Hanoi Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Hanoi. Your complete guide to dining in Hanoi.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Hanoi! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Hanoi has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Hanoi's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Hanoi like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Hanoi offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Hanoi.
Hoang's Restaurant - Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegan Food
Highly rated Vietnamese in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 25704 reviews.
📍 54 P. Hàng Buồm, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Hong Hoai's Restaurant
Highly rated Vietnamese in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 18994 reviews.
📍 20 P. Bát Đàn, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Hanoi Corner Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 7647 reviews.
📍 45 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 11011, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
MẸT Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Met 2
Highly rated Vietnamese in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 22340 reviews.
📍 42 P. Lương Văn Can, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 11015, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
MIAs restaurant
Highly rated Vietnamese in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 1855 reviews.
📍 22 P. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Met 4
Highly rated Vietnamese in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 16870 reviews.
📍 34 P. Gia Ngư, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
L'essence De Cuisine
Highly rated Restaurant in Hanoi with 5 stars from 3060 reviews.
📍 99B P. Hàng Gai, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 11015, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Viet Kitchen Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in Hanoi with 5 stars from 770 reviews.
📍 10 Floors, 27 Ng. Hàng Hành, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
VIET Restaurant Hanoi & Rooftop Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 2572 reviews.
📍 Tầng 8, JM Marvel Hotel, 16 P. Hàng Da, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Comida Hanoi Restaurant & Cooking Class
Highly rated Restaurant in Hanoi with 5 stars from 990 reviews.
📍 52b P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Tung's Kitchen
Highly rated Vietnamese in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 14112 reviews.
📍 2 P. Hàng Bông, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 1
Highly rated Vietnamese in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 25860 reviews.
📍 29 P. Hàng Trống, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 11000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Hanoi.
Hàng Da Market
Highly rated International in Hanoi with 3.8 stars from 3016 reviews.
📍 P. Hàng Da, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Chợ Long Biên
Highly rated International in Hanoi with 4.2 stars from 1301 reviews.
📍 Hồng Hà, Phúc xá, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Chợ đêm Đồng Xuân - ngành hàng ẩm thực
Highly rated International in Hanoi with 4.1 stars from 607 reviews.
📍 2RPX+WWW Chợ Đồng Xuân, Ng. Đồng Xuân, Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Ngo Sy Lien Market
Highly rated International in Hanoi with 4 stars from 493 reviews.
📍 14 P. Nguyễn Như Đổ, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Hanoi.
Hanoi Street Food Tour
Highly rated International in Hanoi with 4.8 stars from 531 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Hanoi.
Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.8 stars from 3567 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1 Hàng Mắm, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Always Cafe - A magical wizard cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 8900 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 8B P. Hàng Tre, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Tranquil Books & Coffee - 5 Nguyễn Quang Bích
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.7 stars from 1942 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 5 P. Nguyễn Quang Bích, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Hanoi Coffee Culture
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.8 stars from 2616 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 45 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Ta Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.8 stars from 1063 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 4A Ng. Gạch, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Xofa Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.5 stars from 5790 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 14 P. Tống Duy Tân, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
C.O.C Legacy Specialty Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 1766 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 84 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 11011, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Ga Hanoi Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 646 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2 P. Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Hanoi.
Signature Dish
A must-try Hanoi specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Hanoi dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Hanoi with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Hanoi specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Hanoi creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Hanoi classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Hanoi specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Hanoi dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Hanoi with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Hanoi specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Hanoi.
Cloud Sky Bar Hanoi
Highly rated Bar in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 2839 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Floor 9th, of JM Marvel Hotel, 16 P. Hàng Da, Str, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Solar Sky Bar
Highly rated Bar in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 2309 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 41 P. Hàng Bông, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Secret Bar & Pub
Highly rated Bar in Hanoi with 5 stars from 1810 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1 P. Tạ Hiện, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Le Ciel Bar
Highly rated Bar in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 1294 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 35 P. Hàng Trống, Phường Hoàn Kiếm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
HIDDEN PUB HANOI
Highly rated Bar in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 601 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 12 P. Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Old Well Tiki Bar
Highly rated Bar in Hanoi with 4.9 stars from 849 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 11 P. Tràng Thi, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Hanoi's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Hanoi vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hanoi is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Hanoi offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Hanoi specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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