Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers, filled with delicious local dishes waiting to be discovered. Below is a curated list of must-try specialties for you to experience the authentic taste of the city.
The most famous dish of Vietnam - Pho. There are 3 kinds of Pho for you to try.
1. Phở bò (Beef Pho)
- Phở Thìn
2. Phở gà (Chicken Pho)
3. Phở cuốn
There are many varieties of bún in Hanoi. Here are some delicious options you might want to try.
1. Bún chả
- Bún chả Hương Liên (Bún chả Obama) (Obama went here!) - foreigner friendly
2. Bún riêu (Vietnamese Crab, Pork & Tomato Noodle Soup)
3. Bún đậu
4. Bún thang
There are also other tasty noodle dishes like bún ngan (try Bún Ngan Lý Nam Đế or Bún Ngan Nhàn) and bún mọc (Bún Mọc Thủy) that are worth a try.
Hanoi has many other delightful dishes to offer. Don’t miss local favorites like Chả cá, Bánh cuốn, and Xôi
1. Chả cá
- Chả cá Thăng Long (foreigner friendly)
2. Bánh cuốn
3. Xôi (Sticky rice)
- Xôi Yến
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a more refined and elevated touch
(foreigner friendly)
Tam Vi offers Northern Vietnamese home-cooked meals inspired by the Dong Kinh (Tonkin) period, taking traditional flavors to a refined level.
(foreigner friendly)
Ưu Đàm Chay serves creative vegetarian and vegan dishes in a serene, stylish setting. It’s a favorite among both locals and travelers looking for a healthy and calming dining experience.
(foreigner friendly)
Maison Sen Buffet serves a rich mix of Vietnamese and international dishes in an elegant, welcoming space — a must-try dining experience in Hanoi.
(foreigner friendly)
Pizza 4P’s is a well-loved restaurant chain in Vietnam, famous for its house-made cheese and creative fusion pizzas. It’s a perfect spot for a cozy meal with friends after exploring Hanoi’s streets.
In the Old Quarter, you can visit:
Pizza 4P’s Bao Khanh – 11B Bao Khanh Street
Pizza 4P’s Trang Tien – 43 Trang Tien Street
Near JW Marriott Hotel, there is Pizza 4P’s Landmark 72
(foreigner friendly)
A casual Vietnamese home-style eatery near the Opera House, serving a variety of everyday Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices.
Experience Hanoi’s unique coffee and tea culture — where every corner offers a tranquil/chill vibe
Mono Coffee is all about a cozy vibe with single-origin Young Beans and exceptional customer service, making every visit feel like home
THAIYEN CAFE adds a refreshing twist to Hanoi’s coffee scene, with smooth Arabica blends that balance fruity aromas and a rich, chocolatey finish—ideal for coffee lovers
Ban Công Café combines vintage charm with a great view of Hanoi’s Old Quarter — ideal for a relaxing coffee break or evening drink.
A piece of history in every cup, Ca Phe Giang offers the iconic egg coffee that has been a staple of Hanoi’s coffee culture for generations, served in a nostalgic and charming setting.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a cultural landmark in Hanoi, where visitors can explore Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, and other historical sites around the area. On weekends, the surrounding streets turn into a lively walking zone with street performances, traditional games, and plenty of space to relax. A stroll around the lake is also perfect for enjoying local coffee and chilling.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of Hanoi’s most important historical sites. Travelers can explore the surrounding complex, including the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda. The area also offers a peaceful atmosphere for learning about Vietnam’s history and the life of “Uncle Ho".
Discover Hanoi in a fun and unique way with a vintage jeep tour. You’ll ride through charming old streets, hidden alleys, and local markets while feeling the city’s vibrant energy.
You can hop on and off at any stop to explore, snap pics, or grab a bite.
It will be chill, comfy, and perfect for sightseeing with a view!
Discover Hanoi’s charm with a traditional cyclo ride — a peaceful, leisurely way to see the Old Quarter and its bustling street scenes.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton", is a historic site that once held Vietnamese revolutionaries during the French colonial era. The museum features preserved prison cells, powerful exhibits, and stories of resilience, making it one of Hanoi’s most striking historical landmarks.
Experience the magic of the Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi, where colorful puppets perform on water, bringing Vietnamese legends to life with live traditional music!
Don't miss Bat Trang Pottery Village, where you can create your own ceramic piece and explore the rich heritage of Vietnamese pottery at the Bat Trang Museum!
Vietnam is full of beautiful destinations beyond Hanoi. If you have extra time, it’s a great chance to take a longer trip — whether you’re looking for nature, culture, or simply a relaxing escape. Here are some places you might want to explore.
This is one of the best times to visit Phú Quốc — warm, sunny, and perfect for the beach. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and stunning sunsets without worrying about rain.
Late December to early January is cool and misty in Hạ Long, creating a dreamy, peaceful atmosphere on the bay. It’s not ideal for swimming, but perfect for cruising and admiring the limestone karsts in a softer winter light.