10 Must-Try Breakfast Noodle Soups In Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoians famously eat breakfast ‘like kings’ because they typically start their days with all sorts of savory dishes, with noodle soups being the most popular choices. Read on for a list of the 10 most mouthwatering and well-known noodle soups in Hanoi.

Bún thang

Bún are thin vermicelli made from rice, and Bún thang is a special kind of noodle soup comprising rice vermicelli, thinly sliced chicken pieces, omelets, Vietnamese ham, mushrooms, and chopped fresh herbs. One of its secret ingredients is a tiny dollop of shrimp paste, which helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, and the combination of mild chicken broth and pungent shrimp paste is simply divine. Bún thang can be found in many places in Hanoi, but the most legendary recipe belongs to Mrs. Ẩm, a famous cook in the 20th century. Her recipe of bún thang was adapted by her daughter and son-in-law to serve in their restaurant, Vườn Ẩm Thực. Even though it is quite pricey compared to other places, the restaurant has air conditioners and very good service.

Address: 37 Cua Nam, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phở bò

Phở is among the most well known Vietnamese dishes by foreigners, and it is frequently served in Vietnamese restaurants around the world. The best place to have phở is definitely Hanoi, even though it may not be the birthplace of the dish. Phở are rice noodles, which are thicker than rice vermicelli. They are served in either beef broth or chicken broth (phở bò means beef pho). This hearty dish would not be complete without a large bunch of crunchy spring onions and freshly chopped cilantro on top — according to Vietnamese elders, spring onions are good for your immune system. One place to have good beef pho is at Phở Vui (Happy Pho), which was established about 30 years ago. The place is especially well liked by locals — not just for breakfast, but also for supper.

Phở gà

Phở gà (Chicken pho) is lighter than beef pho, and it is a natural remedy for a common cold. Similar to beef pho, it is usually served with chopped spring onions, coriander, onion slices and also quẩy, deep-fried flour-based snacks that are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Locals tend to dip them into their soup to let them absorb the tasty broth. The Vietnamese prefer chicken thighs to breasts, so chicken thigh pho is a little more expensive than chicken breast one.

Miến lươn

The main ingredients of miến lươn (eel noodle soup) are miến (cellophane noodles), lươn (eels), fried shallots, bean sprouts and Vietnamese cilantro. The eels are usually deep fried to eliminate their fishy smell and to add a tasty crunchy touch to the dish. In Chân Cầm street, Minh Lan restaurant specializes in eel dishes, and apart from eel noodle soup, you can also try eel soup and stir-fried eel noodle.

Address: 1 Chan Cam, Hanoi, Vietnam

Bún mọc

Similar to bún thang, bún mọc is rice vemicelli served in chicken or pork broth. What is so special about this dish is that it comprises several different types of Vietnamese ham and sausages. One of the best places to have bún mọc is in Nam Ngư street. This little quiet street is a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and you can also find some other decent restaurants here.

Bún ốc

Like the French, the Vietnamese eat snails too, but not the same kind of snails. They eat ốc (Vietnamese freshwater snails), which are smaller and chewier than the normal ones. Cooked snails are arranged neatly in a bowl of bún (rice vermicelli), fried tofu and fresh herbs. The dish is finished with a hot, sweet and sour broth that is poured over all of the cold ingredients. Finally, a few slices of cooked tomatoes are placed on top. One of the oldest places serving bún ốc is in Hàng Chai. Sometimes when it is too busy, guests have to hold their bowls in their hands because there are not enough tables. Still, it is a fun experience if you want to eat like a local.

Bún riêu

Bún (rice vermicelli) complements shellfish wonderfully — it is eaten with both ốc (freshwater snails), and riêu (minced freshwater mini crabs). Similar to bún ốc, bún riêu is served with fried tofu and sometimes, even thinly sliced beef fillets. The favourite place to have bún riêu for local students is in Hoè Nhai street. Although portions may be smaller than other riêu spots, the prices here are unbeatable.

Address: 13 Hoe Nhai, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phở bò sốt vang

Phở cay(Spicy pho) is a modern variation of traditional beef pho. Instead of being cooked in beef broth, beef in this dish is stewed in red wine and tomato sauce. The dish has a distinctive spicy flavor and vinegary taste, and is perhaps a little bit Westernized. Phở cay can be enjoyed in the Hanoi Tropical Café, which has very good ambiance and a comfortable, modern interior.

Miến ngan

Northern Vietnamese have certain rules for what food pairs best together. Bún tend to go with poultry and shellfish, while phở is usually eaten with either beef or chicken. Miến(cellophane noodles) can go with either freshwater eels or poultry such as ngan (creole duck), and Miến ngan is creole duck cellophane noodle soup. The combination of creole duck and bamboo shoots in this dish is a perfect marriage. Served from 10am to 2pm, miến ngan at 31 Lý Quốc Sư street is highly recommended by locals.
Address: 31 Ly Quoc Su, Hanoi, Vietnam

Bún cá

If you do not want to start your day with meat or seafood, a lighter choice is always available. Originating from Hai Phong, a port city in northern Vietnam, bún cá is freshwater fish vermicelli soup, which is served with deep fried fish pieces for a crunchy touch. For a chewy taste, fried fish cakes can be added, and the dish is topped with spring onions and dill. A local favourite place to eat bún cáis in Hồng Phúc lane.

About the author

Vy Dan Tran

Vy has recently graduated from Oxford Brookes University. Her majors are History of Art and Film Studies. Art, food, and traveling are her greatest passions. She writes a blog to document her simple pleasures in life and loves to share her insights into different cultures: https://vylyst.wordpress.com