Hanoi Street Food: A Local’s Guide to Best Michelin Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter
In search of the best street food in Hanoi Old Quarter? Your quest concludes with our culinary guide which features top eateries in the vibrant Hanoi locale, all compellingly verified by Michelin Guide.
In June 2023, 103 restaurants in Vietnam achieved accolades from the Michelin Guide, a renowned reference for culinary enthusiasts. Significantly, 13 establishments in Hanoi earned the Bib Gourmand distinction, indicating Inspectors’ Favorites for Quality Cooking at Moderate Prices. This award highlights eateries within the esteemed Michelin Guide selection excelling in offering excellent value.
Furthermore, the Michelin Guide Hanoi 2023 welcomed 32 more dining venues, designated as Michelin Selected restaurants. A substantial number of these restaurants specialize in traditional fare or street delicacies, reflecting the enduring popularity of street food entrenched in local heritage. In this context, we will introduce you to the top renowned Michelin restaurants serving street food in Hanoi, cherished across generations of Old Quarter inhabitants.
1.Phở Bò Ấu Triệu (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi 2023)
The owner of the pho restaurant is Ms. Nga, the granddaughter of Mr. Tu – the proprietor of the renowned Pho Tu Lun (Phở Tư Lùn) restaurant situated in Central Hanoi for the preceding 80 years. The enduring popularity of her family’s pho restaurant owes much to the distinctive manner in which the broth is made.
Each pot of broth undergoes a slow simmering process utilizing beef bones and meat, which commences from 5 am the preceding day until 6 am the ensuing morning. The tubular bones are deliberately pounded at their extremities, facilitating the infusion of bone marrow into the broth as it simmers. The meat and tendons attached to the bones are not removed completely to enhance a rich and greasy taste for the bowl of pho. Slurping on a hearty bowl of beef noodle soup in the early morning is certainly an excellent way to start the day and the only chance to have the well-known dish of pho at Pho Bo Au Trieu.
– Address: 34 Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
– Opening hours: 6:30 – 10:00
– Price: 55,000 – 100,000 VND/set (US$ 2.4 – $4.5)
Image: Broth being poured into a bowl of pho at Pho Bo Au Trieu
2. Phở Gà Nguyệt (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Hanoi 2023)
This place in Hanoi has been a go-to spot for local food enthusiasts since it opened up in 2009. It’s always buzzing with people lining up for their chicken noodles, whether you like them soupy or dry. The menu offers a selection of chicken toppings, ranging from breast and thigh to wing and even organs. You are even able to opt for combinations such as thigh and wing or wing and back, allowing for a personalized eating experience.
Particular attention is deservedly given to the chicken thigh option, known for its tender texture and robust, delectable flavor. The dry chicken noodle dish also stands as a commendable choice at Pho Ga Nguyet. The noodles beneath the ample serving of chicken are skillfully infused with soy sauce, vinegar, coriander, fried onions, and peanuts, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Notably, the establishment operates until midnight, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a late-night culinary outing.
– Address: 5B Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi,
– Opening hours: 06:30 – 13:00 and 17:30 – 01:00
– Price: 35,000 – 80,000 VND/set (US$ 1.5 – $3.4)
Image: The traditional bowl of chicken pho at Pho Ga Nguyet
3. Bún Chả Đắc Kim (MICHELIN Guide Hanoi 2023)
Are you an enthusiast of Vietnamese cuisine? Bun Cha Dac Kim is a must-visit to try the specialty of Vietnam’s capital. It specializes in Bun cha (Bún chả), a grilled pork rice noodle dish, widely enjoyed as street food in Vietnam. Bun Cha Dac Kim, established in 1966, stands as Hanoi’s most renowned and age-old Bun cha restaurant. Its reputation transcends local boundaries, garnering favor not solely from locals, but also resonating with international patrons, owing to its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence spanning close to six decades.
Upon entry, you’ll witness the staff grilling pork, wafting an enticing aroma. Fresh rice noodles are paired with an assortment of herbs, including purple perilla leaves, introducing a revitalizing note to the dish. Prepared upon a made-to-order basis, the food ensures an unblemished blend of freshness and palatability. The reasonable prices cater to all, locals and tourists alike. Due to its perpetual popularity, early arrival or willingness to wait is advisable if you want to have a delicious set of Bun cha at Bun Cha Dac Kim.
– Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
– Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00
– Price: 40,000 – 95,000 VND/set (US$ 1.7 – $4)
Image: Bun cha served with a dish of sea-crab spring rolls
4. Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân (MICHELIN Guide Hanoi 2023)
Specializing in Banh cuon (bánh cuốn), the traditional Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, this unassuming restaurant in Hanoi offers delectable delicacies customized to individual orders. Onlookers have the opportunity to witness the process as a skilled lady near the entrance meticulously steams delicate rice sheets and skillfully assembles them into freshly made rolls. The menu at Banh Cuon Ba Xuan features two distinct types of Banh cuon: the first presents the familiar combination of finely minced pork and flavorful black fungus, while the second introduces an egg-infused rendition, accompanied by a delicately poached egg.
Eaters also have the option to complement their meal with additional selections such as pork meatloaf and sausage. However, the main character bringing an unforgettable taste explosion is a small bowl of dipping fish sauce with aromatic herbs, zesty chilies, tangy lime, or slices of pungent garlic. Noteworthy for its delectable quality and reasonable pricing, this establishment stands as a commendable choice for a satisfying breakfast or a quick, yet gratifying, snack.
– Address: 16 Hoe Nhai, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
– Opening hours: 7:00 – 12:00 and 16:00 – 0:30
– Price: around 40,000 VND/set (US$ 1.7)
Image: A traditional set of banh cuon at Bánh cuốn Bà Xuân
These four restaurants have earned their place in history and the hearts of those who love their offerings. Each bite encapsulates the essence of Hanoi’s rich food culture, connecting generations and preserving cherished flavors for years to come. Hopefully, our guide to the best Michelin restaurants serving street food in Hanoi Old Quarter serves as a passport to savoring the heart and soul of Hanoi’s street food scene, creating unforgettable memories in the bustling capital city.
