Hanoi Street Food Tour: 20 Must-Try Dishes in the Old Quarter

Hanoi isn’t just Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital — it’s a street food paradise, where every alley hides a culinary story. In the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter, the scent of grilled meat, the chatter of street vendors, and the sound of clinking bowls all blend into one unforgettable melody of flavor and life.

I decided to spend an entire day doing nothing but eating my way through the Old Quarter — and here’s my full-day food journey of 20 dishes that fed not just my stomach, but also my heart.

🌅 Morning – A Classic Hanoi Start

The morning air in the Old Quarter is crisp, filled with the sounds of bicycles and the aroma of smoky kitchens.

Phở Bát Đàn - Be prepared to queue and serve yourself, but that first spoonful of steaming broth, tender rare beef, and fragrant herbs will make it all worth it.

Xôi Xéo Yến (Nguyen Huu Huan Street) - Golden sticky rice topped with smooth mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, and a drizzle of chicken fat.

Bánh Cuốn Thanh Vân (Hang Ga Street) - Soft rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with hot fish sauce and a drop of ca cuong essence.

Bún Riêu Cua Hàng Bạc - A bowl of crab noodle soup with tangy tomatoes, creamy crab paste, and fresh herbs.

☕ Giang Café - Stop for a cup of egg coffee, Hanoi’s iconic drink. Hot, thick, and velvety, it’s like dessert and espresso in one — a must-try local secret.

☀️ Midday – The Heart of Hanoi’s Flavors

By noon, the Old Quarter gets busier, and your appetite comes calling again.

Bún Chả Hàng Mành - Charcoal-grilled pork with vermicelli and dipping sauce — smoky, savory, and perfectly Hanoi.

Nem Rán - Crispy Vietnamese spring rolls with pork, wood ear mushrooms, and glass noodles.

Bún Thang Cầu Gỗ - A delicate soup with shredded chicken, thin egg strips, dried shrimp, and mushrooms in clear broth.

Nộm Bò Khô Hồ Hoàn Kiếm - A refreshing green papaya salad with dried beef, peanuts, and sweet-sour dressing, best enjoyed by the lake.

👉 Midday in the Old Quarter is a time to slow down — sit on a tiny stool, savor grilled meat smoke, and soak in the lively street chatter.

🌇 Afternoon – Sweet & Social

As the afternoon sun softens, dessert stalls start drawing crowds.

Chè Sen – Chè Bưởi (Hang Can Street) - Sweet lotus seed or pomelo dessert soup, light and refreshing.

Bánh Trôi Tàu (Hang Dieu Street) - Warm glutinous rice balls with black sesame or red bean filling, served in ginger syrup.

Ốc Luộc Đinh Liệt - Steamed snails dipped in spicy lemongrass fish sauce — hot, salty, and addictively good.

Quẩy Nóng Hàng Bông - Freshly fried dough sticks, crispy outside, soft inside — perfect for snacking on the go.

👉 These are the happiest moments — eating snails, chatting with friends, watching the streets light up.

🌙 Evening – The Soul of Hanoi Cuisine

When night falls, the Old Quarter glows — and the food gets even better.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng - Hanoi’s legendary grilled catfish cooked with dill and spring onions, served with noodles and shrimp paste.

Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây - Crispy shrimp fritters with sweet-sour dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

Miến Lươn Nguyễn Siêu - Eel vermicelli soup, either crispy or tender, in a fragrant broth with Vietnamese coriander.

Bánh Mì Pate Hàng Gà - A crunchy baguette filled with rich pate, cucumber, and cilantro.

🍦 Dessert Stop: Tràng Tiền Ice Cream - A simple ice cream bar, yet a nostalgic childhood treat for generations of Hanoians.

🌃 Late Night – When Hanoi Never Sleeps

The night streets buzz with laughter and golden lights — and more food to discover.

Trà Chanh Nhà Thờ - Lemon tea served on plastic stools outside the church — simple, cheap, and full of memories.

ExperiBánh Gối – Fried Savory Pillow Cakesence - Crispy pastries stuffed with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and vermicelli, dipped in sweet-and-sour papaya sauce.

👉 Late at night, I sat on a small stool, sipping lemon tea, munching on bánh gối, and felt Hanoi’s warmth — so ordinary yet so magical.

💡 Tips for Your Hanoi Street Food Adventure

Walk through the Old Quarter to explore and eat at the same time.

Eat small portions so you can try more dishes.

Bring small cash (10,000–50,000 VND bills).

On weekends, combine your food tour with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Walking Street for the full experience.