Hanoi is a city that rarely stands still. Alive with movement, conversation, steam, and smoke, it engages the senses from the very first moment. In this piece, Secret Retreats invites you into one of Asia’s most animated capitals — a place of colour and contrast, where fragrance and flavour shape the rhythm of daily life.
Wake up in the heart of the Old Quarter, and your morning begins with the unmistakable aroma of Vietnamese coffee drifting through narrow streets. Deep, roasted, and gently sweet, it is unlike coffee anywhere else in the world. Tucked away in narrow alleys and timeworn stairwells, you may find yourself perched on a low stool sipping egg coffee. Rich, velvety, and gently sweet, the warm coffee beneath a thick, whipped egg cream tastes uncannily like tiramisu in a cup — indulgent yet balanced, comforting without heaviness. Born of necessity and ingenuity, it has become a quiet obsession for those who discover it.
Alongside tradition, the city continues to innovate. A newer favourite is coconut coffee, best enjoyed as a creamy frozen blend. The natural sweetness and fragrance of coconut blend effortlessly with the bitterness of strong Vietnamese coffee, creating a drink that feels both refreshing and indulgent — truly the best of both worlds. The aroma alone lingers long after the last sip.
For those easing into Asian flavours, breakfast often starts with Bánh mì — a legacy of French influence, thoughtfully reimagined. Crisp baguette, pickled vegetables, herbs, pâté, and roasted meats come together in perfect balance. In our opinion, no global sandwich chain comes close.
If you are ready to immerse yourself straight away, locals will point you towards Bánh cuốn. These delicate sheets of steamed rice batter, filled with minced pork and egg, are soft, comforting, and quietly complex. Served warm, they can be enjoyed on their own or dipped into the light, savoury broth that accompanies them — a simple ritual, perfected over generations.
A slow stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake reveals just how deeply food is woven into Hanoi’s streets. Every corner offers temptation, though discernment is always advised. Even the simplest plate of vegetables dipped into fish sauce tastes remarkable here — clean, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Hanoi’s repertoire of rolls goes far beyond the familiar crispy spring roll; this is a city that celebrates texture as much as flavour.
Among the lesser-known pleasures are fresh and grilled hand-rolled dishes, including variations of Gỏi cuốn and grilled pork rolls inspired by Nem nướng. Wide, silky rice sheets are folded around fillings of fresh shrimp, sliced grilled pork, or tender beef, then finished with crisp fried wonton shards and fresh herbs. Light yet substantial, they are dipped into a gently seasoned fish sauce, reflecting Hanoi’s culinary restraint — nothing excessive, everything intentional.
For lunch, few dishes are as iconic as Bún chả. Smoky grilled pork — both caramelised slices and juicy patties — is served in a bowl of warm, lightly sweetened fish sauce with pickled green papaya and carrot. Alongside come rice vermicelli and baskets of herbs, allowing each diner to assemble their own perfect bite. Casual, generous, and deeply rooted in daily life, it is Hanoi at its most authentic.
Beyond the classics, Hanoi continues to reward curiosity. One such discovery is Bò lá lốt, a local favourite rarely polished for visitors. Thin, flat slices of beef are wrapped in aromatic betel leaves and grilled over open flame until lightly charred, releasing a smoky, herbal fragrance that is impossible to ignore. Served with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and rice paper, each bite is assembled by hand and dipped into a savoury sauce that brings everything into balance. Informal and tactile, it captures Hanoi’s quiet confidence at the table.
Throughout the stay, one dish emerged as a constant: Phở gà. Enjoyed at any hour — morning, midday, or evening — it proved consistently reliable and deeply comforting. The broth is clear yet intensely aromatic, patiently simmered to draw out every layer of flavour. The chicken, often free-range, is noticeably firmer, more fragrant, and more flavourful than what many travellers are accustomed to, underscoring how simplicity, when executed with care, can be profoundly satisfying.
As evening approaches, the city saves one of its most theatrical dishes for last: Chả cá. At the table, turmeric-marinated fish arrives sizzling on a hot plate, finished with dill and spring onions that perfume the air as they cook. Diners build each mouthful themselves with noodles, herbs, peanuts, and — for the brave — fermented shrimp paste. It is interactive, aromatic, and unmistakably Hanoi.
To finish a meal, locals often turn to something cooling and gently sweet: Chè. Less a single dessert than a universe of possibilities, it combines beans, jellies, fruits, coconut milk, and shaved ice. Some versions are warm, others refreshingly cold, but all are designed to cleanse the palate rather than overwhelm it — the perfect counterpoint to Hanoi’s savoury depth.
From early morning coffee in the Old Quarter to the last hot plate shared at night, the city tells its story through food — layered, nuanced, and deeply human.
What makes Hanoi’s food culture even more compelling is its accessibility. Exceptional meals are not reserved for special occasions or refined addresses; they are part of everyday life, enjoyed at remarkably affordable prices. Here, quality is democratic, and flavour is never compromised by cost.
For those who wish to go beyond observation and truly experience Hanoi as locals do, discovering the city alongside a knowledgeable insider makes all the difference. If you are ready to explore its markets, kitchens, and hidden tables with expert guidance, we invite you to discover the journey below — a more intimate way to taste Hanoi through the lens of Secret Retreats.
