May
If you happen to visit Vietnam, missing out on the delicious street food in Hanoi and Hue (the 2 outstanding cuisine paradises) would be a real shame. Well-known known for their vibrant street food scenes, these two cities offer a wide variety of flavors that are truly a treasure trove of culinary delights from savory dishes to sweet treats. In this article, Indochina Trail Finders will help you to take a closer look at some of the most mouthwatering street foods in Hanoi and Hue, providing you with a guide to full your stomach with local delicacies.
1. Hanoi street foods
Hanoi is home to some of the world’s most iconic dishes, and each one offers a unique and delicious culinary experience. Now let’s first explore some of the most popular street foods in the capital!
1.1 Pho
Pho is a beloved dish that has gained worldwide recognition featuring tender rice noodles, aromatic herbs, and thinly sliced beef or chicken. The fragrant broth and fresh ingredients of this flavorful noodle soup make it a must-try when visiting Hanoi.
1.2 Banh mi
Banh Mi is another favorite street food that showcases the fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary influences. This sandwich made with a blend of flavors and textures including crusty baguette filled with grilled meats, pâté and pickled vegetables is truly delightful.
1.3 Bun cha
Go for Bun Cha if you’re looking for a classic Hanoi dish that features grilled pork patties, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. The smoky flavors of the grilled meat combined with the freshness of the herbs truly create a satisfying culinary experience of your stay.
1.4 Banh xeo
Banh Xeo, or Vietnamese savory pancakes, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors is a crispy and delicious street food choice in Hanoi. These pancakes are made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric and are filled with bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork.
1.5 Egg coffee
For a unique and indulgent experience, try Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee at Giang Coffee (39 Nguyen Huu Huan) or Dinh Coffee (13 Dinh Tien Hoang). Egg Coffee is made of whipped egg yolks, condensed milk, sugar, and Vietnamese coffee, resulting in a velvety-smooth drink that combines bitterness and sweetness. Now you can actually try it somewhere else but don’t miss out on this delicious treat if you are staying in its homeland!
2. Hue street foods
When in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, you’ll discover a food scene that’s unique to this ancient city. There are several street foods that you simply must try, and here are some of our favorites.
2.1 Bun bo Hue
Bun bo Hue – or Hue-styled beef noodles is a specialty noodle soup that’s bursting with flavor, featuring tender slices of beef and pork, and aromatic herbs and all served in a deliciously spiced broth. The addition of lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste gives it a distinct kick that sets it apart from other noodle dishes, such as the famous Hanoi Pho (Hanoi-styled beef noodles).
2.2 Banh khoai
Banh khoai – a crispy pancake that’s made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and served with a dipping sauce made from soybean paste, chili, and garlic. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine and will take your heart from the first bite.
2.3 Nem lui
Nem lui is a type of grilled meat skewer that’s very popular in Hue which is made with seasoned ground pork or beef that’s wrapped around a lemongrass stalk and grilled to perfection. The smoky and fragrant meat is served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and a peanut dipping sauce. No matter you you come alone or with friends and family, it’s absolutely a flavorful and interactive choice.
2.4 Banh beo
Banh beo is a delicate and savory dish that consists of small steamed rice cakes topped with a variety of ingredients such as dried shrimp, crispy pork rinds, scallions, and a drizzle of fish sauce. The combination of textures and flavors is delightful, making it a popular street food snack in Hue.
2.5 Che Hue
Che Hue is a variety of sweet desserts and beverages that are popular in Hue. They’re made from a combination of ingredients such as beans, jelly, fruits, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls, resulting in a colorful and refreshing treat that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. It’s the perfect way to end your street food adventure in Hue.
4. FAQs
4.1 Are street foods in Hanoi and Hue safe to eat?
Street foods in Hanoi and Hue are generally safe to eat as long as you choose vendors that maintain cleanliness and have a steady stream of customers.
4.2 How much do street foods cost in Hanoi and Hue?
Street foods in Hanoi and Hue are very affordable, with prices ranging from a few thousand Vietnamese Dong to around 50,000 Vietnamese Dong per dish.
4.3 Can I find vegetarian street food options in Hanoi and Hue?
Yes, both Hanoi and Hue offer vegetarian street food options. You can find dishes like vegetarian Pho, Banh Mi with tofu, and vegetable-filled pancakes among others.
4.4 What is the best time to explore the street food scene in Hanoi and Hue?
The best time to explore the street food scene is in the evening when the streets come alive with food vendors and the aroma of delicious dishes fills the air.
4.5 Are there any specific etiquettes to follow when eating street food in Hanoi and Hue?
It’s customary to eat with chopsticks and spoons, and it’s polite to try a little bit of everything and finish your plate. Be adventurous and open to new flavors and experiences.
4.6 Can I find these street foods in restaurants as well?
Many of these dishes can also be found in local restaurants, however, the ambiance and charm of enjoying street food cannot be replicated.
Now that you’ve got ultimate guidance to the yummiest street foods in Hanoi and Hue, it’s time to go on a culinary journey and treat yourself. Bet that you won’t want to miss out on experiencing the lively street food scene of Vietnam and indulging in the unique flavors that these cities have to offer. Get in touch with Indochina Trail Finders now to start your street food adventure!
