The Capital’s Culinary Delights: Unveiling Hanoi’s Old Quarter’s Top 5 Midnight Munchies

Grilled Nem is a specialty of Hanoi

Au Trieu Street is a suggested destination for grilled Nem enthusiasts. Many people affectionately refer to this street as the “grilled Nem capital” of Hanoi, as it has been famous for its delectable grilled Nem for many years.

The grilled Nem here has a fresh pink color, with a sticky coating, and is grilled directly over charcoal. The Nem, slightly charred and emitting a mouthwatering aroma, is best enjoyed hot off the grill.

In addition to grilled Nem, patrons can order fried Nem, french fries, fish jerky, green mango, and quench their thirst with a refreshing glass of lemon tea. The street is open all day and night, with prices ranging from just a few dozen thousand dong, so you don’t have to worry about time or money. Gather your friends and indulge in the Au Trieu grilled Nem combo for an ideal Hanoi experience.

Hang Bo Street – Grilled Squid

Don’t miss out on Hang Bo’s grilled squid

The evening is when the squid stalls on Hang Bo’s sidewalk come alive, with the peak hours being after 10 pm, operating until 2-3 am. On the deserted sidewalk, patrons sit on mats laid out, leisurely enjoying the fragrant grilled squid.

When ordered, the dried squid is grilled to perfection over charcoal, then thoroughly pounded to make it fluffy and soft. Finally, it is shredded into fine strands and served on a plate. The sweet grilled squid, dipped in spicy chili sauce, is a favorite among many.

The stalls also offer beverages, fresh fruit, and various snacks such as fried Nem, french fries, fish jerky, and golden ribbonfish. Grilled squid prices start at 200,000 VND per squid, depending on size.

Gam Cau Street – Grilled Beef

Gam Cau Street is known for its delicious and affordable grilled dishes

Gam Cau Street has made its mark in the hearts of Hanoi’s foodies as a street lined with grilled food vendors. The grilled dishes here are sold as sets or à la carte. Each set includes a variety of items such as beef navel, beef, pork belly, mushroom-wrapped beef, and grilled offal. All the food is marinated to perfection.

The tender pieces of meat are grilled with butter in cast iron pans lined with foil, releasing an irresistible aroma. The chewy and flavorful grilled dishes are best enjoyed with quail or sweet and sour plum sauce, accompanied by crispy buttered bread. Although these are street-side vendors, they attract a large number of customers due to their delicious food and affordable prices, starting at just 150,000 VND per person.

Hang Hom Street – Chicken Noodle Soup

Hanoi’s delectable chicken noodle soup

In the evening, Hang Hom Street, a mere 100-meter-long stretch, transforms into a go-to destination for foodies craving chicken noodle soup. There are 3 to 4 chicken noodle soup restaurants on this street, especially those serving mixed chicken noodle soup. In addition to noodle soup, patrons can order chicken bun thang, chicken congee, noodle soup, chicken salad, deboned chicken feet, and chicken porridge.

Hang Hom Street can be dubbed the “headquarters” of all things chicken. The chicken noodle soup and chicken congee restaurants here are almost always packed, and customers sometimes have to wait for a table. The dishes are praised for their delicious taste and reasonable prices. The restaurants usually operate from 5 pm to 11 pm, with prices starting at 35,000 VND per dish.

Ho Hoan Kiem Street – Vietnamese Salad

Hoan Kiem Lake’s Vietnamese salad will not disappoint

Ho Hoan Kiem Street, one of the shortest streets in the capital, is home to 3 to 4 Vietnamese salad vendors. Patrons affectionately refer to it as “Hang Nom” street due to its famous dry beef salad. In addition to the familiar dry beef salad, the vendors also sell bird salad, summer rolls, and cassava cake…

Each bowl of beef salad here includes dry beef, char siu, tendons, thin-sliced meat, and beef leaf. It costs about 35,000 VND to eat in and 40,000 – 50,000 VND to take away. The salad vendors are bustling from morning to late at night. Customers fill the indoor and sidewalk seating areas, with the busiest time being in the evening.