Northern Vietnam is not only famous for its beautiful tourist attractions but also for its diverse and unique cuisine, which is very popular among tourists. Join us to explore these 15 famous specialties of Northern Vietnam!
1 Introduction to Northern Vietnam Tourism
Northern Vietnam, the cradle of Vietnamese culture with a history of thousands of years. Therefore, there are numerous attractions for tourists to visit and explore.
In particular, nature has blessed Northern Vietnam with breathtaking landscapes, creating tourist destinations that attract millions of domestic and international visitors annually and are definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
In addition, Northern Vietnam is also home to cultural and historical sites and the origin of impressive architectural works.
Introduction to Northern Vietnam Tourism
2 Top 15 Northern Vietnam Specialties to Try
Specialties to Try When Visiting Northern Vietnam
Hanoi Pho
Hanoi Pho
Hanoi Pho is a representative dish of Vietnamese cuisine and one of the most beloved dishes in the world. With its clear and sweet broth, soft and chewy rice noodles, tender beef slices, and fresh herbs, Hanoi Pho creates a harmonious blend of flavors that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
- Reference price: Hanoi Pho costs around 30,000 – 70,000 VND per bowl
Recommended restaurants:
- Pho Nho: 27A Huynh Thuc Khang, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Pho Suong: 36B Mai Hac De, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hanoi Bun Cha
Hanoi Bun Cha
Hanoi Bun Cha is a traditional dish in the old Hanoi cuisine. The soft and sweet grilled pork patties, along with slices of grilled fatty pork belly, are dipped in a slightly diluted fish sauce. Served with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs, Hanoi Bun Cha offers a balanced and aromatic taste that evokes memories of old Hanoi.
- Reference price: Hanoi Bun Cha costs around 20,000 – 40,000 VND per serving
Recommended restaurants:
- Bun Cha Dac Kim: 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bun Cha Sinh Tu: 316 Pho Vong, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Cha Ca La Vong
Cha Ca La Vong
Cha Ca La Vong is a dish that originated during the French colonial period. The fish is skillfully marinated with various spices and then grilled over charcoal and pan-fried again to create a unique crispy texture. Cha Ca La Vong is typically served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste.
- Reference price: Cha Ca La Vong costs around 100,000 – 200,000 VND per serving
Recommended restaurants:
- Cha Ca Ha Thanh: 20 Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay
- Cha Ca Vong Ngu: 29 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Ca Kho Vu Dai
Ca Kho Vu Dai
Ca Kho Vu Dai, or braised fish from Vu Dai village, is a well-known Northern Vietnamese specialty. The fish is marinated with a variety of special spices and then braised in a clay pot until the meat is tender, infused with the spices, and aromatic. This dish is a must-try when visiting Northern Vietnam.
- Reference price: A 1.5kg portion of Ca Kho Vu Dai costs around 600,000 VND
Recommended restaurant:
- Ca Kho Ba Kien: No. 1, Trung Yen 10B Street, Yen Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Bun Ca Ro Dong Ha Nam
Bun Ca Ro Dong Ha Nam
Bun Ca Ro Dong Ha Nam is a popular dish among tourists due to its harmonious blend of flavors. It combines the sweet and crispy taste of fried fish with the aroma of dill and the slight sourness of star fruit, creating an indescribably delicious experience.
- Reference price: Bun Ca Ro Dong Ha Nam costs around 25,000 – 40,000 VND per serving
Recommended restaurants:
- Bun Ca Ro Dong: 120 P. Vong, Phuong Liet, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Bun Ca Ro Dong Ba La: 197 P. Kim Nguu, Quynh Mai, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Bun Ca Hai Phong
Bun Ca Hai Phong
When it comes to Hai Phong, Bun Ca Hai Phong is a must-mention dish. The golden, crispy, and sweet-tasting fish slices, combined with dill, onion leaves, and other herbs, create a harmonious blend. The rich and aromatic broth of Bun Ca Hai Phong has captivated countless diners, leaving them longing for another chance to indulge in its flavors.
- Reference price: Bun Ca Hai Phong costs around 40,000 – 60,000 VND per serving
Recommended restaurants:
- Bun Ca Cay Hai Phong: 107 P. Lang Ha, Lang Ha, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Bun Ca Hai Phong Restaurant: 286 P. Lac Trung, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Banh Da Cua Hai Phong
Banh Da Cua Hai Phong
Banh Da Cua Hai Phong is also included in this list due to its unique and delicious flavor. It is a harmonious combination of red rice noodles, crab, shrimp, squid, pork, and cha la lot (betel leaf rolls). Despite the diverse and unusual ingredients, Banh Da Cua Hai Phong is a quality dish that captivates diners with its distinct flavors.
- Reference price: Banh Da Cua Hai Phong costs around 25,000 – 60,000 VND per serving
Recommended restaurants:
- Banh Da Cua Hai Phong: 38 P. Hoang Cau, Trung Liet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Banh Da Cua Hai Phong Restaurant: 53/221, Ton Duc Thang, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Northern Vietnam Specialties to Buy as Gifts
Thit Trau Gac Bep
Thit Trau Gac Bep
Thit Trau Gac Bep, or smoked buffalo meat, is a specialty of Northwest Vietnam. The meat is made from fresh, tendon-free buffalo meat marinated with salt, chili, and mac khen (a local spice) and then smoked over a kitchen fire. When cooked, the meat has a mild smoky aroma and a chewy, sweet, and moist texture. It is especially delicious when dipped in mac khen.
- Reference price: 500g of Thit Trau Gac Bep costs around 425,000 VND
Recommended shops:
- Thit Trau Gac Bep Tay Bac: 19 Ng. 381 Nguyen Khang, Yen Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi
- Thit Trau Gac Bep Dac San Tay Bac: A12 Dong Tac, Kim Lien, Dong Da, Hanoi
Banh Cay
Banh Cay
Banh Cay is a specialty of Thai Binh province, made from (glutinous rice), gac fruit, green beans, peanuts, sesame, coconut, and ginger. A well-made Banh Cay has a balanced sweetness, the nutty aroma of roasted peanuts and sesame, the richness of coconut, and a hint of ginger’s spiciness. It is a popular choice for souvenirs when visiting Northern Vietnam.
- Reference price: A 500g box of Banh Cay costs around 65,000 VND
Recommended shops:
- O Mai Hong Lam: 224 Nguyen Van Cu, Ngoc Lam, Long Bien, Hanoi
- Dac San Dan Toc Ba Mien – Nep Huong: 42 P. Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Cu Do
Cu Do
Cu Do Ha Tinh is a simple confectionery made from malt and peanuts. However, each Cu Do maker has their own secret recipe, resulting in unique flavor profiles with different ratios of ingredients. Authentic Cu Do has a mild sweetness from malt, the nutty flavor of peanuts and sesame, a crispy outer layer, and a hint of ginger’s spiciness and tamarind’s sourness.
- Reference price: 450g of Cu Do Ha Tinh costs around 50,000 – 60,000 VND
Recommended shops:
- VM Timescity: B1 – C55 Times City, 458 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
- VM Ly Thai To: 27 Ly Thai To Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
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