Food & Receipts

The Capital’s Delights: A Taste of Hanoi’s Top 20 Specialties.

"Hanoi is renowned for its delectable array of local specialties, offering a culinary journey like no other. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant food scene and uncover the 20 best Hanoi specialties that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From mouth-watering dishes to unique delicacies, your taste buds are in for a treat as you explore the capital's culinary delights."

Administrator

22 July, 2024

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Hanoi is a city renowned for its traditional and diverse cuisine. Hanoi’s culinary delights are highly regarded for their subtle and delicate flavors, deeply rooted in the cultural and historical identity of the city. Join us as we explore 20 must-try dishes that define the unique gastronomic landscape of Vietnam’s capital.

1Introduction to Hanoi and Its Culinary Delights

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, boasts a rich historical heritage spanning a thousand years. When you visit this enchanting city, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of cultural and culinary delights. Hanoi captivates visitors with its poetic beauty and ancient architecture, leaving a lasting impression on both domestic and international travelers.

2Top 20 Hanoi Specialties to Try

Must-Try Hanoi Delicacies

Xôi Vò Chè Hoa Cau (Sticky Rice with Jicama and Tapioca Pearl Dessert)

Xôi Vò Chè Hoa Cau

Xôi Vò Chè Hoa Cau is a traditional vegan delicacy in Hanoi. This dish is a harmonious blend of sweet tapioca pearl dessert, subtle fragrance of grapefruit blossom, and the nutty flavor of jicama. If you find yourself in Hanoi, don’t miss out on this light and elegant treat.

Vegan Pho

Vegan Pho

When it comes to Hanoi, the iconic Pho immediately comes to mind. Interestingly, this dish also has a delightful vegan version. Vegan Pho retains the characteristic flavors of traditional Pho, complemented by the subtle sweetness of plant-based ingredients.

Jicama Salad

Jicama Salad

As the lotus season in Hanoi comes to an end, dishes featuring jicama take center stage. Jicama Salad is a favorite among locals, combining the nutty sweetness of jicama with the refreshing flavors of accompanying vegetables. This dish is especially popular during the transition to autumn, as it helps cool down the body.

Another renowned vegan dish to try during Hanoi’s autumn is Stir-fried Cốm (young rice flakes). This simple yet delightful dish is prepared with only two main ingredients: cốm and plant-based protein, making it a precious treat that everyone craves when autumn arrives in Hanoi.

Vegan Nem (Spring Rolls)

Vegan Nem

Vegan Nem is a dish commonly enjoyed during special occasions, such as full moon celebrations or festivals. With a twist on the traditional Nem recipe, the vegan version offers a lighter, more delicate flavor while preserving the essence of the classic dish.

Beef Pho

Beef Pho

Beef Pho is a staple in Hanoi’s culinary scene and is considered one of the city’s best dishes. The rich broth, infused with the flavors of cinnamon and star anise, is slow-cooked with beef bones, resulting in a delightful dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on diners.

Chicken Pho

Hanoi also boasts a unique specialty: Chicken Pho. What sets this dish apart is the distinctive method of stewing chicken, resulting in a one-of-a-kind flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.

Bun Oc (Rice Noodles with Snail)

Bun Oc

Bun Oc is another specialty of Hanoi. This dish stands out due to its unique preparation of fermented shrimp paste, creating a singular flavor profile that stimulates the senses.

Cold Bun Oc (Cold Rice Noodles with Snail)

Cold Bun Oc

Cold Bun Oc is a traditional Hanoi dish with a unique twist. Unlike other Bun dishes, Cold Bun Oc is served with cold broth and a touch of vinegar, allowing diners to fully appreciate the chewy texture of the snails and the subtle, refreshing flavors of the broth.

Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish with Dill and Turmeric)

Cha Ca La Vong

If you find yourself in Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Cha Ca La Vong. This dish is a delightful combination of fresh, fatty grilled fish, subtly spiced with dill and turmeric. The addition of premium fermented shrimp paste elevates the flavors to new heights.

Bun Thang (Rice Noodles with Chicken and Pork)

Bun Thang

Bun Thang is a dish known for its delicate flavors. The broth, infused with the aroma of shrimp, is typically accompanied by chicken, pork, and egg. This dish is a favorite among locals, especially after the indulgent feasts of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Snail Stewed with Banana Flower and Tofu

Snail Stewed with Banana Flower and Tofu

This dish is a humble yet delightful offering from Hanoi’s culinary repertoire. Prepared with easily accessible ingredients such as green banana flowers, snails, and tofu, it is a popular choice for both festive occasions and intimate family meals.

Xoi Xeo (Sticky Rice with Mung Bean)

Xoi Xeo

Xoi Xeo is a variety of sticky rice with an alluring yellow hue derived from the flower of the Cochinchina grenadillo tree. This dish combines the nutty flavor of mung beans with the richness of chicken fat. Xoi Xeo is a classic Hanoi breakfast option, beloved for its delicious taste and affordability.

Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Banh Cuon

Banh Cuon is one of Hanoi’s most beloved breakfast options. Beyond the thin, chewy rice rolls and savory meat filling, the dish is elevated by a specially prepared dipping sauce that accentuates its flavors.

Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles)

Bun Cha

Mentioning Bun (rice noodles) in Hanoi inevitably leads to Bun Cha. Bun Cha Hanoi is characterized by the aroma of grilled pork marinated in a special mixture, with a subtle hint of charcoal. It is served with fresh herbs and a side of broth made from simmered pork bones. This dish is a must-try when visiting Hanoi.

Tao Pho (Soy Pudding)

Tao Pho

While the southern region of Vietnam is known for its Tau Hu Nuoc Duong (soy pudding in syrup), Hanoi has its own version called Tao Pho. Tao Pho is served with syrup infused with the fragrance of jasmine flowers, resulting in a simple yet memorable flavor combination.

Banh Ran (Deep-fried Glutinous Rice Balls)

Banh Ran

Banh Ran, deep-fried glutinous rice balls coated in granulated sugar or golden syrup, are a popular treat in Hanoi. These mouthwatering balls are primarily made from glutinous rice flour and mung beans.

Banh Com (Green Rice Flake Cakes)

Banh Com

Banh Com, or green rice flake cakes, are a well-known Hanoi snack. The cakes feature a soft, chewy shell made from fresh green rice flakes, enclosing a sweet and creamy mung bean filling. Banh Com is not only enjoyed as a daily treat but also serves as a gift and an important offering during special occasions.

Grapefruit Chè (Grapefruit Sweet Soup)

Grapefruit Chè

Grapefruit Chè is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This sweet soup captivates the palate with its subtle sweetness and delicate grapefruit fragrance, enhanced by the richness of coconut milk. It is an excellent choice among the myriad of Chè options in Hanoi.

Hanoi Specialties to Bring Home as Gifts

Chè Con Ong (Sweetened Sticky Rice with Ginger)

Chè Con Ong

Cốm Xào (Stir-fried Cốm with Coconut)

Cốm Xào

Chè Con Ong, despite its name, is not a soup but a type of sticky rice cooked in syrup. This treat offers a delightful combination of sweet syrup and the subtle spiciness of fresh ginger, making it an ideal match for Hanoi’s chilly winter weather.

Recommended reading: 33 Hanoi tourist attractions you must visit

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Frequently asked questions

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, offers a plethora of delicious culinary specialties. Some of the top dishes include Pho, Bún Cha, Cha Ca, and Xoi. Each dish has its unique blend of flavors and ingredients, showcasing the diverse and rich culinary culture of the city.

Pho is a iconic Vietnamese noodle soup that originated in Hanoi. It consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, thin slices of beef or chicken, and a variety of herbs and spices. Pho is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its balanced flavors, texture, and the comfort it brings.

Bún Cha is a dish native to Hanoi and is considered a staple in the city’s cuisine. It consists of grilled pork patties marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, served with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Cha Ca is a traditional dish made with boneless fish fillets marinated in a mixture of turmeric and other spices, then pan-fried with dill and spring onions. It is typically served with rice noodles, peanuts, and a unique fish sauce. Cha Ca has a distinct flavor and aroma, making it a beloved dish in Hanoi and beyond.

Xoi, or sticky rice, is a versatile dish that can be served sweet or savory. In Hanoi, street food vendors offer a variety of Xoi options, including Xoi Xeo (sticky rice with mung bean), Xoi Man (sticky rice with steamed pork belly), and Xoi Do Xanh (sticky rice with green beans). It’s a convenient, tasty, and affordable option for locals on the go.