Vietnamese cuisine is known for its regional diversity, aromatic herbs and unique mouth feel. French and Chinese cookery have also strongly influenced the nation’s tastes. Stir frying and savory dishes have distinctly Chinese flavors. Banh xeo, the Vietnamese version of the French crepe, is one of many Vietnamese takes on French dishes.

Hanoi, which has a long and storied history as the capital of Vietnam, is where the country’s varied regional cuisines come together. Hanoi also has its own unique cuisine found in north Vietnam.

Here are the top foods to try while you are in Hanoi and where to try them. Enjoy a gastronomic tour of a capital that should be celebrated for more than a thousand years of rich, culinary history. 

Hanoi’s flavor profile

“Compared to other cities in Vietnam, Hanoian cuisine tends to be on the sweeter side and utilizes freshwater ingredients such as prawns, squids, shrimps, crabs, clams, and mussels,” writes hotels.com in its food guide of Vietnam.

Dishes are commonly served with large sides of fragrant herbs and greens, as is common throughout Vietnam

Try these delicious local dishes

Cha ca (turmeric fish with dill)  

A distinct Hanoi dish, cha ca is white fish flavored with garlic, turmeric and dill. You will hear it sizzle when it comes to your table on a hot pan.

On the side, you will be served a bowl of rice noodles, peanuts, chopped green onions, parsley, nuoc cham sauce and slices of red chili. Mix these delicious ingredients with the turmeric dish. Prepare for a flavor explosion. 

Where to get it: People in Hanoi are so in love with the fish dish that there’s a street in old Hanoi Old Quarter named after it. You should also head to Cha Ca Thang Long restaurant on Duong Thanh Street to enjoy delicious and affordable Cha ca. 

Mien xao luon (glass noodles with deep-fried eel)

This dish is a beautiful blend of seafood and fresh produce. Mien xao luon is comprised of stir-fried glass noodles, crunchy eels, egg, cucumber slices, fried shallots and purple perilla (an herb in the mint family), topped with an eel-based broth. 

Served on the side are herbs, bean sprouts and banana blossoms, which have a neutral taste and take on the flavor of seasonings.

Where to get it: A favorite local place for mien xao luon is Dong Thinh Nha Hang Mien Luon at Hoan Kiem District. This restaurant specializes in dishes flavored with fried eel.

Bun thang (rice vermicelli with chicken, egg, and pork)

This rice vermicelli, chicken, egg and pork dish, is flavored by a broth that interestingly is clear, despite containing 20 ingredients. This distinctive broth includes dried shrimp, squid, shrimp paste, green onion, cilantro, ginger, mushroom, beet, fish sauce, sugar candy, vinegar and more. Bun thang is also a beautiful dish, arranged to resemble a flower. 

Where to get it: Head to Hanoi Old Quarter for a meal at Quan Bun Thang Ba Duc. It won’t disappoint! 

Banh cuon (rolled cake)

Enjoy this bite sized snack as a light breakfast or as a small bite at midday. Banh cuon is a hand-held combination of either chicken, shrimp or pork, with minced mushrooms, onions, ham, bean sprouts and cucumbers, in a rice sheet roll. Dip in nuoc cham sauce for even more flavor. 

Where to get it: You can find Banh cuon at street vendors throughout Hanoi. If you’d like to try it seated at a restaurant, head to Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van in Hanoi Old Quarter, which has a menu with English translations. 

Banh goi (fried dumplings)

Another hand-held food, Banh goi consists of a pillowy, deep-fried pastry shell, filled with meat and vegetables. Banh goi contains finely chopped glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, minced pork, and steamed quail eggs. These dumplings are served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce made with garlic, chili, sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce. 

Where to get it: Street vendors throughout Hanoi serve this regional dish found in north Vietnam.

Pho xao (stir-fried pho)

You are probably familiar with Pho served as a noodle soup, but did you know that you can also have it stir-fried? The glass noodles have a crisp feel when cooked in this way with beef, onions and greens. Fried eggs and chili sauce are often added.

Where to get it: Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc, located in the Hai Ba Trung District, is a family-run restaurant famous for its Pho xao.

Before you plan your next foodie excursion to Vietnam, consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip. You should know that healthcare facilities abroad may not accept your domestic health insurance. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with Emergency Medical benefits can help provide reimbursement in the event of a covered medical emergency while traveling. Certain plans also offer benefits that can reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or delayed for a covered reason. 

Get a quote today to find out how we can make your trip to Vietnam stress free.

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