WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK WHEN VISITING HANOI ?

When mentioning Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, people not only think of its historical relics and ancient streets but also remember it’s incredibly rich and diverse culinary scene. Hanoi cuisine is a harmonious combination of long-standing traditional flavors and modern twists, creating an irresistible allure for both domestic and international visitors. Join Casa Viet Travel to experience the must-try dishes when visiting Hanoi!

Pho Hanoi
Pho Hanoi, often hailed as the quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup, embodies the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam’s capital. This aromatic dish features a clear, fragrant broth simmered for hours with beef bones and spices, creating a delicate balance of flavors. Pho Hanoi offers a harmonious blend of tastes and textures and is served with tender slices of beef or chicken, fresh rice noodles, and an array of herbs and condiments such as basil, lime, and chili. Each bowl celebrates tradition, reflecting Hanoi’s unique approach to this beloved national dish.

Bun Cha Hanoi
Bun Cha Hanoi is a Vietnamese dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Hanoi’s street food scene. This dish features grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly, cooked over an open flame to achieve a smokey char and juicy tenderness. Served atop a bed of vermicelli noodles, it comes with a bowl of tangy, sweet-sour dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar. The dish is complemented by a variety of fresh herbs, crispy fried shallots, and pickled vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Bun Cha Hanoi is not just a meal but an experience, offering a delicious taste of the capital’s rich culinary heritage.

Nem ran (Spring rolls)
Spring rolls, also known as fried spring rolls, is an irresistible delicacy of Vietnam. Spring rolls feature a crispy rice paper wrapper, a subtly sweet meat filling, the nutty flavors of wood ear and shiitake mushrooms, and the fragrant aroma of various spices. It is often served with fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, sweet and sour dipping sauce, and chili sauce. This is one of Hanoi’s elegant dishes and a must-try treat when visiting the city

Cha ca La Vong
Cha ca La Vong is a long-standing traditional dish of Hanoi. It is made from marinated hemibagrus fish, grilled over charcoal. The dish is served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste. Cha ca La Vong boasts a delicious, rich flavor that many tourists love. The unique combination of flavors, textures, and interactive eating experience makes this dish a must-try when visiting Hanoi or exploring Vietnamese cuisine. Whether enjoyed at a high-end restaurant or a street food stall, Cha ca La Vong is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Banh tom Ho Tay (West Lake shrimp cake)
West Lake shrimp cake is a simple yet distinctive dish of Hanoi. This dish attracts tourists not only with its delicious flavor but also with the long-standing culinary culture of Hanoi’s residents. West Lake shrimp cake has a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The sweetness of the shrimp blends with the nuttiness of sweet potato, the sweet and sour taste of fish sauce, and the spicy kick of chili, creating an incredibly enticing flavor. This dish is tied to the childhood memories of many Hanoians and is a gift they wish to share with visitors to the capital.

Bun Thang
Bun thang has long been a symbol of culinary excellence in Hanoi, captivating visitors with its delicate, refined flavors and harmonious combination of numerous ingredients. Bun thang is made from over 20 ingredients, including fresh rice vermicelli, Vietnamese pork sausage, thinly sliced fried egg, shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and more, served with a sweet and clear broth simmered from chicken bones. This is perhaps the most elaborate and sophisticated dish in Hanoi cuisine. Bun thang embodies the essence of Hanoi, reflecting the elegance and grace of its people.

Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls
Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls, known locally as “banh cuon Thanh Tri,” are a cherished specialty hailing from the Thanh Tri district of Hanoi. These delicate, translucent rolls are made from a thin, silky rice flour batter steamed to perfection, resulting in a soft and tender texture. Traditionally filled with a savory mix of minced pork, mushrooms, and fried shallots, they are often topped with fresh herbs and served with a side of Vietnamese dipping sauce, a fragrant fish sauce-based dipping sauce. The light and savory nature of Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls makes them a beloved dish, celebrated for their subtle yet rich flavors that reflect the artistry of Vietnamese cuisine.

Banh troi – banh chay
Troi cake and chay cake are not just an afternoon treat for the people of Vietnam, but it’s also a symbol of national spirit, deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the nation. Concealed within each small ball of this dessert is a sweet and delicate flavor, providing diners with a refreshing and pleasant sensation during hot summer days. When eaten, diners will experience the perfect harmony of the chewy texture of the outer layer, the sweet purity of the mung bean or black sesame filling, and the spicy warmth of ginger, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Banh ran (Hanoi-style fried doughnuts)
When visiting Hanoi, tourists simply can’t miss out on savoring the local specialties such as pho, bun cha, and… Hanoi-style fried doughnuts. These simple yet captivating afternoon treats are often a favorite choice among many diners. What makes Hanoi’s delicious fried doughnuts stand out is their thin crust and perfectly portioned filling, combined with a crunchy brown sugar glaze on the outside. With each bite, you’ll experience the crispiness of the crust, the sweet flavor of the glaze, and the nutty texture of the mung bean filling. In addition to the sugar-glazed doughnuts, the shop also serves mung bean-filled doughnuts that are equally delicious. So, why wait? Head over and indulge in these delights right away.

Egg Coffee
The chilly air of late autumn in Hanoi not only invites people to immerse themselves in the cool atmosphere but also prompts them to seek out warm beverages to heat their bodies; among them, egg coffee is a must-try. Hanoi’s egg coffee captivates not only with its unique name but also with its irresistible flavor. The slight bitterness of the coffee blends harmoniously with the rich creaminess of the beaten egg yolk, creating a perfect symphony on the palate. Additionally, a delicate layer of foam on the surface adds to the drink’s allure. Egg coffee has become a special gift that Hanoi offers to visitors on cold days.

Hanoi draft beer
Bia hoi, known as Hanoi draft beer, has long been an indispensable beverage in the culinary life of Hanoi residents, especially during hot summer days. Hanoi’s fresh beer has a shiny golden color, a mild bitterness, and a refreshing sweet aftertaste, providing a delightful sensation when enjoyed. Fresh beer is typically served cold, in tall green glass mugs, enhancing its flavor and providing a cool sensation. The cool, fizzy beer along with simple drinking snacks create an irresistible charm, attracting visitors to Hanoi and enticing them to stay a while longer.

Chao suon (Rib congee)
For a long time, the fragrant and piping hot pots of pork rib porridge in Hanoi have been a cherished afternoon snack, a light breakfast option, or a comforting late-night meal for Hanoians. This porridge is thick, smooth, and deeply flavorful, with a rich seasoning that doesn’t overpower the natural sweet aroma of the simmered bones. Mixing in crispy fried dough and shredded pork adds texture to the porridge. When eating, remember to scoop up a spoonful containing all three simple ingredients to truly experience the indescribable taste journey from savory to rich and ending with a warm sweetness as it goes down your throat. Perhaps, one cannot fully appreciate the flavors of Hanoi without trying the late-night pork rib porridge at Hanoi Old Quarter.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HANOI

The two most distinctive seasons in Hanoi are autumn (from September to November) and spring (from January to around March), which are the best times to visit the city. During these periods, the weather is exceptionally pleasant, the atmosphere in Hanoi is comfortable, and the scenery is poetic and romantic. This is also the time when trees sprout and bloom, allowing you to witness the unique and captivating sights of Hanoi.