Hanoi street food tour: A detailed guide with recommended dishes to eat

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Foodaholics should plan for a Hanoi street food tour to make their trip more fulfilling (Source: Collected)

During your Hanoi travel journey, besides visiting some of Hanoi’s well-known tourist attractions, you should take a Hanoi street food tour to experience a famous food paradise in Asia. Hanoi’s delicacies will impress every tourist with the naturally excellent taste of fresh ingredients as well as the sophistication of seasoning and processing techniques.

1. Where is the best place to take Hanoi street food tour?

There’s no better place to start your Hanoi street food tour than the iconic Hanoi Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets filled with historical charm, where you can find a plethora of street food vendors. These food carts serve a delectable array of local dishes, adding to the bustling ambiance with the attractive aroma of sizzling meats and spices. From piping-hot bowls of Pho and banh mi to crispy fried spring rolls and fragrant Vietnamese coffee, the Old Quarter is widely regarded as a food lover’s paradise. 

Foreigners enjoying the local delicacies at Hanoi Old Quarter (Source: Collected)

In addition to the Old Quarter, Hanoi markets are also must-visit destinations for street food enthusiasts. Some Hanoi street food markets like Dong Xuan Market, Hom Market, night market Hanoi offer a vibrant atmosphere and a plethora of street food options to tantalize your taste buds. Tourists can easily find some traditional dishes, including Vietnamese chicken sticky rice, fried spring rolls, and grilled meat skewers at these markets at reasonable prices. The explosion of flavors in these freshly prepared Vietnamese delicacies will definitely fulfill your appetite. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and explore the flavors of Hanoi street food!

2. What to eat to get the perfect Hanoi street food tour?

Hanoi is the birthplace of numerous exquisite Vietnamese dishes, so tourists can find a myriad of dishes served along the streets. Here are some must-try Hanoi famous foods that you should put on your bucket list when taking a Hanoi street food tour:

2.1. Banh mi with wine sauce

One of the must-try street food dishes in Hanoi is banh mi with wine sauce, or Banh my sot vang in Vietnamese. This mouthwatering culinary creation is a delightful fusion of Vietnamese and French flavors that is sure to arouse your taste buds. A piece of crispy baguette, stewed beef, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of tangy wine-based sauce create a harmonious symphony of flavors in each bite. 

Banh mi with wine sauce is highly preferred by both locals and tourists (Source: Collected)

The succulent and juicy meat pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the wine sauce, creating a burst of flavors in your mouth. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter or exploring a local market, banh mi with wine sauce is a special street food delicacy that encapsulates the unique culinary culture of Hanoi. 

Here are some places serving banh mi with wine sauce:

• Banh mi sot vang Dinh Ngang:  No. 30, Dinh Ngang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh mi sot vang Co Nga: No. 3, Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh mi sot vang Hao Hao: No. 1B, Chan Cam Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2.2. Hot chestnuts

If you’re looking for a cozy street food treat to warm you up during a chilly day in Hanoi, make sure to try the hot chestnuts! Roasted chestnuts are a popular snack in Hanoi, especially during the cooler months, and are commonly sold by street vendors across the city. The natural sweetness and warmth of the chestnuts make them a perfect treat to warm your hands and satisfy your hungry stomach as you explore the streets of Hanoi. 

A vendor selling hot chestnuts on Hanoi street (Source: Collected)

The chestnuts are typically roasted over an open flame until they are golden brown and have a delightful smoky aroma. The vendors skillfully crack open the chestnut shells to reveal the tender, sweet and nutty flesh inside. The warm chestnuts are then served in a small bag or paper cone, making it a convenient and comforting snack to enjoy on the go. 

Here are some places serving hot chestnuts in Hanoi:

• Hat de Bac Kinh: No. 5B, Hang Dau Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Dong Xuan Market: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Hom Market: No. 79 Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

2.3. Tofu pudding

Tofu pudding, known locally as “Tao pho” is a beloved traditional Vietnamese dessert that has been enjoyed by locals for generations. Tofu pudding is made from soybean milk that is coagulated with gypsum or a similar coagulant, resulting in a smooth, silky, and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s typically served chilled and topped with a sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and sometimes jasmine or pandan flavoring. Some variations may also include toppings such as grass jelly, coconut milk, or dried coconut, adding a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The tofu pudding is usually served in small bowls or cups, making it a perfect on-the-go dessert.

Tofu pudding can be a highlight of your Hanoi street food tour (Source: Collected)

Not only is tofu pudding a delicious and refreshing dessert, but it’s also a healthy option as it’s packed with protein and is often considered a lighter alternative to other Vietnamese desserts that are typically rich and heavy. It’s a great option for your Hanoi vegetarian street food tour as it’s made entirely from plant-based ingredients. A cup of tofu pudding costs between 10,000 and 20,000 VND.

Here are some places serving tofu pudding in Hanoi:

• Vua Tao Pho: No. 192 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Tao Pho Thanh Lan: No. 61 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Dong Xuan Market: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2.4. Trang Tien ice cream

Trang Tien ice cream is a legendary ice cream brand that has been delighting locals and tourists alike for over 60 years. What makes Trang Tien ice cream special is its unique flavors, which are inspired by Vietnamese ingredients and flavors. From traditional flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and matcha to more exotic options like durian, red bean, and taro, Trang Tien ice cream offers a wide range of flavors that are sure to capture the hearts of every customer.

Trang Tien ice cream is highly preferred by young people  (Source: Collected)

Visiting Trang Tien ice cream parlor is not just about the ice cream, but also about immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Hanoi. The parlor has a nostalgic and charming atmosphere that takes you back in time, allowing you to enjoy your ice cream while taking in the ambiance of this iconic location. Thus, Trang Tien ice cream is a local culinary treasure that should not be missed on your Hanoi street food tour.

Here is the address of the Trang Tien ice cream store:

• Kem Trang Tien: No. 35 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2.5. Stuffed sticky rice ball

Another unique dish that tourists should try in their Hanoi food tours is stuffed sticky rice ball, or Banh Troi Tau in Vietnamese. This dessert consists of small glutinous rice balls filled with sweet mung bean paste and is typically served in a sweet syrup made from sugar and water and sometimes flavored with pandan leaves for a fragrant touch. The dumplings are often white in color, resembling small clouds, and are sometimes garnished with grated coconut or roasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Stuffed sticky rice ball is a must-try dish on your Hanoi street food tour (Source: Collected)

The process of making Banh Troi Tau is a labor-intensive art, with skilled artisans carefully shaping the glutinous rice dough into small balls and skillfully filling them with sweet mung bean paste. The dumplings are then boiled until they float to the surface, which is where the name “Banh Troi Tau” comes from, and are then served in a sweet syrup that gives them a delectable sweetness.

Here are some places serving stuffed sticky rice balls in Hanoi:

• Che Ba Mai: No. 93 Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh troi tau Diep Beo: No. 52 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xoi che Ba Thin: No. 95 Hon Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

>>> Let’s explore Hanoi cuisine to make your trip more interesting!

2.6. Chicken sticky rice

If you’re a fan of flavorful and aromatic dishes, be sure to try “Xoi ga” or chicken sticky rice. is a delicious and satisfying dish made from glutinous rice that is cooked with aromatic spices such as ginger, shallots, and sometimes pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant and savory flavor. The rice is then topped with tender and juicy chicken that’s been marinated with a combination of Vietnamese spices, typically including fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and pepper. 

Chicken sticky rice is a popular breakfast option among locals (Source: Collected)

The dish is typically served with additional toppings such as fried shallots, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and sliced cucumber, which add crunch, freshness, and extra flavor to the dish. Xôi Gà is often drizzled with a generous spoonful of Vietnamese fish sauce dressing, which adds a tangy and savory note that complements the richness of the chicken and rice.

2.7. Plain rice flan

Plain rice flan is a simple yet delicious dish made from rice flour that is steamed. It is often served with a variety of toppings, such as fried tofu, ground pork, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs, which add flavor, texture, and color to the dish.

Plain rice flan reflects the humble yet delicious nature of Vietnamese street food (Source: Collected)

The dish is typically served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and sometimes minced garlic and chili for a tangy and savory contrast to the mildness of the rice flour. The combination of soft rice flour, flavorful toppings, and tangy dipping sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both comforting and delicious.

Here are some places serving plain rice flan:

• Banh duc Hang Be: No. 28 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Nghia Tan Market: No. B6 Nghia Tan Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
• Banh duc Hang Be: No. 28 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2.8. Hot bagel twists – a must-try dish on Hanoi street food tour

Hot bagel twists, or quay nong, is a popular street food in Hanoi that consists of deep-fried dough sticks, also known as Chinese crullers, that are served hot and crispy. Quay nong is made from a simple dough mixture of wheat flour, water, salt, sugar, and yeast, which is kneaded and then cut into long strips. The dough strips are then deep-fried in hot oil until they puff up and turn crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

Hot bagel twists are beloved street food in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

There are various ways that quay nong can be enjoyed. It can be eaten on its own, dipped into a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, or even used as a topping in noodle soups or rice dishes. Some vendors also stuff quay nong with ingredients such as pate, eggs, or sausage to create a heartier version of the snack.

Here are some places serving hot bagel twists in Hanoi:

• Quay nong Hang Dieu: No. 48 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Quay nong Hang Bong: No. 73 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Thanh Cong Market: Thanh Cong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

2.9. Fried fermented pork rolls

Fried fermented pork rolls, or nem chua ran, is one of numerous delectable deep-fried dishes in Hanoi. The dish typically starts with minced pork that is mixed with spices such as garlic, sugar, and fish sauce and is then allowed to ferment for a short period of time to develop its slightly sour flavor. The fermented pork mixture is then shaped into small rolls, coated in a thin layer of batter, and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors makes nem chua ran a true delight for the taste buds.

Fried fermented pork rolls should be one of the top dishes to try on your Hanoi street food tour (Source: Collected)

Here are some places serving fried fermented pork rolls in Hanoi:

• Nem chua ran Tam Thuong: No. 36 Tam Thuong Alley, Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Nem chua chien xu Ta Hien: No. 29A Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Dong Xuan Market: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2.10. Fresh fruits with crushed ice

Fresh fruit with crushed ice, a refreshing and healthy treat, is perfect for beating the tropical heat. The dish features a colorful assortment of fresh fruits served over a bed of ice that has been crushed to create a snowy texture. The crushed ice helps to keep the fruits chilled and adds a pleasant crunch to each bite.

Fresh fruit with crushed ice is an ideal dish to wrap up your Hanoi street food tour  (Source: Collected)

The dish typically includes a variety of tropical fruits such as watermelon, mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, and more, depending on the season and availability. Some vendors offer additional toppings such as condensed milk, coconut milk, or yogurt, which add creaminess and sweetness to the dish. Fresh fruits with crushed ice 

>>> Discover top Hanoi things to do to make your travel journey more memorable!

Besides taking a Hanoi street food tour to experience Vietnam cuisine, tourists should also spend time visiting other famous places in Hanoi, including Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Presidential Palace, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Opera House, Ngoc Son Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge for more experiences. Moreover, it is highly recommended that you exploreVinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City. 

At Vinpearl Aquarium, you can immerse in the colorful world of the mysterious ocean. This place has set numerous records and is now home to almost 30,000 sea creatures. Meanwhile, VinKE is an ideal place for children to try their dream jobs while having fun with their parents.

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The article has provided you with all the necessary information to help you plan the best Hanoi street food tour. If you have a chance to visit the capital of Vietnam, don’t forget to try these tasty dishes to gain a greater insight into the special Vietnamese cuisine!

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