Culinary Specialties Of Northern Vietnam

Staying in northern Vietnam is the perfect opportunity to enjoy its stunning mountain landscapes, meet its ethnic groups, and explore the roads... All of these experiences are sure to work up an appetite. The good news is, in Vietnam, the journey is also in the bowls, especially in the north where they are served generously!

In this article, discover the typical dishes that make the cities of the north famous.

Big dishes in bowls

The enigmatic Pho Bo

It warms our hearts in winter and hydrates us in summer

It's impossible to miss, or at least not smell its delicious steam. This traditional Vietnamese dish is eaten at any time of the day, especially at breakfast. You will have plenty of opportunities to taste the most flavorful Pho in Hanoi, as well as in other regions of the country.

The dish is served in a large bowl of bone broth flavored with local herbs: fresh rice noodles, beef, chives, cilantro, basil, ginger... And if that’s not enough, you'll likely find additional ingredients on your table such as chili, garlic, herbs, and lime. The blend of herbs creates a perfect and especially savory balance in your mouth. You’ll never get tired of it!

For larger appetites, feel free to order it with Vietnamese donuts called Quay (similar to croutons in French onion soup). And if you’re not a fan of beef, there’s also its sister dish Pho Gà, made with chicken.

On average, expect to pay around 30,000 dong for this dish.

The iconic Bun Cha

Just like Pho, Bun Cha is a very popular dish in northern Vietnam, especially in Hanoi. As the name suggests, Bun (rice vermicelli) and Cha (grilled pork) make up this dish, which consists of a plate of rice vermicelli on one side, and pieces of grilled pork dipped in the traditional Vietnamese sauce nuoc mam, with chili, green papaya, and carrot on the other. Bun Cha is a delightful culinary offering that lets you travel through a lunch break.

As an institution in Hanoi, you can find this dish on every street corner, and especially at the best spots in the country.

On average, this dish will cost around 50,000 dong.

The original Banh Cuon

This famous Vietnamese dish is typically eaten early in the morning. These rice flour dumplings are filled with mushrooms and minced pork. To add a crunch, they are topped with small fried onions (without these, it's not considered Banh Cuon). For those with a sweet tooth, the dish is served with a fish sauce infused with chili, lemon, and a bit of sugar. This delicacy is served hot and is usually consumed very quickly (perhaps too quickly!). A must-try!

On average, this dish will cost around 50,000 dong.

The springlike Pho Cuon

You’re probably familiar with the spring roll, and this dish is very similar but without the European twist. Here in northern Vietnam, we roll sautéed beef, lettuce, and some sprigs of coriander into a rice paper wrapper. Of course, it’s served with the famous fish sauce, a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine. Its sweet and sour flavor is sure to tantalize your taste buds. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to roll your own Pho Cuon and enjoy a delicious family moment!

On average, this dish costs about 60,000 dong.

The friendly Cha Ca

Originating from Hanoi, Cha Ca is a fish dish (Hemibagrus from the Red River) marinated in turmeric. It’s enjoyed at the table, where you’ll find a bowl of peanuts, a plate of rice noodles, aromatic herbs, fish sauce, and Mam Tom sauce* alongside a heated pan where your fish will be cooked. To create the perfect bite, place a little rice noodle in your bowl, then top it with pieces of the yellow fish, a few herbs, a pinch of peanuts, and a bit of sweet and sour sauce. And voilà—explosion of flavors! In short, Cha Ca is a friendly, flavorful meal you shouldn’t miss if you’re passing through the capital.

*Mam Tom sauce, made from shrimp paste, is one of those dishes that foreign palates might find hard to understand. Let’s just say it’s very pungent, and it first challenges the sense of smell before the taste buds.

On average, this dish costs about 120,000 dong.

For a small Hunger

The historic Banh mi

This is our version of the French "jambon-beurre" sandwich. It’s the perfect snack for any occasion. Craving something? Banh Mi. A meeting at 1:12 PM? Banh Mi. A long journey? Banh Mi. Another meeting? Banh Mi. A wedding? Well, maybe not for every occasion.

Banh Mi is an excellent fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine: pâté, mayonnaise, "cha lua" mortadella, ham, fresh herbs, and spicy sauce, all carefully placed in a golden, crispy baguette. Once you start, it’s hard to stop, and there are plenty of temptations in the capital. Going for a city stroll?

On average, this dish costs about 25,000 dong.

The filling Xôi

Sticky rice – Xôi – is a popular dish to start the day here! You’ll find it in different colors like orange, red, or purple… each region or ethnic group has its own way of preparing it. Staying with locals is probably the best chance to try it. If not, you can also opt for the common Xôi, which is white sticky rice topped with Gomasio (a mix of peanuts, toasted sesame, and salt), a signature dish of Vietnamese street food. For a bigger hunger, there are versions with meat. Be careful, sticky rice is quite filling, so don’t be fooled by the "small portion."

On average, this dish costs about 25,000 dong.

The crispy Banh Goi

A little less known but no less delicious, Banh Goi is a dish we enjoy when the winter chill arrives. Inside its pastry, made from water and rice flour, we place a filling of pork, black mushrooms, carrots, onions, quail eggs, and translucent vermicelli. These little delights are then fried in hot oil, creating a golden, crispy skin that makes them so popular. A treat that’s perfect for nibbling on and, most importantly, sharing!

On average, this dish costs about 25,000 dong.

Our sweet treats

Prevention

You’re probably from a continent that created lemon meringue pie, the "merveilleux," crème brûlée, or pastel de nata… Let’s be honest, if you’re someone who starts by looking at the dessert menu at a restaurant (I am), Vietnam might not fully satisfy this craving. However, we don’t give up easily – we have egg coffee... Well, not just that, but it’s too early to mention the rest.

A coffee? Or maybe two?

This is not just a trip, it’s a hug

It was born during the war. When milk became scarce, a Hanoi resident decided to replace it with an egg yolk. And so, egg coffee was born. 50 years later, this wartime recipe ranks among the best coffees in the world. Let yourself be carried away by this tender combination of creamy sweetness that softens the bitterness of our beloved beverage. Don’t like coffee? Don’t worry, there are also versions with cocoa (it’s a big hug) and matcha. Don’t miss out!

On average, this drink costs about 25,000 dong.

Are you hungry?

We hope these few lines have whetted your appetite. While this list highlights some of the most popular dishes from northern Vietnam, there are still plenty of other delights to discover, but more importantly, to share with your travel companions and/or with us. In Vietnam, mealtime (almost always…) is primarily an opportunity to come together.

An ordinary meal in our home consists of several small dishes: meat and/or fish, various types of vegetables, rice, a bowl of broth, and fish sauce, which is never far away—then everyone digs in with their chopsticks!

Other articles to savor:

• La cuisine impériale Vietnamienne : un art historique
• Les spécialités culinaires du centre Vietnam
• Les spécialités du Sud Vietnam
• La cuisine vietnamienne : tout une histoire d’équilibre

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !