‍1. Banh Mi

The renowned Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi, exhibits distinct French influences and claims a significant spot among Hanoi's most prized culinary offerings; it is a must-try when visiting Hanoi. Typically presented in a crispy baguette, the fillings can include the likes of juicy grilled pork, flavorful chicken, or tender beef, enhanced by aromatic fresh herbs, piquant pickled vegetables, and a generous spread of creamy mayonnaise or savory liver pâté.

Vendors serving Banh Mi are nearly ubiquitous throughout the city, making it a highlight on any culinary exploration of Hanoi. Boasting countless variations and closely-guarded family recipes, this delectable yet simple sandwich has secured its place among the most favored dishes in Hanoi. Below are some of the local favorites.

• Banh Mi Mama: Situated at 54 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Mi Pho Co: Located at 38 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Mi Ba Nga: Found at 31 Quang Trung, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

>>> Explore: What exaclty is Banh Mi?

2. Bun Cha: Hanoi's Signature Grilled Pork Dish Unveiled

Bun Cha, a Hanoi street food, showcases grilled pork, frequently with both savory minced pork patties and succulent fatty pork slices, served with thin rice vermicelli noodles and a delectable broth that provides both a depth of aroma and flavor. This popular meal is a true representation of what Hanoi has to offer when it comes to its street food, notable for its smoky aroma, and its symphony of both sweet and savory tastes.

Your Bun Cha experience will be enhanced when enjoyed with fresh herbs and vegetables, allowing diners to mix and match each bite by dipping the meat and noodles into the flavorful accompanying sauce. The thoughtfully balanced broth, made with fish sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sugar, enriches every facet of the culinary creation, rendering it an indispensable entry in Hanoi's culinary landscape.

If you find yourself on a street food tour of Hanoi, don't pass up the chance to try Bun Cha from local vendors, where both locals and tourists convene. Here are a few popular locations to kick off your gastronomic journey:

• Bun cha Gam Cau: 3 Gam Cau, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun cha Hang Quat: 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

>>> Explore: What exaclty is Bun Cha Hanoi?

3. Cha Ca Hanoi: Turmeric Fish, one of the best street foods in Hanoi

Cha Ca is a must-try for any visitor. At its heart, this dish features fish, typically catfish, marinated and pan-fried with turmeric and dill, often presented sizzling directly at your table. When ready, the fish is served alongside vermicelli noodles, garnished with peanuts, a choice of mam tom (shrimp paste) or fish sauce, and a mix of fresh herbs, culminating in a unique and memorable blend of sensations.

In order to fully bask in the essence of Cha Ca, explore a local restaurant where the air is thick with the inviting fragrance of frying fish and the energy of enthusiastic diners enhances the atmosphere.

• Cha Ca Thang Long: 2D Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi / 6B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Vua Cha Ca restaurant chain

>>> Read more: What is Hanoi Grilled Fish?

4. Mien Luon: Glass Noodles and Eel - A Taste of Hanoi

Featuring translucent glass noodles paired with flawlessly fried, crispy eel, Mien Luon presents a culinary delight. Its richness is derived from an aromatic eel broth while optional elements like slices of refreshing cucumber, select spices, plus crispy fried shallots, all come together for texture and flavor.

Irrespective of whether served "dry" with a savory concoction, or as a soup, the dish perfectly exemplifies the ingenuity possessed by Hanoi's street vendors, as well as their capacity to spin ordinary fixings into a masterful creation.

If you are looking to go beyond what is normally offered to the every day tourist, than mien luon is an absolute one of the must try Hanoian dishes. Taking comfort and adventure, and combining the traditional and the new: it stands to be a star among the city's selection of popular dishes.

• Mien Luon Tan Tan: 52 Nguyen Truong To, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi/16 Tue Tinh, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Mien Luon Chan Cam: 1 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

5. Ca Phe Trung: Delve into Hanoi's Egg Coffee Culture

A pleasing surprise is sure to come when discovering Ca Phe Trung, or egg coffee. As an exceptional specialty drink, it brings coffee and a delicious, whipped egg mixture into a single creation. Though this might seen unlikely, it became a hallmark of the city's coffee tradition.

Most often prepared in a short glass, the egg yolk is whipped together with ingredients like sugar and condensed milk, developing a creamy delight that is both delightful and airy to perfection. It is typically served with the prepared coffee carefully poured over the fluffy frothy egg topping, which makes an pleasing layered affect along the way.

When drinking Ca Phe Trung, it's practically like you're inside one of the many quaint cafes in the heart of Hanoi. Every sip has the richness of the frothy egg blending together with the strong coffee, creating a luxurious and unique sensory experience.

• Cafe Giang: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Dinh Cafe: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

>>> You may also like: What is Egg Coffee? Essential Experience for Vietnam Travelers

Top 5 Egg Coffee in Hanoi: Where to Savor Hanoi’s Creamiest Drink

Best Egg Coffee in Hanoi: Cafe Giang

6. Che: Exploring Vietnamese Sweet Soups

As one of the best street foods in Hanoi, Che (Vietnamese sweet soup) can be prepared any number of ways, and frequently integrates a mix of comforting textures and flavors. Offered chilled, Che frequently encompasses a flavorful mix of fruits, beans, or even glutinous rice, all seamlessly unified and covered in either coconut milk, or a flavorful syrup. Che variations are unique, and that makes each offering unique.

• Che 4 Mua: 4 Hang Can Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Che Thap Cam 1976: 72G Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

>>> Read more: Vietnamese Sweet Soup: Delightful Desserts to Savor and Enjoy

7. Summing Up

Exploring top 6 local dishes in Hanoi provides rich insights into the Vietnamese cuisine and its culture. Each of these plates holds a part of Vietnamese history within its story, offering glimpses into the individuals that create the dishes, as well as how the community around them cherish and enjoy them with gusto.

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