Hanoi cuisine is one of the most diverse around the globe, you can find a combination of traditional, modern, international, and fusion all over Hanoi. So what is the best food while you are staying here? Here are the top 5 that you have to try.

“DO NOT READ THIS WHILE YOU ARE HUNGY”

Tom

Pho – Noodle soup

Pho is an iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, despite being relatively recent when it first arrived in Vietnam in the 20th century, pho swiftly gained popularity and is currently regarded as the national dish of Vietnam. Although there is considerable disagreement regarding the origin of pho, most people think that it was created in or near Hanoi. Some claim it was influenced by Chinese food, while others claim it was adapted from the French beef stew known as pot au feu.

Pho became a popular street cuisine in Vietnam, regardless of where it originated. People who left the northern portion of Vietnam after it was split up brought pho with them, and eventually a southern variation of pho appeared.

Vietnamese soup known as pho is made with plenty of tasty ingredients, including broth, noodles, beef (or other protein), and a variety of toppings. The best thing about pho is how restorative it is; the nourishing soup is thick and flavorful while also feeling crisp and energizing. Pho can be enjoyed all year long and at any time of day, so don’t simply store it for chilly days. Pho is a beloved breakfast dish in Vietnam, and for good reason – it is incredibly satisfying!

Places to have good Pho:

  • Pho Thìn – 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung.
  • Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong.

Cha Ca ( Vietnamese Turmeric Fish )

Vietnamese for “ca” in “cha ca” is “fish,” while “cha” is a broad term for some grilled or fried foods that use meat or seafood as their major ingredient. Vietnam’s national dish, pho, is still cloaked in mystery, but the history of cha ca is well known.

A middle-class family in Hanoi by the name of the Đoàn lived there during the French colonial era around a century ago. They had good ties to the higher classes, including mandarins, authors, and poets. The family’s daughter-in-law created cha ca as a refined cuisine to serve their high-profile guests, drawing on the Hanoians’ natural friendliness.

It’s a do-it-yourself experience in a classic cha ca restaurant.
You enter, take a seat, and place your order. Just select one or two portions.

A sizzling hot pan of marinated fish will be delivered to the table along with a basket of accouterments, including vermicelli, fresh herbs (such as dill, basil, and spring onion), roasted peanuts, chile, and mam nem (a fermented shrimp paste with a peculiar musky aroma).

The dill’s green smell fills the air as the fish and herbs grill right before your eyes. The turmeric marinade turns the fillet a lovely golden color. Bite-sized pieces of sizzling fish are served with salty peanuts, herbs, and vermicelli.

Good Cha Ca Restaurant:

  • Cha Ca Thang Long – 6B Duong Thanh, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem.
  • Cha Ca La Vong – 107 Nguyen Truong To, Ba Dinh.
  • Cha Ca Hang Son – 15 Tran Hung Dao.

Bun Cha ( kebab rice noddle )

Bun Cha, a popular local meal made with white rice vermicelli and grilled pork, is believed to have originated in Hanoi. In addition to Pho, Bun Cha represents the exquisite culinary tradition of Hanoi and is the ideal fusion of rice products, meat, vegetables, herbs, spices, and regional specific dipping sauce.

In Hanoi and other major Vietnamese cities, you can easily find Bun Cha, from humble street vendors to high-end dining establishments.

When you order bun cha, you will also receive a platter of cooked vermicelli, a plate of vegetables, and a few small bowls. Each individual will receive a bowl of bun cha. Incorporate lettuce, mint, and a few vermicelli noodles into your bowl. Cut the mint and lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Take one bite of the vermicelli, vegetables, pork meatball, and pickled vegetable using a fork or chopsticks. You can start with the vermicelli and vegetables because this may seem like a lot of food, then go on to the pork meatballs and pickled vegetables. Continually do this until the bun cha is done.

Where to eat Bun Cha:

  • Bun cha hang quat – 74 Hang Quat , Hoan Kiem.
  • Bun cha Huong Lien –  24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung.

Bia Hoi ( Vietnamese fresh beer )

Similar to the well-known Banh Mi or delectable pho, beer was initially introduced to Vietnam by French colonialists towards the end of the 19th century.

The first of its sort to be established in Vietnam was Hommel Brewery. It was built at some point in the 1890s and was situated on Hoang Hoa Tham in Hanoi. Similar to other European goods, beer used to be a luxury item only available to the affluent.

Along Ta Hien Street, a beer store selling the alcoholic beverage by the glass at a low cost was established. The beverage was made using local ingredients and had a low alcohol concentration (between 3-4%), allowing the hardworking locals to drink a few glasses to unwind in the evening without experiencing any side effects.

Where do I have this?

  • Ta Hien Beer street – Ta Hien Street

Egg Coffee

Finally, Ca phe trung, or Vietnamese Egg Coffee, is traditionally made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. It is frequently prepared at home and offered in cafes all around Vietnam.

According to a popular urban legend, whisked egg yolk was used as a substitute for fresh milk after the Vietnam War since fresh milk was hard to come by due to the trade embargo.

Because Vietnamese Egg Coffee is made with both egg yolks and condensed milk, it is frequently compared to eggnog, which is also made with egg yolks and milk. The only distinction between the two is that, beneath all that delicious creaminess in the Vietnamese Egg Coffee, there is, of course, coffee.

Where can I have this?

  • Giang Egg Coffee – 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem.