Explore Hanoi’s culinary hotspots this 2/9 holiday with these suggestions for alleys and streets offering delectable delights right in the heart of the capital.
Quick guide: Alley next to Dinh Liet Street and Old Hang Be Market; Hoan Kiem Lake Snack Street; Dong Xuan Alley next to Dong Xuan Market; Ngu Xa – the “Pho Cuon” (rice noodle roll) paradise; and back to the Alley next to Dinh Liet Street and Old Hang Be Market.
The alley next to Dinh Liet Street and the Old Hang Be Market, about 200 meters long, boasts a plethora of long-standing eateries, including Nhàn Duck Vermicelli, Sướng Pho, and Mixed Squid Glass Noodles. A must-visit is Pho Suong, run by the descendants of Mr. Ty, known for his iconic “green-shirted Chinese-style pho”. Their broth is simmered for 14-15 hours with beef bones, ginger, and fish sauce, creating a unique flavor that keeps customers coming back for more.
The alley next to Dinh Liet Street is a renowned culinary destination in Hanoi. Photo: Linh Trang
For a unique treat, try Sam Cay Si’s fish and vermicelli soup. Their signature dish is the fish and meat roll, with a soft fish roe exterior, minced pork and wood ear mushroom filling, and a crispy fried coating. The sweet and distinctive flavor of the fish, along with the tangy broth made from fish bone stock and a mix of pineapple and tomato, makes for a delightful culinary experience.
From this alley, take a stroll to Hang Be Market to indulge in Huong Tra’s chicken pho or purchase some delicious fish stew and roasted bird.
Hoan Kiem Lake Snack Street
This 50-meter-long street is dubbed Hanoi’s “snack paradise,” famous for its dry beef salad. Long-standing establishments like Long Vi Dung, Thanh Hai, and Hai Sinh are always bustling with customers. The salad consists of beef tendons, liver, and spleen, mixed with shredded green papaya, and dressed in a sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Most shops are open from 9 am to 11 pm, with the busiest hours being between 4 and 5 pm. Besides the signature salad, you can also enjoy roasted bird, fried spring rolls, sour meat rolls, and a variety of refreshing drinks.
The enticing dry beef salad. Photo: Thao Trinh
Dong Xuan Alley (next to Dong Xuan Market)
Located in the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Alley is also known as one of Hanoi’s culinary hotspots. Despite its narrow width of about 200 meters, the alley is packed with dozens of eateries offering a variety of dishes at affordable prices. With just VND 100,000-150,000, you can enjoy a satisfying meal.
At the entrance of the alley, you’ll find the famous Aunt Am’s shrimp cakes. The cakes are made with a unique blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, eggs, and turmeric, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, papaya and carrot salad, and fresh herbs. Each cake costs only VND 15,000.
Venture further into the alley to discover nearly 70-year-old Thuý’s snail vermicelli soup joint, serving traditional snail vermicelli soup and a unique snail and banana blossom version. The clear broth, sweetened with banana blossom vinegar, has a distinctive sour taste that attracts many diners.
After indulging in the main course, satisfy your sweet tooth with some dessert at the end of the alley.
The renowned snail vermicelli at Dong Xuan Alley. Photo: Linh Trang
“Pho Cuon” (Rice Noodle Roll) Paradise at Ngu Xa
Located by Truc Bach Lake, the Ngu Xa peninsula has long been famous for its rice noodle rolls. Popular spots like Chinh Thắng, Hưng Bền, and Hương Mai are conveniently clustered together, making it easy for visitors to explore and indulge.
The rice noodle rolls are made with large sheets of rice noodles, wrapping tender stir-fried beef and herbs, and served with a sweet and sour fish sauce. Other variations include puffed fried pho, egg-fried pho, and pho mixed with tamarind sauce, offering a diverse dining experience.
Chinh Thắng’s pho cuon, recognized in the Michelin Selected 2025 guide. Photo: Luong Minh Trang
