Discover the best street foods in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore iconic dishes, prices, locations, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours. Book your culinary adventure now!
Photograph the vibrant allure of Hanoi’s street life
Capture the sustainable charm of Hanoi’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Hanoi’s Old Quarter, nestled in Hoan Kiem Ward, is the gastronomic heart of Vietnam’s capital, welcoming over 18 million visitors annually with its labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with street food stalls. This vibrant neighborhood, just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, offers iconic dishes like phở bò and bún chả for $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND), blending Northern Vietnam’s delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors. Sampling street food on tiny plastic stools immerses you in Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage, where culinary traditions thrive amidst colonial architecture and bustling markets.
Hanoi’s street food scene champions sustainability, with vendors using locally sourced ingredients and biodegradable packaging, aligning with the city’s “Green Capital” initiative, set 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). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours guide you through this culinary maze, ensuring a green, unforgettable 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 former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to Old Quarter eateries using ward-based maps.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel (Source: Internet)Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours in Hanoi, tailored for culinary enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share dish histories, cultural insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. 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 Hanoi’s Old Quarter responsibly
Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls) - Embrace the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with its 36 guild streets dating back to the 13th century, is a street food haven where vendors perfect recipes passed down through generations. Dishes like phở, influenced by French colonial broths, and bánh mì, a Franco-Vietnamese fusion, reflect Hanoi’s layered history. Stalls on streets like Tạ Hiện and Hàng Bông serve affordable meals ($1–$4) using fresh, local ingredients, often paired with bia hơi ($0.30 or 7,000 VND), fostering communal dining. Sustainable practices, such as biodegradable bowls and market-sourced produce, ensure a low environmental footprint, making Hanoi’s street food a global draw, as highlighted by Michelin Guide listings and Anthony Bourdain’s endorsements.
Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup (Pho Bo) - Capture the savory essence of Hanoi’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)These iconic dishes, available in Hoan Kiem Ward for $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND), showcase Hanoi’s culinary excellence with eco-friendly touches:
A breakfast staple, best at 7:00 AM, with rice noodles, tender beef, and fragrant bone broth, served with herbs and chili.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Where to Try: Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, 49 Bát Đàn, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local herbs reduce transport emissions.
Tip: Add lime and chili sparingly; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Street Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A lunchtime favorite, best at 11:30 AM, featuring charcoal-grilled pork patties and belly in fish sauce broth with noodles and herbs.
Cost: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Where to Try: Bún Chả Hàng Mành, 1 Hàng Mành, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Compostable trays; supports local farmers.
Tip: Add nem cua bể (crab spring rolls, $1 or 25,000 VND); featured in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A Hanoi specialty, best at 6:00 PM, with turmeric-marinated fish fried tableside with dill, served with noodles and peanuts.
Cost: $3–$4 (75,000–100,000 VND).
Where to Try: Chả Cá Thăng Long, 19 Chả Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Reusable cookware; local fish sourcing.
Tip: Mix fish with herbs in broth; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A French-Vietnamese fusion, best at 10:00 AM, with crusty baguette, pate, pork, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Where to Try: Bánh Mì 25, 25 Hàng Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable wrapping; daily-baked local bread.
Tip: Try mixed bánh mì with pate and pork; pairs with egg coffee ($1 or 25,000 VND).
A crispy snack, best at 7:00 PM, with pork, glass noodles, and vegetables in rice paper, served with nước chấm dipping sauce.
Cost: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).
Where to Try: Nem Vương Cua Bể, 37 Đào Duy Từ, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal packaging; supports small vendors.
Tip: Wrap in lettuce with mint; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Nightlife Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
A lighter alternative to phở bò, best at 7:00 AM, with rice noodles, chicken slices, and aromatic broth.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Where to Try: Phở Gà Nguyễn, 5B Phủ Doãn, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local poultry sourcing.
Tip: Add scallions and chili for flavor; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Street Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A West Lake delicacy, best at 3:00 PM, with whole shrimp and sweet potato in crispy rice flour batter, served with nước chấm.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND).
Where to Try: Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây, 1 Thanh Niên, Ba Đình Ward (3 km from Old Quarter).
Eco-Friendly Note: Local shrimp sourcing; lettuce wraps reduce waste.
Tip: Wrap in herbs for crunch; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Culinary Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A refreshing salad, best at 5:00 PM, with shredded green papaya, dried beef, and peanuts in tangy dressing.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Where to Try: Nộm Thịt Bò Khô, 28 Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable containers; local produce.
Tip: Mix well before eating; pairs with bia hơi ($0.30).
A sweet treat, best at 2:00 PM, with seasonal fruits like mango and jackfruit in condensed milk and shaved ice.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Where to Try: Hoa Quả Dầm Hoa Bé, 17 Tố Tịch, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Reusable cups at some stalls; local fruits.
Tip: Try with tapioca pearls for texture; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A bold, sweet coffee, best at 9:00 AM, brewed with robusta beans, condensed milk, and ice.
Cost: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).
Where to Try: Cà Phê Giảng, 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local coffee beans; reusable straws at select cafes.
Tip: Stir well for balanced sweetness; try egg coffee variant ($1.50).
Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup) (Source: Internet)Visit Hoan Kiem Ward from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), ideal for outdoor dining. The rainy season (May–October) adds cozy vibes but requires umbrellas. Mornings (7:00–9:00 AM) are best for phở, lunch (11:30 AM–2:00 PM) for bún chả, and evenings (6:00–9:00 PM) for chả cá or nem rán, with fewer crowds (500–1,000 daily visitors) on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) than weekends (5,000–10,000), especially during Tet (January/February). The Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) buzzes with food stalls.
Pho Cuon (Beef in Uncut Noodle Roll) (Source: Internet)Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter is Hanoi’s street food epicenter, with key spots accessible within 5–15 minutes of Hoan Kiem Lake:
Hàng Cá Street: Bánh Mì 25 and phở stalls, best at 7:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Bát Đàn Street: Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, best at 6:00 AM–10:00 AM, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM.
Chả Cá Street: Chả Cá Thăng Long, best at 11:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Tạ Hiện Street: Night market stalls for nem rán and bia hơi, best at 7:00 PM–midnight.
Hàng Mành Street: Bún Chả Hàng Mành, best at 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Tố Tịch Street: Hoa Quả Dầm Hoa Bé, best at 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street: Cà Phê Giảng, best at 8:00 AM–9:00 PM. Cost: Dishes $1–$4; drinks $0.30–$1.50. Eco-Friendly Note: Choose stalls with biodegradable utensils; bring reusable totes for snacks. Tip: Use Google Translate’s image function for menus; busy stalls ensure freshness.
Nom Bo Kho (Dried Beef and Green Papaya Salad) (Source: Internet)Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter, centered around Hoan Kiem Lake, is accessible in 5–60 minutes from Hanoi’s entry points:
By Walking: 5–15 minutes within Hoan Kiem Ward (e.g., from Ngoc Son Temple to Hàng Cá). Free, eco-friendly.
By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND) for 1–2 people.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 1–5 km rides (e.g., Ba Đình to Hoan Kiem), 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 08, 09, 36 to Lý Thái Tổ stop (500m walk), 5–10 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM. Use Tìm Buýt app.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Hàng Cá or Tạ Hiện, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Bicycle: Rent from Old Quarter shops ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 5–10 minutes. Eco-friendly.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people.
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 28 km. Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then walk; direct taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). 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), Bangkok ($200–$600).
By Train: Hanoi Railway Station (Văn Miếu Ward, 2 km), then VinBus ($0.30–$0.40) or xe ôm ($0.80–$2) to Hoan Kiem Ward, 5–10 min.
By Bus: Mỹ Đình or Giáp Bát stations (6–10 km), then VinBus ($0.30–$0.40) or taxi ($4–$8) to Hoan Kiem Ward, 10–20 min. Navigation Tip: Save “Hàng Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “Tạ Hiện, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use Dong Xuan Market as a landmark. Pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) restricts vehicles.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, cycling, or VinBus reduce emissions; carpool for private cars.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Tạ Hiện; secure valuables. Confirm fares via apps to avoid scams.
Hoa Qua Dam (Mixed Fruit Dessert) (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable dining experience:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for walking; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat for daytime stalls.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/Tìm Buýt apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Dining Gear: Reusable straw ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); small napkin for messy dishes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for food notes; cash for stalls.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for dishes ($1–$4), drinks ($0.30–$1.50), or tips ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND); secure valuables in crowded alleys.
Banh Tom (shrimp cake) (Source: Internet)Food and Drink Prices
Phở Bò/Phở Gà: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Bún Chả: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Chả Cá Lã Vọng: $3–$4 (75,000–100,000 VND).
Bánh Mì: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Nem Rán: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).
Bánh Tôm: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND).
Nộm Bò Khô: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hoa Quả Dầm: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Cà Phê Sữa Đá: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).
Bia Hơi: $0.30 (7,000 VND)/glass.
Tips (optional): $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Walking: Free.
Cyclo: $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND).
Xe Ôm: $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Xanh SM Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Private Car: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Walk: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).
Train/Bus Station to Hoan Kiem: $0.80–$8 (20,000–200,000 VND).
Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Food Tours
Street Food Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Food Tasting Workshop: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $5–$15 (walking, 2–3 dishes, bia hơi).
Mid-range: $20–$35 (cyclo, multiple dishes, guided tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, food tour, premium cafes).
Tip: Budget for food ($1–$4), transport ($0.60–$8), and drinks ($0.30–$1.50); carry cash for stalls (some accept mobile payments).
Bia Hoi Hanoi (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit stalls at 7:00–9:00 AM for phở, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM for bún chả, or 6:00–9:00 PM for chả cá; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (500–1,000 vs. 5,000–10,000 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 24–48 hours ahead; walk-ins accepted at stalls. Confirm tour inclusions (e.g., 3–5 dishes).
Sustainability: Choose stalls with biodegradable packaging; bring reusable straws. Support vendors using local ingredients on Bát Đàn ($1–$2).
Navigation: Save “49 Bát Đàn, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “25 Hàng Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use Hoan Kiem Lake as a landmark. Avoid vehicles during pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight).
Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Tạ Hiện; secure valuables. Check dish freshness (busy stalls are safest); confirm prices upfront.
Weather: Dry season for comfort; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; tip $0.20–$0.50 for great service (not mandatory). Sit on low stools respectfully; share tables during peak hours.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer. Choose stalls with high turnover for hygiene.
Ca Phe Sua Da (Source: Internet)Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s Old Quarter street food:
Hanoi Street Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric cyclo to Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, Bún Chả Hàng Mành, and Tạ Hiện at 11:00 AM, with 3–5 tastings. Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Food & Nightlife Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Chả Cá Thăng Long, night market, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Old Quarter food crawl, Ninh Bình’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem Ward, a culinary haven steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, enchants 18 million visitors yearly with iconic street foods like phở bò and bún chả for $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND). Eco-friendly practices, including biodegradable bowls and local sourcing, preserve this gastronomic legacy amidst vibrant street life. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you through these flavorful alleys, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience with visits to Tạ Hiện Street and Dong Xuan Market, complemented by sips of cà phê sữa đá. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hanoi’s Old Quarter street food in Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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