Hanoi Cuisine

Hanoi’s cuisine is famous for its delicate flavors, balance of textures, and the use of fresh herbs and ingredients. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional Northern Vietnamese dishes that reflect its long-standing history and cultural diversity. Here’s a guide to some of the most iconic and must-try dishes from Hanoi:

1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

• Phở is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese dish worldwide, and Hanoi is the birthplace of this iconic noodle soup. Traditionally, it’s served with either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà) in a fragrant broth made by simmering bones with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.

2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)

• Bún chả is a Hanoi specialty consisting of grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served with vermicelli noodles (bún), fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili. Often served with spring rolls (nem rán), it’s a savory and refreshing dish.

3. Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Fish with Dill and Turmeric)

• Chả cá is one of Hanoi’s most unique and celebrated dishes. It features grilled catfish marinated with turmeric and served on a sizzling pan with fresh dill and spring onions. The dish is eaten with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, herbs, and a fish sauce-based dipping sauce.
• Where to try: Chả Cá Lã Vọng is the original restaurant that invented the dish, and it remains a must-visit for first-timers in Hanoi.

4. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)

• Bánh cuốn consists of delicate rice rolls filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots, served with a side of fish sauce. Often accompanied by fried shallots, fresh herbs, and slices of Vietnamese pork sausage (chả lụa), this dish is light but flavorful.

5. Bún Thang (Vietnamese Vermicelli Soup)

• Bún thang is a sophisticated noodle soup made from chicken, pork, egg, and shrimp, served with vermicelli noodles in a clear, savory broth. It’s often considered a dish for special occasions due to its complex preparation and beautifully layered presentation.

6. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)

• Though originating from southern Vietnam, bánh mì has become a staple in Hanoi as well. This French-inspired sandwich consists of a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients such as pate, pork, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili sauce.

7. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

• Xôi is a versatile dish made from sticky rice and can be eaten plain or with a variety of toppings such as mung beans, peanuts, pork, or chicken. Xôi xéo is one of the most popular versions, featuring yellow mung bean paste and fried shallots.

8. Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls)

• Known as chả giò in the south, nem rán are crispy fried spring rolls made with a filling of minced pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables. These rolls are usually served with a dipping sauce and are commonly found as an accompaniment to other dishes like bún chả.

9. Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)

• Cà phê trứng is a unique coffee drink invented in Hanoi. It consists of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, frothy egg yolk and sugar mixture, creating a sweet, rich drink that’s similar to a dessert. Egg coffee can be served hot or cold.

10. Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây (West Lake Shrimp Cake)

• This crispy shrimp cake made from sweet potato and whole shrimp is a local favorite, especially around West Lake. It’s usually served with a side of lettuce, herbs, and fish sauce for dipping.

11. Bún Riêu (Crab Noodle Soup)

• Bún riêu is a tangy, savory noodle soup made from freshwater crabs, tomatoes, and tofu. The broth has a light, slightly sour taste, usually flavored with tamarind or vinegar, making it refreshing and satisfying.

12. Trà Đá (Iced Tea)

• Trà đá is a simple, refreshing drink found at almost every street-side eatery in Hanoi. It’s often served for free or at a very low cost. Trà đá is brewed green or jasmine tea, chilled with ice, and enjoyed throughout the day, especially with meals or snacks.

Conclusion

Hanoi’s cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors, from savory soups and grilled meats to fresh herbs and rice-based dishes. Its culinary heritage reflects both traditional Vietnamese techniques and influences from French colonialism, resulting in a food culture that is both diverse and delicious. Exploring Hanoi’s food scene, whether through street food stalls or local restaurants, is an essential part of experiencing the city’s vibrant culture.