Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and, of course, its delectable cuisine. Vietnamese cuisine is often praised for its fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter notes. If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, embarking on a food tour is an absolute must. Here’s a curated list of 50 must-try delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Egg Coffee is a Hanoi Specialty with a Unique Twist
Cà Phê Trứng Giảng (Egg Coffee) is a Hanoi Specialty with a Unique Twist. In the bustling heart of Hanoi, amidst the labyrinthine streets and vibrant energy, lies a unique culinary gem that has captivated the taste buds of locals and visitors alike – Cà Phê Trứng Giảng, or Egg Coffee. This iconic beverage, born from the ingenuity of a Vietnamese bartender in the 1940s, has become a symbol of Hanoi’s culinary heritage and a must-try for any coffee enthusiast venturing into the city.
Cà Phê Trứng Giảng is more than just a cup of coffee; it’s an experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression. The preparation is a mesmerizing spectacle, where a raw egg yolk is whisked vigorously with condensed milk until it transforms into a fluffy, golden cloud. This creamy concoction is then gently poured over a steaming cup of strong Vietnamese coffee, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, rich, and robust flavors.
The first sip of Cà Phê Trứng Giảng is a revelation. The airy egg foam melts on the tongue, introducing a velvety sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the bold coffee notes. The warmth of the coffee gently embraces the delicate egg mixture, creating a comforting and invigorating sensation. As you savor each sip, you’ll discover a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you craving more.
The origins of Cà Phê Trứng Giảng can be traced back to the 1940s, when a resourceful bartender named Giảng decided to experiment with a new coffee recipe. With limited access to fresh milk during wartime, he ingeniously substituted condensed milk and egg yolks, creating a unique and satisfying beverage that quickly gained popularity among locals.
Today, Cà Phê Trứng Giảng is an integral part of Hanoi’s culinary landscape. It’s a testament to the city’s creativity and resourcefulness, a symbol of its rich history, and a beloved treat that continues to delight coffee lovers from all corners of the globe. Start your day with a delightful cup of Egg Coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty. This creamy concoction features strong Vietnamese coffee blended with egg yolks and condensed milk, creating a rich and frothy beverage.
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn: Indulge in a hearty bowl of Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, a classic Hanoi-style noodle soup. Savor the tender meat, flavorful broth, and aromatic herbs that come together in perfect harmony.
Phở Cuốn Chinh Thắng: After enjoying your phở nước, venture into the world of Phở Cuốn at Chinh Thắng, a popular spot for these delicate rice noodle rolls. Wrap the thin rice sheets around the fillings, dip them in the dipping sauce, and experience a burst of flavors.
Bún Mọc Thuỷ: Warm your soul with a bowl of Bún Mọc Thuỷ, a traditional noodle soup featuring chewy pork meatballs, dried mushrooms, and wood ear fungus. The savory broth and fresh herbs will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư: Phở is a Vietnamese Noodle Soup Symphony. Phở (pronounced “fuh” or “fah”) is Vietnam’s national dish, a soul-warming noodle soup that has captivated hearts and taste buds around the world. This iconic dish features a fragrant broth simmered for hours with beef bones, aromatics like ginger and star anise, and sometimes spices. Thin slices of beef (usually flank or brisket) are cooked separately and added to the steaming broth along with silky rice noodles (bánh phở).
But Phở is more than just meat and noodles. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that come together in each delicious bowl. The rich, savory broth forms the base, while the tender beef adds a satisfying bite. The springy rice noodles provide a delightful chew, and fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil bring a burst of freshness and aroma. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chilies add a touch of acidity and heat, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
For a quick and satisfying breakfast, head to Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư, a no-frills eatery known for its delicious and affordable Phở.
Phở is a Vietnamese Noodle Soup Symphony
Bún Thang Cầu Gỗ: Experience the epitome of Hanoi cuisine with Bún Thang Cầu Gỗ, a refined noodle soup dish. This delicate broth is infused with chicken, egg, mushrooms, and a variety of herbs, creating a symphony of flavors.
Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân: Delight your sweet tooth with Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân, a dessert shop offering a diverse selection of traditional Vietnamese chè (sweet soups). From red bean to mung bean, there’s a flavor to satisfy every craving.
Chè Bát Đàn: After exploring the Bát Đàn area, reward yourself with a bowl of Chè Bát Đàn, a popular dessert shop known for its rich and flavorful chè.
Ốc Bà Câm: Embark on a culinary adventure with Ốc Bà Câm, a street food stall specializing in a variety of snails prepared in different styles. From grilled to stir-fried, these snails are a true Hanoi delicacy.
Nộm Bò Khô: Enjoy a light and refreshing meal with Nộm Bò Khô, a salad featuring dried beef, shredded papaya, peanuts, and a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect way to savor the flavors of Hanoi.
Kem Tràng Tiền: Indulge in a classic Hanoi treat with Kem Tràng Tiền, a renowned ice cream shop offering a variety of flavors. From traditional favorites to unique creations, there’s an ice cream for everyone.
Bánh Gối, Bánh Tôm, Há Cảo Hòe Nhai.
Bánh Gối, Bánh Tôm, Há Cảo Hòe Nhai. Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hòe Nhai Street beckons with an irresistible aroma of sizzling delights, a culinary symphony that has been serenading locals and visitors alike for generations. At the heart of this gastronomic haven lies a trio of deep-fried gems that have become synonymous with Hòe Nhai’s culinary charm – Bánh Gối, Bánh Tôm, and Há Cảo.
Bánh Gối, meaning “pillow,” is a culinary masterpiece that lives up to its name. These plump, golden parcels are filled with a savory concoction of ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and glass noodles, creating a symphony of flavors that burst upon each bite. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful interior, a textural contrast that is both satisfying and delightful.
Bánh Tôm, or “shrimp cakes,” are a testament to the simplicity of Vietnamese cuisine. These delicate creations are made from a batter of rice flour, water, and a generous portion of fresh shrimp, then deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is a crispy, airy exterior that encases succulent shrimp, a harmonious blend of textures that is both light and satisfying.
Há Cảo, or “steamed dumplings,” are a culinary gem that showcases the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine. These steamed parcels are filled with a savory medley of ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots, creating a burst of flavor in each bite. The delicate dumpling skin gives way to a moist, flavorful interior, a textural contrast that is both refined and satisfying.
Bún Ốc Đặng Dung: Immerse yourself in the flavors of Hanoi with Bún Ốc Đặng Dung, a popular spot for bún ốc, a sour and spicy noodle soup with snails. The combination of flavors is truly unforgettable.
Bún Thang Quán Cũ: Experience the authentic taste of Bún Thang at Quán Cũ, a long-standing establishment that has perfected this traditional dish.
Cà Phê Cốt Dừa Cafe Cộng Thái Phiên: Enjoy a unique coffee experience with Cà Phê Cốt Dừa at Cafe Cộng Thái Phiên, where coffee is served in military-style cups and the ambiance is reminiscent of the Vietnam War