top 25 Hanoi street food not to miss🥢 😍

Beyond Vietnam
Jan 16, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Top 25 Hanoi street food not to miss for first time travelers

You’re planning a trip to Hanoi and wondering what to eat? Sure, you’ve heard of "phở"—the global celebrity of Vietnamese cuisine—but trust me, Hanoi’s food scene is like a treasure chest, and "phở" is just the shiny coin on top. As someone who grew up here (and happily ate my way through the city), I can confidently say that there's no better way to fall in love with Hanoi than through its street food.

Whether you're a foodie or just looking for things to do in Hanoi, these 25 dishes are your passport to culinary bliss. Warning: your taste buds may fall so hard they won't want to leave.😉

l. BÚN CHẢ

Right after phở comes bún chả, or as it’s now famously known, “Bún Chả Obama,” thanks to the former U.S. President’s visit to Hanoi in 20l6. If you’ve ever Googled Hanoi street food or searched for things to do in Hanoi, I bet you’ve definitely seen this dish pop up. Of course it's famous for a reason! This dish features grilled pork patties served with fresh rice noodles, herbs, and tangy dipping sauce - it’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and fresh.

2. BÚN RIÊU

Bún riêu cua - Freshwater crab noodle soup. You may be hearing about it for the first time, but this dish is a favorite among locals and can be found on almost every street in Hanoi. Known as the 'Vietnamese rustic specialties,' it ticks all the boxes: tasty, nutritious, and affordable. With its rich, savory broth and a hint of tanginess, you’ll regret missing out if you don’t give it a try while in Vietnam.

Check out our blog to learn more about Bun Rieu Cua.