Nestled alongside the banks of the Red River, Hanoi beckons with its rich history, bustling streets, and a culinary scene as diverse as it is delicious. From fragrant bowls of pho to crispy banh mi sandwiches, Hanoi's street food offerings are a testament to the city's vibrant culture and culinary heritage.
What makes Hanoi truly special? It’s the fact that you don't need a hefty wallet to indulge in its culinary delights. The city is dotted with budget-friendly eateries, street stalls, and markets where you can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Whether you're craving a steaming bowl of noodle soup or a plate of savoury pancakes, Hanoi has something to offer every palate and every budget.
Join us as we explore the streets of Hanoi in search of the city's best budget-friendly spots to eat, where every bite is a testament to the city's culinary prowess and a reminder that you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness in this vibrant city.
READ: Where to Stay in Hanoi?
Northern Vietnamese cuisine at Xới Cơm. (© Xới Cơm)
Xới Cơm (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
Enjoy the taste of authentic Northern Vietnamese home cooking at this charming restaurant, which features a vintage interior reminiscent of Hanoi houses from the 1980s and 1990s. The menu changes daily, offering simple yet delicious dishes such as stir-fried water spinach with garlic and deep-fried tofu with green onion. With its comfortable setting and affordable prices, this restaurant is a great choice for diners. The friendly staff are also on hand to explain the Vietnamese menu in simple English.Address: 107, Lane 36, Lang Ha Street, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 866 810 736.
A century-old, pale yellow-painted townhouse of Chả Cá Thăng Long. (© Hai Tre/ Chả Cá Thăng Long)
Chả Cá Thăng Long (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
Having three outlets on the same street with identical names and all run by one family can be a bit bewildering! Head straight to number 6B; a century-old, pale yellow-painted townhouse accessed through a small courtyard. The standout dish is cha ca, grilled catfish with turmeric, prepared at your table in a sizzling saucepan with spring onions and dill. It's deliciously served with vermicelli noodles, coriander, shrimp paste, and peanuts, creating an intriguing mix of textures.Address: 6B Duong Thanh Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 24 3828 6007.
RELEVANT: Beyond Pho: 5 Must-Try Dishes in Hanoi
Phở Bò Ấu Triệu's rich beefy pho. (© Pruepat Songtieng, Michelin)
Phở Bò Ấu Triệu (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
The shop, devoid of any signage, proudly offers a singular specialty: pho bo, to the exclusion of all other menu items. And why wouldn't it, given the exceptional quality of the minced beef noodles? Served in a rich, 10-hour simmered beef bone stock, it features a tender beef flank and tendon.Address: 34 Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Habakuk by Chef Quang Dung in Hanoi. (© Michelin)
Habakuk (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
Hidden away in a narrow side street, Habakuk doesn’t stand out, so keep a lookout for the blue back-lit signs. During the day, it's a specialty coffee shop serving single-origin coffee and a small brunch menu. In the evening, it morphs into a modern bistro. The concise dinner menu features modern European dishes with distinct Mediterranean accents. The cooking is confident, neatly presented, and steeped in well-judged flavors; the service is warm and helpful.Address: 4 Phan Huy Chu Lane, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 389 682 892.
A heaven for duck lovers in Hanoi's Old Quarter. (© Do Kiem/ Don Duck Old Quarter)
Don Duck Old Quarter (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
A haven for duck enthusiasts. This eatery in the lively Old Quarter offers nearly every imaginable preparation of your beloved poultry. For an authentic local experience, sample the duck pho noodle soup. Alternatively, opt for the grilled à la Peking duck for a twist on the Chinese classic. Duck is also available in hotpots, spring rolls, or even deep-fried and coated in a sweet and sour sauce. Delicious fare, a relaxed atmosphere, and reasonable prices make this establishment a popular choice.Address: 29 Bat Dan Street, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 98 355 95 06.
The East is located on the bustling Tong Duy Tan Street. (© The East)
The East (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
Located in a bustling area filled with eateries and vibrant energy, The East distinguishes itself with its exceptional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Begin your culinary journey with the crab spring rolls, encased in a delicate, crispy skin and filled with a savory mixture. The bun cha Hanoi (grilled pork and rice vermicelli) is a standout and a quintessential street food in the capital. Conclude your meal with the Vietnamese-style flan, rounding off a delightful dining experience. Additionally, the smart two-storey house offers ceramics crafted by local artisans for sale.Address: 5B Tong Duy Tan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 96 373 37 97.
A variety of bun cha and fried spring rolls at Bun Cha Ta. (© Bun Cha Ta, Michelin)
Bun Cha Ta (Nguyen Huu Huan Street) (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
A favourite among tourists, Bun Cha Ta boasts a variety of bun cha and fried spring rolls. The classic bun cha comprises tender, smoky grilled pork, well-seasoned meat patties, and smooth rice noodles in a perfectly balanced soup base. The crispy spring rolls come in various flavours, with the seafood crab version offering a delightful umami taste, while the chicken variant is rich and meaty. Vegetarians can indulge in rice noodles with fried tofu and tomato sauce, along with fried spring rolls tailored to their dietary preferences.Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam. Tel. +84 96 684 83 89.
Chef Madame Hang's creation at Chào Bạn. (© Michelin)
Chào Bạn (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
As its name, which means “hello friend” in Vietnamese, suggests, Chào Bạn is the epitome of friendly and easygoing. In the kitchen, Chef Madame Hang gives traditional Vietnamese recipes a new spin with modern techniques and much aplomb. Her nem ran cua (crab spring rolls), deliver balanced flavours and contrasting textures. The menu’s Dac Biet section is a treasure trove of her creative signature dishes.Address: 98 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 24 3633 3435.
Pick your favourite protein cut at Phở Gia Truyền. (© Michelin)
Phở Gia Truyền (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
The menu boasts numerous hearty options, including pho tai nam (slices of flank steak), pho tai (round steak), and pho chin (brisket). Enhance your dish by adding crispy quay (fried dough sticks). For the ultimate hunger-satisfying experience, indulge a little more and order trung ga (golden egg yolk) to accompany your meal.Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Phở Gà Nguyệt is a popular chicken pho eatery that comes alive after dark. (© Linh Pham/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam, Michelin)
Phở Gà Nguyệt (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
The chicken noodle dish offers a variety of chicken cuts, but the tender thigh is a favourite, adding perfection to both soup and dry noodle dishes. Customise your meal by mixing and matching thigh and wings or wings and breast, and add condiments to suit your taste. Open until midnight, this spot is a popular choice for late-night dining.Address: 5B Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam. Tel. +84 98 905 54 28.
Delicious bun cha at Tuyết Bún Chả 34. (© Michelin)
Tuyết Bún Chả 34 (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
This stall is renowned for its bun cha, featuring rice noodles served with fresh herbs and chargrilled pork, cooked to order. Dip the noodles in the flavorful broth and consider adding an extra spring roll for an additional layer of crunchiness.Address: 4 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Try the fried crab and rice porridge hotpot at 1946 Cua Bac. (© Thu Thao/ 1946 Cua Bac)
1946 Cua Bac (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
Located in a brightly coloured yellow and green house, this conspicuous restaurant is known for its signature dish: the fried crab and rice porridge hotpot. Served in small bowls at the table, the dish combines crab, pigeon, beef balls, and vegetables in a naturally sweet medley of flavours. While the staff may have only a limited grasp of English, English menus are available, showcasing an enticing range of authentic Vietnamese dishes. It's advisable to book in advance to secure a seat.Address: 3 Yen Thanh Alley (63), Cua Bac Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 24 6296 1946.
There's always a queue lined up for a hot bowl of pho at Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư. (© Michelin)
Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023)
Part of a trio of branches in Hanoi, this quaint pho eatery has garnered a stellar reputation, although caution is advised regarding imitations in the city. The menu features 10 impressive pho options, including tai and chin (brisket), nam (flank beef), and bap tran (beef fillet). A skilled team operates the compact corner kitchen, which is visible through a glazed partition. The pho itself is hearty and supremely refreshing, boasting tender pieces of beef that practically melt in your mouth.Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel. +84 847 225 586.
