Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, offers a vibrant culinary scene with a wide variety of dishes that can cater to the tastes of Pakistani visitors. If you are a Muslim, here are some recommendations for what to eat in Hanoi and some dining tips for Pakistani Travelers.

I. What to eat in Hanoi- Noodles and Soups

1. Pho: 

•  Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup): The iconic Vietnamese dish, Pho Bo is a must-try in Hanoi. It’s a fragrant beef broth with rice noodles, topped with thin slices of beef, fresh herbs, lime, and chili.

• Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup): For those who prefer chicken, Pho Ga is a flavorful alternative to the beef version.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Pho Thin: 13 Lo Duc Street, open from 5am to 9pm, priced about 40,000 VND – 60,000 VND / bowl.

Pho Ly Quoc Su: price about 50,000 VND – 77,000 VND / bowl, opening hours 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can find it at 3 addresses: Address 1: No. 10 Ly Quoc Su – Address 2: 42 Hang Voi – Address 3: N2A Hoang Minh Giam

2. Bun ca(fish noodle soup):

The combination of the rich, umami-filled broth, the tender fish, and the fresh garnishes makes it a delightful and satisfying meal.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Bún cá Văn: No. 105/2 Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, price is 35,000 VND/bowl.

Bún cá cô Phượng: No. 77 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, price 35,000 VND / bowl.

II. What to eat in Hanoi-Rice Dishes

1. Com Ga:

Vietnamese chicken rice dish featuring tender chicken pieces served with fragrant rice, fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Súp gà Thanh Hiền: 96 Ward Cau Go, Hang Trong, price about 100,000-150,000VND/serving

Cơm gà 8x: 38 Lane 60, Duong Khue Ward, My Dinh, Cau Giay, Hanoi, price about 50,000-70,000/serving

2. Chao:

• Chao Ca( fish porridge): is typically served hot, making it a comforting and nourishing dish.

• Chao Ga( chicken porridge):The combination of the creamy rice porridge, tender chicken, and fresh herbs creates a balanced.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Cháo cá Đoan Xồm: No. 213 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, a bowl of porridge here costs from about 35,000 VND to 60,000 VND / bowl.

Cháo gia truyền: No. 37 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung, price about 30,000 VND – 66,000 VND / bowl.

III. Grilled and Fried Foods

Cha Ca La Vong: A famous Hanoi dish of turmeric-marinated fish, fried and served with dill, peanuts, vermicelli noodles, and a dipping sauce.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Sentosa: 67Y Pho Duc Chinh, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, price about 170,000VND

Chả cá Hà Thành: 12 Ward Huynh Thuc Khang, Thanh Cong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, price about 135,000VND

IV. What to eat in Hanoi-Seafood

1. Oc:

A variety of snails and shellfish, typically served steamed or stir-fried with various sauces and herbs.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Ốc Hà Trang:1A Đinh Liệt, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, open from 14h30 – 22h, price about 60.000 – 90.000 VND

Chị Lệ: 88 Cửa Bắc, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình, open from 14h-22h, price about 30.000 – 80.000 VND

2. Ca Kho To:

Fish braised in a clay pot with caramel sauce, black pepper, and garlic. The sweet and savory flavors make it a delightful dish.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Cá kho Ông Hùng: 56 Trinh Dinh Cuu, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, open from 7:30-19:30

V. What to eat in Hanoi- Vegetarian Options

1. Banh Mi Chay

A vegetarian version of the famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich, filled with tofu, pickled vegetables, and herbs.

• Here are some restaurant addresses you can visit:

Bánh mì chay Vegan:64 Ward Hang Trong, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, price about 30,000-40,000VND

Tự Châu Veggie: 8 Nguyen Bieu, St, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, price about 35,000VND

• There are many other vegetarian dishes, you can try at:

Nhà Hàng Chay Me & An Vegetarian: 61 Ham Long Ward, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, open from 10:30-22:00

Nhà hàng Buffet chay Thân An: Niche 15 Ng. 44 Ward Nguyen Co Thach, My Dinh 1, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam, open from 11:00-21:00

VI. What to eat in Hanoi- Desserts and Drinks

1. Che

A sweet dessert soup made with various ingredients like beans, fruit, and coconut milk.

2. Ca phe trung

Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, a creamy and rich coffee made with egg yolk and condensed milk.

3. Sinh To

Fresh fruit smoothies, which are both refreshing and delicious

• You can try the above-mentioned drinks at cafes such as: Cộng Cafe, Phúc Long coffee and tea, The Coffee House…

Dining Tips for Pakistani Travelers

•  Halal Options: While finding halal food can be challenging, there are a few halal restaurants in Hanoi. You can also opt for vegetarian dishes or seafood, ensuring they are prepared in a manner consistent with your dietary requirements.
• Spices and Flavors: Vietnamese cuisine is generally milder compared to Pakistani food. If you prefer spicy food, ask for extra chili or sauces.
• Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the abundant use of fresh herbs and vegetables in Vietnamese dishes, which add a refreshing and healthy aspect to the meals.

Recommended Restaurants in Hanoi

1. Namaste Hanoi: An Indian restaurant offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including halal options.
2. Zaynab Restaurant: A halal restaurant in Hanoi serving a variety of Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes.
3. An Nhien Vegetarian Restaurant: A vegetarian restaurant offering a wide selection of Vietnamese vegetarian dishes.

Exploring the culinary delights of Hanoi can be a rewarding experience for Pakistani travelers, offering a unique blend of flavors and fresh ingredients while also providing some familiar elements through grilled meats and hearty broths.

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