Picture Hanoi like that friend who’s always in motion, juggling stories, laughs and late-night plans all at once. The city zips past on buzzing scooters, flirts with French-era balconies and then suddenly pauses beside Hoan Kiem Lake, as if to catch its breath (and maybe write a poem). The Old Quarter is basically a time machine in maze form, every corner whispering old tales while the air fills with the irresistible perfume of pho and bun cha, comfort food disguised as love letters.
And because no adventure here is complete without a snack (or ten), our dining experts point you toward 10 street bites you absolutely shouldn’t miss, delicious little treasures that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
Phở Khôi Hói
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
Khôi Hói translates to “bald head,” a playful nod to the owner’s shiny dome. The vibe is unfussy, the tables are busy, and the bowls of pho are what keep locals streaming in. Forget standard beef slices — here you can go adventurous with rarer cuts like beef heel muscle and even call the shots on how you’d like it cooked. Steaming broth, chewy noodles, and the buzz of the street outside make it a proper Hanoi moment.
Address: 50 Hang Vai Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 24 3923 1561.
Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân
Selected, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
The chef prepares delicate banh cuon, Vietnamese steamed rolls filled with minced pork and black fungus. A version topped with a soft poached egg is also available. Pork meatloaf and sausage are popular accompaniments, best enjoyed with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, chili, lime or garlic to taste. It’s a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Address: 16 Hoe Nhai Street, Nguyen Trung Truc Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 96 840 46 65.
Phở Bò Lâm
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
Early risers will find this beef pho favorite open from 5:30 a.m. until midmorning, or until the day’s cuts and broth are sold out. Fresh ingredients shine in the signature beef heel muscle, a cut prized for its tender meat and gelatinous tendon with a pleasant chew. For a classic local pairing, order phở with eggs and crisp fried dough.
Address: 48 Hang Vai Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Phở Gia Truyền (Hoan Kiem)
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
Hearty choices abound, from pho tai nam (flank steak) to pho tai (round steak) and pho chin (brisket). Enhance the experience with crisp quay (fried dough sticks) on the side. For an indulgent touch, add trung ga (egg yolk) for a rich, satisfying finish.
Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Phở Gà Nguyệt
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
Chicken noodles here are served with a variety of cuts, though the tender thigh is a favorite, perfect in both soup and dry versions. Diners can mix and match thighs with wings or wings with breast, then season with condiments to taste. Open until midnight, this spot is a popular choice for late-night diners.
Address: 5B Phu Doan Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 91 910 61 92.
Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành
Selected, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
This is one of the busiest shops in the area thanks to its banh cuon (steamed rice rolls). Rice noodle sheets are steamed to order and wrapped around minced pork and shiitake mushrooms. The shop also serves bun cha, another local favorite.
Address: 66 To Hien Thanh Street, Bui Thi Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 98 908 35 70.
Bún Chả Đắc Kim (Hang Manh Street)
Selected, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
Nuoc cham — a sweet chili fish sauce with finely sliced pickled green mango — makes the perfect pairing for bun cha, vermicelli noodles topped with shredded smoky pork and plump pork patties. The result is a balanced combination of savory meat, gentle sweetness and refreshing sourness.
Address: 1 Hang Manh Street, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 24 3828 7060.
Tuyết Bún Chả 34
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
This stall is renowned for its bun cha with the pork chargrilled to order. Diners dip the noodles into a flavorful broth and often add a crisp spring roll on the side for extra texture.
Address: 34 Hang Than Street, Nguyen Trung Truc Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 24 3927 0879.
Phở Bò Ấu Triệu
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
This little shop keeps things minimal, with its name stitched only on staff uniforms. What it does have is pho bo worth lining up for: minced beef, tender flank and tendon, all lounging in a rich bone broth with noodles and spring onions. Simple, soulful, and just what the morning calls for.
Address: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 777 177 383.
Bún Chả Hương Liên (Hai Ba Trung)
Selected, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2025
Playing on its claim to fame, this spot displays photos of celebrity guests and offers the “Combo Obama,” which features a fried seafood roll, a bowl of the house bun cha and a bottle of Bia Hà Nội. The bun cha delivers a rustic mix of smoky pork, juicy meat patties, fragrant herbs and crisp salad leaves. A flavorful pork skewer is also available.
Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
