There are many reasons why Hanoi welcomes millions of visitors every year. The Vietnamese capital is renowned for its stunning architecture, its beautiful temples, its fascinating history, and its contemporary art galleries, for example. But in between admiring all of this, visitors and locals alike just can’t get enough of the city’s food scene.
From nourishing, warming bowls of phở to deep-fried tofu to sizzling stir-fry, Hanoi’s streets are lined with restaurants serving up delicious, globally renowned cuisine. This is why the city was recently named the best culinary destination in the world at the fifth annual World Culinary Awards in Dubai, edging out competitors like Cape Town, South Africa; Lima, Peru; and Lisbon, Portugal.
The winner was decided by a public vote, so you can rest assured that many foodies gave their input on which city was worthy of the crown.
“This achievement highlights the diversity of Hanoi’s cuisine, where tradition blends with creativity to create a unique charm,” stated Vietnamese media platform Vietnam+. It continued: “With fresh ingredients, refined preparation methods, and artistic dining spaces, Hanoi cuisine has earned the trust and admiration of international visitors.”
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What food is Hanoi known for?
Meat is becoming more popular in Vietnam. The country is one of the world’s biggest consumers of pork, and the meat features in many traditional dishes, including thịt kho tàu, which is made with caramelized pork belly, and bánh mì, a Vietnamese sandwich. With this in mind, it makes sense that you would find plenty of meaty dishes in Hanoi, the nation’s capital.
According to the blog Flavors of Hanoi, the city is also known for noodle dishes like phở bo, which is often made with beef or chicken, and bun ngan, which is made with duck. Hanoi is also renowned for cha ca, notes the blog, which is made with turmeric-marinated catfish, and banh cuon, which are rice noodle rolls with minced wood ear mushrooms and seasoned ground pork.
However, among all of this meat and fish, Hanoi is also home to plenty of restaurants specializing in plant-based options. In fact, according to the travel app and restaurant guide HappyCow, Hanoi is home to nearly 270 restaurants with vegan choices like spring rolls, vegetable phở, mock meat dishes, tofu stir-fry, rice noodle bowls, and so much more.
Where to eat vegan food in Hanoi
If you want a taste of some of the best vegan food in the capital, we’ve listed some of the top restaurants to visit below.
catlove | Happy Cow
1 Katze Vegan & Vegetarian
This small restaurant on Hang Be Street is one of the most popular spots in the city for vegan food. According to HappyCow reviewers, you can try everything from sweet and sour mock pork to fried pumpkin leaves to mock chicken, and it’s all delicious. “I went back here three times during my week in Hanoi because the food was that good,” said one reviewer.
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artemis1998fowl | Happy Cow
2 Bao An Vegan
If you love bánh mì, Bao An Vegan in Hanoi’s commercial Hoan Kiem District is a must-visit. According to HappyCow reviewers, the small food stall specializes in the traditional Vietnamese sandwich, which is loaded with tender soy-based meat. You can also order vegan phở, dumplings, and more from the popular street food spot.
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Vi Lai
3 Vị Lai
You’ll find Vị Lai in the Hai Ba Trung District, which is one of the most popular areas in Hanoi. After checking out Thong Nhat Park and the Hai Ba Trung temple, head to the vegan-friendly restaurant for nourishing, beautifully presented dishes like fried lotus roots, braised mushrooms, pâté, hot pot, and so much more. “From the space and service to the food, everything is very sophisticated. Will definitely come back with my family in the future,” said one Trip Advisor reviewer.
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Cái Mâm Bistro
4 Cái Mâm Bistro - Signature Vegan
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, spoil yourself at Cái Mâm Bistro, which is located on Luong Van Can Street, one of the most historic streets in all of Hanoi. Everything is made with fresh and organic ingredients, and the atmosphere is “luxurious and peaceful,” say HappyCow reviewers.
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Chayfood
5 Chayfood
Health-focused Chayfood has two locations in Hanoi: one on Nguyen Huu Huan Street and another in Tay Ho, close to Ho Tay Lake. Both restaurants serve up a plethora of tasty traditional dishes made with 100 percent plant-based ingredients. One HappyCow reviewer said: “Love this place. Lots of [variety]—noodles, rice, pasta, burritos, soup, and more. I come here at least once a month when I’m in Hanoi.”
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Kiez Vegan
6 Kiez Vegan
If you’re in the mood for comfort food, head to Kiez Vegan, which is also located in Tay Ho. There, you’ll find everything from vegan cakes to German-style kebabs to phở. Writing on her blog My Vegan Travels, travel writer Lucy Johnson said of Kiez Vegan: “The food is so good that I have found myself eating there pretty much every other day. I have pretty much become part of the furniture.”
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Ivegan Supershop
7Ivegan Supershop
This vegan chain has five locations across Vietnam, including two in Hanoi (one in Tay Ho and one in Hoan Kiem), where you can nourish your body with smoothie bowls, customizable salad bowls, meaty burgers, sandwiches, and more. It’s a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for a quick, satisfying, tasty lunch.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
