Top 15 Dishes For The Best Breakfast In Hanoi You Must Try

Breakfast in Hanoi ranges from steaming bowls of pho with fragrant herbs to banh mi filled with savory ingredients. It offers a flavorful start for both food lovers and curious travelers. This bustling city awakens at dawn, its streets alive with sizzling sounds and tantalizing aromas that beckon you toward a myriad of delightful street-side stalls and cozy cafes. Breakfast in Hanoi offers more than a meal, it’s a window into local life and tradition. This GTrip guide reveals where to find Hanoi’s best dishes and what makes each spot unique, from tradition to creative twists. Ready your taste buds as we delve into a curated selection that champions authenticity while nurturing curiosity along every bite you take in this captivating cityscape.

1. Pho

At the heart of Hanoi's breakfast culture lies the iconic pho, a fragrant rice noodle soup that has become Vietnam's culinary ambassador to the world. What distinguishes Hanoi's pho is its clear, delicate beef broth, simmered for hours with charred ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and other aromatics. Hanoi-style pho is simple in appearance but rich in flavor, featuring beef or chicken, fresh rice noodles, and green onions. The northern tradition eschews bean sprouts and herb platters, allowing the meticulously crafted broth to take center stage.

The ritual of enjoying pho in Hanoi is as essential as the dish itself. Locals typically arrive early, between 6:00 - 8:00 AM, perched on small plastic stools at roadside stalls or packed into narrow shophouses that have perfected their recipes across generations. The atmosphere buzzes with morning conversations as steam rises from bowls, and the clinking of chopsticks forms the soundtrack to Hanoi's awakening city. A true Hanoian breakfast experience involves customizing your pho with condiments like lime, chili vinegar, and fish sauce - though purists might argue the broth needs nothing more.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Pho Thin: No. 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung Ward (13 Loc Duc, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 50,000 - 100,000 VND ($1.91 - 3.83)
• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: No. 10, Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (10 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 50,000 - 100,000 VND ($1.91 - 3.83)

A steaming bowl of Hanoi-style pho is the soul of the city’s breakfast culture and a must-try culinary icon

Read more: Top 10 Places to Try Delicious and Authentic Pho in Hanoi

2. Xoi (Sticky rice)

Xoi stands as one of Hanoi's most beloved breakfast staples, cherished for its versatility and filling nature. Unlike regular rice, xoi is glutinous rice steamed to a perfect chewy consistency, creating a hearty base that sustains locals through busy mornings. Xoi in Hanoi stands out for its variety, from savory toppings like pork floss to sweet versions with mung bean and coconut. Traditionally wrapped in banana leaves or lotus leaves, xoi represents both convenience and tradition, allowing busy commuters to grab this portable meal on their way to work.

Types of xoi in Hanoi:

• Xoi xeo - Yellow sticky rice with mung bean and fried shallots
• Xoi man - Savory sticky rice with Chinese sausage, pork floss, and pate
• Xoi ga - Sticky rice topped with shredded chicken and crispy fried shallots
• Xoi dau phong - Sticky rice with peanuts and sesame salt

The preparation of xoi is an art form that begins the night before, when rice is soaked for several hours. Early morning, vendors begin the steaming process using traditional bamboo baskets, some using techniques passed down through generations. Each xoi stall in Hanoi develops its loyal following, with locals often traveling across districts for their preferred version.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Xoi Yen: No. 35B, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (35 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 50,000 VND ($1.91)
• Xoi Ba Thu: No 57 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (57 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 60,000 VND ($2.30)

Xoi, Hanoi’s beloved sticky rice dish, is a hearty, portable breakfast with endless savory and sweet variations wrapped in tradition and flavor

3. Banh mi

Banh mi, a culinary icon of Vietnam, holds a special place in Hanoi's breakfast landscape. This French-Vietnamese fusion creation features a crusty baguette filled with a harmonious blend of savory meats, pate, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Hanoi's banh mi stands out for its crisp-yet-soft bread that complements, not overpowers, the fillings. Unlike southern variants that may be heavily sauced, Hanoi's version typically showcases more restrained flavors, letting the quality of each ingredient speak for itself. For locals and tourists alike, this portable breakfast offers a convenient, flavorful start to the day that can be enjoyed on the go while exploring the capital's bustling streets.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Banh mi Pho Co: No. 38, Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (38 Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 50,000 - 70,000 VND ($1.91 - 2.68)
• Banh mi Ba Dan: No. 41, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (41 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 30,000 VND ($1.15)

A beloved Vietnamese-French fusion, banh mi in Hanoi offers a crisp, balanced bite perfect for a flavorful breakfast on the go

Read more: Top 10 Places for the Best Banh Mi in Hanoi You Must Try

4. Bun thang

Bun thang is a sophisticated and elegant breakfast dish that represents the culinary artistry of Hanoi. This meticulous noodle soup features a delicate chicken broth layered with thin rice vermicelli, shredded chicken, egg ribbons, gio lua (Vietnamese ham), and dried shrimp. All topped with aromatic herbs, lime juice, and a drop of shrimp paste. Bun thang stands out for its presentation, with ingredients neatly arranged like a floral bouquet atop the noodles. Traditionally containing up to 20 ingredients, each component is prepared with precision to create a harmonious blend of tastes.

This breakfast specialty follows strict preparation rules where the broth must be crystal clear yet deeply flavorful, requiring hours of simmering bones and aromatics. The name "thang" refers to a medicinal blend, highlighting Vietnam’s focus on balanced flavor and nutrition. While primarily a breakfast dish, locals consider bun thang not just a meal but a culinary experience that demonstrates Hanoi's sophisticated food culture.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Bun thang Ba Am: No. 37, Cua Nam Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (37 Cua Nam Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About: 50,000 - 100,000 VND ($1.91 - 3.83)
• Bun thang Hang Hanh: No. 29, Hang Hanh Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (29 Hang Hanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 45,000 VND ($1.72)

Bun thang is Hanoi’s most refined noodle soup, known for its clear broth, elegant presentation, and delicate balance of flavors

5. Banh gio

Banh gio is considered one of the most famous dishes in Hanoi. It is a distinctive breakfast delicacy that showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of Vietnamese cuisine. This pyramid-shaped steamed rice cake is wrapped in banana leaves, giving it a fragrant, earthy aroma that’s unmistakable in Hanoi’s morning streets. The translucent exterior is made from a mixture of rice flour and potato starch, creating a slightly glutinous, delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with its savory filling. Inside, you’ll discover a hearty combination of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and sometimes shallots, all seasoned with fish sauce, pepper, and other traditional spices.

What makes banh gio stand out among Hanoi’s breakfast offerings is its perfect portability the banana leaf wrapper serves as both a cooking vessel and biodegradable packaging. Locals often enjoy it with chili sauce or pickled vegetables for an extra flavor kick. The dish strikes a delicious balance between a soft, glutinous shell and a rich, savory filling ideal for Hanoi’s cool mornings.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Banh gio Co Beo: No. 3, Thuy Khue Street, Ba Dinh Ward, Ha Noi (3 Thuy Khe, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 45,000 VND ($1.72)
• Banh gio Nguyen Cong Tru Market: Alley H5 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi (Alley H5 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 20,000 VND ($0.77)

Banh gio is a fragrant, pyramid-shaped steamed rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, offering a soft, savory bite perfect for Hanoi mornings

6. Bun bo (Beef noodle soup)

Bun bo, a flavorful Vietnamese beef noodle soup, is a comforting breakfast choice found in Hanoi, especially on cooler mornings. Unlike the spicier Hue version, Hanoi's take is milder but still rich in flavor, featuring tender slices of beef, beef shank, and sometimes brisket, served over vermicelli noodles in a clear, savory broth.

What makes bun bo stand out is its depth, achieved by simmering beef bones for hours and seasoning with fish sauce, shallots, and a hint of lemongrass. Topped with fresh herbs, green onions, and a squeeze of lime, the dish offers a satisfying mix of warmth, richness, and freshness. Though not as iconic as pho, bun bo has quietly earned its place in Hanoi’s breakfast scene as a hearty, protein-rich option to start the day.

Recommended spots to try bun bo in Hanoi:

• Bun bo Nam Bo Bach Phuong: 67 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (67 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 55,000 VND ($2.10)
• Bun bo Hue O Xuan: 32 Ngo Si Lien Street, Dong Da Ward, Hanoi (32 Ngo Sy Lien, Dong Da District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 45,000 - 60,000 VND ($1.70 - 2.30)

Bun bo is a hearty Hanoi breakfast soup with tender beef, vermicelli noodles, and a savory broth subtly infused with lemongrass and herbs

7. Banh da cua

Banh da cua represents one of Hanoi's most distinctive breakfast offerings, originating from Hai Phong but finding a special place in the capital's morning culinary landscape. This hearty soup features brown rice noodles with a uniquely chewy texture, swimming in a rich, crab-infused broth that balances sweet and savory notes perfectly. What distinguishes Hanoi's version is the meticulous preparation of the broth. It’s simmered with freshwater crab meat, minced pork, fried shallots, and tomatoes, creating a complex flavor profile that wakes up your taste buds. Typically garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, banh da cua offers a warming, satisfying start to a Hanoi morning.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Banh da cua Phung Hung: 6A, Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha Noi (6A Phung Hung Street, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 45,000 VND ($1.72)
• Banh da Quang Ganh: A2, Alley 118, Nguyen Khanh Toan Street, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi (Block A2, alley 18 Nguyen Khanh Toan Street, Quan Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 30,000 VND ($1.15)

Banh da cua is a rich crab noodle soup with chewy brown noodles and a savory broth, offering a bold, flavorful start to Hanoi mornings

8. Bun cha

Bun cha stands as one of Hanoi's most beloved breakfast treasures, a dish so distinctively northern Vietnamese that locals consider it the quintessential taste of the capital city. This morning delicacy features chargrilled pork patties and slices of fatty pork belly, served alongside a fragrant dipping sauce of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chilies. The caramelized, smoky meat pairs perfectly with fresh rice vermicelli noodles (bun) and a basket of aromatic herbs including perilla, mint, coriander, and lettuce. Bun cha is a perfect Hanoi breakfast, with its balanced mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that gently awaken the senses.

The ritual of eating bun cha is part of its charm, diners combine elements to their taste, dipping vermicelli into the sauce and taking bites of herbs between mouthfuls of succulent meat. The dish gained international fame when Anthony Bourdain brought President Obama to sample it at Bun Cha Huong Lien in 2016, creating what locals now call the "Obama combo". Tourists may eat bun cha at lunch, but true Hanoians savor it between 7 - 9 AM, when grills fire up and rich aromas fill the alleys.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Bun cha Huong Lien: No. 24, Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi (24 Le Van Huu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 60,000 VND ($2.30)
• Bun cha Tuyet 34: No. 34, Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi (34 Hang Than Street, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 50,000 VND ($1.91)

Bun cha is a Hanoi breakfast classic of grilled pork, vermicelli, and herbs, served with a tangy dipping sauce that captures the city's bold, balanced flavors

Read more: Best Bun Cha in Hanoi: Top 10 Must-Try Spots for Authentic Flavor

9. Chao (Vietnamese porridge)

Chao, Vietnam’s soul-warming rice porridge, is a staple of Hanoi’s breakfast scene, especially beloved during the city’s chilly winter months. While the capital offers many variations of chao, the most iconic is chao suon (pork rib porridge), known for its silky texture and comforting flavor.

Unlike Chinese-style congee, Hanoi’s version tends to be thinner yet more flavorful, with individual rice grains still intact. Each bowl is elevated with toppings like shredded chicken, fish, or pork offal, but chao suon stands out for its tender ribs simmered until fall-off-the-bone soft. Finished with crispy shallots, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime, this dish is the perfect blend of comfort and complexity.

What makes chao in Hanoi special is the attention to detail, from the slow-simmered rice and aromatic broth to the thoughtful garnishes and condiments like chili vinegar. Many locals enjoy it with quay (fried dough sticks) and a warm cup of lotus tea, turning a simple meal into a timeless morning ritual.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Chao suon Hang Bo: No. 32, Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (32 Hang Bo, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 25,000 - 40,000 VND ($0.96 - 1.53)
• Chao suon Co La: No. 29, Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi (29 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 30,000 VND ($1.15)

Chao suon, Hanoi’s beloved pork rib porridge, offers a warm, silky start to the day, perfectly comforting on chilly mornings

Explore more: Types of tea as well as popular lunchtime dishes in Hanoi

10. Banh bao

Banh bao represents the Chinese influence on Hanoi's culinary landscape, bringing a soft, pillowy dimension to breakfast options. These fluffy steamed buns, larger than golf balls but smaller than baseballs, cradle a savory filling of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, Vietnamese sausage, quail eggs, and sometimes a slice of Chinese sausage. The pristine white exterior contrasts with the aromatic filling, creating a complete breakfast package in one handheld delight. Unlike southern Vietnamese versions, Hanoi's banh bao often features a more delicate dough with a perfect balance of lightness and chewiness, making them an ideal on-the-go breakfast for busy Hanoians.

What sets banh bao apart as a breakfast option is its remarkable portability and satisfying nature. Early morning workers, students rushing to class, and even tourists exploring Hanoi's streets at dawn can easily grab these steamed delights without interrupting their day. The dough's slight sweetness complements the savory filling, while the steaming process ensures a healthy alternative to fried breakfast options. Many vendors begin selling from 5:00 AM, with businesspeople in suits and motorbike taxi drivers alike queuing for these filling buns.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Banh Bao Ba Mau: No. 8, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi | Price range: About 20,000 VND ($0.77)
• Banh bao 146 Quan Thanh: 146 Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi | Price range: About 20,000 VND ($0.77)

Banh bao soft steamed bun with savory pork filling, offers a warm, portable breakfast rooted in Hanoi’s Chinese culinary heritage

Explore more: Top 10+ Best and Most Popular Chinese Restaurants in Hanoi

11. Com nam muoi vung

Com nam muoi vung is a simple yet flavorful Hanoi breakfast dish that perfectly exemplifies the city's approach to morning meals: straightforward, satisfying, and deeply comforting. This dish features fragrant rice shaped into compact handheld portions, paired with savory sesame salt (muoi vung) that creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. What makes this breakfast special is its portability, traditionally eaten by laborers, farmers, and busy commuters who need a quick, filling meal to start their day. The sesame salt mixture typically contains ground roasted sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes dried shrimp or peanuts for added complexity.

How to eat it properly:

• Take a portion of the rice ball in your hand
• Dip it into the sesame salt mixture
• Some vendors provide small plastic bags for easier handling
• Best enjoyed with hot green tea to balance the flavors

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Street vendors on Chua Boc Street (particularly near the temple)
• Early morning carts along Thai Ha Street
• Morning market vendors on Xuan Thuy Street
• Small family stalls on Le Trong Tan Street
• The alleyways near Dong Xuan Market
• Mobile vendors in the Old Quarter (look for them between 6 - 8 AM)
• Family eateries around Long Bien Bridge

Com nam muoi vung is a humble Hanoi breakfast of pressed rice and sesame salt, offering a quick, hearty bite full of nostalgic comfort

12. Banh cuon

Banh cuon is a quintessential Hanoi breakfast that perfectly captures the city's penchant for delicate yet flavorful morning dishes. These ethereal rice noodle rolls are made by steaming a thin layer of fermented rice flour batter on a cloth stretched over boiling water. The resulting paper-thin sheets are quickly filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and minced shallots, then skillfully rolled into delicate parcels. What distinguishes Hanoi's banh cuon is its exceptional lightness and the accompanying fish sauce enhanced with lime juice, sugar, and sometimes fried shallots. It creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that bring the dish to life.

Watching banh cuon being made is mesmerising, batter is spread on steam, covered, then lifted as a delicate, translucent sheet in seconds. The lightning-fast process requires decades of experience to master. True Hanoi-style banh cuon comes with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots, fresh herbs, and often a few slices of cha lua on the side. Some establishments serve it with a basket of fresh herbs including perilla, Vietnamese balm, and cilantro that add layers of aromatic complexity to each bite.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Banh cuon Phuong: No. 16, Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem Ward | About 50,000 VND ($1.91)
• Banh cuon Ba Xuan: No. 15, Hoe Nhai Street, Ba Dinh Ward | About 50,000 VND ($1.91)

Banh cuon, Hanoi’s delicate steamed rice rolls, are filled with savory pork and mushrooms, served with tangy fish sauce for a light yet flavorful breakfast

13. Bun ca

Bun ca represents one of Hanoi's most cherished breakfast traditions, offering a harmonious balance of flavors that locals crave to start their day. This delectable morning dish features fresh rice vermicelli noodles swimming in a light, tangy broth made from fish bones, tomatoes, and dill. What distinguishes bun ca from other noodle soups is the combination of crispy fried fish pieces alongside tender fish fillets, creating a delightful textural contrast. The soup is typically garnished with fresh herbs, including the essential dill, spring onions, and occasionally morning glory stems, all combining to create a refreshing yet satisfying breakfast option that energizes Hanoians for the day ahead.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Bun ca Van: No. 174, Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi | About 50,000 VND ($1.91)
• Bun ca Hanh Beo: Alley 76/8 Duy Tan, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi | 25,000 - 30,000 VND ($0.96 - 1.15)

Bun ca is a refreshing Hanoi breakfast soup with crispy fried fish, tender fillets, and a tangy dill-infused broth that locals love to start their day with

14. Bun doc mung

Bun doc mung represents one of Hanoi's lesser-known yet incredibly distinctive breakfast options, featuring rice vermicelli noodles served with taro stems in a light, flavorful broth. This dish showcases the ingenious use of taro stems, which offer a unique crunchy yet tender texture with a subtle earthiness that perfectly complements the delicate broth. This breakfast stands out for its fresh herbs, tangy lime, and fragrant fish sauce, making it light yet satisfying.

The preparation requires skill, as taro stems must be properly cleaned and prepared to remove any irritants while preserving their distinctive texture. The broth is typically made by simmering pork or chicken bones with aromatics like ginger, creating a clean, clear base that allows the freshness of the ingredients to shine. Most vendors serve bun doc mung with a variety of toppings including fried shallots, fresh herbs, and sometimes sliced meat or seafood, allowing diners to customize the dish to their preference.

Recommended spots to try Bun doc mung in Hanoi:

• Bun doc mung 18 Bat Dan: No. 18, Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha Noi (18 Bat Nan, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) | Price range: About 30,000 - 50,000 VND ($1.15 - 1.91)
• Bun doc mung Co Cham: 39/4 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha Noi (39/4 Hai Ba Trung, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi | Price range: 25,000 - 45,000 VND ($0.96 - 1.72)

Bun doc mung is a light Hanoi noodle soup featuring taro stems, fresh herbs, and a delicate broth, perfect for a refreshing yet satisfying start to the day

15. Western-style breakfast

While Hanoi is celebrated for its rich Vietnamese culinary heritage, the city also caters to those seeking familiar Western breakfast options. These establishments blend international breakfast staples with local Vietnamese touches, creating a unique fusion experience. This dish is perfect for travelers dealing with food homesickness or easing into Vietnamese cuisine gradually. Western-style breakfasts in Hanoi often feature classics like eggs benedict, avocado toast, pancakes, and pastries, sometimes with a Vietnamese twist.

Recommended spots to try this dish in Hanoi:

• Saint Honore: No. 5, Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi (5 Xuan Dieu Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi)
• Maison de Tet Decor: No. 58, Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi (58 Tu Hoa Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi)

Hanoi’s Western-style breakfasts offer comforting classics like eggs and toast with subtle Vietnamese twists ideal for travelers seeking a familiar yet local start

Exploring breakfast in Hanoi offers a delightful journey through the heart of Vietnamese culture. Each dish tells its own story, enriched with flavors and traditions that have charmed locals and travelers. You've ventured into a realm of aromatic broths, crispy baguettes, and fresh herbs, each bite providing nourishment, a deeper connection to the vibrant soul of Hanoi. As you savor these culinary adventures, you gain an appreciation for how food can be both an exploration and a comfort. This experience equips you with more than just recommendations, it immerses you in memories waiting to be made. If you're inspired by this taste of Vietnam, perhaps there are more corners of Hanoi or beyond on your travel horizon worth exploring. Let these flavors be your guide as you plan future adventures that continue to enrich your journey with GTrip's insights at hand.