The Best Hanoi Restaurants and Cafes ( Part 4 )

30/08/22

Bun-Mien Ngan (Rice Noodles with Muscovy Duck)

For the uninitiated, Muscovy ducks are indigenous in the Americas and can be found in countries as far away as Australia and New Zealand. We don’t know why the large, meaty ducks are so popular in Vietnam. Curious diners can enjoy Muscovy duck at eateries around town in versions ranging from soups to noodle dishes.

Banh Mi (Baguette Sandwich)

As hard as we tried, we never found the best Banh Mi in Hanoi, though we ate several in our noble quest. They were all good but not great. Though our quest continues for Banh Mi greatness in Hanoi, we can’t neglect including the Hanoi cheap eats staple in our Hanoi eating guide.

Our Banh Mi baguettes were pretty good at super-popular Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi’s old quarter. We also shared a decent Banh Mi with paté at Bánh Mì Bà though the flavor profile oddly skewed sweet over savory. Ironically, our favorite Banh Mi sandwiches in Hanoi were at nameless stands including the one outside our apartment.

Pho Cuon (Rice Noodle Rolls)

If you love rice noodles, then you will love Pho Cuon where big rice noodles are rolled around beef and green herbs to create a delightful finger food. If the delicate flavors aren’t enough for you, then ramp it up by dipping the Pho Cuon into Nuoc Cham, a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, vinegar and chili.

We ate Pho Cuon at Phở Cuốn Hương Sơn; however, the neighborhood has several spots serving this dish. Look around and pick the restaurant that looks best to you.

Watch our Hanoi Pho Cuon video to learn more about Pho Cuon, one of our favorite Hanoi foods.

Phở Cuốn Hương Sơn is located at 19 Ngũ Xã, Trúc Bách , Tây Hồ, Ha Noi, Vietnam.

Pho Chien Phong (Fried Pho Noodles)

We discovered Pho Chien Phong in the Truc Bach neighborhood, the same neighborhood where we ate Pho Cuon. The discovery was a happy one.

Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

When we think about our time in Hanoi, a key memory will likely be sitting on small plastic chairs and eating Banh Cuon for the first time at Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh. We had never eaten this dish before, and we immediately fell in love with the big pieces of fermented rice noodles served with fresh herbs and bowls of pork, mushroom and minced shallots.

Ôc Len Xào Dùa (Sea Snails in Coconut Milk)