Dong Thinh Eel Noodle Soup

For nearly 40 years, Dong Thinh Eel Noodle Soup on Hang Dieu Street has been a beloved Hanoi establishment, even earning a spot in the Michelin Guide in 2024 and 2025. The eel is prepared two ways: tender and sweet for the noodle soup, and crispy fried, often paired with mixed or stir-fried noodles. Beyond noodles, the menu also features porridge, soup, and eel patties to cater to diverse palates.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Dong Thinh offers dishes ranging from 30,000 to 65,000 VND. Vacuum-sealed eel is also available for purchase, making it a convenient gift or travel companion.

Address: 87 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Giang Huy

Sam Cay Si Fish Noodle Soup

A 30-year veteran of Hanoi's culinary scene, Sam Cay Si Fish Noodle Soup is a favorite among locals and tourists. Located in a popular food alley in Hoan Kiem District, the restaurant has about 10 outdoor tables and a small indoor area. Its signature dish is fish wrapped in meat, prepared according to a Hue-style recipe passed down to Mrs. Sam. The noodle soup features crispy fried perch in a tangy broth made from fish bones, simmered with pineapple and tomatoes. Prices range from 45,000 to 50,000 VND per bowl.

Address: Trung Yen Alley, Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Xuan Phuong

Pho Thin Lo Duc

Opened in 1979 by Nguyen Trong Thin, Pho Thin Lo Duc is famous for its stir-fried rare beef pho, a unique culinary hallmark of Hanoi. The beef is marinated and seared in a hot wok, infused with the aroma of garlic, ginger, and a slightly charred flavor. The broth is rich with oil, and the dish is generously topped with green onions. Prices range from 65,000 to 95,000 VND.

Address: 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District. Franchise locations throughout Hanoi. Photo: Pho Thin Lo Duc

Pho Thin Bo Ho

A household name among Hanoi's pho enthusiasts, Pho Thin Bo Ho was established in 1955 by Bui Chi Thin. Known for its rare, well-done, flank, and brisket beef pho, the restaurant's clear broth embodies the essence of Hanoi pho. Tucked away in a narrow alley, the restaurant can accommodate about 20 people. Queues are common during peak hours. They sell around 500 bowls daily, with higher numbers on weekends. Prices start at 60,000 VND.

Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Tam Anh

Ba Noi Hot Banh Duc

Located in an alley off Le Ngoc Han Street, Ba Noi Hot Banh Duc has been serving customers for over 30 years. The owner, Mrs. Pham Thi Noi, personally serves each bowl of banh duc, a thick, savory pudding made from rice flour. The dish is topped with wood ear mushrooms and minced meat, served in a hot broth with fried and fresh onions. The broth is made from bones and sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a light and flavorful dish. Prices start at 25,000 VND.

Address: 8 Le Ngoc Han Street, Pham Dinh Ho District. Photo: Xuan Phuong

Thanh Van Steamed Rice Rolls

Situated in the Old Quarter, Thanh Van Steamed Rice Rolls has been operating since 1973. The restaurant is always bustling, especially in the mornings, thanks to its freshly steamed rice rolls. Fillings include pork, chicken, and shrimp. Customers can add cinnamon sausage and ca cuong essence. In recent years, Thanh Van has also added bun thang (Vietnamese noodle soup) to its menu. Prices start at 35,000 VND.

Address: 14 Hang Ga Street, Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Tam Anh

Pham Bang Sweet Rice Balls

The sweet rice ball shop of the late actor Pham Bang boasts a history of over 30 years. After a 5-year hiatus, it reopened in 2017 under the management of Pham Bang's son. The three signature dishes are che ma phu (black sesame sweet soup), luc tau xa (mung bean sweet soup), and sweet rice balls. The small alleyway houses the kitchen on one side and customer seating on the other. These comforting treats are perfect for a cool afternoon. Prices range from 20,000 to 40,000 VND per bowl.

Address: 30 Hang Giay Street, Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Vy An

Ba Duc Bun Thang

Just 200 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, Ba Duc Bun Thang has been a Hanoi staple for over 30 years. Bun thang, a traditional Hanoi dish, requires at least 20 ingredients and intricate preparation. The restaurant opens in the late afternoon from 4 p.m., serving until late at night on weekends. They sell around 500 bowls daily, increasing to 800 during peak seasons like holidays. Prices start at 60,000 VND.

Address: 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Xuan Phuong

Red Sausage Banh Mi

Established in 1979, this banh mi shop is one of Hanoi's oldest, having moved locations a few times but always remaining near Hoan Kiem Lake. The traditional filling includes pate, sausage, char siu pork, butter, and dried shredded pork. The fillings are made fresh daily, with the standout being the "red sausage" made from ground pork and pig skin, then steamed. The shop is busiest from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Prices start at 12,000 VND.

Address: 12 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Tam Anh

Co May Sticky Rice

Located near the intersection of Ly Thuong Kiet and Hang Bai Streets, Co May Sticky Rice was once featured on a Korean food show. From 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., the shop is always crowded. Co May is best known for its xoi xeo (sticky rice with mung bean paste and fried onions), featuring plump yellow rice grains, abundant fried onions, and thinly shaved mung bean paste made from whole mung beans, topped with fragrant pork fat. Customers can dine in or take away. Prices start at 10,000 VND.

Address: 45 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Cua Nam District. Photo: Ninh Tito

Tam Anh