Food & Receipts

The Capital’s Culinary Hotspots: A Foodie’s Guide to Hanoi’s Best Eating Streets

The culinary delights of Hanoi are a force to be reckoned with. Join us on a journey through five of the city's most delectable food streets, where a plethora of mouth-watering treats await your discovery!

Administrator

9 July, 2024

Hanoi’s culinary scene is a proud testament to Vietnamese culture, boasting an endless array of delicious dishes. The city is a food lover’s paradise, with five distinct food streets waiting to be explored. Let’s dive into each of these gastronomic destinations!

1. Ngu Xa Food Street

Pho Cuon, or rice noodle rolls, is the signature dish of Ngu Xa Street, beloved by food enthusiasts. The street is lined with bustling restaurants, always vibrant and lively. Using large rice paper, various vegetables, and stir-fried beef, you can enjoy the super appealing Pho Cuon right on Ngu Xa Street.

Ngu Xa Food Street

Here are some recommended Pho Cuon restaurants in the Ngo Van So area:

Pho Cuon Chinh Thang: 118 P. Tran Vu, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Pho Cuon Hung Ben: 25 P. Ngu Xa, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Pho Cuon Huong Mai: 25 P. Ngu Xa, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

2. Hoan Kiem Lake Food Street

Hoan Kiem Lake Street is renowned for its unique “Nom Bo” salad, a signature dish that is hard to find elsewhere. This dish is intimately tied to the street’s identity, attracting many visitors who stroll around the lake. Although the street is only about 50 meters long, it is always bustling and packed with people, as it is a favorite spot for generations of Hanoians.

Hoan Kiem Lake Food Street

The perfect combination of beef ingredients such as beef tendons, liver, spleen, and especially beef shank, shredded and mixed with a sweet and sour fish sauce, will captivate your taste buds from the first bite.

Try these famous “Nom Bo” establishments on this street:

Nom Long Vi Dung: 23 P. Hoan Kiem, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Nom Bo Kho Thanh Hai: 23 P. Hoan Kiem, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

3. Ly Van Phuc Food Street

Ly Van Phuc Street is the ideal spot for gatherings and chats with friends in Hanoi. The street’s specialty is grilled chicken feet, a delicacy that draws crowds, especially when the weather is cool around 8 pm.

Ly Van Phuc Food Street

The chicken feet are marinated in a variety of spices and then grilled over charcoal, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma. The tender-sweet meat, crispy skin, and tangy-sweet dipping sauce, accompanied by a plate of pickled papaya, make for a delicious combination. Other tasty treats include honey bread, grilled beef, and more.

Check out these popular spots for grilled chicken feet on Ly Van Phuc Street:

Chan Ga Nuong Thinh Vuong: 5 P. Ly Van Phuc, Cat Linh, Dong Da, Hanoi
Viet Ha BBQ street food: 12 P. Ly Van Phuc, Cat Linh, Dong Da, Hanoi

4. Hoe Nhai Food Street

While steak is available throughout Hanoi, from restaurants to street vendors, Hoe Nhai Street stands out with its dozens of steak restaurants. The staff on this street are always enthusiastic and welcoming, and the prices for a steak meal are very reasonable.

Hoe Nhai Food Street

The “Steak Street” of Hoe Nhai has captured the hearts of food lovers with its perfect combination of ingredients: beef, eggs, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, and a special peppery sauce drizzled over the sizzling hot dish.

Here are some recommended spots to try when visiting the Hoe Nhai Food Street:

Bit Tet So 3 Hoe Nhai: 3 P. Hoe Nhai, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Bao Hang – Bit Tet So 5 Hoe Nhai: 5 P. Hoe Nhai, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Bit Tet So 20A Hoe Nhai: 20 P. Hoe Nhai, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

5. Phung Hung Food Street

When the Hanoi weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than gathering with family and friends over a hot pot in the evening. Among the many hot pot restaurants in the city, Phung Hung Street stands out as the most attractive and worthy dining destination.

Phung Hung Food Street

Here, you’ll find a variety of hot pots to choose from, including Thai hot pot, Chinese hot pot, Vietnamese hot pot, and mixed hot pot, all at very affordable prices, ranging from 250,000 to 300,000 VND per pot. Open until late at night and conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi, Phung Hung Street is always bustling with diners.

Indulge in delicious hot pots at these popular spots:

Lau Vu Phuong: 167 P. Phung Hung, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Lau Phuong Nhi: 24 P. Phung Hung, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Lau Hao Hao: 6 P. Phung Hung, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

These are the five food streets in Hanoi that we recommend. We hope that with this guide, you’ll have memorable dining experiences and enjoy the unique flavors of Hanoi to the fullest!

Frequently asked questions

Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise, and some of the best eating streets include:
– Tô Hiến Thành Street: Known for its diverse and affordable street food options, including Bún Chả, and egg coffee.
– Lương Văn Can Street: A culinary hotspot with French-inspired architecture and a variety of restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes like Pho and Cha Ca.
– Ngô Sĩ Liên Street: Home to hidden gems like Quan Co Ngang, specializing in central Vietnamese cuisine, and Xoi Yen, famous for its sticky rice dishes.
– Nguyễn Trường Tộ Street: Offers a mix of upscale and local eateries, with highlights including La Badiane, a fusion restaurant, and Banh Cuon Ba Hanh, serving steamed rice rolls.

Hanoi offers a plethora of delicious options, and some must-try dishes and drinks include:
– Pho: Vietnam’s national dish, a hearty rice noodle soup with a rich broth and your choice of meat.
– Bún Chả: Grilled pork patties and vermicelli noodles served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
– Egg coffee: A unique Hanoi specialty, featuring a creamy, meringue-like egg white foam atop strong Vietnamese coffee.
– Cha Ca: A traditional Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, typically served with vermicelli noodles and a variety of herbs.
– Banh Mi: Vietnam’s iconic sandwich, featuring a crispy French baguette filled with savory meats, paté, cilantro, and pickled vegetables.

For a fine dining experience in Hanoi, consider the following restaurants:
– La Badiane: This fusion restaurant blends French and Asian influences, offering a creative and elegant dining experience.
– Spices Garden: Located within the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel, Spices Garden showcases traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist in an elegant setting.
– Maison de Tet Decor: Housed in a beautifully restored French colonial villa, this restaurant offers a unique blend of Vietnamese and French cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
– El Gaucho: For a change of pace, El Gaucho is Hanoi’s premier steakhouse, offering premium cuts of beef and an extensive wine list.

Hanoi’s street food scene is vibrant and diverse. Here are some tips to navigate it like a pro:
– Communicate your preferences: Don’t be afraid to ask vendors about ingredients and spice levels. Many dishes can be customized to your taste.
– Practice basic Vietnamese: Learning a few key phrases can go a long way. ‘Xin chào’ (hello) and ‘cảm ơn’ (thank you) will make your interactions more pleasant.
– Embrace the experience: Street food is often about the atmosphere as much as the food. Sit where the locals sit, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
– Carry small change: Many street food vendors only accept cash, and having small denominations will make transactions smoother.