Sep - 23 - 2025
Discovering the best street foods in Hanoi is like embarking on a culinary treasure hunt through Vietnam's bustling capital. Both locals and travelers are drawn to these vibrant streets for their tantalizing aromas and rich flavors crafted from recipes steeped in history. Understanding where to find Hanoi’s street food gems not only elevates your taste experience but also deepens your cultural exploration, offering insights into the essence of Vietnamese life. GTrip takes you beyond the surface, guiding you through hidden delights and must-try specialities that make Hanoi a street food haven.
Banh mi, Vietnam’s iconic sandwich, perfectly blends French colonial influence with Vietnamese culinary creativity. In Hanoi, it is known for its lighter balance compared to southern versions, with a strong emphasis on crisp baguettes, carefully arranged fillings, and bold yet harmonious flavors. Vendors offer a wide variety, from traditional pork and pate to grilled chicken, beef, or vegetarian options. Each is enhanced with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and signature sauces or house-made pate. The combination of textures creates an unforgettable street food experience, making banh mi one of the best street foods in Hanoi.
Popular banh mi varieties to try:
Recommended spots to savor banh mi in Hanoi:
Hanoi’s banh mi offers a lighter yet flavorful twist on the iconic sandwich, with crisp baguettes, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and varied fillings
Xoi is a cornerstone of Hanoi’s street food culture, cherished as both a hearty breakfast and a comforting late-night snack. What sets Hanoi’s xoi apart is its masterful balance of textures: sticky yet distinct grains that clump together just enough to create a satisfying chew. Traditional varieties like xoi xeo (yellow sticky rice with mung bean) remain popular, while modern vendors add creative toppings such as chicken, sausage, fried shallots, and pork floss. Beyond its taste, xoi captures the essence of Hanoi through its flavors, savory, slightly sweet, with umami depth from proteins and the subtle aroma of the leaves it’s wrapped in. For the truest experience, enjoy a warm serving of xoi in banana or lotus leaves, paired with a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee as the city awakens.
Popular xoi varieties to try:
Recommended spots to savor xoi in Hanoi:
Xoi combines sticky yet distinct grains with both traditional and modern toppings, offering a hearty, flavorful taste of the city’s culinary soul
Chao suon is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender pork ribs simmered until the meat falls off the bone, creating a rich, flavorful broth with a silky base from soaked rice. Unlike Chinese congee, it has a lighter consistency and is elevated with distinctive toppings like banh quay (crispy fried dough), fresh herbs, pepper, and sometimes bone marrow for extra depth. Each vendor brings their own secret blend of spices and aromatics, making every bowl unique. The harmony between soft porridge and crunchy dough, often paired with dua chua (pickled vegetables), delivers a warming and satisfying experience.
Recommended spots to savor chao suon in Hanoi:
Chao suon combines tender pork ribs, silky rice porridge, and crispy fried dough for a warming, flavorful street food experience
Banh duc nong, a quintessential Hanoi comfort food, features silky rice cakes made from rice (and sometimes corn) flour, served steaming hot in a savory broth. The dish balances the mild, tender texture of the cakes with bold umami-rich sauce, typically topped with ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, fried shallots, and fresh herbs. Popular in Hanoi’s chilly winters, banh duc nong turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting street food cherished by locals.
Recommended spots to savor banh duc nong in Hanoi:
Banh duc nong is a warm Hanoi classic, pairing silky rice cakes with savory broth, pork, mushrooms, and herbs for a comforting winter street food
Banh cuon is a delicate Hanoi street food made of thin steamed rice sheets wrapped around savory fillings like seasoned pork and wood ear mushrooms, then topped with crispy shallots and fresh herbs. Its silky texture pairs perfectly with a tangy-sweet-spicy fish sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Watching vendors skillfully pour, steam, and roll the batter is mesmerizing, with fresh, warm rolls often enjoyed in the morning alongside cha lua (pork sausage) and bean sprouts. Beloved by both locals and visitors, banh cuon is a light yet flavorful dish that stands among the best street foods in Hanoi.
Recommended spots to savor banh cuon in Hanoi:
Banh cuon is a delicate Hanoi specialty of thin steamed rice rolls filled with pork and mushrooms, topped with shallots and herbs, and paired with tangy fish sauce
Goi cuon is a refreshing street food that offers a lighter alternative to Hanoi’s many hearty dishes. Each roll is carefully wrapped with translucent rice paper, enclosing vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, lettuce, and proteins such as shrimp, pork, or tofu. The result is a harmonious balance of textures that highlight the freshness of the ingredients. What elevates goi cuon is the dipping sauce, often a mix of hoisin sauce, peanut, garlic, and chili, which adds depth and richness to every bite. This wholesome yet flavorful snack is especially popular during Hanoi’s warmer months, appealing to both health-conscious diners and street food enthusiasts alike.
Recommended spots to savor goi cuon in Hanoi:
Goi cuon are fresh rice paper rolls with noodles, herbs, and proteins like shrimp or pork, served with a savory peanut-hoisin dipping sauce
Mi ga tan stands out as one of Hanoi's most beloved comfort foods, especially cherished during the city's chilly winter months. This hearty chicken noodle soup features tender chicken slow-cooked with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, creating a deeply aromatic and nourishing broth. Distinguished by its complex yet balanced flavor profile, the soup typically comes with thin egg noodles and is garnished with green onions and fresh herbs, making it a comforting favorite among the best street foods in Hanoi.
Recommended spots to savor mi ga tan in Hanoi:
Mi ga tan is a Hanoi favorite, featuring chicken noodle soup simmered with medicinal herbs for a fragrant, nourishing broth
Com is a beloved Hanoi delicacy that captures the essence of Vietnam's autumn harvest. This seasonal specialty consists of young sticky rice grains that are carefully roasted to preserve their vibrant green color and unique aroma. The grains are pounded flat and slightly sticky, creating a distinctly soft texture that melts in your mouth. Often served with bananas or dusted with coconut, com represents the fleeting beauty of autumn and the agricultural heritage of Northern Vietnam.
Recommended spots to savor com in Hanoi:
Com, Hanoi’s iconic autumn delicacy, features tender young green rice flakes with a soft, fragrant texture, often enjoyed with bananas or coconut
Nem chua ran is a quintessential Hanoi street food that delights with its crispy exterior and tangy, savory interior. This fried fermented pork roll is made from finely ground pork mixed with garlic, chili, and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves or rice paper before being deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is a snack that is crunchy on the outside yet soft, flavorful, and slightly tangy inside. Served with fresh herbs and chili sauce, nem chua ran is a popular Hanoi snack that perfectly showcases the city’s bold street food flavors.
Recommended spots to savor nem chua ran in Hanoi:
Nem chua ran is a crispy fried fermented pork snack with a tangy, savory bite, beloved as a bold and addictive Hanoi street food
Thit xien nuong, or grilled meat skewers, is a quintessential Hanoi street food portable, affordable, and full of flavor. Marinated pork, beef, or chicken is threaded onto bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal. The signature marinade of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and honey creates a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and smoky notes while caramelizing beautifully. Served hot with pickled vegetables and dipping sauce, or tucked into fresh banh mi for a street food sandwich, the skewers are tender with slightly charred edges. With their irresistible aroma and explosion of flavor, thit xien nuong stands out as one of the best street foods in Hanoi.
Recommended spots to savor thit xien nuong in Hanoi:
Thit xien nuong feature marinated meat charred over charcoal and served with pickles, dipping sauce, or tucked into fresh banh mi for a flavorful street bite
Sua do is a unique dish that adds richness to Hanoi's street food scene. With its vibrant color, crunchy texture, and refreshing flavor, this dish appeals not only to locals but also to tourists seeking new culinary experiences. Enjoying red jellyfish is both a cooling and delicate experience, showcasing the creativity in Hanoi's street food preparation and presentation. The dish is usually prepared fresh, accompanied by mild seasonings that preserve the natural crunch and pure flavor of the jellyfish. It creates a refreshing sensation, especially on hot summer days.
Recommended spots to savor sua do in Hanoi:
Sua do is a refreshing Hanoi speciality with vibrant color, crunchy texture, and light seasoning that highlights its natural flavor, making it a perfect summer street food
Banh trang tron is a beloved Vietnamese street snack that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors and textures of Hanoi’s casual eats. This colorful dish combines shredded rice paper with dried beef, sliced green mango, fresh herbs, chili, roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of tangy sauce, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory notes. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the chewy rice paper, crunchy peanuts, and crisp vegetables, while the aromatic herbs elevate the overall flavor. Often sold by street vendors in small plastic bags or cups, banh trang tron is a convenient and satisfying treat, making it a must-try among the best street foods in Hanoi.
Recommended spots to savor banh trang tron in Hanoi:
Banh trang tron is a Hanoi street snack of shredded rice paper mixed with dried beef, green mango, herbs, peanuts, chili, and tangy sauce for a vibrant mix of flavors
Tau pho is a silky-smooth tofu pudding that delights the senses with its delicate texture and subtle sweetness. Served either warm or chilled, this comforting treat is typically drizzled with fragrant ginger syrup and sometimes topped with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a touch of coconut milk. The tofu itself is soft and tender, practically melting in the mouth, while the aromatic syrup provides a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. Widely sold at street-side stalls and traditional dessert shops, tau pho is a nostalgic favorite for locals and a must-try for visitors seeking an authentic taste of Hanoi’s sweet street food culture.
Recommended spots to savor tau pho in Hanoi:
Tau pho is a silky tofu pudding served with fragrant ginger syrup, offering a light, comforting, and nostalgic Hanoi street dessert
Xien ban is a beloved Hanoi street snack that perfectly combines convenience, flavor, and fun. Small golden-brown spheres are skewered and deep-fried, with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center. Vendors often serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, from sweet chili to tangy tomato ketchup, or coat them in a savory, spicy powder for an extra kick. Popular among students and office workers, xien ban is perfect for eating on the go, offering a satisfying bite that’s both flavorful and affordable, and it epitomizes the playful, casual charm of Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene.
Recommended spots to savor xien ban in Hanoi:
Xien ban is a fun and affordable Hanoi street snack of deep-fried skewered balls, crispy outside, chewy inside, and served with flavorful sauces
Chuoi nep nuong is a quintessential Hanoi street treat, delivering a perfect harmony of textures and flavors in one bite. This sweet, comforting snack features glutinous rice wrapped around caramelized bananas, grilled over charcoal until the rice is slightly crisp yet chewy and the banana soft and fragrant. Finished with thick coconut cream, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds, it strikes a perfect balance between dessert and a satisfying snack. Especially popular in Hanoi’s winter months, locals enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up or an evening treat, showcasing the city’s ingenuity in transforming simple ingredients into memorable street food.
Recommended spots to savor chuoi nep nuong in Hanoi:
Chuoi nep nuong is a Hanoi favorite, with sticky rice wrapped around caramelized bananas, grilled and topped with coconut cream, peanuts, and sesame
Banh tom, a Hanoi street food specialty, features crispy sweet potato fritters topped with whole freshwater shrimp. The dish combines a golden, crunchy exterior with a tender, slightly sweet interior. Served hot with fresh herbs like lettuce, mint, and cilantro, the fritters are traditionally wrapped and dipped into tangy nuoc cham, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Originating near West Lake, this iconic dish highlights Hanoi’s culinary creativity and remains one of the best street foods in Hanoi.
Recommended spots to savor banh tom in Hanoi:
Banh tom is a Hanoi specialty of crispy sweet potato fritters with whole shrimp, enjoyed with fresh herbs and tangy nuoc cham
Nom kho bo is one of Hanoi’s signature street snacks, closely tied to the school days of many generations. The dish stands out for its harmonious blend of flavours: a sweet and tangy dressing, crisp shredded green papaya, and savoury strips of dried beef. Topped with crushed roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a touch of chili for a spicy kick, it delivers a taste that is both familiar and addictive, a classic example of the best street foods in Hanoi.
Recommended spots to savor kho bo den in Hanoi:
Nom kho bo is a nostalgic Hanoi snack of shredded green papaya tossed with dried beef, herbs, peanuts, and a sweet-tangy-spicy dressing
Xoi che is a unique dish in Hanoi’s cuisine, skillfully combining sticky rice with sweet soups to create a flavor that is both familiar and distinctive. The glutinous rice is soft, fragrant, and glossy, often paired with mung bean sweet soup or hoa cau sweet soup, offering a perfect harmony of sweetness and richness. This dish is typically enjoyed as a dessert or afternoon treat, filling and evoking the traditional flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Recommended spots to savor xoi che in Hanoi:
Xoi che is a Hanoi speciality that pairs fragrant sticky rice with sweet soups, creating a harmonious blend of richness and sweetness
Banh ran is one of Hanoi’s most beloved street snacks, simple yet irresistibly delicious. These golden, sesame-coated balls are made from glutinous rice flour, fried until crisp on the outside while remaining chewy inside. There are two popular versions: sweet banh ran filled with smooth mung bean paste, and savory banh ran stuffed with minced pork and vermicelli. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures, making it a perfect afternoon treat that captures the essence of Hanoi’s street food culture.
Recommended spots to savor banh ran (fried cake) in Hanoi:
Banh ran are golden, sesame-coated glutinous rice balls, sweet or savory, offering a crispy outside and chewy inside, beloved in Hanoi street food
Top 10 Must-Try Fried Cake in Hanoi: Crispy, Cheap & Delicious
Nem nuong in Hanoi offers a flavorful and comforting twist on Vietnam’s famous grilled pork rolls. The pork is marinated with garlic, fish sauce, and honey before being grilled over charcoal, giving each piece a smoky aroma and slightly caramelized exterior. What makes nem nuong appealing is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own as a savory snack or wrapped in fresh herbs and rice paper, then dipped in a sweet and tangy sauce for a full-flavored experience. Its balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes makes it a street food favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
Recommended spots to savor nem nuong in Hanoi:
Nem nuong is Hanoi’s smoky grilled pork roll, enjoyed alone or wrapped with herbs and rice paper for a sweet-savory street food favorite
Cha ruoi is one of Hanoi’s most seasonal and unique delicacies, often referred to as “autumn’s gift” because it is only available during a short period in late fall. Made from ruoi (sand worms), the dish is prepared by mixing the worms with minced pork, eggs, dill, citrus peel, and aromatic spices, then pan-fried into golden, fragrant patties. The combination of rich, umami flavors with the distinctive fragrance of dill and tangerine peel creates a taste unlike any other, both bold and refined. Typically enjoyed with rice or vermicelli and dipped in a tangy fish sauce with chili and lime, cha ruoi embodies the depth and creativity of Hanoi’s traditional cuisine, making it one of the best street foods in Hanoi with a flavor that is both unique and memorable.
Recommended spots to savor cha ruoi in Hanoi:
Cha ruoi is a unique Hanoi delicacy made from sand worms mixed with pork, eggs, dill, and citrus peel, pan-fried into fragrant golden patties with bold, umami-rich flavors
Banh troi Tau is a comforting Hanoi dessert that warms both body and soul, especially during the city’s chilly winter months. This dish features soft, glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame paste, served in a fragrant ginger syrup that balances sweetness with a gentle spiciness. A drizzle of rich coconut milk and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts often complete the bowl, adding layers of creaminess and crunch. For many Hanoians, enjoying banh troi Tau is about taste and nostalgia, as the dish evokes memories of family gatherings and traditional winter treats.
Recommended spots to savor banh troi Tau in Hanoi:
Banh troi Tau is a Hanoi winter favorite, featuring glutinous rice balls with sesame filling in sweet ginger syrup, topped with coconut milk and peanuts
Caramen, or Vietnamese flan, is a beloved dessert in Hanoi, known for its glossy caramel layer that blends gentle sweetness with a hint of bitterness. The custard itself is silky and refreshing, often enjoyed with shaved ice, coffee, coconut milk, or chewy tapioca pearls for added flavor. Found in coffee shops but also at street vendors, caramen has become an iconic sweet treat that reflects Hanoi’s love for simple yet indulgent desserts.
Recommended spots to savor caramen in Hanoi:
Caramen is a silky custard with a glossy caramel layer, often paired with coffee, coconut milk, or tapioca pearls for a simple yet indulgent dessert
Read more: Exciting culinary experiences in Vietnam’s capital
Exploring Hanoi’s street food is a culinary adventure and an immersive way to experience the city’s vibrant culture. By exploring bustling markets and savoring time-honored dishes from this guide to the best street foods in Hanoi, you enjoy extraordinary flavors while gaining a deeper appreciation of Hanoi’s culinary traditions and stories. GTrip hopes this journey has inspired you to embark on your next travel adventure, opening doors to new tastes and cultural experiences.