10 Must-Try Street Foods When Visiting Hanoi

06-03-2025

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, is a city where history, culture, and delicious food collide on every street corner. The rich and diverse culinary culture of this city is a must-experience for food lovers. From savory bowls of noodle soup to crispy street snacks, the flavors of Hanoi will leave you craving more. Here's a comprehensive guide to 1o must-try street foods that will give you a true taste of the city.

(locals gather at small street stalls, enjoying flavorful dishes on low plastic stools)

1. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Xôi is one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes, commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. This humble yet satisfying dish is made from glutinous sticky rice, which is known for its chewy texture. The beauty of Xôi lies in its versatility: it can be topped with a variety of both savory and sweet ingredients. Savory versions include toppings like shredded pork, chicken, boiled eggs, or crispy fried onions, while the sweet varieties feature ingredients such as mung beans, coconut, or sugar. In Hanoi, it’s not unusual to find small street-side stalls serving Xôi in a variety of creative ways, allowing you to customize the toppings according to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to kick-start your day or a comforting treat at any time of day, Xôi is a must-try dish in Hanoi.

(Xôi Xéo – Fragrant sticky rice topped with silky mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, and a drizzle of savory chicken fat)

2. Bánh Tôm (Shrimp Cakes)

Bánh Tôm are a crunchy, golden delicacy that can be found at many street-side food stalls in Hanoi. Made from a batter of sweet potatoes and shrimp, these crispy cakes are deep-fried until they form a perfect golden crust. The sweetness of the potato and the briny flavor of the shrimp create a delightful contrast in each bite. Traditionally, Bánh Tôm is served with fresh herbs, such as lettuce and mint, and accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, with the crispy exterior, the juicy shrimp inside, and the fresh crunch of the herbs. Whether you enjoy it as a light snack or as a main dish, Bánh Tôm is a quintessential Hanoi street food experience.

(Bánh Tôm – Golden shrimp fritters, deep-fried to perfection, served with fresh herbs and tangy dipping sauce)

3. Bánh Đúc (Vietnamese Rice Cake)

Bánh Đúc is a traditional Vietnamese dish that’s often overlooked by tourists, but it's a favorite among locals. This savory rice cake is made from rice flour, which is steamed into a firm, jelly-like consistency. The texture of the rice cake is slightly chewy, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of savory toppings. Typically, Bánh Đúc is served with shredded pork, fried shallots, and soy sauce, which enhance the subtle flavors of the rice cake. The dish can be found at many local markets or street food stalls, and it’s an ideal snack to enjoy while wandering through the city. Its unique texture and savory profile make it a delightful addition to any Hanoi street food tour.

(Bánh Đúc – Vietnamese rice cake is served warm with savory minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and fragrant shallots)

4. Bánh Khoai (Sweet Potato Cake)

Bánh Khoai is a simple yet delightful sweet treat made from mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and flour. The ingredients are mixed together into a dough, which is then deep-fried until it forms a golden, crispy exterior. The inside remains soft and slightly sweet, with a comforting texture that makes this dish irresistible. This street food is often enjoyed as a snack throughout the day, particularly in local markets or as a quick afternoon treat. Bánh Khoai offers a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the crispy outer layer, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.

(Bánh Khoai – sweet potato fritter is deep-fried to golden perfection, delivering a crunchy, flavorful bite with every taste)

5. Sữa Chua Hoa Quả (Yogurt with tropical fruit)

Sữa Chua, or Vietnamese yogurt, is a creamy, rich, and subtly sweet dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day. The yogurt is made from fresh milk, which is fermented to create a smooth and tangy base. It’s typically served with sugar, fresh fruit, or sweetened condensed milk for added sweetness. Often enjoyed as a snack, Sữa Chua is a refreshing way to end a meal or provide a quick burst of energy throughout the day. The balance of creamy and sweet makes it a beloved treat across Hanoi.

(Sữa Chua Hoa Quả –Creamy yogurt topped with a colorful mix of fresh tropical fruits)

6. Nem Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Nem Cuốn, or fresh spring rolls, are a healthy and light option that’s perfect for a snack or appetizer. These rice paper rolls are packed with a variety of ingredients, including shrimp, fresh herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli noodles, all rolled tightly into a soft, translucent rice wrapper. The rolls are served with a dipping sauce, usually a peanut sauce or a tangy fish sauce with garlic and chili. Gỏi Cuốn is refreshing and nutritious, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a lighter street food experience, and it’s an excellent way to enjoy fresh, vibrant ingredients while exploring Hanoi.

(Gỏi Cuốn – Vietnamese spring rolls are packed with shrimp, herbs, vermicelli, and crisp veggies, all wrapped in delicate rice paper)

7. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancakes)

Bánh Xèo are savory Vietnamese pancakes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. The batter is poured into a hot skillet, and then filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts before being cooked until crispy. The pancakes are folded in half, creating a crispy outer shell with a tender and flavorful filling. Typically served with lettuce, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce, Bánh Xèo offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crisp exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft interior, making each bite a delightful experience.

(Bánh Xèo – Vietnamese savory pancake is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, wrapped in fresh herbs, and dipped in tangy fish sauce)

8. Bánh Bao (Steamed Bun)

Bánh Bao are soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with savory ingredients such as pork, egg, or vegetables. These buns are typically steamed until they are soft and pillowy, and they can be enjoyed as a light meal or snack. The savory fillings, often including a hard-boiled egg, create a satisfying contrast with the delicate texture of the bun. Bánh Bao is a comforting, easy-to-eat snack that’s perfect for a quick bite in between sightseeing. The gentle steam and comforting fillings make it a popular choice, especially in the cooler months.

(Bánh Bao – Vietnamese steamed bun comes with a savory pork filling, quail egg, and fragrant seasoning)

9. Chè (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)

Chè is a delightful Vietnamese dessert soup, which can vary greatly depending on the ingredients. It’s typically made with mung beans, tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and various fruits. Chè is both refreshing and indulgent, with a slightly sweet flavor that can cool you down on a hot day. There are countless varieties of Chè, and it’s often enjoyed as a sweet treat or dessert after a meal. This dish is served either warm or cold, depending on the weather and your preference. It's a perfect example of how Vietnamese cuisine balances sweet and savory in unexpected and delightful ways.

(Chè Thập Cẩm – a delightful mix of beans, jelly, coconut milk, and crushed ice)

10. Chè Sắn Nóng (Hot Cassava Sweet Soup)

Hot Cassava Sweet Soup is a beloved Hanoi winter treat, bringing warmth and comfort on chilly days. Made from soft, caramelized cassava cooked in a fragrant ginger syrup, this dessert delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The chewy texture of the cassava, combined with the aromatic heat of ginger, creates a truly soothing experience.

Often topped with rich coconut milk and toasted sesame seeds, Chè Sắn Nóng is best enjoyed steaming hot, making it an essential street food to try when visiting Hanoi in the winter. Whether savored at a small roadside stall or in a cozy café, this dish offers an authentic taste of the city's seasonal delights.

(Chè Sắn Nóng – A heartwarming Hanoi winter treat! Soft, caramelized cassava simmered in fragrant ginger syrup)

Hanoi’s street food isn’t just about flavors—it’s a cultural experience, a journey through history, and a way to truly connect with the city’s vibrant soul. From the sizzling crunch of bánh xèo to the comforting warmth of chè sắn nóng, every dish tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the love that Hanoians pour into their food.

Whether you're slurping a steaming bowl of phở bò on a chilly morning or enjoying a late-night snack of bánh mì by the Old Quarter’s bustling streets, these iconic flavors will stay with you long after your trip ends.

So, grab a stool, embrace the lively chaos, and let your taste buds lead the way! Which of these street food delights are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

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