[2025 Hanoi Restaurant] Travel Guide for Hanoi Food Culture (Updated Jul)

Apart from bánh mì and phở, there’s xôi (sticky rice), a classic Vietnamese breakfast staple that we often enjoy in the mornings. Xôi doesn’t have an overpowering flavor on its own, but it’s slightly savory and comforting. I usually order it with side dishes like pork, egg, or pâté. It’s a light yet filling breakfast that keeps you going for hours. There are typically two ways xôi is served: if you’re eating alone, you’ll get a bowl of sticky rice with toppings neatly arranged on top (pic 1). But if you’re dining with a group, the toppings are usually served on shared plates (pic 2), and everyone gets their own bowl of plain xôi (pic 3). There are many types of xôi, each with its own unique twist. • Xôi xéo is topped with mung bean paste and fried shallots. • Xôi trắng is plain white sticky rice, often paired with savory sides. • Xôi ngô includes sweet corn mixed into the rice. My favorite is xôi xéo + ngô, a perfect combo of mung beans and corn, with a touch of sweetness and richness from the shallots and toppings. It’s warm, soft, and deeply nostalgic. One of the most iconic xôi spots in Hanoi is Xôi Yến. They’ve been around for decades, possibly since my grandparents’ time. It’s a place where tradition lives on in every bowl, and every bite reminds me of home. #localguides #hanoi #foodie

#springitinerary #localfood #travel Hanoi isn't just a city you visit—it's a city you eat through. From the very first bowl of steaming Phở at sunrise to the last crispy bite of Bánh Mì grabbed from a street corner stall, my food journey through Hanoi was nothing short of a love letter to Vietnamese tradition, bold flavors, and unforgettable street eats. The mornings began early, just like the locals. Seated on low stools by the roadside, I had my first real taste of Phở Bò—beef noodle soup with a broth so clear yet so deep in flavor, it could only come from hours of slow simmering. Topped with fresh herbs, lime, and a dash of chilli, it warmed me in ways no coffee ever could. Then came the midday snacks—Bánh Cuốn, delicate rice rolls stuffed with minced pork and mushrooms, served with crispy shallots and a sweet-savory dipping sauce. Soft, slippery, and packed with umami, it was the kind of dish that made me pause after every bite. And of course, the legendary Bún Chả—chargrilled pork belly and meatballs swimming in a tangy broth, paired with cold rice vermicelli and a mountain of herbs. Eaten elbow-to-elbow with locals in the buzzing alleys of the Old Quarter, this dish wasn’t just delicious—it was an experience.

Hanoi food culture was recommended to us by someone at our guesthouse. I figured it to be a small time local thing. But the restaurant was full of people and the atmosphere was great. The menu focuses on local food, although it has continental food too. Aand has many options for vegan or vegetarian too. We loved the food, the taste, presentation and the quantity was excellent. The place is located in the old quarter and has a nice atmosphere. I think for local cuisine and especially those new to vietnam. This can be a great place to begin. The prices are slightly more expensive than what local restaurants cost. In any case this restaurant primarily serves tourists. #vietnamtrip #deliciousfood #hanoi