Discover the must-try street foods in Hanoi, Vietnam with this article. From the iconic pho to the delicious banh mi, grilled seafood, and vegetarian options, explore the diverse street food culture of Hanoi that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
- Pho
One of the most well-known foods from Vietnam is the traditional noodle soup called pho. It is often prepared with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef or chicken, and a clear, fragrant broth along with a variety of herbs and spices. Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chili peppers, and lime wedges are frequently provided on a side plate with pho so that they can be added to the soup to improve its flavor.
Typically, the base for the broth is produced by boiling cattle bones, onion, ginger, and other aromatics for several hours. The broth is then finished cooking the rice noodles in before serving. Thinly sliced raw beef or chicken is added to the hot soup just before serving, and the heat of the broth cooks the meat to a perfect doneness.
Fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and green onions are frequently added to the dish as garnishes, along with sliced jalapeño peppers, lime juice, and other ingredients that bring brightness and depth to the flavor. It’s a well-liked breakfast or lunch option in Vietnam, frequently eaten with a side of crunchy, fried dough sticks called “quay” or “youtiao” for dipping.
Pho is a comforting and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It has gained popularity all over the world and is frequently offered in Vietnamese eateries.
- Bun Cha
The Vietnamese cuisine known as bun cha was created in Hanoi. Using cold rice noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a tangy dipping sauce, it is created with grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly.
Pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and other seasonings to make Bun Cha, and it is then grilled until the outside is charred and caramelized. The pork is then presented with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, and sliced cucumbers over a bed of rice noodles.
Fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili peppers, and garlic are used to make the dipping sauce for bun cha, giving it a tangy and somewhat spicy flavor. Chopsticks are often used to pick up a tiny portion of the pork and noodles to dunk into the sauce before eating.
A tasty and flavorful dish called bun cha is well-liked not just in Vietnam but also in other parts of the world. Given that it frequently comes with a side of fresh veggies and herbs, it is a fantastic choice for people searching for a lighter lunch.
- Banh mi
Vietnamese sandwiches known as banh mi are a common street snack in Vietnam and other countries. A crusty baguette is commonly used to make it, and it is then stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
The baguette must first be split open and covered in a layer of mayonnaise and pâté to produce a Banh Mi. Thereafter, the components for the filling are added. These could include grilled or roasted pork, chicken, or beef, as well as pickled carrots and daikon, sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced chili peppers. To give the sandwich more flavor, soy sauce or fish sauce are frequently drizzled on top.
For those seeking a quick and filling supper, banh mi is a delectable and reasonably priced option. Both residents and visitors like the French and Vietnamese flavors that are combined in it. The sandwich is available from street food sellers, bakeries, and eateries all around Vietnam and the rest of the world.
- Xoi
Sticky rice is used to make the traditional Vietnamese cuisine Xoi, which is frequently served for breakfast or as a snack. Before being blended with a variety of savory or sweet seasonings, the rice is cooked until it is sticky and glutinous.
Added ingredients to savory Xoi dishes could be shredded chicken, grilled or fried pork, dried shrimp, or mung bean paste. To add richness, the meal may also be spiced with ingredients such soy sauce, fish sauce, or coconut milk.
Popular sweet variations of Xoi can be produced with additions such sweetened coconut milk, mung bean paste, banana slices, or peanuts. The dish is frequently served as a dessert and may be sweetened with sugar or honey.
In Vietnam, Xoi is a full and cozy food that is popular. It comes in a variety of flavors and toppings and is frequently offered by street vendors. The dish xoi is adaptable and can be consumed as a standalone snack or as a main course.
- Chao suon
Vietnamese rice porridge known as chao suon is frequently eaten for breakfast or as a light meal. A creamy and savory porridge is produced by boiling rice in a broth made from hog bones and flesh. Usually garnished with chopped green onions, cilantro, and thinly sliced chili peppers for taste and texture, the meal is served with soft slices of pork ribs.
In order to create the rich and savory basis for chao suon, the pork ribs are first cooked in a broth made from pig bones, onion, ginger, and other aromatics. After that, the broth is added, and the rice is cooked until it is tender and creamy. Just before serving, the pork ribs are re-added to the porridge along with some soy sauce or fish sauce for taste.
Many people in Vietnam like the cozy and filling dish chao suon. It is a fantastic alternative for individuals seeking a hearty and satisfying supper and is easily customizable with various toppings and seasonings to fit personal preferences. The dish is frequently offered by street sellers and is also served at authentic Vietnamese eateries.
- Bun dau mam tom
Rice vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, and a sauce made from shrimp paste are the main ingredients in the well-known Vietnamese street food dish Bun Dau Mam Tom. The sauce contains fermented shrimp paste, which is responsible for the dish’s characteristic and pungent aroma.
The rice vermicelli noodles are prepared for Bun Dau Mam Tom and then served with fried tofu, boiled pork, and fresh herbs like mint and cilantro on a plate or in a bowl. On the side, in a tiny bowl or plate, is the shrimp paste sauce, which is produced by fermenting shrimp with salt and sugar.
The meal is normally eaten by dipping a tiny portion of noodles, tofu, and/or pork into the shrimp paste sauce before consuming. For those who are unfamiliar with the sauce, its potent flavor and scent may take some getting used to.
In Vietnam, Bun Dau Mam Tom is a beloved street food dish that is particularly well-liked in the country’s northern regions. It is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a tasty and distinctive culinary experience and can be found at traditional Vietnamese restaurants and street sellers across the entire nation.
In Hanoi, street food is not just a way of eating, but also a cultural experience. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top street foods that you should try when visiting Hanoi, giving you a taste of the city’s vibrant food culture and culinary traditions. Whether you are an adventurous foodie or just looking for a quick and tasty snack, there is something for everyone in Hanoi’s street food scene.
