A Journey Through Hanoi’s Amazing Variety of Noodle Dishes

The appeal of Hanoi doesn’t just come from its magnificent scenery; it also stems from its special and unforgettable cuisine. Indeed, when it comes to food, we can’t forget the countless noodle-based dishes in this area, such as Bún, Phở, and Miến. Are you curious how many variations there actually are? Let’s follow us on this journey, then we will explore the Variety of Noodle Dishes in Hanoi together!

Three Vietnamese classics: Bún, Phở, and Miến (Source: Collected)

1. Bún (Rice Vermicelli)

Bún is a traditional dish that has existed for generations. Although no written records pinpoint its exact origin, it has accompanied with Vietnamese people for centuries. Its soft, chewy, and a bit sour white strands can be prepared in many styles, giving rise to a wide variety of Bún dishes.

Fresh rice noodles crowned with vibrant herbs and savory toppings (Source: Collected)

Types of Bún

Bún chả (grilled pork with rice vermicelli)

Charred pork and fresh herbs united in a vibrant Northern classic (Source: Collected)

One of the most iconic Bún dishes of Hanoi. A serving includes dipping sauce, vermicelli, and grilled pork. The pork is marinated and grilled over glowing charcoal, giving it a unique flavor found only in Bún chả.

Famous spots:

• Bun cha Sinh Tu: 57 Nguyen Khuyen Street, Hanoi
• Bun cha Cua Dong: 41 Cua Dong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun cha Dac Kim: 1 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Bún trộn nam bộ (Vietnamese beef noodle salad)

A colorful Southern mix of noodles, sauces, and lively textures (Source: Collected)

Another must-try dish on Hanoi’s food map is Vietnamese beef noodle salad. Soft vermicelli mixed with beef, bean sprouts, onions, and crunchy roasted peanuts. The dish is finished with a balanced fish-sauce dressing, which will definitely be an unforgettable flavor for every foodie!

Famous spots:

• Bun tron Nam Bo co Tuan: 49C Tran Quoc Toan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun bo tron Ta Hien: 7 Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Bún Ốc (Snail Vermicelli Soup)

Tangy tomato broth paired with tender snails and silky noodles (Source: Collected)

A delicious, unique dish visitors must try in Hanoi is Snail Vermicelli Soup. The fresh and aromatic broth mixed with chewy, crunchy snails – A flavor that will lingers around your mind for a long time.

Famous spots:

• Quan bun oc co Hue: 43 Nguyen Sieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Quan bun oc ngon co Beo: 2 Hoe Nhai Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Bún Riêu (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup)

A bright, savory bowl rich with crab essence and rustic Vietnamese flavors (Source: Collected)

Bún Riêu is special because of its broth, made from pounded field crabs. The crab water is gently simmered until the crab meat forms soft clumps. Combining with tomatoes, fermented shrimp paste, tofu, and various herbs. They create an unforgettable flavor, especially comforting during Hanoi’s chilly winter days!

Famous spots:

• Bun rieu co Hoan Hang Luoc: 9 Tue Tinh Street, Hanoi
• Bun rieu co Tuyet: 25B Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Bún Bò (Beef Vermicelli Soup)

Fragrant lemongrass broth embracing tender beef and bold spices (Source: Collected)

The broth, simmered from beef marrow bones, brings a rich sweetness and irresistible aroma. It’s a beloved breakfast dish for many Hanoians. A bowl of Beef Vermicelli Soup followed by a cup of coffee completes a perfect Hanoi morning for any authentic locals in Hanoi.

Famous spots:

• Bun bo Cau Giay O Hien: 62 Trung Kinh District, Hanoi
• Bun bo Hue Thu Thuy: 18 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Bun bo Hue Cau Giay Ngu Binh: 52 Dich Vong Hau District, Hanoi

Bún Thang (Hanoi combo noodle soup)

A delicate orchestration of shredded toppings in a clear, elegant broth (Source: Collected)

Bún Thang, created from leftover Tet ingredients, has grown into a signature culinary tradition of Hanoi. Its broth must be clear and delicate, simmered from pork or chicken bones to achieve a rich yet light flavor. Bún thang is often enjoyed with a touch of fermented shrimp paste, which is an iconic Vietnamese seasoning that you simply must try if you have a chance.

Famous spots:

• Bun thang ba Duc: 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Bun thang Hang Hanh: 29 Hang Hanh Street, Hanoi
• Bun thang Thuan Ly: 33 Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2. Phở

Fragrant broth embracing silky noodles in every comforting spoonful (Source: Collected)

Like Bún, no historical record clearly documents the true origins of Phở, but people know it has been a part of Hanoi for a very long time. Unlike round vermicelli noodles, Phở are flat, soft, and chewy. Indeed, it could be prepared in many different styles too!

Phở Bò (Beef Phở)

Tender beef and aromatic broth in Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup (Source: Collected)

The broth is made by simmering beef bones with fragrant spices, creating a naturally sweet, rich, and aromatic base. Soft white phở made from rice flour and freshly prepared with slices of beef together creates a comforting, deeply flavorful bowl of phở, which wins the hearts of food lovers in Hanoi.

Famous spots:

• Pho bo Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hanoi
• Pho bo Khoi Hoi: 50C Hang Vai Street, Hanoi
• Pho Thin: 19 Hang Voi Street, Hanoi

Phở Trộn (Dry Mixed Phở)

Silky noodles tossed with herbs and savory sauces for a fresh bite (Source: Collected)

A modern twist on traditional Phở, Dry Mixed Phở hasn’t been around for that long, but it occupies many hearts already. The noodles are blanched and mixed with shredded chicken, herbs, crispy shallots, and roasted peanuts. Everything is tossed together with a savory-sweet dressing, creating a fresh yet familiar dish.

Famous spots:

• Pho bo Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hanoi
• Pho bo Khoi Hoi: 50C Hang Vai Street, Hanoi
• Pho Thin: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi

Phở Cuốn (Phở Rolls)

Delicate rice noodle rolls wrapped with fragrant herbs and savory fillings (Source: Collected)

Phở cuốn is made from thin rice sheets rolled with meat and vegetables, served with a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. Light, refreshing, and never overwhelming, it is definitely a dish you can enjoy endlessly.

Famous spots:

• Pho cuon Huong Mai: 25 – 27 Ngu Xa Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Pho cuon Chinh Thang: 7 Mac Dinh Chi Ward, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Pho cuon Hoa Lan: 24 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi

Phở Chiên Phồng (Crispy Fried Phở)

Crispy puffed noodles with a satisfying crunch and rich flavor (Source: Collected)

A unique dish unlike any other Phở variations you’ve ever heard of. Hanoi’s Crispy Fried Phở combines crispy fried phở squares, savory stir-fried beef, a tangy-sweet sauce, and assorted vegetables. It’s a fun and memorable dish you should try when visiting Hanoi.

Famous spots:

• Pho cuon Hung Ben: 118 Tran Vu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Pho cuon Huong Mai: 25 – 27 Ngu Xa Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Pho chien gion Kham Thien: 206 Kham Thien Street, Hanoi

3. Miến (Glass Noodles)

Transparent noodles absorbing deep, delicate aromatics (Source: Collected)

In northern Vietnam, the term Miến is used to refer to translucent noodles made from rice starch, canna (arrowroot), kudzu, sweet potato, or mung beans. Miến is chewy and tender, often appearing during Vietnamese festive occasions. It always carries a distinctive character that stands out compared to other types of noodles.

Miến Gà (Chicken Glass Noodle Soup)

Tender chicken strands in a light, fragrant broth (Source: Collected)

A humble yet iconic Hanoi dish. Shredded native Vietnamese chicken can be served with broth or mixed dry with a sweet-and-sour fish sauce. No matter how it’s prepared, the transparent chewy noodles always surprise visitors with their unique texture and flavor.

Famous spots:

• Mien Ga Thang Xoan: 158 Ngoc Lam Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi
• Mien Ga Tron Kim Phung: 180 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Miến Ngan (Grilled Duck Glass Noodles)

Rich duck flavors paired with delicate, springy noodles (Source: Collected)

A traditional favorite of the capital city. Miến ngan stands out thanks to its clear, slightly sweet broth and tender, fragrant duck meat, served with fresh bamboo shoots – a truly irresistible combination.

Famous spots:

• Mien ngan tron Hanh: 61 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Miến Lươn (Eel Vermicelli)

Crispy or braised eel mingling with silky glass noodles (Source: Collected)

A beloved dish among Hanoians. The chewy glass noodles pair beautifully with tender, flavorful eel, topped with Vietnamese coriander and crispy shallots. It’s both delicious and nutritious.

Famous spots:

• Mien luon tron Lan Huong: Lane 119, Ho Dac Di street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Mien luon Phu Doan: 9 Phu Doan street, Hanoi
• Mien luon Chan Cam: 1 Chan Cam street, Hanoi

Miến Cua (Crab Glass Noodle Soup)

Sweet crab essence absorbed by translucent, flavorful noodles (Source: Collected)

Made with broth from field crabs, often served with shredded water spinach and tomatoes. Though simple, these ingredients create a surprisingly harmonious and appetizing dish.

Famous spots:

• Banh da tron & Mien tron Linh Chi: 6, Lane 118, Nguyen Khanh Toan Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

4. Are you ready to embark on this journey as a true local?

Definitely, those cuisines mentioned above are just a few highlights among a wide range of noodle-based delicacies. But one thing we’re so sure of, when you come to Hanoi, you must try these dishes. They’re not just food, they’re part of Vietnam’s culinary soul, much like the old houses and ancient streets that define the city’s heritage. The flavors of Bún, Phở, and Miến have become an irreplaceable part of Vietnamese identity.

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If you’re excited to taste these dishes like a true local, check out our Free walking tour, Old Quarter tour, and City tour. We will ensure to bring you an unforgettable experience that will make you feel like an authentic Vietnamese in Hanoi!

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