10 Best Hanoi Street Foods: Locations and Price

Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam, is well-known not only for its ancient historical sites but also for its cuisine. Hanoians take pride in their dishes, contributing to the global recognition of Vietnamese gastronomy. Generation after generation, traditional recipes, and diverse flavours have been passed down. Therefore, Hanoi's cuisine could be more attractive for visitors. With the development of the economy and tourism industry, numerous restaurants have emerged to cater to customers' demands. There are plenty of options to enjoy popular Vietnamese dishes here. However, the most delicious and authentic flavours can be found not in big restaurants, but on the bustling streets of Hanoi. Before exploring and deciding on a place to stop, look at the Hanoi street food guide. 

Things you need to know before trying Hanoi Street Food 

Vietnamese Street food culture

About the sellers, they are all local people. Some rent a small house for selling, some use their own house, and some use a small stall that can move easily. Street food stalls can be found in various locations, ranging from quiet residential areas to bustling highways. These stalls on sidewalks serve as convenient spots to grab a quick bite. They are equipped with essential cooking appliances like small gas stoves, BBQ grills, pots, pans,... The ingredients are fully prepared before. Street vendors cook the food right after your order. They often provide low stools and tables, which can be easily stored when not in use. 

Most street food stalls specialize in offering a single dish, ensuring that each serving is freshly prepared. One common characteristic shared by all these stalls is affordability. It is popular to find street food from $2-$3. 

Is Hanoi street food safe?

Street food in Hanoi is generally safe to eat, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick. 

• Choose vendors that are busy: Opt for street food stalls that are frequented by locals, as this indicates that the food is likely to be fresh and of good quality. Busy stalls often have a high turnover of ingredients, reducing the risk of food sitting out for long periods.
• Observe food handling practices: Take a moment to observe how the food is prepared and handled. Ensure that the vendor maintains cleanliness and follows proper hygiene practices, such as using clean utensils and avoiding cross-contamination.
• Eat cooked and hot food: Preferentially choose cooked dishes that are served piping hot. The heat helps kill off any potential bacteria or pathogens that may be present in the food.
• Look for fresh ingredients: Look for stalls that use fresh ingredients. If fruits, vegetables, or herbs are part of the dish, ensure they appear fresh and are properly washed.
• Trust your instincts: If something doesn't look or smell right, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid that particular food stall or dish.
• Wash your hands before and after eating: This is a simple way to help prevent the spread of germs.

Top 10 Hanoi street food - Price and Locations 

Pho - Hanoi's best street food

Pho or “Vietnamese Noodle Soup” is an iconic dish of Vietnamese.  It is a noodle soup made with beef broth, rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and a variety of herbs and spices. If you don’t like beef, you can change to other ingredients like chicken or seafood. It typically costs around 30,000 - 50,000 VND ($1.3 - $2.2). You can find excellent Pho at places like Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan, Pho Thin, or Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su.

Famous places for Pho in Hanoi Old Quarter: 

• Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan: 49  Bat Dan Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Pho Thin: 13 Lo Đuc, Pham Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Trong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Pho Bat Dan: 29 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Pho Bac: 1 Hang Than Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Pho Thinh: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Banh My - A must-eat food in Hanoi 

This is a baguette sandwich that is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and chilli sauce. Banh mi is a popular street food and can be found all over Hanoi. A banh mi costs around 15,000 - 25,000 VND ($0.65 - $1.1).  

Check out Banh Mi at: 

• Banh Mi 25: 25 Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Mi Ngon: This is another popular Banh Mi shop located at 14 Hang Buom Street.
• Banh Mi Tram: This is a small Banh Mi shop located at 30 Dinh Ngang Street.
• Banh Mi Huong Lien: This is a popular banh mi shop located at 10 Hang Ma Street.
• Banh Mi Vi Moc: This is a small Banh mi shop located at 27 Han Thuyen Street.
• Banh Mi Pho Co: 12 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Mi Ba Lan: 6 Hang Đieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Mi 12:12 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)

(Grilled Pork with Vermicelli): This is a grilled pork and noodle dish that is considered to be Hanoi's signature dish The pork is grilled over charcoal and then served with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce. A plate of bun cha costs around 50,000 - 70,000 VND ($2.50 - $3.50). 

Where to eat Bun Cha? Look at these locations

• Bun Cha Huong Lien (also known as "Bun Cha Obama"): 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Bun Cha Ta: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun cha Nem cua be 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Bun cha Dac Kim: This restaurant is located at 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun cha Quan 4: 18 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun Cha Hang Quat: 74 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Nem (Spring Rolls)

The spring roll holds as one of the most special culinary in Hanoi. Originally crafted with a combination of shrimp, pork, carrots, crab, and various vegetables wrapped within a thin wrapper, these traditional Vietnamese spring rolls can be enjoyed in two distinct forms: fresh or fried.You can find nem for approximately 10,000 - 20,000 VND ($0.4 - $0.9) each. 

Addresses for delicious Nem - Hanoi street food: 

• Nem Hang Cot: 55 Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Nem Luong Van Can: 22 Luong Van Can, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Nem Cha Cua Đong: 23 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Nem Ngoi: 34 Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Nem Ran Hang Buom: 13 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Cha Ca (Grilled Fish with Turmeric and Dill)

This is a grilled fish dish that is made with turmeric, dill, and chilli peppers. It is a popular dish in Hanoi and is often served with rice noodles. Cha ca is more delicious when it’s hot.  A plate of cha ca costs around 50,000 - 70,000 VND ($2.50 - $3.50). 

Location for local Cha Ca restaurants: 

• Cha Ca La Vong: 14 Chả Cá Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Cha Ca Thang Long: 19 - 21 - 31 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Cha Ca Anh Vu: 116 Kham Thien Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
• Cha Ca Ha Noi: 85 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Cha Ca Ngoc Ky: 4 - 6 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Xoi (Sticky Rice)

This is sticky rice that is cooked in bamboo tubes. It is a popular breakfast dish in Hanoi. Vietnamese prefer a plate of Xoi and a cup of coffee to start the day. Xoi xeo is one of Hanoi’s best-seller dishes because of the easy to eat, nutritious and convenient to take away.  A serving of xoi costs around 15,000 - 20,000 VND ($0.75 - $1). 

Check out these address: 

• Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xoi Ga 31 Nguyễn Hữu Huân: 31 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xôi Trần Quốc Toản: 14 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xoi Hoang Dieu: 59 Hoang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xoi 82 Hang Dieu: 82 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Banh xeo (Vietnamese Savory Pancake)

It is a savoury Vietnamese pancake that is known for its crispy exterior and delicious fillings. The name "bánh xèo" literally translates to "sizzling cake," which refers to the sound the batter makes when poured onto a hot skillet. Banh xeo costs around 25,000 - 40,000 VND ($1.1 - $1.7) per piece. 

Check out those location: 

• Banh Xeo Cau Go: 17 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District
• Bánh Xeo Zon: 12 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Xeo 46A: 46A Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Xeo Nguyen Huu Huan: 74 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Xeo Hang Bo: 67 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Xeo Lo Đuc: 87 Lo Đuc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Banh cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

These are steamed rice rolls filled with pork, mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms. It’s ta favourite choice for breakfast or a light meal throughout the day. A plate of banh cuon costs around 25,000 - 35,000 VND ($1.25 - $1.75)

Some famous places for Banh Cuon the Old Quarter Hanoi: 

• Banh Cuon Ba Trieu: 101 Ba Trieu Street
• Banh Cuon Thanh Van: 12-14 Hang Ga Street
• Banh Cuon Ngon Que Huong: 31 Hang Bac Street. 
• Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Do Thuy: 117 Hang Bac Street.

Che (Sweet Dessert Soup)

It is a sweet soup or pudding-like dish made with various ingredients such as beans, grains, fruits, and jelly, all mixed together in a sweet syrup or coconut milk base. Chè comes in a wide variety of flavors and textures, offering a delightful and refreshing treat.

When exploring the streets of Hanoi, you can find Che at street food stalls, small dessert shops, or even vendors selling che from their carts. These vendors often display their selection of che in large glass jars, allowing you to see and choose your desired combination of ingredients.

Locations for Che: 

• Che Bong Tuyet: 101 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Che Ngon Ba Ty: 43 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Che Chuoi Đau: 35 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Che Mam May: 12 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Che Ngon 36: 36 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Oc - Vietnamese snail dishes

Oc is a famous food in Hanoi, especially for young people. Oc dishes typically consist of various types of snails cooked in flavorful sauces and seasonings. The snails are often stir-fried, grilled, or boiled to perfection. The sauces can range from spicy and tangy to savory and aromatic, adding a burst of flavor to the snails.

The price per serving is around 50,000 - 150,000 VND ($2.2 - $6.5).

You can find tasty Oc at: 

• Oc Hanh, 14 Bat Đan Street
• Oc Minh, 117 Hang Buom Street
• Oc Thuy, 36 Hang Bong Street
• Oc Bich, 17 Hang Ngang Street
• Oc Anh, 14 Hang Khay Street
• Oc Sanh, 101 Hang Đao Street
• Oc Ngon, 19 Hang Be Street

Hanoi Street food tour reviews?

Based on the information above, I hope you can create a list of famous Vietnamese street food when visiting Hanoi. One important point to note is that Vietnamese cuisine uses a diverse range of ingredients. If you're not allergic, you can fully explore the street food paradise in the Hanoi Old Quarter. However, if you have allergies or are not compatible with certain ingredients such as eggs, milk, beans, seafood, or beef, be sure to carefully select your dishes and inquire before ordering. 

The best way to organize a Hanoi street food tour is by looking at Hanoi street food tour reviews. Besides. vendors often have limited English proficiency, so consider finding a local guide if you feel it's necessary. Experiencing Vietnamese street food alongside a local who truly understands and appreciates it cannot be compared to exploring it on your own. Their deep connection to the cuisine, their daily interactions with it, and their personal enjoyment of the flavours make the experience truly special.