What delicacies to savor in 2 days in Hanoi?

The Michelin Guide has curated a special selection of restaurants and street food spots for travelers eager to explore Hanoi's culinary richness. These thoughtfully chosen recommendations are easy to incorporate into any travel itinerary, enabling visitors to savor the capital’s culinary delights while exploring its cultural treasures.

Hanoi: The world capital of street food

Celebrated as a street food hotspot, Hanoi has gained recognition from Joshua Zukas, a Vietnam-based freelance travel writer who has written travel guides for many esteemed magazines, including the Michelin Guide. According to Zukas, the city is a true paradise where many iconic dishes originated before spreading across the country. In his work, Zukas notes: “The Old Quarter, Hanoi’s centuries-old trading precinct, has provided the space for ideas to marinate and recipes to develop. Street food is a competitive business in Hanoi, and those eateries that don’t hit the mark don’t last long. Those who have survived and thrived have passed countless taste tests from the notoriously picky locals.”

Yet, Hanoi Old Quarter offers more than just culinary gems. The historic quarter is also home to a number of temples, churches, lakes, parks, and charming cafes. These sites provide visitors with a unique opportunity to blend gastronomic discoveries with an exploration of Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage.

Breakfast

Start your day with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the vibrant heart of Vietnam's capital, before venturing into the historic district. Au Trieu Street, noted by the Michelin Guide, is a prime spot to enjoy a classic Hanoi breakfast. The famed "Pho Bo Au Trieu" is among the Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations. Tucked beside St. Joseph's Cathedral, this eatery might be tricky for newcomers to locate, as it has no visible signage. "But if you find somewhere packed with locals and seats that spill onto the street, you know you’re in the right place," the Michelin Guide advises.

This restaurant serves Nam Dinh-style pho, featuring a rich broth simmered for 10 hours. You can choose between cooked or rare beef, and there are options for tendons as well. Note that it’s only open in the morning, so aim to arrive before 9:30 a.m.

•    Address: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, take some time to explore St. Joseph's Cathedral and relax in one of the nearby cafes. As lunch approaches, it’s time to discover a different side of Hanoi and enjoy a local specialty for midday dining.

Dong Thinh Eel Vermicelli Restaurant, a long-standing eatery with over 40 years of history, is Michelin-recommended in 2024 for its good food and affordability. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this restaurant is an excellent starting point for post-lunch strolling. Nearby, you can visit the Bach Ma Temple, one of Hanoi’s oldest temples, and Thuoc Bac Street, known for its traditional medicine shops.

•    Address: 87 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Dinner

Once a common street food in Hanoi, "Chả Cá" (grilled turmeric fish served with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs) is now best enjoyed in the city’s restaurants. Cha Ca Thang Long, with three establishments on the same Duong Thanh Street, is one of the top choices.
“Put your trust in our MICHELIN inspectors, who prefer the location at 6B Duong Thanh Street, a townhouse built over a century ago”, the Michelin Guide recommends.

•    Address: 6B Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Other Iconic Dishes of Hanoi Cuisine

The idea that Vietnamese people eat pho every morning is a cliché. In reality, their breakfast includes a wide range of other dishes.

Bánh Cuốn

Bánh cuốn is an alternative option that comes in two main versions: with or without meat. To make this dish, a cook’s skill is just as important as specialized steamers. Madame Xuan from the restaurant Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân is a prime example. After observing her prepare delicate rice crepes filled with minced meat, customers enjoy delicious rolls for dipping in a subtly sweet and tangy fish sauce enhanced with lime, garlic, and chili and accompanied by fresh herbs. Situated near the "artistic corner of Hanoi," this restaurant is close to the Bookworm bookstore, 54 Traditions Gallery, and Manzi Art Space, making it a perfect spot to spend the morning exploring Hanoi's cultural gems. Both Manzi and Bookworm also offer coffee.

•    Address: 16 Hoe Nhai Street, Ba Dinh District.

Bún Chả

Bún chả is a beloved lunch or dinner dish among Hanoians. Tuyet Bún Chả 34, featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, serves generous portions of this dish with grilled pork, minced pork patties, and spring rolls, all accompanied by fresh greens. The restaurant offers a small indoor space and some outdoor seating. Near Truc Bach Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Quan Su Pagoda, this spot is ideal for an afternoon of sightseeing. Don't miss a coffee break at West Lake to catch the sunset.

•    Address: 34 Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh District.

Seafood

Seafood lovers can head to Oc Di Tu near West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. This restaurant serves a wide variety of southern-style seafood dishes, including snails, shrimp, clams, and mussels, prepared steamed, grilled, or with tamarind, chili salt, or salted egg sauces. "Be sure to try the grilled snails with onions and garlic, and the lemongrass, chili, and pineapple clams," a Michelin expert recommends.

•    Address: 144C Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District.

TOLUNHA

Related articles:

>> One day in Hanoi: How to live like a local for 24 hours in Hanoi

>> Top Hanoi must-try dishes and best places to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter

>> Pho Hanoi, Pho Nam Dinh, and My Quang Recognized as National Heritages