Hidden Gem Street Food Spots in Hanoi
Hanoi has some of the best street food in the world and quite frankly, even without a plan, you can’t go wrong with exploring a side alley and trying something new on a whim. Umami and barbeque smells waft up from everywhere and part of the adventure is discovering something unfamiliar but ultimately delicious. Here, I’d like to share with you some spots we’ve stumbled upon that offer up lesser known street food dishes. I’m not talking about chicken pho, bun cha, banh mi, or other more popular Hanoi street foods but rather, the types of street eats that are lesser known to tourists but just as yummy. Let’s dive in.
Fried Eel Glass Noodles at Miến lươn Đông Thịnh or Miến Lươn Chân Cầm
If you’ve never had eel, don’t be put off by the idea of it. It’s got a lovely fish vibe but at the same time, isn’t as ‘fishy’ as actual fish dishes. At Miến lươn Đông Thịnh, this Michelin recommended restaurant specializes in all kinds of eel noodle dishes. We tried both the dry eel vermicelli (my fav) and the noodle soup. The eel is deep fried and serves as a crunchy topping (not unlike fried chicken skin) on top of your noodles; the dry noodles come with a clear and tasty broth on the side. Ordering may be a bit intimidating at first as there is no English menu but we found we could just point to what another table was eating. This was one of my favourite street foods and it was so good, we had to try it again at another similar but just as good fried eel restaurant called Miến Lươn Chân Cầm.
Chè Dessert at Loc Tai House
Chè is a type of sweet dessert category that includes fruit desserts, puddings, and beverages made from various ingredients like mango, durian, sweet corn, red beans, tapioca, and coconut milk. They are served either hot or cold. On a sunny, sweltering day, they are refreshing, on a colder evening, a lovely warm treat. Loc Tai House is a fantastic place to discover all the various kinds of chè available and it’s a step above the rest as it is nestled in a wonderfully historic, five-story, colonial building. Inside, the vibes capture the spirit of early 20th-century Hanoi. You can find vintage touches such as enamel bowls, antique trays, and classic three-legged porcelain bowls. All this creates a calm haven, away from the bustle of Hanoi’s streets. The nostalgic ambiance really feels like you’re stepping back in time. Order your dessert at the front and then bring your bowl to a chosen seat upstairs. Again, this place was so good, we had to go back a second time!
Fried Garlic Duck on ‘Duck Street’ at Ngan Cháy Tỏi Phố Cổ
If you’re into duck, then be sure to check out ‘Duck Street’ or, P. Hàng Thiếc. On this street, you can find many restaurants specializing in ngan cháy, or fried garlic duck. It’s rich, garlicky, and ridiculously satisfying. At Ngan Cháy Tỏi Phố Cổ, the duck is seared until the skin turns perfectly golden and crispy, but the inside stays juicy and tender. Then comes the best part: a heaping pile of crunchy fried garlic on top that takes the flavor to another level. To keep things balanced, it’s usually served with a plate of fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. Most places use a punchy mix of fish sauce, lime, and minced garlic that hits all the tangy-salty notes, though some spots swap in soy sauce for a deeper, umami kick. And honestly? Nothing goes better with this dish than an ice-cold beer (Beer Hanoi!). Between the crispy duck, the mountain of garlic, and that bold savory flavor, ngan cháy is the kind of street food that makes you want to order a second plate before you’ve even finished the first.
Grilled Eggs and Oysters at Trứng Chén Nướng Cô Ty
If you’re looking for one of those authentic Hanoi street-food experiences where locals sit outside, squeezed around tiny plastic stools and the smoke from the grill drifts out onto the sidewalk, you’ll want to make a stop at Trứng Chén Nướng Cô Ty. This little spot may not look fancy, but it’s a local favorite for good reason—the food is bold, comforting, and perfect for sharing with friends over a few cold beers.
The must-order here is definitely the grilled oysters. They come sizzling off the coals, topped with crispy fried onions, and you can choose between a tangy Thai-style sauce or a cheesy, more indulgent version. Most people recommend the Thai sauce for its kick, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. Another crowd-pleaser is the grilled eggs (trứng chén nướng), baked right in their little cups with butter, quail eggs, sausage, and green onions, then paired with dipping sauces like chili-tamarind or plum. They’re rich, savory, and downright addictive.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, the chicken feet salad with lemongrass brings a refreshing, tangy balance to all the smoky flavors, and the nem chua (fermented pork rolls) are another Hanoi classic worth trying. Altogether, it’s the kind of street-side meal that feels casual and unpretentious but leaves you grinning and plotting your next visit.
Crab Noodle Soup with Balut (fertilized duck egg) at Bún Riêu Tóp Mỡ Mọc Giòn Cô Hương Béo
If you’re hunting for a truly memorable bowl of noodle soup in Hanoi, Bún Riêu Tóp Mỡ Mọc Giòn Cô Hương Béo should be on your list. This spot specializes in bún riêu—Vietnam’s beloved crab and tomato noodle soup—but takes it to the next level with toppings that make every bite a surprise. The broth is tangy, savory, and deeply comforting, filled with silky tofu, fresh crab, and their signature mọc giòn (springy pork and cartilage meatballs). Add in crispy tóp mỡ (fried pork fat) for crunch, and you’ve got a bowl that hits all the right textures and flavors. What really makes this place stand out, though, is the option to add a balut egg (trứng vịt lộn) into your soup. It might sound intimidating if you’ve never tried it, but it adds a creamy ‘chickeny’ (can this be a word?) richness that blends beautifully with the crab-based broth.
Sandworm Pancakes at Cửa Hàng Chả Rươi Hưng Thịnh
Tucked in the Old Quarter near Ô Quan Chưởng, Cửa Hàng Chả Rươi Hưng Thịnh has been serving up Hanoi’s most famous chả rươi for more than three decades. These crispy sandworm patties are mixed with pork, egg, dill, and a hint of tangerine peel, creating a dish that’s savory, fragrant, and unlike anything else in the city. This dish is very much a seasonal specialty in Hanoi because it’s made from rươi (sandworms), which only appear a few times a year. The main season is in the late autumn months—roughly September to November, with the biggest harvest and best availability in October. There’s also a shorter secondary season around lunar January (close to Tết), though the supply is smaller and prices can be higher. Outside of these times, most shops (including Cửa Hàng Chả Rươi Hưng Thịnh) either close or serve frozen versions, which don’t have quite the same flavor or texture as fresh. So if you want the real deal, the best time to try it in Hanoi is October to November, when chả rươi is at its freshest.
Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves at Quán Nem lụi Bà Trai
Right next door to the sandworm place is Quán Nem lụi Bà Trai. f you're craving a taste of central Vietnam, Quán Nem Lụi Bà Trai is a must-visit. Located at 6 Đào Duy Từ, this family-run eatery brings the flavors of Đà Nẵng to Hanoi with its signature dish: bò lá lốt (beef wrapped in betel leaves). This unique dish offers a delightful combination of smoky, charcoal-grilled beef skewers and aromatic betel leaves, creating a flavorful bite that pairs beautifully with the accompanying peanut dipping sauce and raw garlic plus chilis (very HOT). The proprietor was super friendly and not only helped us order but also showed us how to assemble our betel-wrapped beef bites.
Charcoal Grilled Pork Skewers in Bread and Fried Bananas (next door) at Nha Hang, Ngoc Linh
If you’re wandering Hanoi’s Old Quarter and wondering where that delicious BBQ-y smell is wafting from, it’s pretty likely coming from the popular, wallet-friendly snack spot: Nha Hàng Ngọc Linh . This unassuming eatery on a street corner specializes in grilled pork skewers served in a crispy baguette—a delightful twist on the classic bánh mì. The pork is marinated with lemongrass and spices, grilled to perfection, and nestled inside a warm, fresh, crunchy baguette, offering a smoky, savory flavor in every bite.
As a bonus - just next door, you’ll find a stall selling fried bananas, a popular Vietnamese street snack. These golden, crispy treats are sweet and satisfying, making them the perfect dessert to round off your meal. Whether you're a local or a traveler, Nha Hàng Ngọc Linh offers a genuine taste of Hanoi's street food scene that's both delicious and affordable (25,000 dong for 2 skewers with bread, ~$1.30 CAD!).
Beef ‘Hor Fun’ Noodles at Phở Bò Gà Đính
Finally, last but not least on the list, if you’re wanting something hearty and flavorful, Phở Bò Gà Đính is worth a stop. While the restaurant is known for its classic beef and chicken pho, one dish really stands out: stir-fried beef noodles in gravy. Tender slices of beef are tossed with flat rice noodles or crispy egg noodles and vegetables, all coated in a rich, savory gravy. The high-heat wok gives it that irresistible wok hei—a smoky, charred aroma that makes each bite incredibly addictive!
