Famously known as the birthplace of pho and bun cha, Hanoi has earned its reputation as Vietnam’s noodle capital. Steaming bowls of noodles can be found on nearly every street corner—a testament to how seriously the Vietnamese take their noods.
For those unsure where to start, these MICHELIN-approved, noodle-specialised spots—recognised with a Bib Gourmand distinction in The MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024—serve up flavourful, wallet-friendly bowls worth seeking out.
Phở Gia Truyền (Hoan Kiem)
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024The menu offers a variety of hearty choices, including pho tai nam (flank steak slices), pho tai (round steak), and pho chin (brisket). For an added touch, pair your dish with a crispy quay (a fried dough stick). And if you're truly looking to indulge, our experts suggest splurging on trung ga—rich golden egg yolk—to take your meal to the next level.
Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024In Vietnam, many restaurants keep their menus simple, focusing on a single-star ingredient. At this 40-year-old institution, that ingredient is eel. The menu features eel noodles, eel congee, and eel soup, each packed with rich, savoury flavours. The noodles are made with rice vermicelli, served in a broth or tossed with crispy shredded eel, herbs, toasted peanuts, and shallots. Our Inspectors praise the soup, while the congee is further enriched with shredded pork sausage and shiitake mushrooms for an extra umami boost.
Address: 87 Hang Dieu Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 986 625 555.
Phở Khôi Hói
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024Khôi Hói, named after the owner's characteristic, is a place where pho—beef noodle soup—is the star. The menu offers a variety of cuts, including rarer options like beef heel muscle, and diners can specify how they'd like their beef cooked. It's a straightforward spot, but one that knows its pho inside out.
Address: 50 Hang Vai Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 2 439 231 561.
Tuyết Bún Chả 34
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024This stall is renowned for its bun cha—rice noodles paired with fresh herbs and pork, chargrilled to order. Try dipping the noodles into the rich, flavoursome broth, and don’t hesitate to order an extra spring roll for that perfect crunch.
Address: 34 Hang Than Street, Nguyen Trung Truc Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư (Hoan Kiem)
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024Tucked away in one of Hanoi’s busy corners, this pho spot (one of three in the city) has built a loyal following, though it’s worth keeping an eye out for imitations. The menu offers 10 pho options, ranging from classic brisket to flank beef and beef fillet, each brimming with flavour. The compact kitchen, visible through a glazed partition, is run by a skilled team that serves up hearty, refreshing bowls of pho. Our Inspectors say that with tender beef that melts in your mouth, it’s a satisfying dish that always hits the spot.
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 847 225 586.
Bún Chả Chan
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024This small bun cha shop has served loyal customers for over a decade. Alongside the classic caramelised pork meatballs with rice vermicelli, diners can opt for grilled pork belly or minced beef wrapped in betel leaf, all paired with a tangy, sweet broth. Try the deep-fried spring roll, made to order, which features a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavour-packed filling. The shop closes at noon, so make sure to arrive early.
Address: 114 Mai Hac De Street, Le Dai Hanh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 988 580 059.
Phở Gà Nguyệt
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024The chicken noodle dishes here offer a selection of cuts, but the tender thigh—perfect in both soup and dry noodle variations—is a clear favourite. You can mix and match thigh with wings, or wings with breast, adding condiments to suit your taste. It is also a great spot for an after-hour meal.
Address: 5B Phu Doan Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel.+84 989 055 428.
Bun Cha Ta (Nguyen Huu Huan Street)
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024Bun Cha Ta is a popular spot for tourists, offering a range of bun cha and fried spring rolls. The classic bun cha features smoky grilled pork, tender meat patties, and smooth rice noodles in a well-balanced broth. According to our esteemed professional food tasters, the fried spring rolls are a highlight, with the seafood crab variety delivering rich umami, while the chicken rolls are savoury and hearty. For vegetarians, there are rice noodles with fried tofu and tomato sauce, alongside crispy spring rolls.
Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 966 848 389.
Phở Bò Ấu Triệu
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang 2024Hidden near Saint Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi, this little shop, devoid of any signage, has one defining feature: pho bo, and pho bo alone. It’s a bold choice, but one that makes perfect sense given how good the minced beef noodles are. Served in a rich, deeply flavoured beef bone stock—cooked for 10 hours—it’s complemented by tender beef flank and tendon, a dish that speaks for itself.
Address: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Illustration image: © Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam