Top 5 Places to Eat in Hanoi

Written by Lorraine Aust, Minh Nguyen
15/08/2025
Lively view of Hanoi's famous Train Street with train tracks running between apartment buildings and bustling daily life.
Hakan Tas, Pexels

Hanoi's culinary landscape is diverse and celebrated, offering an array of experiences from vibrant street food stalls to refined, high-end establishments, making it a captivating destination for all types of diners.

1. Bún Chả Hương Liên

Cuisine: Vietnamese (Bun Cha)

Experience an iconic Hanoi meal at this unpretentious eatery, famous for its Bun Cha. The dish features marinated, grilled pork patties and slices served in a tangy, subtly sweet fish sauce broth, accompanied by cold vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and crispy spring rolls. The atmosphere is utilitarian with simple plastic chairs, focusing purely on the authentic flavors that have garnered international acclaim.

Price: Approximately VND 70,000 - 100,000 per person (around $3-4 USD).

Getting There: Located on Le Van Huu Street, it is often within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the Old Quarter.

2. Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn

Cuisine: Vietnamese (Pho)

A must-visit for a true taste of traditional Hanoi pho, this spot specializes in beef noodle soup. Expect a clear, rich broth with perfectly cooked beef slices and rice noodles. The establishment is popular with locals, often requiring a short queue, and offers a no-frills, authentic street food experience with shared tables and low stools. It serves only beef pho, focusing on the quality of its single offering.

Price: Typically VND 50,000 - 80,000 per bowl (around $2-3.5 USD).

Getting There: Situated at 49 Bat Dan Street in the Old Quarter, it is easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride.

3. Chả Cá Thăng Long

Cuisine: Vietnamese (Cha Ca)

This Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment is dedicated to one signature dish: Cha Ca. Diners prepare the turmeric-marinated fish with dill and spring onions in a hot pot at their table, mixing it with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and a special shrimp paste sauce. It offers a unique interactive dining experience in a historic setting.

Price: Approximately VND 175,000 - 250,000 per person for a set (around $7-10 USD).

Getting There: Located at 6B Duong Thanh Street, accessible through a courtyard, it is a short walk or taxi ride from the Old Quarter.

4. Duong's Restaurant

Cuisine: Refined Vietnamese / Vietnamese-French Fusion

Offering an elevated take on Vietnamese cuisine, Duong's Restaurant blends traditional flavors with modern presentation in a cozy setting. Chef Hoang Duong, known from Vietnamese cooking shows, curates a menu that caters to both local and international palates, including vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers cooking classes, making it ideal for those wanting to delve deeper into Vietnamese culinary art.

Price: Main courses typically range from VND 150,000 - 400,000 (around $6-16 USD). Set menus are also available.

Getting There: With a location at 101 Ma May Street in the Old Quarter, it is within walking distance of many popular attractions.

5. T.U.N.G Dining

Cuisine: Contemporary Vietnamese / Tasting Menu

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated and innovative dining experience with a multi-course tasting menu. Chef Hoang Tung, with experience in Michelin-starred European restaurants, blends Vietnamese roots with contemporary global techniques. The dishes are artistic, minimalist, and focus on balanced flavors with surprising textures and temperatures. It is recommended for a special occasion or for serious food enthusiasts.

Price: Tasting menus start from VND 2,150,000 per person (around $85-90 USD), with additional pairing options.

Getting There: Located at 2C P. Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, it is a short taxi ride from the Old Quarter.

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