Hanoi is a haven for fellow frugal foodies, with local street eats galore for well under 80,000vnd/$3.35usd. Phở and Bánh Mì are the most familiar dishes to western travelers such as myself. But why limit yourself to noodle soup and sandwiches when there are dozens of other local dishes to try?
But seeing hanging chicken innards and plastic bins full of snails with hand written menus plastered on the wall that you can’t read can be intimidating. I get it!
(Learn about the history of Banh Mi HERE!)
Which is why I’ve made this list of 3 popular Vietnamese dishes to try in Hanoi (besides phở and bánh mì) that are perfect for non-adventure eaters!
1. Bún Chả
Bún chả is a northern Vietnamese dish that translates to grilled pork (Bún) with rice vermicelli (chả). The pork is served in a cold broth with pickled veggies and sweet chili with the noodles and herbs on the side. You simply add in the noodles and herbs to your liking, and dig in!
What makes this dish so special is the broth. It’s typically made with vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce, which gives it a sharp and sweet flavor with notes of rich fattiness and hues of sour. It’s delightfully aromatic and flavorful, and by far one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes in Hanoi.
Where I Tried It: I had numerous bowls, but my favorite was Bún Chả Hương Liên, which is where Anthony Bourdain and Obama dined.
Cost: 50,000vnd/$2.03usd
2. Phở Cuốn
Phở Cuốn is essentially deconstructed Phở in a roll form. It’s made of uncut rice vermicelli filled with meat and fresh herbs and served with a dipping sauce. It is like a spring roll and bowl of Phở walked into a room and got a little frisky. It’s light and flavorful, and the perfect snack!
Where I Tired It: Phở Cuốn 31
Cost: 80,000vnd/$3.35usd for 10
3. Bánh Cuốn
Bánh Cuốn is a popular Vietnamese street food that translates to “rolled cake.” It consists of a steamed rice roll filled with seasoned pork, minced wood ear mushroom, and shallot with a sprinkling of fried shallot and herbs on top and a fish dipping sauce on the side. It starts with a fermented rice batter that’s thinly spread on a hot metal sheet. After a minute or so, it’s delicately transferred off the heat, filled, and served! This dish is light but packed full of flavor and has a delightful mouthfeel. A can’t miss dish in Hanoi!
Where I Tried It: Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân
Cost: 40,000 vnd/$1.63usd
These 3 popular Vietnamese dishes are a must try when visiting Hanoi! Happy eating 🙂
(Hungry for some Singapore eats for non-adventure eaters? Check out THIS post!)
