Hanoi Old Quarter, a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and ancient shophouses, is a culinary paradise waiting to be explored. From street food stalls to fine dining establishments, here are the top 10 restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more:
1. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
- Cuisine: Traditional Vietnamese
- Must-try: Pho Bo (beef noodle soup)
- Price Range: $2-$5
- Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street
Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is an institution in Hanoi, serving up steaming bowls of pho for over 40 years. Their signature Pho Bo is a symphony of flavors, with tender beef slices, rich broth, and aromatic herbs. Locals and tourists alike flock to this humble eatery for a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
2. Bun Cha Huong Lien
- Cuisine: Traditional Vietnamese
- Must-try: Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles)
- Price Range: $3-$6
- Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street
Bun Cha Huong Lien is a small but legendary restaurant that serves the ultimate comfort food: Bun Cha. This dish combines grilled pork patties, fresh herbs, and vermicelli noodles in a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Former U.S. President Barack Obama famously dined here in 2016, putting Bun Cha Huong Lien on the global culinary map.
3. Cha Ca La Vong
- Cuisine: Traditional Vietnamese
- Must-try: Cha Ca La Vong (catfish cooked at the table)
- Price Range: $10-$15
- Address: 14 Cha Ca Street
Cha Ca La Vong is a time-honored restaurant specializing in the unique dish of Cha Ca La Vong. This aromatic fish dish is prepared at your table on a charcoal grill, allowing you to savor its freshness and flavors. The secret recipe, passed down through generations, has made Cha Ca La Vong a beloved destination for culinary adventurers.
4. Banh Xeo 46A
- Cuisine: Traditional Vietnamese
- Must-try: Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancakes)
- Price Range: $3-$5
- Address: 46A Nguyen Huu Huan Street
Banh Xeo 46A is a popular eatery that serves up delicious Banh Xeo, a crispy pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables. The batter is cooked to perfection, creating a golden-brown exterior that perfectly complements the savory filling. Dip your Banh Xeo in the accompanying fish sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.
5. Quan An Ngon
- Cuisine: Vietnamese fusion
- Must-try: Seafood platter
- Price Range: $10-$20
- Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau Street
Quan An Ngon is a vibrant and stylish restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. From fresh seafood platters to innovative salads, Quan An Ngon’s menu caters to a wide range of palates. The ambiance is lively and welcoming, making it a great spot for a special dinner or a night out with friends.
6. Ginger
- Cuisine: Vietnamese Fusion
- Must-try: Salmon with dill sauce
- Price Range: $15-$25
- Address: 11 Hang Gai Street
Ginger is an elegant restaurant that blends Vietnamese flavors with Western culinary techniques. The menu features dishes that are both sophisticated and satisfying, such as the salmon with dill sauce and the duck confit with sticky rice. The presentation is impeccable, and the service is impeccable.
7. KOTO
- Cuisine: Vietnamese Training Restaurant
- Must-try: Pho Bo (beef noodle soup)
- Price Range: $5-$10
- Address: 59 Ma May Street
KOTO is a non-profit restaurant that provides training and employment opportunities for underprivileged youth in Vietnam. The menu features classic Vietnamese dishes such as Pho Bo and Banh Xeo, all prepared with fresh ingredients and expert care. By dining at KOTO, you not only enjoy a delicious meal but also contribute to a worthy cause.
8. Madame Hien Restaurant
- Cuisine: Vietnamese haute cuisine
- Must-try: Deep-fried spring rolls
- Price Range: $20-$30
- Address: 46 Chau Long Street
Madame Hien Restaurant is a culinary landmark in Hanoi, renowned for its exquisite Vietnamese haute cuisine. The menu is a masterpiece of flavors, textures, and presentation, showcasing the finest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Dining at Madame Hien is an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving for more.
9. Thuy Ta Restaurant
- Cuisine: Vietnamese and international
- Must-try: Grilled tiger prawns
- Price Range: $15-$25
- Address: 29 Hang Bo Street
Thuy Ta Restaurant is a charming two-story establishment that offers a wide range of Vietnamese and international dishes. The grilled tiger prawns are a highlight, cooked to perfection and served with a zesty dipping sauce. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the Old Quarter, making Thuy Ta a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
10. Banh Mi 25
- Cuisine: Vietnamese street food
- Must-try: Banh Mi Thit (grilled pork sandwich)
- Price Range: $1-$3
- Address: 25 Hang Ca Street
Banh Mi 25 is a tiny shop that serves up some of the best Banh Mi in Hanoi. Their Banh Mi Thit is a perfect balance of flavors, with tender grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a crispy baguette. It’s the perfect snack or quick lunch while exploring the Old Quarter.
FAQs
- Where can I find the best street food in Hanoi Old Quarter?
Many street food stalls are scattered throughout the Old Quarter, serving up everything from pho to banh xeo to bun cha. Some of the most popular streets for street food include Ta Hien Street, Hang Bong Street, and Ma May Street.
- What is a must-try dish in Hanoi Old Quarter?
Pho is a must-try dish in Hanoi, and there are many great places to get it in the Old Quarter. Some of the most popular pho restaurants include Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, Bun Cha Huong Lien, and Pho Bat Dan.
- What is the best time to visit Hanoi Old Quarter?
Hanoi Old Quarter is a great place to visit at any time of year, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Conclusion
Hanoi Old Quarter is a culinary paradise with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap street food snack or a fine dining experience, you’re sure to find it in this vibrant and historic neighborhood. So come hungry and explore all the amazing restaurants that Hanoi Old Quarter has to offer.
Tables
Table 1: Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter by Price Range
| Restaurant | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su | $2-$5 |
| Bun Cha Huong Lien | $3-$6 |
| Banh Xeo 46A | $3-$5 |
| KOTO | $5-$10 |
| Thuy Ta Restaurant | $15-$25 |
| Madame Hien Restaurant | $20-$30 |
Table 2: Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter by Cuisine
| Restaurant | Cuisine |
|---|---|
| Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su | Traditional Vietnamese |
| Bun Cha Huong Lien | Traditional Vietnamese |
| Cha Ca La Vong | Traditional Vietnamese |
| Ginger | Vietnamese fusion |
| Quan An Ngon | Vietnamese fusion |
| Banh Mi 25 | Vietnamese street food |
Table 3: Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter with Must-Try Dishes
| Restaurant | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|
| Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su | Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) |
| Bun Cha Huong Lien | Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles) |
| Cha Ca La Vong | Cha Ca La Vong (catfish cooked at the table) |
| Ginger | Salmon with dill sauce |
| Madame Hien Restaurant | Deep-fried spring rolls |
| Thuy Ta Restaurant | Grilled tiger prawns |
| Banh Mi 25 | Banh Mi Thit (grilled pork sandwich) |
Table 4: Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Hoan Kiem | Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, Bun Cha Huong Lien, Cha Ca La Vong |
| Hang Trong | Ginger, Quan An Ngon, Madame Hien Restaurant |
| Hang Gai | KOTO, Thuy Ta Restaurant, Banh Mi 25 |
