Discover the best Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste) in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore authentic eateries, eco-friendly tours, and updated costs with Legend Travel Group. Book your culinary adventure now!
Capture the bold flavors of Hanoi's street food gem (Source: Internet)Bún đậu mắm tôm, Hanoi’s quintessential street food (bún đậu mắm tôm in Vietnamese), is a must-try for international travelers, offering a bold, aromatic dish that embodies the capital’s vibrant culinary soul. This northern Vietnamese specialty features vermicelli rice noodles (bún), crispy fried tofu (đậu), and a pungent fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce (mắm tôm), served with fresh herbs like Vietnamese balm, perilla, and mint, plus cucumber slices. Often accompanied by boiled pork, chả cốm (green rice patties), or fried spring rolls, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, with the mắm tôm’s unique tanginess stealing the show. Found at bustling sidewalk stalls and cozy eateries across Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng Wards, bún đậu mắm tôm is a cultural staple, especially popular among Hanoians for lunch or dinner. 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, providing a responsible, immersive experience. 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 adventures. 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 experience. 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
Photograph the pungent allure of Hanoi's culinary heritage (Source: Internet)Bún đậu mắm tôm, translating to “vermicelli, tofu, and shrimp paste” in Vietnamese, is a Hanoi street food classic known for its simplicity and bold flavors. The dish features compacted vermicelli noodles cut into bite-sized pieces, golden deep-fried tofu (crisp outside, soft inside), and a pungent mắm tôm sauce mixed with kumquat juice, sugar, and chili for a tangy, savory dip. Accompanied by fresh herbs (Vietnamese balm, perilla, mint), cucumber, and optional sides like boiled pork or chả cốm, it’s served on banana leaves or bamboo trays for an authentic touch. Priced at $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND), bún đậu mắm tôm is an affordable meal 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 tofu and herbs, enhancing eco-conscious dining. Its unique mắm tôm flavor and vegan-friendly options (tofu-only with soy sauce) make bún đậu mắm tôm a cultural highlight for travelers exploring Hanoi’s street food scene.
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, with extensions into Ba Đình and Hai Bà Trưng, hosts some of Vietnam’s most celebrated bún đậu mắm tôm stalls, each offering authentic flavors and sustainable practices. Below are the top five, based on recent reviews and eco-friendly credentials:
Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến, a legendary Hoan Kiem Ward stall in a narrow alley opposite Hoan Kiem Lake, is Hanoi’s most famous bún đậu mắm tôm spot, earning a 4.6/5 rating on local food blogs. Served on banana leaves in biodegradable trays, the dish features crispy tofu, tender boiled pork, and a perfectly balanced mắm tôm sauce from Thanh Hóa. Its eco-friendly sourcing and vibrant Old Quarter vibe make it a must-visit for travelers.
Signature Dish: Bún đậu mắm tôm with boiled pork and chả cốm (50,000 VND or ~$2).
Cost: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 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: Visit early to avoid weekend crowds; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Bún Đậu Gốc Đa, a sidewalk stall in Hoan Kiem Ward, is a local favorite for its clean setup and flavorful bún đậu mắm tôm, served in eco-friendly trays. The golden tofu, fresh herbs, and tangy mắm tôm dip create a memorable experience, making it a sustainable choice for travelers exploring Hanoi’s street food alleys.
Signature Dish: Bún đậu mắm tôm with fried spring rolls (45,000 VND or ~$1.80).
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 if mắm tôm is too strong; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Bún Đậu Thanh Hằng, a cozy Hoan Kiem Ward eatery, is renowned for its traditional bún đậu mắm tôm, featuring crispy tofu, chả cốm, and a fragrant mắm tôm sauce in biodegradable trays. Its sustainable sourcing and diverse sides (dồi lợn, lòng rán) make it a top pick for travelers seeking authentic Hanoi flavors.
Signature Dish: Bún đậu mắm tôm with chả cốm and dưa góp (50,000 VND or ~$2).
Cost: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 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 herbs and pork.
Tip: Arrive before peak lunch hours; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Bún Đậu Trung Hương, in Hoan Kiem Ward’s Phất Lộc alley, is celebrated for its high-quality mắm tôm from Thanh Hóa, paired with fresh bún, crispy tofu, and local herbs in eco-friendly packaging. Its sustainable practices and authentic taste make it a must-visit for travelers craving Hanoi’s street food essence.
Signature Dish: Bún đậu mắm tôm with boiled pork (45,000 VND or ~$1.80).
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: Try with kumquat for a tangy dip; included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Bún Đậu Cô Hoa, a vibrant Hoan Kiem Ward stall, offers a rich bún đậu mắm tôm experience with crispy tofu, dồi lợn, and a robust mắm tôm sauce, served in biodegradable trays. Its eco-friendly sourcing and diverse menu make it a sustainable choice for travelers exploring Hanoi’s culinary alleys.
Signature Dish: Bún đậu mắm tôm with dồi lợn and lòng rán (55,000 VND or ~$2.20).
Cost: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 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: Visit mid-afternoon for a quieter meal; included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Start your Hanoi Travel with flavorful street vibes (Source: Internet)Visit top eateries like Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến or Gốc Đa, 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: Dip with Vietnamese balm for extra flavor; 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, immersing travelers in Hanoi’s street food culture.
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, perfect for hands-on cultural immersion.
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 shrimp paste, 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 bold 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).
Learn Hanoi's food culture with expert insights (Source: Internet)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.
How much? (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 bún đậu mắm tôm’s refreshing herbs, with 15–25% tour discounts. Covered stalls like Thanh Hằng 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 Cô Hoa, perfect with Hanoi beer.
Afternoon (3:00 PM–5:00 PM): Quieter meals at Gốc Đa for a leisurely experience.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel (Source: Internet)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.
Capture the sustainable charm of Hanoi's street food (Source: Internet)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 (“nước mắm” or “xì dầu”) if mắm tôm is too pungent; avoid early morning meals if sensitive to strong flavors.
Eating Tip: Mix mắm tôm with kumquat and chili until frothy; include Vietnamese balm in each bite for authentic flavor. Let tofu cool to avoid burns.
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 Gốc Đa, street food tasting, Đồng Xuân Market visit. Includes English-speaking guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Bún Đậu Thanh Hằng, Trung Hương, 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, Hanoi’s bold street food gem, marries crispy tofu, soft vermicelli, and pungent mắm tôm into a vibrant, flavorful experience. From the iconic Bún Đậu Cô Tuyến in Hoan Kiem Ward to the cozy Bún Đậu Cô Hoa, Hanoi’s top stalls offer travelers an authentic taste of the capital’s culinary identity. With eco-friendly practices like biodegradable trays and local sourcing, these vendors ensure sustainable dining. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours provide a responsible, immersive journey, guiding travelers to Hanoi’s finest Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm experiences through a sustainable Hanoi Travel adventure. Whether savoring a tray in the bustling Old Quarter or exploring Đồng Xuân Market, Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm promises unforgettable flavors. 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 at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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