Hanoi’s Food Culture: A Journey Through Classic Dishes and Desserts

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is not just a city rich in history and culture but also a paradise for food lovers. The cuisine here reflects the city’s long-standing traditions, with each dish offering a taste of its unique heritage.

Phở

Phở is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese dish, and Hanoi is the birthplace of this iconic noodle soup. Made with a fragrant broth simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, and cinnamon, phở is a dish that represents the soul of Hanoi. The soup is served with flat rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and a garnish of fresh herbs, lime, and chili.

The combination of the rich, aromatic broth with the soft noodles and the freshness of the herbs makes phở a truly comforting and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Hanoi’s cuisine.

(Pho Cuon)

Bún Chả

Bún Chả is a quintessential Hanoian dish that features grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served over a bed of rice vermicelli. The dish is accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili, as well as a side of fresh herbs and pickled vegetables.

Bún Thang

Bún Thang is a sophisticated noodle soup that is often referred to as the "queen of soups" in Hanoi. This dish is known for its complex and delicate flavors, which are achieved through the careful preparation of its ingredients. The soup is made from a clear, fragrant broth simmered with chicken, pork bones, and dried shrimp.

The noodles are topped with thinly sliced chicken, pork, egg crepes, Vietnamese sausage, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Bún thang is traditionally served with a side of shrimp paste and a squeeze of lime, adding an extra layer of umami and acidity to the dish. It is a dish that reflects the elegance and refinement of Hanoi’s cuisine.

Bún Riêu

Bún Riêu is a popular noodle soup in Hanoi, known for its tangy and refreshing flavors. The soup is made from a broth flavored with tomatoes, tamarind, and freshwater crab, giving it a distinctive sour and slightly sweet taste. The noodles are topped with crab meat, tofu, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs, creating a dish that is both vibrant and satisfying.

Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm

Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm is a dish that is beloved by many Hanoians for its bold and robust flavors. The dish features fried tofu, rice vermicelli, and a variety of meats such as boiled pork and fried pork belly, all served with a side of fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm) for dipping. The shrimp paste is often mixed with lime juice, sugar, and chili, creating a dipping sauce that is both pungent and savory.

Bún Dọc Mùng

Bún Dọc Mùng is a lesser-known but equally delicious noodle soup that is popular in Hanoi. The dish is made with a broth flavored with pork ribs, tomatoes, and dọc mùng (taro stem), giving it a slightly sour and earthy taste. The noodles are topped with slices of tender pork ribs, ground pork, and a variety of fresh herbs, creating a dish that is both light and flavorful.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng

Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a dish that is unique to Hanoi and has become a symbol of the city’s cuisine. The dish features grilled fish (usually catfish or snakehead fish) that is marinated with turmeric and dill, then grilled over an open flame. The fish is served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and a side of dipping sauce made from fish sauce and lime juice.

Bánh Cuốn Thanh Trì

Bánh Cuốn Thanh Trì is a dish that originates from the Thanh Trì district of Hanoi and is known for its delicate and thin rice rolls. The rolls are made from a batter of rice flour and water, which is steamed to create thin, translucent sheets. These sheets are then filled with a mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots, and served with a side of dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, and garlic.

Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây

Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây is a popular street food in Hanoi, particularly around the West Lake (Hồ Tây) area. The dish features crispy fritters made from a batter of rice flour and sweet potato, topped with whole shrimp and deep-fried until golden brown. The fritters are served with a side of dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar, as well as a variety of fresh herbs and pickled vegetables.

Bánh tôm hồ tây is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, and its crispy and savory flavors make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Cháo Sườn

Cháo Sườn is a comforting and hearty rice porridge that is popular in Hanoi, particularly during the colder months. The porridge is made from rice that is simmered with pork bones to create a thick and creamy consistency. The porridge is then topped with slices of tender pork ribs, fried shallots, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, creating a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying.

Cốm Làng Vòng

Cốm Làng Vòng is a traditional delicacy in Hanoi, made from young green rice that is harvested in the autumn. The rice is carefully roasted and pounded to create soft, flattened grains with a delicate and slightly sweet flavor. Cốm is often enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, such as sticky rice or sweet desserts.

Kem Tràng Tiền

Kem Tràng Tiền is not just a dessert; it’s a cultural icon in Hanoi. Located in the heart of the city, the Tràng Tiền Ice Cream shop has been serving delicious ice cream since 1958. This treat is particularly popular during the hot summer months, offering a refreshing escape from the heat.

The ice cream is known for its creamy texture and is available in a variety of traditional flavors such as green bean, coconut, and chocolate.

Tào Phớ

Tào Phớ is a silky-smooth soybean pudding that is widely enjoyed as a refreshing dessert or snack in Hanoi. This dish is made from soybeans, which are ground and boiled to create a delicate, tofu-like pudding. The pudding is then served in a sweet syrup made from sugar and infused with the subtle aroma of jasmine or ginger.

Bánh Rán Đường Mật

Bánh Rán Đường Mật are small, round rice cakes filled with sweetened mung bean paste and fried until golden brown. After frying, the cakes are coated in a sticky syrup made from sugar and honey, giving them a satisfying crunch with every bite.

This dessert is a popular street food in Hanoi, especially during the winter months.

Bánh Cốm

Bánh Cốm is a traditional sweet made from cốm, the young green rice that is harvested and processed during the autumn in Hanoi. The rice is mixed with sugar and mung bean paste to create a chewy, fragrant cake wrapped in green leaves. This delicacy is often associated with celebrations, particularly weddings, where it symbolizes happiness and prosperity.