Vietnamese cuisine has a strong regional influence. Although some Vietnamese foods in Ha Noi can be bought in other cities, many remain distinctive to the capital. Vietnamese cuisine is quickly rising to the top among food enthusiasts globally. Everything to eat in Ha Noi can be found on the streets, in every part of the city, with the warm and welcoming smiles of the people; there's no need for fine clothes and formal dining establishments with strict etiquette requirements. All you need to bring is a happy stomach and a sense of adventure.

 

Aside from the three most famous meals in the city: pho bo (traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with beef), bun cha (barbecued pork with rice vermicelli), and banh mi (baguette), Ha Noi street cuisine is as diverse as it is adventurous. 

1. Steamed rice rolls (Bánh cuốn)

Bánh cuốn is a popular breakfast dish in Ha Noi, the capital city of Vietnam. This meal comes in several variations, including one with minced pork (banh cuon nhan thit), mushrooms, eggs, or a combination of the three. Bánh cuốn is commonly served with fried shallots, sweet and sour fish sauce (nuoc mam chua ngot), fresh herbs, and a lime-based sauce on the side.

 

 

2. Snail rice vermicelli soup (Bún Ốc)

One of Hanoi's traditional comfort dishes is snail rice vermicelli soup. Rice vermicelli, or bún, is the basic topping for a bowl; additional ingredients include beef and crab meat, as well as an abundance of herbs that are typically served with Vietnamese cuisine. The broth's main ingredients—pepper, wine vinegar, and tomatoes—give it a pleasant kick.

 

 

3. The Vietnamese hot pot (Lẩu)

As everyone gathers around the flaming pot, add as much fresh fish, meat, and veggie as you like. Hot pot is the authentic way to experience street food culture in the city, even though it may appear scary at first. Who knows, maybe during your celebratory beer session you'll meet some new people.

 

 

4. Fish rice vermicelli soup (Bún cá)

Lunchtime is when most people eat this dish. Bún, or rice vermicelli, is combined with fried fish chunks in one of the soups. The broth is made with green vegetables, frequently containing a kind of "morning glory," which is a well-liked vegetable that is frequently cooked or stir-fried. A blend of flavorful herbs, such as dill and cilantro, give it a distinct flavor.

 

 

5. Miến xào lươn (Eel-topped stir-fried glass noodles)

It's worth attempting even if it's not a popular element in meals. Stir-fried glass noodles, egg, and bean sprouts are combined with crispy eel. Other alternatives are chao luon (eel porridge) and mien tron (noodles mixed with cucumber, herbs, and eel).

 

 

6. Mixed flat rice noodles (Bánh đa trộn)

Taking a leisurely stroll around the Old Quarter, you will come across a woman on the side of the street with a carrying pole and two baskets: one holds a hot pot and the other contains uncooked materials. One of Ha Noi's specialties, banh da tron, is carried in these two baskets. Sausage, fried fish cakes, tofu, peanuts, and green vegetables are atop thick, flat noodles. Another alternative are the thin glass noodles known as mien. This is one local dish that will definitely wow every diner with its flavor.

 

 

 

7. Ha Noi shrimp cakes (Bánh tôm)

Originally from Ho Tay, in the West Lake region, these delicacies are made with freshly caught shrimp. Banh tom is a dish made with battered sweet potatoes and prawns, served with sweet and sour fish sauce and papaya. To wash down the oily mess, you can get a glass of iced soy milk.

 

 

8. Crispy "pillow" cake (Bánh gối)

Another energy-dense snack for an exciting afternoon exploring Ha Noi is banh goi, which is a pillow-shaped pastry filled with vermicelli noodles, minced pork, black fungus, and a quail egg. Along with banh goi, other fried treats such nem chua ran (fried fermented sausage), Pho mai que (fried cheese stick), and ha cao (fried dumpling) are also available.

 

 

9. Mỳ gà tần (noodles with herbal braised chicken)

This dish may seem "weird" to some of you, but it's challenging. With its braised chicken and egg noodles, the meal is substantial and satisfying. Customers can choose between the "regular" chicken and the somewhat more expensive (and smaller) black chicken, which gets its name from its black skin.

The chicks are packed with fragrant herbs, such as mugwort, into empty soda and beer cans. While the meat simmers, the cans are set over heat to allow the meat to absorb the flavors. The stew is enhanced with the addition of egg noodles (mỳ trứng).

 

 

10. Vietnamese hot steamed rice cake (Bánh đúc nóng)

A bowl of hot banh duc, a steamed rice cake made from plain rice and tapioca flour, is a must-have when visiting Ha Noi during the winter months. The dish is prepared with skill and attention to detail, ensuring that the components cook and stir with a fair consistency and flexibility. Along with pork, fried shallots, and black fungus, the filling is accompanied by herbs and a fish sauce with a chilli garlic flavor. The perfect option for a cold day's afternoon snack is always the hot, soft, and delectable banh duc, aromatic with onions and pork.

 

 

11. Chè (A colorful, sweet dessert soup)

The finest way to cap off a day of exploring Hanoi's culinary scene is with something fragrant, sweet, and accompanied by fruits and flowers. Che is a "sweet soup" consisting of layers of coconut shreds, syrup, starch-dusted glutinous rice balls, mung bean and red bean pastes, and herbal jelly cubes. 11. Chè (A colorful, sweet dessert soup)

Dessert tables are never without empty seats. The finest way to cap off a day of exploring Hanoi's culinary scene is with something fragrant, sweet, and accompanied by fruits and flowers. Che is a "sweet soup" consisting of layers of coconut shreds, syrup, starch-dusted glutinous rice balls, mung bean and red bean pastes, and herbal jelly cubes. The mixed che thap cam served with the town's famed jasmine syrup is highly praised.

 

 

Source: Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism