The Essence of Hanoi cuisine

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, is not only famous for its scenic spots and historical relics but also known as a culinary paradise. Hanoi cuisine is diverse not only in dishes but also in flavors, preparation methods, and the stories behind each dish. In this article, we will explore some of Hanoi's signature dishes along with famous eateries that you cannot miss when visiting the capital.

Pho - The Quintessence of Vietnamese Cuisine
When mentioning Hanoi cuisine, it is impossible not to mention pho - a dish that has become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. Hanoi pho stands out with its clear, sweet broth simmered from beef bones along with spices like ginger, dried onions, star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom. The soft and smooth rice noodles, tender beef, served with a bit of green onions, 
herbs, and crispy crullers make for a perfect combination.

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Famous pho shops in Hanoi include Pho Bat Dan (49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem) with its rich flavor, Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung) with its fatty broth, and Pho Ly Quoc Su (10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem) which is loved by many.

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Guests have to wait in long lines to enjoy the beef Pho at 49 Bat Dan

Bun Cha - The Rich Flavor of Hanoi

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Bun cha is another signature dish of Hanoi, featuring a wonderful combination of vermicelli, grilled meat, and dipping sauce. The meat is grilled over charcoal, fragrant and flavorful, served with fresh vermicelli, herbs, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. This dish not only appeals to locals but also captivates many international visitors.
Dac Kim Bun Cha (01 Hang Manh str, Hoan Kiem) is an unmissable spot for delicious bun cha. Additionally, Huong Lien Bun Cha (24 Le Van Huu str, Hai Ba Trung) became even more famous after being visited by former U.S. President Obama.

Banh Cuon - A Light and Delicate Dish
Hanoi banh cuon is made from rice flour, thinly steamed, filled with minced meat and wood ear mushrooms, served with Vietnamese pork sausage, fried shallots, and a special dipping sauce. This dish offers a light, fresh taste, perfect for breakfast or a light meal during the day.

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Famous banh cuon shops in Hanoi include Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh (66 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung) with its thin and smooth rolls, and Gia An Banh Cuon (25 Thai Phien, Hai Ba Trung) known for its flavorful dipping sauce and fragrant Vietnamese pork sausage.

Cha Ca La Vong - A Unique Hanoi Dish
Cha Ca La Vong is one of Hanoi's most unique dishes. Lang fish is marinated with galangal, turmeric, fermented rice, shrimp paste, then grilled over charcoal and fried again in fat, served with vermicelli, roasted peanuts, green onions, dill, and shrimp paste. The rich, fragrant taste of Cha Ca La Vong has captivated many diners.

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Mentioning Cha Ca La Vong, one can't forget Cha Ca La Vong restaurant (14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem) - the birthplace of this dish. Additionally, Cha Ca Thang Long (19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem) is also a famous spot with delicious and flavorful Cha Ca.

Com - The Essence of Hanoi Autumn
Com (green rice) is a traditional dish of Hanoi, usually appearing in autumn. Com is made from young rice, pounded by hand, offering a sweet, fresh taste. Com can be eaten directly or processed into many delicious dishes like com sausage, com stir-fry, com sticky rice, and com sweet soup.

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Vong Village (Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay) is the most famous place for com making. Vong Village's com has become a symbol of Hanoi com, with its green, fragrant grains. If you have the chance, visit and enjoy com here to fully appreciate the taste of Hanoi autumn.

West Lake Shrimp Cake - A Rustic yet Appealing Dish
West Lake shrimp cake is a rustic dish but very appealing with its unique flavor. The cake is made from fresh shrimp, flour, and sweet potatoes, fried until crispy, served with fresh herbs and sweet and sour dipping sauce. The crispy, fragrant shrimp cake dipped in the delicate dipping sauce leaves a lasting impression on diners.

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Mentioning shrimp cakes, one cannot forget WestLake Shrimp Cake restaurant (1 Thanh Nien str, Tay Ho) - a place with a beautiful view, airy space, and delicious shrimp cakes. Shrimp Cake Co Huong (48 Hang Bong str, Hoan Kiem) is also a famous spot with crispy, fragrant shrimp cakes.

Conclusion

Hanoi cuisine is not only diverse and rich but also carries profound cultural and historical values. Each dish, each restaurant holds stories, memories, and emotions of the people of Hanoi. Enjoying Hanoi cuisine is not just a journey of flavors but also a journey of exploring the culture and people of this place. If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, do not miss the chance to taste these special dishes and explore the famous eateries to fully appreciate the beauty of Hanoi cuisine.