Explore must-visit food heavens in Hanoi 

THE HANOI TIMES — The heart of Hanoi's culinary scene beats within its narrow alleys, offering an authentic taste of its rich gastronomic culture while remaining totally convenient for visitors.

Trung Yen Alley

Nestled near Hoan Kiem Lake and the famous Hang Be Market, the 200-meter-long Trung Yen Alley is packed with longstanding, popular eateries.

One of the must-tries here is Pho Suong, a pho restaurant run by descendants of a famed vendor. Its pho's signature broth is simmered from beef bones for 14-15 hours with ginger and fish sauce, deliberately avoiding cinnamon or anise to create a unique, pure flavor.

Another standout is Bun Ca Sam Cay Si (Sam's Fish Noodle Banyan Tree Restaurant), famous for its soft fried fish rolls filled with minced meat and wood ear mushrooms. The dish is served with a light, sour broth made from fish bone stock, pineapple and tomatoes, accompanied by crispy fried fish and fresh seasonal herbs.

From here, visitors can easily walk to Hang Be Market to sample more delights like Huong Tra chicken pho or savory roasted pigeon.

Hoan Kiem "snack street"

Just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, the 50-meter-long Hoan Kiem Street earns its title as Hanoi’s “snack heaven.” Renowned for its nom bo kho or beef jerky salad, this bustling street hosts iconic stalls like Long Vi Dung, Thanh Hai, and Hai Sinh.

The salad combines beef jerky, tendons, liver, spleen, and shredded green papaya, all tossed in a sweet and sour fish sauce dressing with fresh herbs for a flavor that is both robust and refreshing.

Open from morning until late at night, with peak hours around 4 to 5 PM, these eateries also offer fried spring rolls, sour sausages, and refreshing drinks, making it a perfect stop for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Dong Xuan Alley

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, next to the iconic Dong Xuan Market, this 200-meter-long, narrow alley is another one of Hanoi's celebrated food paradises. Despite its modest size, Dong Xuan Alley houses dozens of stalls serving everything from crispy shrimp fritters to snail noodles and bamboo-skewered grilled pork.

Banh Tom Co Am (Aunt Am Shrimp Fritters) restaurant, located right at the entrance of the alley, stands out for its unique shrimp fritters. The crispy batter, made from wheat, tapioca flour, egg, and turmeric, is mixed with sweet potato strips and served with a sweet and sour dip and papaya salad.

Further inside, Bun Oc Thuy (Thuy's Snail Noodles) restaurant, a nearly 70-year-old establishment, serves a clear, sweet broth with a distinct, mild sourness from fermented vinegar, available in traditional and banana-tofu versions.

Ngu Xa "Pho cuon Paradise"

Situated on the peninsula bordering Truc Bach Lake, Ngu Xa Village has long been famous as the "pho cuon (spring roll) paradise." Popular restaurants like Chinh Thang, Hung Ben, and Huong Mai are located close together, making it easy for visitors to explore.

Pho cuon, the signature dish here, is large, fresh rice noodles rolled with soft sautéed beef and herbs, dipped in a savory-sweet fish sauce. Beyond the classic rolls, diners can explore fried pho, egg-fried pho, or tamarind-dressed pho salads, catering to diverse tastes. 

These four destinations provide a delicious itinerary for any visitor looking to experience the true flavor of Hanoi.

More good eateries can be found once you begin your tour to explore Hanoi’s street food.