Sep - 11 - 2025
Bun dau mam tom in Hanoi is more than just a meal, it’s everyday street food that locals love. Served with rice noodles, crispy fried tofu, fresh herbs, and the unmistakable fermented shrimp paste, it’s a dish that might surprise you at first but quickly grows addictive. You’ll find it everywhere, from small street stalls to bustling local eateries, often crowded with students, office workers, and families. With GTrip, trying this dish is about tasting bold flavors about experiencing how Hanoians truly eat and live.
Bun Dau Met Binh Dan is a humble eatery that perfectly reflects Hanoi’s street food culture. Specializing in the Northern classic of rice vermicelli, crispy fried tofu, and pork cuts served with pungent shrimp paste, it stands out for its tofu, golden and crunchy outside, soft and pillowy inside.
Generous portions and fair prices make it a great value for both locals and travelers. The quick, no-frills service and lively atmosphere keep the focus on authentic flavors, offering a true taste of everyday Hanoi dining.
Bun dau Met Binh Dan is a no-frills eatery in Hanoi that delivers an authentic bun dau mam tom experience, generous portions, and lively local atmosphere
Bun Dau Tram is a well-loved spot in Hanoi, famous for delivering authentic bun dau mam tom with consistently fresh ingredients. The tofu here is always fried to golden perfection crispy outside, silky inside while the rice vermicelli and herbs balance the rich flavors. Their shrimp paste, blended with lime, sugar, and chili, offers bold umami with a smoother edge.
Located centrally, the eatery attracts both locals and tourists. For those hesitant about mam tom’s strong aroma, a fish sauce alternative is available, though regulars swear the shrimp paste is the real experience.
Bun dau Tram is a Hanoi favorite, celebrated for its perfectly fried tofu, balanced mam tom, and authentic flavors that attract both locals and curious travelers
Bun Dau Mam Tom Ngoay in Ha Dong is a local favorite known for fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. The rice vermicelli is perfectly cooked, while the fried tofu comes golden and crispy outside, silky inside. Their mam tom, balanced with lime, sugar, and chili, satisfies both purists and first-timers.
Recommended dishes include the standard plate (tofu, pork, intestines) or the special version with cha com (green rice sausage). Though outside Hanoi’s center, Ngoay attracts diners citywide thanks to its clean, no-frills setup and affordable prices—an authentic communal dining experience.
Bun dau mam tom Ngoay is a beloved Ha Dong eatery, known for its extra-crispy tofu, balanced mam tom, and authentic Hanoi flavors at affordable prices
Quan Bun Dau Dong Que offers a rustic countryside vibe right in Hanoi. With wooden furniture and traditional decor, the eatery feels like a step into rural northern Vietnam.
The star is their house-made mam tom, a family recipe balancing pungency with gentle sweetness. Fried tofu here is golden and crispy outside, silky soft inside perfect for soaking up the sauce. Portions are generous, even in the smallest set, and you can add sides like cha com (green rice sausage) or nem chua (fermented pork).
Spacious seating makes it family-friendly, while the option to adjust spice levels suits different tastes. Slightly tucked in an alley, it’s best visited on weekday lunchtimes when locals fill the space, adding to its authentic charm.
Quan Bun Dau Dong Que delivers rustic charm and authentic bun dau mam tom with homemade flavors and a countryside vibe in Hanoi
Tucked away in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Bun dau Met - Dong Thai has earned a reputation as one of the most authentic bun dau mam tom spots in the capital. This humble eatery attracts both locals and tourists with its perfectly fried tofu, fresh rice vermicelli, and the signature fermented shrimp paste that defines this beloved Hanoi speciality.
Bun dau Met - Dong Thai is a beloved Old Quarter spot serving authentic bun dau mam tom with crispy tofu, fresh vermicelli, and balanced shrimp paste
Bun dau Nghia Tan has earned a reputation as one of Hanoi's most beloved bun dau establishments. This local favorite draws crowds for its perfectly fried tofu cubes that maintain a delicate balance. Their crispy golden exteriors give way to soft, silky interiors that absorb the accompanying mam tom sauce beautifully.
While located away from the Old Quarter tourist hub, Bun dau Nghia Tan attracts a steady stream of university students and office workers, particularly during lunch hours. The restaurant's consistent quality and reasonable prices make it worth the journey to this more residential district for travelers seeking authentic Hanoi flavors without the tourist markup.
Bun dau Nghia Tan is a local favorite in Hanoi, known for its perfectly fried tofu, fresh mam tom, and authentic flavors at affordable prices
Trung Huong in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a longtime favorite for bun dau mam tom. This family-run spot has built its reputation over decades, serving authentic flavors in a traditional communal-style setting.
The tofu is freshly fried twice daily, crispy on the outside, silky inside. Their mam tom is carefully mixed with lime, sugar, and chili for a balanced dipping sauce. Diners also love the generous herb platter, which adds freshness and texture to each bite.
Cleanliness is another plus, making Trung Huong a reliable choice for both locals and international visitors who want authentic street food in a welcoming environment.
Trung Huong is famed for its freshly fried tofu, balanced mam tom, and decades-old family recipe served in a traditional, communal setting
Bun dau Goc Da in Gach Alley is a local favorite for authentic bun dau mam tom without tourist markups. The tofu is fried to golden perfection, crispy outside, silky inside while the shrimp paste is balanced to suit both first-timers and purists.
Plates come in small, medium, and large sizes, with optional add-ons like cha com, fresh lime, chili, and house-made chili oil. Hidden in the Old Quarter’s narrow alleys, it’s best visited outside peak lunch hours. Cash is the only payment option accepted, so come prepared with Vietnamese dong.
Bun dau Goc Da is a beloved Old Quarter spot serving authentic bun dau mam tom with perfectly fried tofu and balanced shrimp paste in a traditional Hanoi setting
Hidden in a small alley off Chua Lang Street, this family-run spot is loved by locals for its authentic bun dau mam tom. The tofu is often praised as some of Hanoi’s best, crispy outside, silky inside while the house-made shrimp paste is bold yet balanced.
The menu is simple: tofu, vermicelli, herbs, and dipping sauce, with owners happy to guide newcomers on how to enjoy the dish. Expect limited seating, cash-only payment, and a lively lunch crowd of students and office workers. Affordable prices and genuine flavors make it a rewarding stop for travelers seeking a true Hanoi experience.
Hidden off Chua Lang Street, this family-run stall serves crispy golden tofu with silky interiors and mam tom that’s pungent, tangy, sweet, and spicy in perfect balance
Bun Dau Hai Anh has become a local favorite in Hanoi thanks to its consistent quality and authentic flavors. This modest eatery skips the frills and focuses on perfectly fried tofu, crispy outside, creamy inside, fresh vermicelli, and a balanced, aromatic mam tom.
Generous portions and reliable preparation keep regulars coming back. Located outside the tourist hubs, it offers a truly local dining experience, with efficient and friendly service even during peak hours. First-time visitors should try the special set for a full taste, and extra herbs are always available on request.
Bun Dau Hai Anh is a beloved local spot where perfectly fried tofu, fresh vermicelli, and balanced mam tom come together for an authentic bun dau experience
Bun Dau Nhan E5 Trung Tu is a hidden gem loved by locals for its authentic flavors and unchanged family recipes. This modest spot has been running for over 15 years, serving crispy golden tofu, house-made cha com, and a signature mam tom crafted from a secret family formula.
Highlights include standard platters with tofu and vermicelli, premium options with pork intestines and blood curd, plus add-ons like nem chua. The eatery embodies Hanoi street food: simple, affordable, and full of flavor. Come before noon to avoid the lunch rush and enjoy one of the city’s most genuine bun dau mam tom experiences.
Bun Dau Nhan E5 Trung Tu is a long-standing local favorite, known for its crispy tofu, secret-recipe mam tom, and authentic Hanoi street-food charm
Bun Dau Cay Da on Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho District, offers an authentic bun dau experience in a relaxed setting away from the Old Quarter. Known for its crispy golden tofu, aromatic mam tom, and generous portions at modest prices, it’s a favorite of both locals and tourists.
The eatery serves fresh herbs and optional add-ons like crispy pork skin (bi). Diners can choose indoor or outdoor seating, making it comfortable for both solo visitors and families. For the best experience, visit on weekdays at lunch or early evenings to avoid the weekend crowds.
Bun Dau Cay Da on Thuy Khue Street is a relaxed Hanoi favorite, serving crispy tofu, fragrant mam tom, and generous portions in a comfortable indoor-outdoor setting
Bun Dau Mam Tom Cay Bang is a neighborhood favorite known for generous portions and consistently authentic flavors. The eatery offers crispy fried tofu, tender marinated pork, fresh vermicelli, and a house-special mam tom that balances saltiness with umami. Optional sides like cha com (green rice sausage) add variety.
The setting is simple yet comfortable, with both indoor and outdoor seating, traditional decor, and free tea refills. Quick service and fair prices make it a reliable stop for locals and visitors alike seeking a true Hanoi bun dau experience.
Bun Dau Mam Tom Cay Bang is a local favorite, known for its crispy tofu, balanced mam tom, and generous portions served in a comfortable, traditional setting
Quan Giang is famed for its unique bun dau long ran, a variation that adds crispy fried pork intestines to the traditional platter of tofu, vermicelli, herbs, and mam tom. The intestines are carefully cleaned, marinated, and fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft tofu and noodles.
The eatery is modest but consistently clean, with generous portions that satisfy both solo diners and groups. Visitors can choose the full platter with intestines, classic bun dau, or house-made shrimp paste. For first-timers, the combination plate is highly recommended to experience the dish at its best.
Quan Giang is famed for its bun dau long ran, pairing crispy fried intestines with traditional tofu and vermicelli for a bold, authentic Hanoi street food experience
Bun Dau Nha Ham, tucked in a basement off Hang Chao Street, offers a hidden yet authentic bun dau mam tom experience. The underground setting creates a cozy, almost secret vibe that locals love.
Here, you’ll find golden-crisp tofu with silky interiors, generous vermicelli portions, and a fresh herb platter. Diners can choose standard or deluxe plates with extra meats, plus sides like fried spring rolls and refreshing juices.
Though simple and a bit hard to spot, Nha Ham is valued for its authenticity, fair prices, and local character, making it a worthy stop for travelers seeking Hanoi’s true street food culture.
Bun Dau Nha Ham offers a cozy underground dining experience, serving authentic bun dau mam tom with generous portions and true Hanoi flavors
Bun Dau Moc, hidden in a quiet alley off Chua Lang Street, is a local favorite for its authentic flavors and generous portions. Known for tofu that’s golden-crisp outside yet silky inside, the eatery attracts regulars who value freshness and consistency over frills.
The menu features classic bun dau sets with shrimp paste and vermicelli, premium platters with pork intestines or blood sausage, and even vegetarian-friendly options. Every order comes with a basket of fresh herbs, while their homemade chili oil and extra condiments elevate the dipping sauce.
Though tucked away, Bun Dau Moc is worth the trip about 15 minutes by taxi from Hoan Kiem Lake for travelers wanting a truly local bun dau mam tom experience without tourist crowds.
Bun Dau Moc is a hidden alley gem known for its crispy-yet-silky tofu, generous portions, and authentic bun dau mam tom loved by locals
Bun Dau Thanh Hang delivers an authentic bun dau mam tom experience in a no-frills, Old Quarter setting. Popular with both locals and curious tourists, it’s known for consistently tasty portions, fresh ingredients, and quick service perfect for a mid-exploration food stop.
Expect low plastic stools, generous servings, and the signature fermented shrimp paste prepared with the right aromatics. For newcomers, fish sauce can be served as an alternative.
Menu options range from the standard bun dau platter with tofu and herbs to premium sets featuring cha com (green rice sausage), fried spring rolls, or extras like pork belly and offal.
Bun Dau Thanh Hang is a popular Old Quarter stop, serving crispy tofu and rich mam tom in generous portions that satisfy both locals and adventurous visitors
Bun Dau Pho Co is a neighborhood favorite where locals enjoy authentic bun dau mam tom away from tourist crowds. The eatery serves generous portions with golden-fried tofu, compact vermicelli squares, pork slices, fresh herbs, and a house-made mam tom dipping sauce that balances pungency and flavor.
Extras like cha com (green rice pork sausage) or nem ran (fried spring rolls) add variety to the simple menu. Its residential location gives visitors a glimpse of daily Hanoi life, though limited parking means walking or ride-hailing is more convenient.
Bun dau Pho Co delivers a true neighborhood dining experience, serving hearty portions of crispy tofu, fresh herbs, and house-made mam tom in a distinctly local setting
Hidden in an alley near Hoan Kiem Lake, Bun Dau Ngo Trang Tien is a longtime local favorite serving authentic bun dau mam tom. Their crispy fried tofu, fresh herbs, and balanced house-made shrimp paste make every platter satisfying, with premium add-ons like pork intestines, blood sausage, and nem ran.
Seating is basic with small stools, but the food is fresh, affordable, and consistently delicious. Visit outside peak lunch hours, and try the diluted “mam tom pha” if you prefer a milder taste. Its central location makes it a convenient stop while exploring the Old Quarter.
Bun dau Ngo Trang Tien is a beloved Old Quarter gem, known for its crispy fried tofu, generous portions, and well-balanced homemade mam tom
Bun Dau Co Tuyen, tucked away in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, has been run by Ms. Tuyen for over 20 years and is celebrated as one of the city’s most authentic bun dau spots. The star here is her house-made shrimp paste, prepared fresh daily from a secret family recipe, paired with golden fried tofu that stays crisp outside and silky inside, plus springy rice vermicelli and an abundant herb platter.
The eatery offers standard and deluxe platters with pork, blood pudding, or intestines, along with a vegetarian option. Seating is limited to about 20 small stools, so it’s best to arrive before the lunch rush. Cash is required, and newcomers can request the shrimp paste on the side for a gentler introduction.
Bun dau Co Tuyen is a hidden Old Quarter gem, celebrated for its decades-old family recipe mam tom, perfectly fried tofu, and rare fresh herbs
Read more: Dishes served with fermented shrimp paste
Experiencing bun dau mam tom in Hanoi is more than just a meal; it's a delicious dive into classic Vietnamese culture. As you wander through the lively streets and indulge in this vibrant dish, you're embracing a cherished local tradition. This culinary adventure satisfies your taste buds and enriches your travel story with authentic flavors that resonate long after your visit. Should you wish to explore further, remember that each meal tells its own story, offering another layer to uncover on your journey with GTrip. Embrace these moments and let them inspire future adventures filled with discoveries and lasting memories.