Hanoi is a Foodie paradise! Famous chef and travel documentary star Anthony Bourdain has come to Vietnam and specifically Hanoi many times. He used to own a home in Tam Dao, a mountain retreat not far from Hanoi. Unfortunately, Bourdain has passed away but he left a legacy of roads to follow for the Foodie in everyone! Even Barack Obama couldn’t resist Hanoi’s fantastic street food! While US president, Obama joined Anthony Bourdain for a dinner of bun cha, barbecued pork served in a broth with a side of rice noodles, herbs, veggies, crushed garlic and chilies. I go to the same café to reflect on life. Bun Cha Hoang Lien cafe has sealed the chairs and table where the duo ate while in Hanoi. It can be found at Bun Cha Hoang Lien, 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam; +84 24 3943 4106. Now they serve the Obama Combo, which includes a portion of bun cha, seafood spring rolls and a bottle of Hanoi Beer for about $4.
I sometimes wander the busy and fascinating Old Quarter to look for the most popular vendors. Where there are many people eating already is a great sign of a restaurant with great food! There is so much great food in the Old Quarter!
Pho is Hanoi’s most famous dish. Pho is a rice noodle soup made with herbs and either beef or chicken, pho can be eaten at any time but is the most popular breakfast dish. My favorite bowl of pho is at Pho Gia Truyen, on Bat Dan Street in the Old Quarter. It’s open for both breakfast and dinner, and seats fill up fast! There’s almost always a line of hungry people!
Banh Bao, or Fat Bread, is a fluffy steamed bun with a variety of fillings. These steamed buns can be found on almost any street corner. The fillings include: chicken, pork, or mushroom and quail egg to name a few.
Banh Mi is Vietnam’s most famous sandwich. These can be found all over the city as well. Banh Mi was introduced to the Vietnamese by the French and has been adapted to suit the local taste palate. This sandwich is a small baguette bread filled with items such as pate, pickled carrots, cucumbers, barbequed pork, sausage and tofu.
Nom bo kho is a sour, spicy, and refreshing salad is made with thinly sliced dried beef and green papaya which is topped with crushed peanuts and mint leaves, with tangy fish sauce added. It’s a wonderful snack for hot days!
Banh cuon is a rice pancake filled with minced pork and mushrooms and is topped with dried onions and cilantro. It’s a nice light snack but very flavorful! It comes with a delicious dipping sauce served on the side.
On Chicken Street, or Ly Van Phuc Street, I indulge in the most wonderfully tasting grilled chicken wings, grilled bread, sweet potatoes and a plate of veggies like locals have for decades! Here locals and expats come in droves to eat ga nuong, or barbecued chicken. During the day, nothing is happening down the alley, but come nightfall this place is packed with people in search for the best barbecue chicken in town!
Hanoi is full of street food that will satisfy everyone’s culinary curiosity in a delicious way!
