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Unveiling Hanoi’s Timeless Treasures: 3 Legendary Bún Riêu Spots Thriving for Decades, Where Flavor Endures and Crowds Overflow

With its refreshing, light taste in the heat and warming comfort during colder weather, bun rieu has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Below are three renowned establishments known for their consistent quality and authentic traditional flavors.

Administrator

25 November, 2025

In Hanoi, numerous bun rieu (crab noodle soup) eateries have stood the test of time, becoming go-to spots for connoisseurs. Here are three iconic destinations renowned for their consistent quality and traditional flavors.

Thanh Hồng Bun Rieu – Over 20 Years Preserving Traditional Crab Flavors

Thanh Hồng is a longstanding establishment with over two decades of history. Initially, it specialized in traditional crab noodle soup. Later, the menu expanded to include crab hotpot, mixed vermicelli, and side dishes like fried tofu, beef, pork, and crispy breadsticks.

Originally located on Thi Sách Street, the restaurant has since moved to Hòa Mã Street, offering a spacious and clean environment. What sets Thanh Hồng apart is the steaming hot bowls of bun rieu, aromatic with crab flavors, harmoniously colored with tomatoes and fried tofu. Each serving includes blanched vegetables, ensuring a comfortable dining experience without fear of stomach chills.

Open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, the restaurant caters to customers at any time of day. Prices range from VND 35,000 to 60,000, depending on the chosen toppings. Thanks to its consistent flavors and swift service, Thanh Hồng remains a top recommendation for bun rieu in central Hanoi.

Hồng Phúc Alley Bun Rieu – A Three-Generation Family Legacy

Nestled in Hồng Phúc Alley, at the intersection of Nguyễn Trung Trực and Hòe Nhai Streets, Mrs. Thiệp’s bun rieu stall is one of Ba Đình’s most famous street food spots. Despite its modest setup with plastic chairs by the sidewalk, the stall consistently draws crowds due to its generations-old traditional flavors.

According to family lore, the stall dates back to before the evacuation period. Passed down from Mrs. Thiệp to her descendants, it has now spanned three generations. The stall’s front always displays the quintessential bun rieu ingredients: a large pot of crab broth on the left, a basket of noodles on the right, and a glass case in the middle filled with toppings like snails, fried tofu, and beef.

The broth is crafted from ground freshwater crabs, blended with the mild tartness of vinegar and tomatoes. Diners can add shrimp paste to suit their taste for a richer flavor. The stall’s fame lies in its balanced taste: naturally sweet broth, gentle sourness, and a hint of signature spice. Despite its simplicity and sidewalk setting, the stall maintains a steady stream of patrons year after year.

Open from 3:00 PM until late, each bowl costs between VND 25,000 and 50,000, depending on toppings. This is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike seeking an authentic Hanoi-style bun rieu experience.

Quang Trung Bun Rieu – Huyền Thu Restaurant Since 1986

Located in alley 2F Quang Trung, Huyền Thu is one of Hoàn Kiếm District’s oldest bun rieu spots, specializing in crab and snail noodle soup. Its standout feature is the use of native snails instead of golden apple snails, ensuring a crispy texture and distinct aroma.

Despite its prime location on a major street, the restaurant has a small frontage, with a glass case at the entrance for ordering before seating. This layout is convenient but can make it easy for tourists to overlook.

The bun rieu here is highly praised for its rich crab broth, made purely from crabs without bean additions. Diners often enhance their bowls with vinegar, chili oil, and fresh herbs. Prices range from VND 40,000 to 90,000, depending on toppings like beef, brisket, pork, or snails.

According to the owner, the bun rieu recipe is a culmination of years of personal experience and customer feedback. Starting as a morning-only street stall that often sold out early, the restaurant now serves continuously from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM due to growing demand. However, some patrons note that the crowds can sometimes affect service quality.

A small note: the broth contains MSG. Those sensitive to it should inform the staff in advance. Nonetheless, this remains a popular choice for those seeking a full-flavored bun rieu with high-quality toppings.

Bun rieu is more than just a daily dish for Hanoians; it’s a culinary cultural icon sought after by visitors to the capital. From humble alley stalls to larger establishments, each venue offers a unique flavor profile, united by meticulous preparation and a deep connection to tradition.