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5 Must-Try Restaurants for Hanoi Old Quarter Classics
A guide for anyone hoping to sample Hanoi’s signature local dishes in the Old Quarter. Choose from Hanoi favorites such as bun cha and cha ca, as well as pho and Vietnamese home-style cooking. These spots stand out for the distinct ingredients and ways of eating each dish, from grilled meat and herbs to fish and dill.
1. Vua Chả Cá - 09 Lý Thường Kiệt
A Hanoi-style cha ca specialist, where turmeric-marinated fish is cooked at the table with dill and scallions, then served with rice noodles, herbs, peanuts, and shrimp paste sauce. Dine in a spacious, clean interior with helpful guidance from the staff.
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2. MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 1
An Old Quarter restaurant serving local favorites such as bun cha, Hanoi-style grilled fish, and pho. Spring rolls and banh xeo are also on the menu, making it easy to sample several Vietnamese dishes in one visit.
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3. Bún chả Sinh Từ
Centered on Hanoi-style bun cha, with charcoal-scented pork and meatballs served alongside rice noodles and fresh vegetables. The signature touch is dipping everything into a savory, smoky broth.
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4. Huong Viet
A small, family-run Vietnamese restaurant known for bun cha with grilled meat and crisp nem ran. Vegetarian dishes are available too, including vegetable nem ran and papaya salad.
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5. Vietnamese Lantern Restaurant
An Old Quarter Vietnamese restaurant serving beef pho, seafood dishes, and spring rolls. The staff are happy to explain how to enjoy Vietnamese dishes.
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