Hanoi Cuisine: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in The Old Quarter

Pho in the Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering an array of traditional dishes that reflect the rich history and culture of the city. Exploring these bustling streets, you’ll find countless food stalls and restaurants serving mouthwatering Vietnamese cuisine. Here are the top 5 must-try dishes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Phở is a traditional Vietnamese soup that has become synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine around the world. Originating in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area, phở is a flavorful and aromatic dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà). And there’s no better place to enjoy it than in Hanoi.

Phở is not just a dish but a cultural icon in Vietnam. It is typically enjoyed for breakfast but can be eaten at any time of the day. In Hanoi, Phở stalls and restaurants can be found on almost every corner, with some establishments having been in operation for generations.

Where to Try:

  • Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn – 49 Bát Đàn, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
  • Phở Lý Quốc Sư – 10 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
  • Phở Khôi – 50 Hàng Vải, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Bún chả (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)

Bún chả is a quintessential Hanoi dish that gained international fame when former U.S. President Barack Obama dined on it during his visit. This dish consists of grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The combination of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors makes bún chả an unforgettable culinary experience.

Bún chả is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience. It is often enjoyed in the bustling street markets of Hanoi, where vendors grill the pork over charcoal right in front of you, filling the air with an irresistible aroma.

Where to try:

  • Bún Chả Hương Liên – 24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội
  • Bún chả Tuyết – 34 Hàng Than, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
  • Bún chả Sinh Từ – 316 Phố Vọng, quận Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội

Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Fish)

Chả Cá Lã Vọng has a long history, dating back over a century. It is named after the street Lã Vọng in Hanoi, where the dish was first served by the Đoàn family. The family opened a small restaurant to serve this special recipe, and it quickly became popular. The restaurant itself became so well-known that the street it was on was eventually renamed to Chả Cá Street in honor of the dish.

This unique Hanoi specialty features grilled fish seasoned with turmeric and dill, served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and fresh herbs. The fish is cooked right at your table, adding to the dining experience. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish.

Where to try:

  • Chả cá Lã Vọng – 14 phố Chả Cá, Hà Nội
  • Chả cá Thăng Long – 6B Đường Thành, Hà Nội
  • Chả cá Lã Vọng Lão Ngư – 171 Thái Hà, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Bánh cuốn is a popular Vietnamese dish known for its delicate and flavorful components. The dish consists of thin, steamed rice flour sheets rolled and filled with a mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. It is typically garnished with fried shallots and fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint.

The rice flour sheets are made by pouring a thin layer of rice batter onto a cloth stretched over a pot of boiling water. Once steamed, the sheets are carefully lifted off and filled with the savory mixture. Bánh cuốn is often served with chả lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), bean sprouts, and cucumber slices. A crucial component of the dish is the dipping sauce, nước chấm, which is a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili.

Bánh cuốn is beloved for its light yet flavorful taste, making it a popular choice for breakfast or a light meal. It is a testament to Hanoi’s culinary tradition, showcasing the city’s ability to create intricate and delicious dishes from simple ingredients.

Where to try:

  • Bánh cuốn Gia An – 21A Lò Đúc – Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội
  • Bánh cuốn Bà Xuân – 16 Dốc Hòe Nhai – Ba Đình, Hà Nội
  • Bánh cuốn Bà Hoành – 66 Tô Hiến Thành – Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội

Bún đậu mắm tôm

Bún đậu mắm tôm is a traditional Vietnamese dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures, known for its unique and aromatic shrimp paste sauce.

The name of the dish itself provides insight into its main components:

  • Bún: Rice vermicelli noodles.
  • Đậu: Fried tofu.
  • Mắm tôm: Fermented shrimp paste.

Bún đậu mắm tôm is not just a meal but an experience. It reflects the simplicity and richness of Vietnamese cuisine, where fresh ingredients and bold flavors come together harmoniously. The dish is beloved by locals and is a must-try for visitors looking to explore the authentic tastes of Vietnam.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of flavors and dishes that reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a fan of savory soups, grilled meats, or tasty sandwiches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to visit these top 5 must-try places to fully experience the vibrant food scene of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

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12/07/2024

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أنابيب الرصاص
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