13 noodles in Hanoi that should be on your food list

1. The top noodles in Hanoi with flavorful soup

Noodles in Hanoi play a vital role in Vietnamese cuisine. Over time, Hanoians have mastered the art of noodle-making and created many delicious variations, hailed as culinary masterpieces by worldwide food lovers.

1.1. Pho Hanoi

Pho, the most famous Hanoi noodle soup, is a true icon of Vietnamese cuisine. Humble ingredients like flat rice noodles, beef or chicken, herbs, and spices are harmoniously blended to create a distinct flavor. What distinguishes Pho Hanoi is its clear and subtly sweet broth, simmered for hours from high-quality beef or chicken bones infused with aromatic spices. For an unforgettable pho experience, visit renowned restaurants like Pho Thin Hanoi, Pho Ganh, and Pho Ly Quoc Su.

1.2. Bun ngan (muscovy duck noodle soup)

Bun ngan, a unique variation of Vietnamese noodles, stands out with its rich and lingering yet refreshing taste. Though simply prepared, the chef's expertise is essential for a truly delectable bowl of bun ngan. Every step, from simmering the broth to preparing the tender meat and softening the dried bamboo shoots, demands precision and finesse.

1.3. Bun thang (chicken combo noodle soup)

With its refined flavors and appearance, bun thang shines among noodles in Hanoi. It features tangled rice vermicelli, omelet strips, shredded chicken, dried mushrooms, steamed pork sausage strands, pickled radish, and fresh shrimp floss. All of these tasteful elements are steeped in a hot, naturally sweet broth simmered from pork bones, dried shrimp, and chicken bones. Together, they create a bowl of bun thang that is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors.

1.4. Bun doc mung (colocasia gigantea noodle soup)

In the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese rice noodles, bun doc mung is a rustic version, featuring fresh rice noodles served in a savory pork bone broth. The dish is often topped with lean pork, pork ribs, pork meatballs, or pork trotter, accompanied by taro stems, and served with fresh herbs. Some restaurants even incorporate tomatoes into the broth and turmeric into the pork to make the noodle bowl more visually tempting.

1.5. Bun long (noodle soup with pork intestine)

Bun long, a jewel in Hanoi cuisine, offers a symphony of pork offal flavors. This dish masterfully combines various pork innards, including heart, liver, intestines, and stomach, paired with chewy rice noodles and a savory bone broth. The star of the dish is the offal, which is meticulously chosen for its freshness and taste, ensuring every bite is a delightful explosion of textures and flavors.

1.6. Bun moc (pork ball noodle soup)

Bun moc, a variation of Vietnamese vermicelli noodles, features savory meatballs made from finely minced pork, pork paste, shiitake mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms. The key to a good bowl of bun moc lies in the clear and naturally sweet pork bone broth. The combination of vermicelli noodles, tender baby back ribs, taro stem or bamboo shoot, and tomatoes in an aromatic broth creates a delightful flavor profile.

1.7. Bun oc (snail noodle soup)

Bun oc has long been a staple dish among Hanoi's various noodles. Its charm lies in three essential components: chewy snails, soft vermicelli noodles, and a rich broth. Served with fresh greens, garlic chives, red onions, tomatoes, chili oil, shrimp paste, and pork ribs, this dish is an incredible blend of flavors and textures. Enhance your enjoyment with "giam bong," a unique Vietnamese rice vinegar that adds a tangy note and aroma.

1.8. Bun rieu (crab noodle soup)

Vietnamese crab noodle soup offers a delectable and hearty meal. The Hanoians hold this dish to high standards, valuing its preparation and presentation. The essential ingredients of bun rieu include fresh rice noodles, crab paste, tomato, shrimp paste, vinegar, and scallion. Compared to the traditional version, bun rieu Hanoi includes other toppings such as beef, pork cartilage, fried tofu, balut, snails, etc.

Below are the addresses of the best noodle soups in Hanoi to add to your food tour agenda:

>>> Check out: Breakfast in Hanoi: Explore the top exquisite morning dishes

2. Dry noodles in Hanoi served with a separate sauce or paste

Dry noodles in Hanoi are renowned for their versatility, as diners can enjoy them with many flavorful sauces or pastes tailored to their taste buds.

2.1. Bun cha (kebab rice noodles)

Bun cha in Hanoi has three key components: dipping sauce, grilled pork, and vermicelli noodles. The quality of bun cha is determined by the dipping sauce, which balances sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors from fish sauce, pickled vegetables, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili. The grilled pork comes in two forms: pork belly slices and meatballs, each having different textures.

2.2. Bun dau mam tom (noodles with fermented shrimp paste)

Bun dau mam tom is one of Hanoi's most celebrated dishes, featuring vermicelli noodles, deep-fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. Today, it comes with various toppings like boiled pork trotter, pork belly, pork offal, green rice pork nuggets, and fried spring rolls. The dish is often served with an array of fresh herbs, especially Vietnamese lemon balm, offering a vibrant blend of flavors and textures.

2.3. Mi/Bun vit quay (dry noodles with roasted duck)

When thinking of roasted duck, one envisions golden-brown meat with crispy, fragrant skin and tender, flavorful flesh. The juicy meat infuses each strand of thin noodles with amazing, irresistible flavors and aromas. This Vietnamese egg noodle dish is a refreshing alternative to heavier dishes, thanks to the generous addition of fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and pickled veggies.

2.4. Bun cha ca La Vong (noodles in Hanoi with turmeric fish)

Cha ca La Vong, also known as turmeric fish, is a signature dish of Hanoi. The turmeric-marinated fish is stir-fried with sautéed scallions and dill, then served immediately with vermicelli, crushed peanuts, and dipping sauce. A complete serving features golden fish, soft noodles, and fresh herbs, balancing sweet, savory, and sour flavors. Essential to this dish is mam tom, a popular condiment that enhances many Vietnamese dishes.

2.5. Bun oc nguoi (rice noodles with cold snail)

Bun oc nguoi is rather exotic compared to other Vietnamese dry noodles, comprising a cooled broth, snails, and fresh vermicelli noodles. Combining tangy vinegar and fiery chili, it may seem mild at first to newcomers but becomes increasingly enticing with every bite. The key lies in precisely boiling the snails—just enough to be crunchy, sweet, and clean without any toughness or unpleasant aftertaste. 

You can sample the best dry noodles in Hanoi at one of these recommended spots:

>>> Discover: Hanoi street food: 15 must-try dishes in the capital city

Savoring noodles in Hanoi is a journey through the vibrant flavors that are an indispensable part of the capital city’s bustling streets. From the iconic pho to the flavorful bun cha, each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and innovation. With every slurp, you will taste the rich history and vibrant flavors that have made Hanoi a culinary paradise. 

After trying the delicious noodles in Hanoi, elevate your Hanoi travel experience with an extra dose of excitement by visiting VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park and VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium for entertainment and fun. Recognized as high-class entertainment destinations, these places promise to bring unforgettable experiences to all visitors, featuring exciting games, cultural activities, and amazing shows.

Book tickets of VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park now

Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium now

Apart from Hanoi, you should visit other tourist destinations like Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.

You can further enrich your trip by staying at Vinpearl, where luxurious accommodations meet captivating attractions. At Vinpearl, visitors are invited to indulge in luxury and relaxation, promising an unforgettable journey into serenity with every moment. Additionally, elevate your vacation by visiting the VinWonders amusement complexes, which offer thrilling games and captivating shows.

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long now and get the best deals!

*The details in this article are for reference purposes only and may change over time. If you are planning to visit these establishments, it is recommended that you contact them for the most up-to-date information.