Best banh mi in Hanoi: 11 spots to savor the unrivaled taste

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The flavors and textures of banh mi in Hanoi will leave you craving for more (Source: Collected)

Banh mi in Hanoi holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and tourists alike. The distinct combination of textures and the explosion of flavors make each bite a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed on a busy street corner or in an eatery, banh mi offers a delicious glimpse into Hanoi travel‘s vibrant food scene.

1. What makes banh mi in Hanoi special?

Banh mi, also known as Vietnamese sandwich, has become an integral part of Hanoi’s street food culture. As you embark on a Hanoi street food tour, you will encounter numerous street vendors and small eateries dedicated to perfecting this delectable delight. 

Traditionally, banh mi is prepared with fillings such as pate, Vietnamese sausage, shredded pork, fried eggs, fresh herbs, and chili sauce. However, there are a variety of banh mi in Hanoi with different fillings to enhance the culinary experience.

Explore: Hanoi cuisine 2024: TOP 12 flavorful dishes to include in your food tour

2. Popular types of banh mi in Hanoi that you must try

Hanoi’s street food scene offers a wide variety of banh mi. Each type has its unique characteristics that will tantalize your taste buds.

• Pan-fried banh mi: Served hot and crispy, this type of banh mi features a variety of fillings like fried eggs, pate, Vietnamese sausage, beef, ham, and a flavorful meat sauce.

• Pate banh mi: Influenced by the French colonial era, this simple yet satisfying banh mi combines pate, fried shallots, coriander, pickles, and a touch of chili for a harmonious blend of flavors.

• Egg banh mi: This is one of the most popular types of banh mi in Hanoi, known for its affordability and simplicity. 

• Banh mi dan to: This type of banh mi consists of various ingredients such as sausage, eggs, dried beef, pate, and more. All of these ingredients are stir-fried together and combined with fresh vegetables and seasonings.

• Skewered meat banh mi: This is grilled and marinated skewered meat served with bread, complemented by sauce, spring onions, and fresh greens for a delightful contrast of flavors.

• Fermented pork and potato banh mi: This unique banh mi, often found near schools and offices, is loved for its affordability and deliciousness.

• Dried beef banh mi: Hanoi’s love for dried beef extends to this type of banh mi, which combines chewy dried beef with crunchy pickles for a delightful mix of flavors.
• Triangular banh mi: While it is not a traditional Vietnamese banh mi, this triangular version has gained popularity throughout Hanoi. It replaces beef with pork, making it more affordable and suitable for Vietnamese tastes.

These banh mi variations offer memorable culinary experiences in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

Read more: Hanoi street food: Plenty of tasty dishes with pocket-friendly prices

3. Where to try the best banh mi in Hanoi?

3.1. Banh mi 25 – one of the best banh mi shops in Hanoi Old Quarter

• Address: No. 25 Hang Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 7 am – 9 am

Banh Mi 25 is a highly acclaimed eatery located in Hanoi Old Quarter, known for its exceptional banh mi and dedication to being plastic-free. Customers highly regard the delicious flavors of the banh mi here, which surpasses their expectations and stands out among other establishments. 

3.2. Banh mi Tram

• Address: No. 30 Dinh Ngang Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 7:30 am – 10 pm

With over 10 years of experience, Banh mi Tram has earned its reputation as one of the best-known establishments for the traditional banh mi in Hanoi. The standout feature here is the tender and well-cooked beef tendon, combined with a flavorful sauce and a harmonious blend of herbs and vegetables. 

Read more: Breakfast in Hanoi: Energize your day with 11 amazing places

3.3. Banh mi Ngoc Hieu (Hoa Ma)

• Address: No. 52 Le Ngoc Han Street, Hai Ba Trung District

• Opening hours: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm

Banh mi Ngoc Hieu started as a small shop on Hoa Ma Street around 30 years ago, famous for its Vietnamese steak dishes. Besides several options for banh mi, the restaurant offers a wide selection of combo meals suitable for families, as well as pasta options to cater to diverse customer preferences.

Banh mi Ngoc Hieu is a long-standing destination for a delicious banh mi in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

3.4. Banh mi Dan To 32 Tran Nhat Duat

• Address: No. 32 Tran Nhat Duat Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 6 pm – 5:30 am

Banh mi Dan To Tran Nhat Duat, known for its unique approach to banh mi, has become a magnet for food bloggers and tourists in Hanoi. Despite its late opening hours, many people willingly queue up here. This type of banh mi in Hanoi stands out due to its special fillings and preparation method. 

3.5. Banh mi Pho Hue

• Address: No. 118 Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung District

• Opening hours: 6 am – 2 pm

With over 40 years of history, Banh mi Pho Hue offers traditional banh mi with pate, homemade chili sauce, and a variety of toppings. It has even garnered praise from Geoffrey Deetz, a renowned chef and culinary expert, as a place for a simple yet remarkable banh mi.

3.6. Banh mi 35

• Address: No. 35 Thai Thinh Street, Dong Da District

• Opening hours: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm

Banh mi 35 is a spacious eatery that attracts a diverse crowd, particularly teenagers. It is renowned for its sizzling pan-fried banh mi and banh mi with beef stew in red wine. Both dishes are tantalizing, creating a satisfying and flavorful combination.

Banh mi 35 is a must-visit for those craving a mouth-watering banh mi in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

3.7. Banh mi Pho Co

• Address: No. 38 Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 7 am – 12 am

While the exact history of Banh mi Pho Co remains uncertain, its reputation for serving delicious banh mi with homemade ingredients has made it quite famous. Thanks to the quality of the ingredients and the affordability of the prices, it is considered a place to get the best banh mi in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Explore: 25 of the best places to eat in Hanoi to satisfy your inner foodie

3.8. Banh mi Nguyen Sinh

• Address: No. 17 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 7 am – 8:30 pm

Banh mi Nguyen Sinh holds the distinction of being one of the first banh mi eateries in Hanoi. In addition to its signature dish of pate banh mi, customers seeking variety can choose from a range of other fillings such as smoked meat, cold cuts, and sausages. However, the prices at Banh mi Nguyen Sinh are somewhat higher.

3.9. Banh mi Ba Dan

• Address: No. 34 Lo Su Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 6 am – 9 pm

Since its establishment in 1979, Banh mi Ba Dan has been among the oldest banh mi eateries in Hanoi and still maintains its reputation for its delectable pate until now. To meet customer demands, the owner has creatively introduced several recipes to make their banh mi even more flavorful. 

Despite the growing competition, Banh mi Ba Dan maintains its reputation thanks to its signature pate (Source: Collected)

3.10. Vegan Banh mi

• Address: No. 66B Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 8 am – 7 pm (closed on Sunday)

If you are seeking a vegan banh mi that offers a blend of flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, keep in mind that the establishment is situated in a narrow alley, resulting in limited seating. Despite that, the food here is incredibly satisfying and the prices are reasonable. 

Read more: 18+ excellent Hanoi vegetarian restaurants that will delight every palate

3.11. Banh mi Quang Trung

• Address: No. 31 Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District

• Opening hours: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

Banh mi Quang Trung has gained a reputation among meat skewer enthusiasts in Hanoi for its perfectly marinated, tender, and delicious meat. A typical banh mi here is served with 1-2 skewers of meat, along with some pickles and chili. The combination of meat skewers and bread creates a truly enticing culinary experience.

*The details regarding addresses and opening hours provided in this article are for reference purposes only. It is recommended that you contact the establishments for the most up-to-date information before visiting.

Hanoi, with its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere, is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Exploring the city’s street food scene is an adventure in itself, and no culinary journey would be complete without indulging in the exquisite banh mi in Hanoi. The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and delicious.

Hanoi has many other street food offerings for you to try (Source: Collected)

Aside from banh mi, Hanoi boasts a plethora of other dishes that should not be missed out on such as pho Thin Hanoi, pho rolls, bun dau mam tom, shrimp cake, and so on. These culinary delights showcase the diversity and depth of Hanoi’s food scene, offering a truly memorable dining experience.

For those seeking entertainment, Hanoi offers exciting attractions such as VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park. VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium is a fascinating educational and recreational complex, where visitors can explore marine life and engage in interactive experiences. Meanwhile, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park promises a day of excitement with its exciting slides, wave pools, and water activities.

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While Hanoi has much to offer, it is also worth exploring other destinations in Vietnam. Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Hoi An are all recommended for their beautiful scenery and culture. If you are seeking a fun-filled day with your loved ones, come to the entertainment complexes of VinWonders in these destinations. Additionally, the hotels or resorts of Vinpearl are highly recommended for the most relaxing stay in Vietnam.

VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park offers thrilling experiences in Hanoi

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