Top 10 food you must eat in Hanoi Old Quarter

1. Bun Cha – 74 Hang Quat (Bún chả 74 Hàng Quạt)

Bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) is an unmissable dish when visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter — famously chosen by President Obama during his visit to Vietnam in May 2016.

Among many places serving this dish, Bun cha 74 Hang Quat is considered a “must-try” by both locals and international visitors.

What makes it stand out is its perfectly marinated grilled pork belly — tender, juicy, and richly flavored with garlic, fish sauce, and spices, then grilled over charcoal for that irresistible smoky aroma.

Served with fresh vermicelli, herbs, and a balanced sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, this dish embodies the essence of Hanoi cuisine: simple yet refined, rustic yet deeply flavorful.

Address: 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

2. Pho Bat Dan (Phở Bát Đàn)

Pho Bat Dan is one of the oldest and most famous pho restaurants in the Old Quarter, with a history of over 100 years.

What keeps people coming back is its authentic traditional broth — clear, naturally sweet from simmered bones, with soft noodles and tender beef slices.

A special feature here is the “queue culture”: customers must line up, order, and carry their own bowls — an experience unique to Hanoi’s pho scene.

Despite its humble space, Phở Bát Đàn leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

3. Xôi Xéo – Hàng Bài

Known locally as “Xôi Xéo Cô Mây”, this traditional sticky rice stall has been around for over 25 years at the corner of Hàng Bài and Lý Thường Kiệt streets.

The glutinous rice is steamed to perfection and topped with mashed mung beans, crispy fried shallots, pork floss, and a drizzle of scallion oil — creating a rich yet comforting flavor combination.

Visitors are also charmed by the seller’s quick, skillful wrapping of xôi, a sight often photographed by tourists.

Prices range from 10,000–15,000 VND per serving, depending on your toppings. Go early in the morning — it sells out fast!

Address: Corner of Hang Bai & Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

4. Chả Cá Lã Vọng

Chả Cá Lã Vọng (grilled turmeric fish with dill) is another Old Quarter classic that every visitor should try.

The dish features marinated fish fillets (traditionally catfish) grilled over charcoal, then sautéed with dill and spring onions in hot oil right at the table.

It’s served with vermicelli, roasted peanuts, grilled rice paper, and shrimp paste with lime, chili, and sugar. For those not used to shrimp paste, fish sauce can be an alternative — though it slightly changes the original flavor.

Address: 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

5. Bún Ốc (stuffed snail vermicelli) – Ngõ Chợ Đồng Xuân

Tucked inside Dong Xuan Market Alley, this 70-year-old snail noodle shop has become a local institution.

Despite its small size and long queues, the shop remains popular thanks to its fragrant, tangy broth and generous portions of tender snails.

Only two dishes are served — traditional snail noodles and snail noodles with tofu and banana — preserving the authentic flavor of Hanoi’s old recipes. Each bowl costs 40,000–50,000 VND, depending on the toppings.

Address: 11 Đồng Xuân Alley, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

6. Nộm Mai Nga – 25 Hàm Long

Mai Nga’s Green Papaya Salad is a beloved snack spot for many generations of Hanoians.

The dish is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors — crunchy shredded papaya, tangy-sweet dressing, and savory toppings like dried beef, fried liver, or mixed nộm.

It’s often enjoyed with side dishes like steamed tapioca cakes, fried spring rolls, or fermented pork rolls — perfect for snacking. Prices range from 20,000–40,000 VND per portion.

Address: 25 Ham Long Street, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

7. Cháo Trai – Trần Xuân Soạn

A comforting dish that reflects Hanoi’s everyday cuisine, Cháo Trai (clam porridge) at Tran Xuan Soan Street is a must-try for an authentic local experience.

The porridge is made from soft-cooked rice mixed with sautéed clams, fried shallots, and a touch of pepper — creating a delicate, naturally sweet flavor that is unmistakably Hanoian.

Enjoying this dish in a small street stall lets visitors feel the warmth and simplicity of local life.

Address: 26 Tran Xuan Soan Street, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi.

8. Mì Vằn Thắn – Hàng Chiếu

Mì Vằn Thắn Bình Tây is one of the most famous wanton noodle shops in the Old Quarter, representing the fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese culinary traditions.

Each bowl is filled with golden chewy noodles, clear and savory pork bone broth, slices of barbecued pork, shrimp dumplings, and boiled eggs — creating a comforting and balanced flavor.

A bowl costs around 45,000–55,000 VND, making it a satisfying and authentic taste of Old Quarter cuisine.

Address: 54 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

9. Bún Thang Bà Đức – Cầu Gỗ

With over 30 years of history, Bún Thang Bà Đức is one of the most iconic noodle soups in Hanoi. This elegant dish features a clear chicken-and-shrimp broth with fine rice noodles, shredded chicken, Vietnamese ham, thin egg strips, mushrooms, and radish — all beautifully arranged in one bowl.

The restaurant opens from 4 PM to 10 PM, making it perfect for dinner after a stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Each bowl costs 30,000–55,000 VND, depending on the toppings.

Address: 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

10. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm – Ngõ 31 Hàng Khay

To many foreign visitors, Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (tofu and noodles with shrimp paste) is a “challenging but rewarding” food experience. While the shrimp paste’s strong aroma might be intimidating, it surprises many with its depth of flavor when paired with crispy tofu, boiled pork, and herbs.

When visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến (Alley 31 Hàng Khay, Hoàn Kiếm) is an unmissable spot for both locals and international visitors seeking to experience the authentic flavor of Hanoi’s signature Bun dau mam tom.

Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến is famous for its generous mẹt bún platter, featuring crispy golden fried tofu, fragrant green rice pork patties (chả cốm), crunchy spring rolls, chewy pork intestines, and tender boiled pork.

The fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm) is prepared using a special in-house recipe — pungent yet well-balanced, perfectly complementing the variety of accompaniments.

Each platter is priced between 60,000 and 180,000 VND, depending on the chosen combo and toppings. Nestled in a small alley and often bustling with diners, the cozy atmosphere adds to the authentic charm of Hanoi’s humble yet captivating street food culture.

Address: 27/31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

Exploring Hanoi Old Quarter’s cuisine is a journey through the city’s heart and heritage — from a steaming bowl of pho at sunrise, a fragrant plate of bún chả for lunch, to a rustic tray of bún đậu that lingers in memory long after your visit.

Each dish tells a story — of people, culture, and the enduring charm of Hanoi.

And for those who wish to experience a more refined version of Vietnamese cuisine, Diên Vị Dining is the perfect destination.

Located on the 10th floor in the heart of the Old Quarter, overlooking Hanoi’s iconic Long Biên and Chương Dương bridges, Diên Vị Dining offers a journey of “Elevating Vietnamese Flavors” — where familiar dishes are reimagined into fine dining experiences that are both elegant and deeply connected to Vietnam’s culinary soul.