Beyond Pho: 5 Must-Try Noodle Dishes in Hanoi

If you've had any dish from Vietnam, chances are it's pho.

This iconic beef noodle soup made with rice noodles is a must-try when visiting Vietnam – and it’s available at restaurants worldwide. However, Vietnam’s noodle offerings go far beyond this well-known dish.

Hidden in plain sight is another delightful noodle dish: bún, a dish as surprising, varied, and enticing as a jazz composition.

The pleasures of bún

In Vietnamese, 'bún' refers to rice vermicelli, essentially Asia’s version of spaghetti. It’s slurp-worthy and incredibly versatile, offering endless combinations that make each dish feel fresh. You can enjoy bún with fish sauce or tomato broth, snails or grilled meats, in spring rolls, or even woven into little bundles of joy known as bún hổi.

'What I love about Vietnamese noodles is that while they may share some common ingredients and herbs, each dish often has its own distinct composition, with special elements that truly make each one unique,' says Mark Wiens, a full-time travel food blogger behind Migrationology, in an interview with Dinogo.

Understanding Broth Basics

Not all noodle dishes are created equal. Helen Le, the host of Helen's Recipes on YouTube, explains that the key to judging a noodle dish is to first evaluate the broth and the fish sauce.

'The best broth should be clear – here in Vietnam, cloudy broths are not favored,' says Le.

The clearer the broth, the better the balance of essential flavors – salty, sweet, sour, and bitter – which is the hallmark of a great noodle dish. Ready to slurp? Here are five standout bún dishes that highlight the best of Vietnam's noodle culture, with recommendations on where to try them in Hanoi, the nation's capital:

1. Bún Riêu

Bún Riêu is a meat or seafood-based vermicelli soup known for its distinctive crimson color. The broth gets its hue from a blend of tomato paste and annatto oil, which is made from the seeds of the achiote tree.

The star ingredients of this soup are freshwater crabmeat and blanched tomatoes. The broth is given a tangy kick from tamarind paste, while crispy fried tofu pieces add a satisfying crunch.

Depending on the region, bún riêu can also be topped with beef, pork, snails, or fish. Vermicelli noodles float in the broth, perfectly balancing this light, yet vibrant dish. Don’t forget the side of lime wedges, chilies, and fresh greens like banana blossoms and mint – a perfect finishing touch to a hearty meal.

Where to try it in Hanoi: Head to Ms. Thu’s Bún Riêu street stall in Thọ Xương Alley, close to St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

2. Bún Chả

Bún Chả is a beloved lunchtime specialty in Hanoi. This cold noodle dish consists of chunks of grilled fatty pork – cha – served in a savory blend of fish sauce, vinegar, lime, and sugar.

Vermicelli noodles are served alongside fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots and green papaya, complementing the flavorful pork.

"It’s like a deconstructed noodle salad," says Le. Plus, it’s a dish fit for a president.

Where to try it in Hanoi: Bún Chả Cửa Đông, 41 Cửa Đông Street, Hoàn Kiếm District; +84 90 458 1964

3. Bún Cá Hải Phòng

On your way to the stunning islands of Ha Long Bay, you’ll pass through Hai Phong, one of Vietnam’s key seaports, known for its incredible seafood.

Bún Cá Hải Phòng, or “fish noodles from Hai Phong,” is a more subtle dish compared to some of the more flamboyant offerings in Vietnamese cuisine.

“What makes this dish stand out is the contrast in textures,” says Le.

The fish, typically mackerel, carp, or catfish, is mashed into fishcakes and deep-fried. Flavors of dill, tomatoes, green onions, and perilla – a minty herb – come together for a light and flavorful meal.

Where to try it in Hanoi: An Biên, 111 Triệu Việt Vương in Hai Bà Trưng District; +84 4 3974 0571

4. Chả Cá

Over a century old, Cha Ca La Vong restaurant is so renowned that an entire street in Hanoi bears its name.

The modest two-story café is famous for its chả cá: large pieces of tender grilled catfish, or basa, tinged with turmeric and seasoned with dill and shrimp paste.

Chả cá is served in a small pan on a portable stove, along with generous garnishes, chopped peanuts, and cold noodles. Like many great culinary experiences, cha ca is a DIY process. As the fish fries, diners can cook fresh green onions, ginger, and more dill, creating a flavor profile that's fresh yet earthy, delicate yet strong.

Where to try it in Hanoi: Chả Cá Lã Vọng, 14 Chả Cá in Hoàn Kiếm District; +84 4 3825 3929

5. Bún bò

Bún bò means 'Southern-style beef noodle,' yet it is enjoyed in Hanoi as well. The best spot to try this dish is Bun Bo Nam Bo in the city's Old Quarter.

The dish features stir-fried beef, infused with lemongrass, resting on a bed of vermicelli noodles. A generous helping of fresh herbs accompanies the beef, while crispy fried shallots add crunch. The dish is further enhanced by the aromatic notes of green papaya and pickled carrots.

Where to try it in Hanoi: Bún Bò Nam Bộ, 7 Hàng Điếu, Hoàn Kiếm District; +84 96 696 01 76