The best dish is pho tai nam (which is beef brisket and rare beef), followed by pho tai (rare beef noodle soup). Their fried dough sticks are also good. Most restaurants in Hanoi have clearly marked prices, so you don't have to worry about being overcharged. The people in Hanoi are quite honest. The price is around 45K-50K per bowl, which is a bit more expensive than the usual Vietnamese pho (usually 30K), but it's definitely worth it. They serve a lot of beef in their pho, and the broth is exceptionally delicious. It's the best broth I've had in Hanoi. Adding a bit of lemon juice makes it even better.
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
Another recommended pho restaurant is Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su. The broth is also very sweet, and it is a very popular restaurant. They only serve pho bo, not pho ga. The pho here is much tastier than the ordinary ones. From the first bite, you will feel, wow~ it's so delicious!
24 Lê Văn Hưu
The bun cha in Hanoi is also very delicious, slightly sweet, but completely acceptable. In Vietnam, many foods are grilled or fried, which can be quite heaty but not greasy. The rice noodles and grilled meat are served separately; the rice noodles may stick together but will automatically separate when placed in the broth of the grilled meat. The yellow slices inside are papaya, and I really like its texture, very chewy. Anyway, it's very delicious~ Highly recommended. This is the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien where Obama once ate!
11 Hàng Bạc
The bun rieu here is really super delicious!! The broth is amazing, sour and flavorful! You can find bun rieu in many places, but only this one makes me want to come back again and again. Just order a regular portion, no need for the 'day du'. This shop is nameless, so you definitely need the address. The shop is small and only opens in the morning and at noon.
Hàng Khay
This is a local snack in Hanoi. Actually, I think it's more of a main dish. It contains various meats and rice noodles dipped in fish sauce or shrimp paste. It's definitely worth trying~ delicious and unique.
87 Hàng Điếu
In Hanoi, I fell in love with various 'tron', which means mixed. It might be because Vietnam is too hot, and people need to eat various mixed dishes. This is 'mien luon tron'. The taste is amazing, with a little bit of soup at the bottom, making it both fresh and sweet. Additionally, in Vietnam, when you eat 'tron', they will give you an extra bowl of soup, so you don't have to worry about it being too dry.
6 Phùng Hưng
The dry mix here is super fragrant and delicious, and the price is very affordable, only around 30K per bowl.
5 Quang Trung
This is the best bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) in Hanoi, although I later found an even better one in Hue. However, this one is also very delicious.
35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân
This place is highly recommended by many people. Xoi Yen sticky rice is really delicious. Not only do tourists love it, but locals also enjoy it very much.
25 Ngũ Xã
pho cuon, pho phong chien, you must try these two dishes at this restaurant, they are very delicious.
La Vong Grilled Fish
This is a specialty dish from Hanoi, with fish as the main ingredient. This way of cooking fish is not found in China. The Vietnamese name is cha ca, and in Chinese, it is called ancient method fried fish. It's very unique and delicious, a very Vietnamese way of eating, haha.
Chả Cá Thăng Long
This is a specialty dish from Hanoi, with fish as the main ingredient. This type of fish preparation is not found in China. The Vietnamese name is cha ca, which translates to 'traditional fried fish' in Chinese. It is very unique, delicious, and a typical Vietnamese way of cooking.
Che 4 Mua
A well-known traditional Vietnamese dessert shop in the local area.
Che 93
A small dessert shop that is very popular, many people come to buy banh troi (glutinous rice balls). The soup base is ginger soup, which is especially delicious.
