Michelin-starred restaurant chef reveals 5 must-try specialties in Hanoi

Not only pho, Hanoi also has many delicious dishes that tourists should enjoy once.

Hanoi can be considered the culinary capital of Vietnam, attracting food lovers from all over the world. When focusing on pho - the iconic dish of Vietnam, many diners miss out on countless other diverse dishes. Sam Tran, head chef of Gia restaurant with one Michelin star in Hanoi, is always proud to promote the unique culinary features of his homeland. Below are 5 dishes that visitors should try once when coming to Hanoi as suggested by chef Sam Tran. Grilled pork vermicelli The delicious combination of grilled pork, vermicelli, fresh herbs and fragrant dipping sauce creates a street specialty of the capital. Passing by bun cha shops, diners will see smoke coming from the glowing charcoal stove, the aroma of grilled pork. The pork pieces are marinated just right, combined with vermicelli and rich dipping sauce will definitely be a wonderful experience. Some delicious bun cha addresses recommended by Michelin are Bun cha Tuyet 34 on Hang Than Street, Bun cha ta on Nguyen Huu Huan Street.

Grilled pork vermicelli is a dish with the perfect combination of grilled meat, green vegetables and rich dipping sauce. Photo: Michelin Guide

Grilled meat vermicelli is a dish with the perfect combination of grilled meat, green vegetables and rich dipping sauce.

Fried rice Chef Sam Tran has a special love for fried rice, also known as fried rice in Hanoi. A hearty meal for her is fragrant fried rice, served with roasted quail, roasted pork, pickles, fried tofu... with fish sauce. This chef's favorite dish is the "wonderfully" delicious fried egg with pig brain. The price of a fried rice dish is also very affordable, ranging from only 25,000 - 65,000 VND/dish.

Fried rice is a popular and familiar dish that suits a wide range of diners. Photo: Michelin Guide

Fried rice is a popular and familiar dish that appeals to a wide range of diners. Catfish or sturgeon fish cakes are marinated with turmeric, ground galangal and fried until golden brown. Fish cakes are served with dill, onions, roasted peanuts, fresh vermicelli... bringing an explosive taste experience. Some addresses recommended by Michelin are Cha Ca Thang Long on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, or Cha Ca Anh Vu on Giang Vo Street.

Grilled fish noodle soup is a unique and interesting dish that visitors should try when coming to Hanoi.

Banh cuon Banh cuon has long been a famous breakfast dish of Hanoians. The plump cake is filled with meat, wood ear mushrooms, served with fried onions and a bowl of rich dipping sauce, which will surely leave diners with an unforgettable taste impression. Ba Xuan Banh Cuon restaurant on Hoe Nhai slope is a prestigious address that Michelin recommends diners to try at least once.

Ba Xuan rice rolls is an extremely familiar address for gourmets.

Bun rieu The last street food Sam Tran recommends is much more flavorful than other Hanoi dishes, which is bun rieu. The broth of this noodle dish is made entirely from crab fat and meat, with tomatoes and shrimp paste added for a beautiful color and aroma. Bun rieu can be eaten with fried tofu, ham, and even duck eggs.