best Nem chua ran in Hanoi, be sure to visit:

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

Nem chua ran, a delightful deep-fried fermented pork roll, is just one of the many delectable fried delicacies you can find in Hanoi. Made from a mixture of flour, cured pork, and pork rinds, Nem chua ran undergoes a natural fermentation process for a short period to achieve the perfect balance of flavors without becoming overly sour.

2. Best Time to Join a Hanoi Street Food Tour

• Evening (5–9 PM): The most popular time when food stalls are lively and the streets are full of energy

• Morning (7–10 AM): Perfect for tasting traditional breakfasts like pho or xoi (sticky rice)

• All year round: Hanoi street food is available in every season, but autumn and spring offer the most comfortable weather for walking tours.

3. Tips for Enjoying Your Hanoi Street Food Tour

• Come hungry: You’ll be eating a lot-skip lunch if you’re joining an evening tour.

• Ask questions: Local guides love sharing cultural insights and food stories.

• Wear comfortable shoes: Walking tours usually cover 2-3 km through bustling streets.

• Try something new: Be adventurous-some of Hanoi’s best flavors come from unexpected dishes.

• Respect local vendors: Follow your guide’s lead when taking photos or interacting with stall owners.

A Hanoi street food tour is more than just a meal-it’s a cultural adventure through the city’s heart. From slurping noodles on tiny plastic stools to sipping egg coffee in a hidden café, every stop brings you closer to the soul of Vietnam.

Whether you’re a foodie, a culture seeker, or just curious about local life, a street food tour in Hanoi is an experience you can’t miss.

👉 You might also like:

If you’re planning to join a street food tour in Hanoi and want to stay close to the action, Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa is the perfect choice. Nestled in the heart of the Old Quarter, the hotel offers travelers a comfortable retreat just steps away from bustling markets, hidden alleys, and the city’s best street food stalls.

Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

With its blend of modern amenities and traditional Vietnamese charm, Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa provides a cozy base for exploring Hanoi. From here, you can easily walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, and other cultural landmarks, making it ideal for both food lovers and culture explorers. Whether you’re enjoying a late-night bowl of pho or setting out early for a guided food tour, staying at Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa puts you right where the flavors of Hanoi come alive.

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