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Hungry in Hanoi
Hanoi
Vietnamese food is well-known and loved for its freshness and simplicity. Whether it’s a bowl of phở (noodle soup), a plate of spring rolls, or a serving of bánh mì (sandwich served in a baguette), there’s always something about it that keeps you reaching for more. Scour the streets of Hanoi to discover the country’s best local flavors. Satisfy your cravings as we take you to a quaint noodle soup stall, a popular cafe that serves egg coffee, and a restaurant that once hosted a former president and a culinary icon.
Updated 5 years ago
Phở Gia Truyền is one of the best phở places around the Old Quarter, garnering long queues as early as 6:00AM. Glance around and you’ll see many locals devouring its signature Phở Bo (beef noodle soup). Choose between brisket and flank (or both!) as your main protein, and feel free to sprinkle chili on top in case you're feeling a little fiery. Drop by early in the morning to get first dibs; we hear they tend to run out of supplies by noon!
49 Bát Đàn, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Chả Cá (Vietnamese-style fish) takes the spotlight at Chả Cá Thăng Long. It consists of boneless fish chunks that have been marinated in turmeric, then stir-fried with fresh dill and scallions. A staff will initially prepare the dish in front of you; they will even provide a small portable stove to keep everything fresh and warm while you feast. When all is set, build your own bowl! Create a bed of rice noodles at the bottom, top it off with the fish and greens, then drizzle some of their special fermented shrimp sauce for a final touch!
- +8438245115
19-21-31 Đường Thành, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
- http://www.chacathanglong.com/
A bowl of chicken noodle soup always hits the spot, and Phở gà Châm is the ideal spot to get a steaming bowl! Enjoy it in two ways: one with just white chicken meat, and the other filled to the brim with thigh meat, wings, eggs, and a chicken heart. The space is fairly small, so you might have to make do and eat your pho on the sidewalk—just like a true Hanoi native! Prices are also higher here compared to other joints, but it’ll all be worth it once you take that first spoonful.
63 Yên Ninh, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam
“Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.” The late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain tweeted this, along with a photo of him and former US president Barack Obama, back in 2016. They were in Hanoi at the time and decided to visit Bún Chả Hương Liên for some good ol’ Bún Chả (grilled pork rice noodles). Since then, the quaint eatery in the French Quarter has attracted customers from all over. Order the Obama Combo (yup, they actually named a meal after him!), which includes the traditional Bún Chả, deep-fried spring rolls, and a bottle of beer.
- +84 24 3943 4106
24 Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi, Vietnam
- https://www.facebook.com/bunchahuonglienobama/
Bánh mỳ Đức Long puts a Vietnamese twist on delectable Turkish food! Here, the Banh Mi Doner Kebab comes in a fluffy flatbread stuffed with spit-roasted pork (or chicken), fresh veggies, and various sauces. They also offer no-meat options for vegetarians and health-conscious diners. Whether you’re looking for a midday snack or something to munch on while walking the streets of Hanoi, their massive sandwich pockets are bound to fill you up.
6 Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Established in 1930, Che Bà Thìn is known for whipping up traditional chè (a sweet dessert soup). Indulge in a bowl of Che Ba Cot, made with glutinous rice, ginger, and brown sugar. Their Che Do Den (black beans, shredded coconut, and grass jelly) also comes highly recommended, especially during the summer. Plop down on one of the small chairs out front to savor your dessert alongside locals. It may be soup, but it will definitely cool you down while you’re embraced by the Vietnamese summer heat!
1 Bát Đàn, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Make your way to the city’s Old Quarter to experience Giảng Cafe's famous Egg Coffee! It all started in the 1940s when founder Nguyen Giang replaced milk with egg yolks—hence this wonderful creation. Sip on a cuppa and you’ll notice the difference its thick, eggy froth makes. They even serve it in a bowl of hot water to keep it warm at all times. This humble cafe is hidden away in Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street, so keep an eye out for its sign and narrow walkway. Once you find it, prepare to get an intense caffeine fix, the Hanoi way!
- +84 98 989 22 98
39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- https://cafegiang.vn/en/
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