In the vibrant culinary scene of Vietnam, Hanoi soup stands as a beloved signature of the country's gastronomic heritage. There are many variations of this traditional dish, all capturing the essence of Hanoi's rich history and cultural tapestry. From the world famous pho to lesser-known regional variations, make sure you give these 11 dishes a try during your Hanoi travel.
Vietnam capital is home to quite a few variations of the hearty and steaming Hanoi soup. Below are 11 different takes of this Hanoi specialty food:
1. Hanoi soup with noodles and snail (bun oc)
Hanoi soup with noodles and snail, or bun oc, offers a delightful culinary experience. This iconic dish features a fragrant and flavorful broth with lemongrass, ginger, and fermented shrimp paste. The star of the dish is the snails, which are tender and succulent, adding a unique texture to each spoonful.
To savor this delectable dish, here are three recommended places in Hanoi:
- Bun Oc Nguoi Ba Lan: No. 26, Bui Thi Xuan Street, Hai Ba Trung District
- Bun Oc Co Hue: No. 43, Nguyen Sieu Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Oc Hang Chai (Bun Oc Co Them): No. 6, Hang Chai Street, Hoan Kiem District
2. Hanoi beef noodle soup (pho bo)
It would be a waste to go to Hanoi and not try the iconic pho Hanoi soup, or beef noodle soup. It is a long-standing variation of Vietnamese beef noodle soup that has gained worldwide acclaim. A bowl of Hanoi beef noodle soup typically features rice noodles immersed in a flavorful beef broth, accompanied by tender slices of beef, aromatic herbs like basil and cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing tang.
For an authentic taste of this beloved dish, you should find these three locations:
- Pho bat da Hung Vuong: No. 37, Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District
- Pho Thin: No. 13, Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District
- Pho Bat Dan: No. 49, Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
3. Hanoi chicken noodle soup (bun thang)
Hanoi chicken noodle soup (bun thang) is a colorful Hanoi soup, perfect for foodies looking to try something new. This delicacy brings harmonious flavors and a visually stunning presentation. The soup features thin rice noodles swimming in a fragrant broth cooked with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a medley of herbs.
To savor this delightful dish, you should go to these three popular places in the city:
- Bun Thang Hang Hom: No. 11, Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Mot Buoi Sang: No. 86, Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Thang Ba Duc Cau Go: No. 48, Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District
>>> Find the best places to eat in Hanoi to savor the signature flavors of the city!
4. Hanoi soup with vermicelli and pork meatballs (bun moc)
Bun moc, or Hanoi soup with vermicelli and pork meatballs, is a nationwide delicacy with many variations. This delectable dish features tender pork meatballs, finely ground pork paste, and vermicelli noodles served in a flavorful broth.
To taste multiple different types of pork paste in one bowl, make sure to visit these places:
- Bun Moc Hang Luoc: No. 57-59, Hang Luoc Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Moc Xa Dan: No. 181 and No. 63, Xa Dan Street, Dong Da District
- Bun Moc Hang Trong: No. 11, Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District
5. Crab noodle soup Hanoi (bun rieu)
Hanoi soup does not get more unique than crab noodle soup, or bun rieu. The highlight of this dish lies in its rich, savory broth made from tomatoes, shrimp paste, and succulent crab meat, creating a harmonious balance of tangy and umami flavor.
- Bun Rieu Cua Tuan Anh: No. 35 - 37, Hong Mai Street, Hai Ba Trung District
- Bun Rieu Hang Cot: No. 15D, Hang Cot Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Rieu Hang Bo: No. 51, Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District
6. Hanoi Pho soup with chicken (pho ga)
Pho ga is a delightful rendition of the iconic Hanoi soup, showcasing the city's culinary prowess. The soup features a clear, flavorful broth with a lighter flavor profile. Tender slices of chicken, rice noodles, and a medley of fresh herbs and condiments complete the ensemble.
For an authentic experience, seek out these locations:
- Pho Ga Hang Hom: No. 15, Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Pho Ga Hang Dieu: No. 1, Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Pho Ban Ton Duc Thang: No. 172, Ton Duc Thang Street, Dong Da District
7. Hanoi soup with cellophane noodles and eel (mien luon)
The combination of cellophane noodles and eel creates a signature Hanoi soup named mien luon. This dish features translucent cellophane noodles, tender pieces of eel, and a flavorsome broth. Hanoi is the best place to taste this interesting creation in its full glory.
- Mien Luon Minh Lan: No. 1, Chan Cam Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Mien Luon Thai Ha: No. 42, Thai Ha Street, Dong Da District
- Mien Luon Tan Tan: No. 16, Tue Tinh Street, Hai Ba Trung District
>>> Find out where to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter for the best dishes!
8. Pho with beef stew in red wine (Pho sot vang)
Pho sot vang is yet another version of the symbolic beef noodle soup. This dish pairs beef with one of its best culinary friends: red wine. This bold twist elevates the already beloved Hanoi soup to new heights, packing rich flavors and a hint of red wine sophistication into the beloved delicacy.
To savor this delightful creation, you should go to these three places:
- Pho Huan: No. 57, Ham Long Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Pho Bo Duong Tau: No. 3, Tran Phu Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Pho Hang: No. 58, Yen Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
9. Hanoi soup with vermicelli and fish (bun ca)
Aside from snails and crab, Hanoi soup has another seafood-centric version. Bun ca, or vermicelli and fish soup, entices food enthusiasts with its delightful combination of flavors and textures. The soup is a steaming bowl of tender fish filets and chewy Vietnamese vermicelli noodles served with a flavorful broth.
For the best bun ca in Hanoi, here are three recommended destinations:
- Bun Ca Sam Cay Si: No. 5, Trung Yen Alley, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Ca Van Quan Thanh: No. 174, Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District
- Bun Ca Hang Dau: No. 42, Hang Dau Street, Hoan Kiem District
10. Hanoi noodle soup with herbal chicken (mi ga tan)
During your trip to Hanoi, don’t leave out this aromatic dish from your gastronomic journey. Hanoi noodle soup with herbal chicken, locally known as "mi ga tan", is an outstanding Hanoi soup among the diverse collection. This comfort dish has tender chicken cooked with a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, served alongside silky noodles in a rich, flavorful broth.
For an authentic taste, three highly recommended establishments are:
- Mi Ga Tan Cay Si: No. 29, Tong Duy Tan Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Mi Ga Tan Hang Ruoi: No. 7, Hang Ruoi Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Mi Ga Tan Hang Bo: No. 24, Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District
11. Hanoi soup with cellophane noodles and duck (mien ngan)
Last but not least, this Hanoi soup is a delightful treasure. The pairing of cellophane and succulent duck makes the mouth-watering mien ngan. This simple yet distinctive dish balances the delicate noodles and the richness of duck meat, creating a harmonious experience.
- Hanh Ngan De: No. 72, Cua Bac Street, Ba Dinh District
- Bun Ngan Minh Thu: No. 31, Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Ngan Nhan: No. 14, Trung Yen Alley, Hoan Kiem District
>>> Check out Hanoi food markets, home to some of the best dishes in the city!
Aside from these heart-warming Hanoi soup dishes, the capital city’s food scene has a lot more to offer. Make sure to try other signature dishes like turmeric fish, bun dau mam tom, banh mi, bun cha, banh cuon, etc.
The cuisine is one part of your Hanoi itinerary, but what about attractions? There is no shortage of places to visit and explore in this charming city. Allocate your time to visit many historically and culturally significant destinations like Hanoi Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Ta Hien Street, Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake, Long Bien Bridge, Bat Trang Pottery Village, and many more.
Another worthwhile destination in Hanoi is VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City. VinKE is an innovative and immersive entertainment complex, offering a fusion of cutting-edge interactive experiences. Meanwhile, Vinpearl Aquarium invites visitors to embark on an aquatic adventure, showcasing a diverse array of marine life and providing entertaining experiences for everyone.
>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium for an exciting experience!
When crafting a Vietnam travel plan, be sure to include the enchanting destinations of Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ha Long in your itinerary alongside Hanoi.
For your stay, look no further than Vinpearl, the leading hospitality brand in Vietnam. Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts offer a range of luxurious accommodations in these destinations, providing exceptional amenities for a memorable stay.
Additionally, do not miss the opportunity to explore VinWonders, an extraordinary entertainment complex that guarantees fun and excitement for the whole family.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for a memorable stay!
Hanoi soup stands as a culinary gem that embodies the essence of Vietnam's gastronomic heritage. Whether indulging in the aromatic flavors of pho or savoring the delicate combination of cellophane noodles and duck, Hanoi soup will captivate the senses and leave an indelible mark on the taste buds. With a rich history and diverse regional variations, it truly represents the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.
>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to add more excitement to your trip!
