Discover the best places to eat Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore top stalls, costs, eco-friendly tours, and eating tips with Legend Travel Group. Book your culinary adventure now!
Bún đậu mắm tôm, Hanoi’s legendary street food (bún đậu mắm tôm in Vietnamese), is a must-try for international travelers seeking an authentic, adventurous taste of Vietnam’s capital. Renowned for its pungent fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm)—often likened to durian yet celebrated as “tasting like heaven”—this northern dish combines soft vermicelli noodles (bún), crispy fried tofu (đậu), and a tangy mắm tôm dip mixed with kumquat juice and chili. Served with fresh herbs like Vietnamese balm (tía tô), perilla, fish mint, and cucumber, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. A cultural staple in Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng Wards, it’s beloved by Hanoians for its affordability, simplicity, and communal appeal, with optional sides like boiled pork or chả cốm (green rice patties) adding variety. Aligned with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, many vendors use biodegradable trays and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring sustainable dining. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours guide travelers to Hanoi’s top bún đậu mắm tôm spots, offering a responsible way to explore this iconic dish. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward, Ba Đình District now Ba Đình Ward, and Hai Bà Trưng District now Hai Bà Trưng District under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines access to bún đậu mắm tôm hotspots via sustainable infrastructure.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng Wards, tailored for travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos and electric carts, led by English-speaking guides who share insights into bún đậu mắm tôm’s cultural significance, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor bún đậu mắm tôm responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews
Capture the bold flavors of Hanoi’s street food gem (Source: Internet)Bún đậu mắm tôm, meaning “vermicelli, tofu, and shrimp paste,” is a Hanoi street food classic featuring compacted vermicelli noodles cut into bite-sized pieces, deep-fried tofu (crisp outside, soft inside, often from Mộ Village), and a pungent mắm tôm sauce, typically from Thanh Hóa, mixed with kumquat juice, sugar, and chili for a frothy, tangy dip. Fresh herbs—Vietnamese balm, perilla, fish mint—and cucumber balance the sauce’s intensity, while optional sides like boiled pork, chả cốm, dồi lợn (stuffed sausage), or fried spring rolls add variety. Served on banana leaves or bamboo trays, it’s a communal dish enjoyed by Hanoians for its affordability and bold flavors.
Priced at $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND), it’s available from late morning to evening at stalls across Hoan Kiem Ward, in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Sustainable vendors use biodegradable trays and locally sourced ingredients, enhancing eco-conscious dining. Its unique mắm tôm aroma, vegan-friendly options (tofu-only with soy sauce), and cultural prominence make bún đậu mắm tôm a standout, as noted by food enthusiasts.
Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, with extensions into Ba Đình and Hai Bà Trưng, is the epicenter of bún đậu mắm tôm, offering a range of stalls and eateries from bustling sidewalk vendors to cozy restaurants. Below are the top five spots, selected for their authenticity, quality, sustainable practices, and recent reviews:
A legendary stall in a narrow alley opposite Hoan Kiem Lake, Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến is Hanoi’s most iconic bún đậu mắm tôm spot, earning a 4.6/5 rating on local food blogs. Operating for over 20 years, it serves trays on banana leaves in biodegradable trays, featuring crispy tofu, tender boiled pork, chả cốm, and Thanh Hóa mắm tôm with a vibrant herb platter. Its eco-friendly sourcing and vibrant Old Quarter vibe make it a must-visit, as praised by foodies.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable trays; local tofu and herbs.
Tip: Arrive before noon to avoid crowds; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A clean sidewalk stall in Hoan Kiem Ward, Bún Đậu Gốc Đa is a local favorite for its flavorful bún đậu mắm tôm, served in eco-friendly trays with golden tofu, chả cốm, and a tangy mắm tôm dip. Its sustainable sourcing, hygienic setup, and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for travelers, as noted in reviews.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable trays; local ingredients.
Tip: Request soy sauce for a milder dip; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A vibrant Hoan Kiem Ward stall, Mã Mây is renowned for its crispy tofu, fresh herbs, and well-balanced mắm tôm sauce, served in biodegradable trays. Its eco-friendly practices and lively street-side setup near the Old Quarter’s nightlife make it a top choice, as highlighted by food enthusiasts.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable trays; local herbs.
Tip: Visit mid-afternoon for a quieter meal; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Located in Hoan Kiem Ward’s Phất Lộc alley, Trung Hương is celebrated for its high-quality Thanh Hóa mắm tôm, paired with fresh bún, crispy tofu, and boiled pork in biodegradable trays. Its sustainable sourcing and authentic taste make it a must-visit, as per local reviews.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable trays; local ingredients.
Tip: Mix mắm tôm with kumquat for tanginess; included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
A cozy Hoan Kiem Ward eatery, Phú Đoan is praised for its traditional bún đậu mắm tôm with crispy tofu, dồi lợn, and a robust mắm tôm sauce in biodegradable trays. Its eco-friendly practices and central location near St. Joseph’s Cathedral make it a sustainable choice, as noted by travelers.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable trays; local tofu and pork.
Tip: Pair with trà đá for refreshment; included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Dive into the authentic taste of Hanoi TravelTo fully enjoy bún đậu mắm tôm, follow these local eating tips for an authentic experience:
Prepare the Dip: Squeeze kumquat (or lime) juice into the mắm tôm, add sugar and chili slices, and stir until frothy. Request “ít mặn” (less salty) or “ít cay” (less spicy) if needed. For a milder option, ask for fish sauce (“nước mắm”) or soy sauce (“xì dầu”).
Assemble Your Bite: Combine a piece of vermicelli, a bite-sized tofu chunk, and herbs (especially Vietnamese balm) in one bite. Dip tofu lightly in mắm tôm to balance flavors. Add cucumber for crunch.
Incorporate Sides: Alternate with sides like boiled pork or chả cốm, dipping sparingly in mắm tôm. Wrap ingredients in perilla leaves for a mini roll.
Etiquette: Let tofu cool to avoid burns. Use chopsticks to keep your tray tidy. Sip trà đá ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) or Hanoi beer ($1.50 or 37,500 VND) to cleanse your palate.
Post-Meal: Enjoy complimentary gum or mint candy to neutralize mắm tôm’s aroma. Avoid breakfast servings if sensitive to strong flavors; opt for lunch or dinner.
Photograph the tangy essence of Hanoi’s culinary sceneVisit top eateries like Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến or Mã Mây, a 15–30-minute culinary experience showcasing sustainable sourcing.
Cost: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable trays; local ingredients.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Embark on a guided tour to bún đậu mắm tôm stalls, a 2–3-hour eco-friendly activity using cyclos or walking, teaching eating techniques.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports local vendors.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Join a cooking class to master bún đậu mắm tôm preparation, a 2–3-hour sustainable activity using local ingredients.
Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Organic produce; minimal waste.
Top Spots: Apron Up Cooking Class (8 Gia Ngư, Hoan Kiem Ward); Hanoi Cooking Centre (44 Châu Long, Ba Đình Ward).
Tip: Included in our Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400).
Explore Đồng Xuân Market (Ba Đình Ward, 0.5 km from Hoan Kiem) to source fresh tofu, herbs, and mắm tôm, a 1–2-hour low-impact activity supporting local suppliers.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; reusable bags.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Sample dishes like phở or bánh mì at nearby stalls, a 30–60-minute sustainable experience, complementing bún đậu mắm tôm’s flavors.
Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per dish.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports vendors; biodegradable packaging.
Top Spots: Phở Thìn (13 Lò Sũ, Hoan Kiem Ward); Bánh Mì 25 (25 Hàng Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward).
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Bún đậu mắm tôm stalls in Hoan Kiem Ward are accessible in 10–15 minutes from central Hanoi, while those in Ba Đình or Hai Bà Trưng Wards take 20–25 minutes, using sustainable options:
By Bus: Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem spots (10–15 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND); Routes 03, 08, or 23 to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng (20–25 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5–10 minutes. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Hoan Kiem Lake, hire a cyclo to Hoan Kiem spots (5–10 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) or Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng (20 min, $4–$7 or 100,000–175,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Rent a bicycle in Hoan Kiem Ward ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) or walk 10 minutes to Hoan Kiem spots. Cycling to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng takes 20–25 minutes.
By Taxi or Grab: To Hoan Kiem spots, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng, $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) one-way. Round-trip: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) for others. Prestigious taxi companies include Mai Linh (0438,222,666) and Hanoi Taxi (0438,535,353).
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly travel with stopovers.
By Air (to Hanoi): Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 25 km away. Round-trip flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), international (e.g., Bangkok, $200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab to Hoan Kiem ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses (e.g., “31 Ngõ Hàng Khay, Hoan Kiem Ward”). English-speaking guides from our tours simplify navigation.
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Dry Season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F): Mild weather is ideal for street dining in Hoan Kiem Ward. Tet (January–February) adds festive energy but increases crowds and prices by 20–30%. Book tours early.
Rainy Season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Warm, humid weather enhances the dish’s fresh herbs, with 15–25% tour discounts. Covered stalls like Trung Hương are ideal during rain. Bring waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM): Peak time for vibrant street vibes at Cô Tuyến, popular with locals.
Dinner (6:00 PM–9:00 PM): Relaxed dining at Phú Đoan, perfect with a Hanoi beer.
Afternoon (3:00 PM–5:00 PM): Quieter meals at Gốc Đa for a leisurely experience.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable, comfortable visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, modest outfits for cultural respect; comfortable shoes for Old Quarter walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for food notes; cash, as most stalls are cash-only. Tip: Carry small VND notes for stall payments; use a reusable tray to reduce waste.
Food and Activity Fees
Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND) per portion; premium with extras $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Drinks (e.g., trà đá, Hanoi beer): $0.20–$1.50 (5,000–37,500 VND).
Guided Food Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Market Purchases: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Other Street Food (e.g., phở): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem): $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem; $8–$14 (200,000–350,000 VND) for Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng.
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking (Hoan Kiem): Free.
Taxi/Grab: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem; $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) for Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng.
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, bún đậu mắm tôm, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$55 (cyclo, food tour, hotel).
Luxury: $75–$110 (private car, cooking class, premium hotel). Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.
Choose Your Season: Dry season (November–April) for street dining; rainy season (May–October) for covered stalls with discounts. Lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) for vibrant vibes.
Book in Advance: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons to secure spots.
Sustainability: Walk or use cyclos ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) in Hoan Kiem to reduce emissions; choose stalls with biodegradable trays. Buy local herbs ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) at markets to support farmers.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses like “31 Ngõ Hàng Khay, Hoan Kiem Ward.” English-speaking guides simplify navigation.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in the Old Quarter; keep valuables secure. Carry a first-aid kit.
Weather Considerations: Dry season for outdoor stalls; rainy season requires waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for updates.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). Respect stall etiquette, as seating is limited.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent. Request fish or soy sauce if mắm tôm is too pungent; avoid breakfast servings if sensitive to strong flavors.
Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s bún đậu mắm tôm culture:
Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến or Mã Mây, street food tasting, Đồng Xuân Market visit. Includes English-speaking guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Bún Đậu Trung Hương, Phú Đoan, Ngoc Son Temple, cooking class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): All top bún đậu mắm tôm spots, Son Tay Citadel, Ba Vi National Park, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews
Bún đậu mắm tôm is Hanoi’s bold culinary treasure, blending crispy tofu, soft vermicelli, and tangy mắm tôm into an unforgettable street food experience. From the iconic Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến in Hoan Kiem Ward’s vibrant alleys to the cozy Phú Đoan, Hanoi’s top stalls offer authentic flavors with sustainable practices like biodegradable trays and local sourcing. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to the finest bún đậu mắm tôm spots, ensuring a responsible Hanoi Travel journey filled with local eating tips and cultural immersion. Whether savoring a tray in the bustling Old Quarter or exploring Đồng Xuân Market, this dish promises an affordable, cultural adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Hanoi culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hanoi’s iconic Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable food journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 1000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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