{"id":3952,"date":"2025-11-02T19:21:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T12:21:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/annammaison.com.vn\/?p=3952"},"modified":"2025-11-08T21:50:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T14:50:04","slug":"an-nam-guide-to-authentic-hanoi-cuisine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/annammaison.com.vn\/en\/an-nam-guide-to-authentic-hanoi-cuisine\/","title":{"rendered":"ANNAM GUIDE TO AUTHENTIC HANOI CUISINE 101: EXPLORING THE OLD QUARTER’S TRADITIONAL"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exploring the Authentic & Traditional of Hanoi cuisine with Annam Maison Hanoi. The thousand-year-old Old-quarter, is not only a cultural hub but also a true culinary paradise of Hanoi. This area perfectly preserves the essence of traditional dishes, from small street vendors to time-honored food brands.<\/p>\n

I. The Essence of “Ph\u1edf” and “B\u00fan” \u2013 Hanoi’s Culinary Icons<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Ph\u1edf B\u00f2 \u2013 “The Soul of Hanoi”<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

\"\"Ph\u1edf<\/em><\/strong> is the national dish of Vietnam. In Hanoi cuisine, Beef Ph\u1edf boasts a signature flavor: the broth is clear, simmered from beef bones and secret spices, resulting in a delicate, mild sweetness. The soft, chewy rice noodles are combined with slices of fresh beef (rare, well-done, flank, brisket) and finely chopped green onions. Waking up early in the cool Hanoi air, having your senses awakened by the tempting aroma of the broth, and feeling the warmth spread through your body\u2014this will likely be an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.<\/p>\n

Traveler tip<\/strong>: Add a touch of chili vinegar or crunchy qu\u1ea9y (fried dough sticks) for the complete experience.<\/p>\n

Suggested local addresses<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Ph\u1edf Th\u00ecn B\u1edd H\u1ed3 –<\/strong> Address<\/strong>: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours<\/strong>: 6:30 \u2013 20:30<\/li>\n
  • Ph\u1edf L\u00fd Qu\u1ed1c S\u01b0 – Address:<\/strong> 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours<\/strong>: 6:00 – 22:00<\/li>\n
  • Ph\u1edf Kh\u00f4i h\u00f3i –<\/strong> Address<\/strong>: 50 Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours<\/strong>: 5:30 – 12:00 and 17:00 – 21:30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    2. B\u00fan Ch\u1ea3 (Grilled pork with sweet-and-sour sauce) \u2013 The Globally “Charming” Dish<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \"\"B\u00fan Ch\u1ea3<\/i><\/strong> is the dish that has charmed many international heads of state. Slices of pork belly and seasoned pork patties are marinated with flavors like fish sauce, onion, garlic, lemongrass,…for hours. The meat is then skillfully grilled over hot charcoal, releasing its distinctive aroma. B\u00fan Ch\u1ea3<\/i> is served with a warm, sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, crunchy pickled green papaya, and a basket of fresh herbs. If you love Vietnamese spring rolls, whether traditional Nem<\/i> or crab rolls (Nem Cua B\u1ec3<\/i>), they are fried to perfection and served piping hot alongside B\u00fan Ch\u1ea3<\/i>\u2014an unbeatable combo of Hanoi cuisine.<\/p>\n

    Traveler tip:<\/b> Dip the rice vermicelli and herbs into the dipping sauce, eating them together with the grilled meat to fully appreciate the harmonious and rich flavors.<\/p>\n

    Suggested local addresses<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • B\u00fan Ch\u1ea3 H\u00e0ng Qu\u1ea1t – Address:<\/b> Alley 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:00 – 14:00<\/li>\n
    • B\u00fan Ch\u1ea3 Mai H\u1eafc \u0110\u1ebf – Address:<\/b> 114 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 9:00 – 21:00<\/li>\n
    • B\u00fan Ch\u1ea3 41 – Address:<\/b> 41 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:30 – 20:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      3. B\u00fan \u0110\u1eadu M\u1eafm T\u00f4m \u2013 The Bold Taste of Hanoi cuisine<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

      \"\"B\u00fan \u0110\u1eadu<\/i><\/strong> is a humble dish yet represents the bravest and most authentic street food experience in Hanoi cuisine. A platter of B\u00fan \u0110\u1eadu<\/i> is packed with ingredients: golden fried tofu from M\u01a1 Village, crispy outside and creamy inside; fresh, chewy rice vermicelli; flavorful fried green rice patties (Ch\u1ea3 C\u1ed1m<\/i>), along with diverse side dishes like fried fermented pork rolls (Nem Chua R\u00e1n<\/i>) or pork cartilage sausage (D\u1ed3i S\u1ee5n<\/i>)… Everything is generously dipped into a bowl of Fermented Shrimp Paste (M\u1eafm T\u00f4m<\/i>)<\/b> carefully prepared (with sugar, lime\/kumquat, and chili) to release its distinctive aroma.<\/p>\n

      Traveler Tip:<\/b> If you are unfamiliar with M\u1eafm T\u00f4m<\/i>, try substituting it with chili fish sauce. However, the M\u1eafm T\u00f4m<\/i> remains the true soul of this dish!<\/p>\n

      Suggested local addresses<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • B\u00fan \u0110\u1eadu M\u00e3 M\u00e2y – Address:<\/b> 8 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 07:00 – 18:00<\/li>\n
      • B\u00fan \u0110\u1eadu Ng\u00f5 G\u1ea1ch – Address:<\/b> 31 Ngo Gach, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:00 – 21:00<\/li>\n
      • B\u00fan \u0110\u1eadu Trung H\u01b0\u01a1ng – Address:<\/b> 49 Phat Loc, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:00 – 20:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        4. B\u00fan ri\u00eau cua (small crab with vermicelli)\u00a0 \u2013 The light & sour flavor of the Vietnamese Countryside<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

        \"\"With its appealing red crab brick broth, the mild sourness of rice vinegar essence (d\u1ea5m b\u1ed7ng<\/i>), and the sweetness of field crab, served with crab paste, fried tofu, and fresh herbs, B\u00fan Ri\u00eau Cua<\/i><\/strong> is a traditional vermicelli dish carrying a characteristic countryside flavor, much loved by foreign visitors for its palatable taste. The broth is simmered from field crab paste, bones, and tomatoes, featuring a light, sour tang<\/b> typical of d\u1ea5m b\u1ed7ng<\/i>, gently sweet and not greasy. A full bowl includes rich crab paste, fried tofu, pork rolls (Gi\u00f2 Tai<\/i>), beef, or pork ribs.<\/p>\n

        Traveler tip:<\/b> Add a tiny bit of M\u1eafm T\u00f4m<\/i> (very little) and chili paste to enhance the aroma and depth of flavor in the bowl.<\/p>\n

        Suggested addresses:<\/b><\/p>\n

          \n
        • B\u00fan Ri\u00eau Cua H\u00e0ng B\u1ea1c – Address:<\/b> 11 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 06:00 – 20:00<\/li>\n
        • B\u00fan Ri\u00eau Huy\u1ec1n Thu – Address:<\/b> 2F Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 06:30 – 15:00<\/li>\n
        • B\u00fan Ri\u00eau T\u00f3p M\u1ee1 Ph\u1ed1 C\u1ed5 – Address:<\/b> 12 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 07:00 – 15:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          5. B\u00fan \u1ed1c H\u00e0 N\u1ed9i – Snail vermicelli sour & sweet<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

          \"\"B\u00fan \u1ed0c<\/i><\/strong> (Snail Vermicelli) is a dish rich in traditional Hanoi cuisine flavor, captivating diners with its harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet notes. The soul of the dish is the clear broth, seasoned with d\u1ea5m b\u1ed7ng<\/i> and tomatoes. The snails (usually mit snails or v\u1eb7n snails) are boiled or stir-fried, maintaining their signature chewiness and crunch. This dish is often served with fried tofu, beef, or pork ribs. There are two main ways to enjoy it: B\u00fan \u1ed0c N\u00f3ng<\/i> (hot broth with various toppings) and B\u00fan \u1ed0c Ngu\u1ed9i<\/i> (cold broth used for dipping the boiled snails and vermicelli\u2014the snail is the sole main character).<\/p>\n

          Traveler tip:<\/b> There are two main types: Hot Snail Vermicelli (B\u00fan \u1ed0c N\u00f3ng<\/i>) and Cold Snail Vermicelli (B\u00fan \u1ed0c Ngu\u1ed9i<\/i>)\u2014dipping boiled snails and vermicelli into a cold, sweet-and-sour sauce.<\/p>\n

          Suggested addresses:<\/b><\/p>\n

            \n
          • B\u00fan \u1ed0c S\u01b0\u1eddn Hai B\u00e0 Tr\u01b0ng – Address:<\/b> 57 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 16:00 – 22:00<\/li>\n
          • B\u00fan \u1ed0c B\u00e0 L\u01b0\u01a1ng – Address:<\/b> 38 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 06:30 – 13:00<\/li>\n
          • B\u00fan \u1ed0c C\u00f4 Hu\u1ec7 – Address:<\/b> 43 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 06:00 – 15:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            6. B\u00fan thang – The delicate culinary art of Trang An<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

            \"\"B\u00fan Thang<\/i><\/strong> represents the pinnacle of sophistication and refinement in traditional Hanoi cuisine. A perfectly prepared bowl of B\u00fan Thang<\/i> can contain up to 20 ingredients<\/b>, beautifully arranged like a painting: fried egg shredded thinly like silk, shredded free-range chicken, julienned pork rolls, mushrooms… The broth must be absolutely clear, simmered from chicken bones and dried shrimp, yielding a mild, elegant sweetness. Successfully preparing B\u00fan Thang<\/i> at home is a challenge for home cooks due to the high demand for ingredient variety, so be sure to try a bowl on your Hanoi cuisine food journey!<\/p>\n

            Traveler tip:<\/b> B\u00fan Thang<\/i> is best enjoyed with a touch of M\u1eafm T\u00f4m<\/i> (very little) and a few slices of dried preserved radish (depending on the stall) to truly enhance the flavor of the broth.<\/p>\n

            Suggested local<\/strong> addresses:<\/b><\/p>\n

              \n
            • B\u00fan Thang B\u00e0 \u0110\u1ee9c – Address:<\/b> 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 09:00 – 22:00<\/li>\n
            • B\u00fan Thang L\u00e3n \u00d4ng – Address:<\/b> 16 Lan Ong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 07:00 – 22:00<\/li>\n
            • B\u00fan Thang H\u00e0ng H\u00e0nh – Address:<\/b> 29 Hang Hanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 07:00 – 20:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              <\/h2>\n

              II. Timeless delicacies and light meals – Old quater flavours<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

              1. B\u00e1nh m\u00ec – Vietnam\u2019s crunchy legend<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

              \"\"<\/p>\n

              The B\u00e1nh M\u00ec is more than just a quick bite; it has become Vietnam’s globally recognized street food icon. This dish is a perfect marriage between the crispy French-style baguette and a rich, intensely flavorful Vietnamese filling. The fillings are incredibly diverse: from crispy roast pork, rich mixed cold cuts (pate, Vietnamese ham), fragrant grilled meat (x\u00e1 x\u00edu), to vegetarian versions and even simple fried eggs. Essential components include pickled vegetables (carrot, daikon), cucumber, cilantro, and a touch of spicy chili sauce, creating a complex balance of sour, spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.<\/p>\n

              Traveler Tip<\/strong>: Try the B\u00e1nh m\u00ec Pate\/Th\u1ecbt ngu\u1ed9i (mixed cold cuts) to experience the most traditional flavor. Note that most famous B\u00e1nh M\u00ec stalls primarily offer takeaway and do not have comfortable seating<\/p>\n

              Suggested local addresses:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • B\u00e1nh m\u00ec Tr\u00e2m – Address<\/strong>: 30 Dinh Ngang, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi. Opening hours<\/strong>: 06:30 – 21:00<\/li>\n
              • B\u00e1nh m\u00ec ph\u1ed1 c\u1ed5 – Address<\/strong>: 38 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi. Opening hours<\/strong>: 07:30 – 24:00<\/li>\n
              • B\u00e1nh m\u00ec ch\u1ea3 D\u0169ng H\u1ea1nh – Address<\/strong>: 20 Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi. Opening hours<\/strong>: 05:30 – 08:30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                2. Vietnam grilled fish – Ch\u1ea3 c\u00e1 L\u00e3 V\u1ecdng<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

                \"\"Ch\u1ea3 C\u00e1<\/i> (Grilled Fish) is a dish with a history spanning hundreds of years in Hanoi cuisine, often used to name an entire street. Fresh L\u0103ng<\/i> fish is deboned and marinated with turmeric, fermented rice (m\u1ebb<\/i>), galangal, and secret spices. When served, the fish is stir-fried sizzlingly in a hot pan of oil, eaten with dill, spring onions, and rice vermicelli. Crucially, it must be accompanied by the prepared Fermented Shrimp Paste (M\u1eafm T\u00f4m<\/i>)<\/b>, creating a rich, fragrant, and nutty flavor. The tradition of gathering around the sizzling pan and enjoying this communal meal is a quintessential Hanoi cuisine experience.<\/p>\n

                Traveler tip:<\/b> Saut\u00e9ing the fish yourself on the hot pan at the table is a unique and interactive dining experience.<\/p>\n

                Suggested local addresses:<\/b><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Ch\u1ea3 C\u00e1 L\u00e3 V\u1ecdng – Address:<\/b> 14 Cha ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 11:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 21:00<\/li>\n
                • Ch\u1ea3 C\u00e1 Th\u0103ng Long – Address:<\/b> 19 – 21 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:00 – 22:00<\/li>\n
                • Ch\u1ea3 C\u00e1 L\u0103ng Ngon 3B – Address:<\/b> 115B Phung Hung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:00 – 22:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  3. Delicious Hanoi Sticky Rice (X\u00f4i<\/i>)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

                  \"\"The sticky rice<\/strong> is soft, fragrant, and cooked to perfection using an industrial steamer, combined with a variety of rich toppings: X\u00f4i X\u00e9o<\/b> (sticky rice mixed with spring onion oil and mung bean paste), caramelized pork, fried egg, pork roll, p\u00e2t\u00e9, Chinese sausage… To try all the different X\u00f4i<\/i> dishes in Hanoi, you might need to dedicate a whole month to eating X\u00f4i<\/i> every day! Thanks to savory toppings, Hanoi cuisine is also famous for sticky rice cooked with various nuts and beans such as x\u00f4i g\u1ea5c<\/i> (red sticky rice), x\u00f4i d\u1eeba<\/i> (coconut sticky rice), x\u00f4i c\u1ed1m<\/i> (green rice flake sticky rice), x\u00f4i \u0111\u1ed7 \u0111en<\/i> (black bean sticky rice),…<\/p>\n

                  Traveler tip:<\/b> If possible, go with a group to enjoy the most diverse range of toppings!<\/p>\n

                  Suggested local addresses:<\/b><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • X\u00f4i Y\u1ebfn – address:<\/b> 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 05:00 – 22:00 (or later)<\/li>\n
                  • X\u00f4i Nguy\u1ec7t – Address:<\/b> 30A Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 17:00 – 23:00<\/li>\n
                  • X\u00f4i B\u00e0 Thu – Address:<\/b> 57 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 6:00 – 14:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    4. Pork rib porridge with crullers<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

                    \"\"Ch\u00e1o S\u01b0\u1eddn<\/i> (Pork Rib Porridge)<\/strong> is a simple snack, perfect for cool Hanoi evenings. Unlike ordinary grain porridge, Ch\u00e1o S\u01b0\u1eddn<\/i> uses finely ground rice, cooked until it becomes thick and smooth, offering a melting sensation when tasted. The porridge is simmered with soft, sweet pork cartilage ribs, then topped with shredded pork floss, fried shallots, and crispy fried dough sticks – crullers (qu\u1ea9y<\/i>). The sweet and savory, easy-to-eat flavor of this porridge wins over all ages. Its comforting warmth and creamy texture make it the ultimate Vietnamese soul food.<\/p>\n

                    Traveler tip:<\/b> Add a pinch of black pepper and chili powder to enhance the warming flavor, especially in winter.<\/p>\n

                    Suggested local addresses:<\/b><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Ch\u00e1o S\u01b0\u1eddn C\u00f4 L\u00e0 – Address:<\/b> 2A Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 07:00 – 19:00<\/li>\n
                    • Ch\u00e1o S\u01b0\u1eddn B\u00e0 L\u1ee3i C\u00f2ng – Address:<\/b> 39 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 06:30 – 18:00<\/li>\n
                    • Ch\u00e1o S\u01b0\u1eddn Huy\u1ec1n Anh – Address:<\/b> 4A Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:00 – 03:00 (Next Morning)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      5. Roasted muscovy duck with crispy garlic<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

                      \"\"Ngan Ch\u00e1y T\u1ecfi<\/i> (Roasted muscovy duck with garlic)<\/strong> is a relatively new dish that has quickly become a culinary phenomenon in Hanoi cuisine. The duck meat is carefully selected and richly marinated, then fried over high heat until the skin is golden and slightly charred. The dish is tossed with a generous amount of fragrant fried dried garlic. The combination of soft, sweet duck meat, the richness of the garlic, and the characteristic aroma creates an unforgettable experience. Be sure to try them all for a flavor explosion!<\/p>\n

                      Traveler tip:<\/b> This dish is often eaten with rice vermicelli sheets (b\u00fan l\u00e1<\/i>), cucumber slices, and dipped in the stall’s special sweet and sour sauce.<\/p>\n

                      Suggested local addresses:<\/b><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Ngan Ch\u00e1y T\u1ecfi Th\u1ee7y L\u01b0\u01a1ng – Address:<\/b> 51 Hang Luoc, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 11:00 – 13:30<\/li>\n
                      • Th\u1ebf Gi\u1edbi Ngan – Address:<\/b> 59 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 10:30 – 23:00<\/li>\n
                      • Ngan Ngon Tr\u00e2m – Address:<\/b> 42 Hang Non, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Opening hours:<\/b> 08:00 – 21:30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        6. Homeland flavors: The beauty of traditional Vietnamese family meal<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

                        \"\"The Traditional Vietnamese Family Meal (M\u00e2m C\u01a1m Vi\u1ec7t) is more than just a meal; it is a symbol of Yin-Yang and Five Elements harmony, representing family togetherness. A standard M\u00e2m C\u01a1m features a balanced combination of:<\/p>\n