Top 10+ Best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter: Pho, banh mi, bun thang & more

Pho - Hanoi’s Classic Breakfast

There’s something magical about mornings in Hanoi Old Quarter, and nothing embodies it better than a bowl of pho. As the city hums to life, steam rises from street-side bowls, carrying the rich aroma of hours-long simmered broth. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance: tender slices of beef or chicken, soft rice noodles, and a burst of fresh herbs, enhanced by lime and chili. Eating pho here is not just about nourishment, it’s an experience, a glimpse into the everyday life of Hanoians. For travelers hunting the best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter, pho is a must-try.

Pho - Hanoi Old Quarter breakfast

Where to enjoy pho & price range:

• Pho Thin - Lo Duc Street: 50,000-60,000 VND ($2-$2.5) per bowl.
• Pho Bat Dan - Hang Dieu Street: 40,000-55,000 VND ($1.5-$2.3) per bowl.

To get the most out of your pho experience, try to visit early in the morning when the streets are quiet and the broth is freshest. Don’t hesitate to add lime, herbs, or chili to your bowl to suit your taste. Sitting at a small street-side table and watching locals start their day adds an authentic, immersive vibe that makes your breakfast in Hanoi truly unforgettable.

Banh Mi - Quick and flavorful morning bite

Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, banh mi is Hanoi’s ultimate grab-and-go breakfast. In the Old Quarter, this iconic Vietnamese sandwich is more than just a meal, it’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes, with crusty baguette, savory pate, juicy cold cuts, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a hint of chili. For anyone seeking the best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter, a fresh banh mi is an unbeatable choice, combining convenience, flavor, and local authenticity all in one bite.

Banh mi - Best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter 

Where to enjoy banh mi & price range:

• Banh Mi 25 - Hang Ca Street: 25,000-30,000 VND ($1-$1.3) per sandwich. Famous for its perfectly balanced flavors and consistently fresh bread.
• Banh Mi P - Hang Buom Street: 20,000-35,000 VND ($0.8-$1.5) per sandwich. Loved for its rich pate and flavorful cold cuts, often drawing long queues.

To truly enjoy your banh mi, pick it up early and wander through the lively streets of the Old Quarter, letting the aroma and energy of the city complement each bite. Pair it with a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee  or a warm cup of tea for a burst of morning energy , and take a moment to watch locals starting their day.

Bun Thang - A delicate Hanoi specialty

For those seeking a best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter that is both elegant and deeply traditional, bun thang is a must-try in Hanoi Old Quarter. This delicate noodle soup is a masterpiece of northern Vietnamese cuisine, featuring thin rice noodles, shredded chicken, pork, egg ribbons, and a fragrant, subtly seasoned broth infused with dried shrimp and fish sauce. 

Unlike heavier breakfast dishes, bun thang delights with its light, aromatic flavors, offering a refined start to your day. Its elegance and attention to detail reflect the city’s rich food heritage, giving diners a taste of Hanoi’s traditional morning rituals.

Bun Thang - A delicate Hanoi specialty

Where to enjoy bun thang & price range:

• Bun Thang Ba Duc - Hang Bac Street: 60,000-70,000 VND ($2.5-$3) per bowl. A local favorite known for its rich, flavorful broth and perfectly shredded ingredients.
• Bun Thang Hang Dieu - Hang Dieu Street: 55,000-65,000 VND ($2.3-$2.8) per bowl. Famous for its delicate balance of chicken, pork, and egg ribbons, served in a clear, aromatic broth.

To get the most out of your bun thang experience, visit early in the morning when the broth is freshest and the restaurant is alive with locals enjoying their daily ritual. Pair your bowl with a small glass of lime juice or traditional Vietnamese tea, and soak in the calm yet vibrant rhythm of Hanoi’s streets - a breakfast experience that is both delicious and culturally immersive.

Read more: 8 Best Hanoi Restaurants in 2025 for Authentic Vietnamese Dining

Sticky rice (Xôi) - Hearty and traditional

Sticky rice, or Xôi, is a beloved breakfast staple in Hanoi, offering a hearty and satisfying start to the day. The glutinous rice is perfectly steamed to a soft, slightly chewy texture, then topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients, ranging from shredded chicken, and fried shallots to sweetened mung beans or crispy fried pork skin. 

Each combination provides a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making Xôi both comforting and filling. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast on the street or sitting down at a local stall, xoi reflects the authenticity and richness of Hanoi’s morning cuisine.

Sticky rice (Xôi) - Hearty and traditional

Where to enjoy xoi & price range:

• Xoi Yen - Hang Than Street: 30,000-40,000 VND ($1.3-$1.7) per portion. Famous for its classic combination of chicken, egg, and fried shallots.
• Xoi Xéo Ba Lệ - Hang Chieu Street: 25,000-35,000 VND ($1-$1.5) per portion. Loved for its flavorful mung bean topping and fragrant rice. 

For the best experience, visit early in the morning when the rice is freshly steamed and the toppings are warm and aromatic. Don’t hesitate to try different xoi variations to find your favorite. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or a glass of fresh juice, and enjoy the bustling morning energy of Hanoi streets. 

Rice Porridge (Cháo) - Light and comforting

Rice porridge, or chao, is the perfect breakfast for those who prefer something light yet nourishing. This warm, silky dish is made from slow-cooked rice simmered to a creamy consistency and often accompanied by toppings such as shredded chicken, minced pork, century egg, or crispy fried dough sticks. 

Chao’s gentle flavors are soothing on the palate, making it an ideal choice for early mornings or for anyone seeking a comforting start to the day. It’s simple yet versatile, offering a glimpse into the traditional breakfast culture of Hanoi, where flavor, texture, and aroma are harmoniously balanced.

Rice Porridge (Cháo) - One of the best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter 

Where to enjoy chao & price range:

• Chao Suong - Hang Ga Street: 25,000-35,000 VND ($1-$1.5) per bowl. Known for its creamy consistency and flavorful chicken topping.
• Chao Ga Hang Bo - Hang Bo Street: 30,000-40,000 VND ($1.3-$1.7) per bowl. Famous for its fragrant broth and generous portions.

For the best experience, enjoy your bowl of chao while it’s piping hot. Enhance the flavors by adding a pinch of black pepper, a squeeze of lime, or some fresh herbs. Don’t forget to dip quẩy (crispy fried dough sticks) into the porridge for extra texture and richness. Sitting at a small street-side table, watching the hustle of Hanoi mornings, transforms this simple dish into a deeply satisfying and authentic breakfast experience.

Banh Cuon - Steamed rice rolls

Banh cuon, or steamed rice rolls, is a classic Hanoi breakfast loved for its delicate texture and subtle, savory flavors. Each roll is made from thin sheets of rice batter, filled with seasoned minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, then topped with crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs. 

Served with a side of nuoc cham (Vietnamese fish sauce), slices of pork sausage, or fresh cucumber, banh cuon balances soft, crispy, and aromatic elements in every bite. Light yet satisfying, it’s a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering a glimpse into Hanoi’s refined breakfast culture.

Banh Cuon - Steamed rice rolls

Where to enjoy banh cuon & price range:

• Banh Cuon Gia Truyen - Hang Ga Street: 35,000-45,000 VND ($1.5-$2) per portion. Famous for silky rolls and a generous topping of fried shallots.
• Banh Cuon Thanh Van - Hang Bac Street: 30,000-40,000 VND ($1.3-$1.7) per portion. Known for flavorful pork filling and perfectly balanced nuoc cham.

For the best experience, enjoy your banh cuon while it’s fresh and warm, and don’t hesitate to enhance the flavor by mixing a bit of lime juice, a pinch of black pepper, or a slice of chili into the nuoc cham. Dip your crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy) into the rolls for an extra texture contrast. 

Pair your meal with a cup of green tea or Vietnamese iced tea to balance the savory richness. Sitting at a small street-side table and watching Hanoi come alive in the morning makes this simple breakfast truly memorable. Experiencing banh cuon like this is one of the little joys that can make a morning in Hanoi Old Quarter feel special.

Wonton noodles (Mi Van Than) - Savory and satisfying

Wonton noodles, or Mi Van Than, are a beloved specialty of Hanoi mornings. This dish features delicate handmade wontons stuffed with seasoned pork or shrimp, served in a fragrant, light broth with thin egg noodles. Topped with fresh herbs, scallions, and occasionally slices of pork or shrimp, each bowl offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. 

Wonton noodles (Mi Van Than) - Hanoi Old Quarter breakfast

The combination of tender wontons, springy noodles, and aromatic broth makes this breakfast both comforting and satisfying, ideal for those who enjoy a flavorful but not overly heavy morning meal. With its unique taste and careful preparation, Mi Van Than has become a must-try for anyone exploring traditional Hanoi cuisine.

Where to enjoy wonton noodles & price range:

• Mi Van Than Hang Dao - Hang Dao Street: 40,000-50,000 VND ($1.7-$2.2) per bowl. Known for its flavorful wontons and clear, aromatic broth.
• Mi Hoanh Thanh - Lo Su Street: 45,000-55,000 VND ($2-$2.4) per bowl. Famous for tender shrimp wontons and perfectly cooked noodles.

For the best experience, start by sipping the broth to appreciate its delicate flavor, then add fresh herbs, a dash of chili, or a squeeze of lime to enhance the taste. Pairing your bowl with a warm cup of tea complements the subtle flavors. Enjoying your wonton noodles while observing the lively streets of Hanoi turns breakfast into an immersive cultural experience, making it one of the best breakfasts in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Read more: Explore Trang Tien Plaza Hanoi - Shopping, dining & attractions

Bun Rieu - Tangy crab noodle soup

Bun Rieu is a quintessential Hanoi breakfast that combines bright, tangy flavors with a rich, satisfying broth. This noodle soup features thin rice noodles topped with a savory mixture of crab paste, tomatoes, and sometimes minced pork or fried tofu. 

Bun Rieu - Tangy crab noodle soup

Garnished with fresh herbs, shredded banana blossom, and a hint of chili, Bun Rieu strikes a perfect balance between acidity, sweetness, and umami, making it both light and deeply flavorful. It’s a dish that delights the palate while offering a glimpse into the culinary creativity of Hanoi mornings.

Where to enjoy Bun Rieu & price range:

• Bun Rieu Cua Hang Be - Hang Be Street: 40,000-50,000 VND ($1.7-$2.2) per bowl. Known for its tangy, aromatic broth and generous crab topping.
• Bun Rieu 67 - Hang Giay Street: 45,000-55,000 VND ($2-$2.4) per bowl. Famous for fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavors.

For the ultimate Bun Rieu experience, take a slow sip of the tangy, aromatic broth first, then mix in fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of chili to awaken every layer of flavor. Don’t forget to enjoy the crunchy banana blossom or fried shallots with each bite for added texture. Grab a stool at a bustling street-side spot and watch the lively morning rhythm of Hanoi.

Banh Gio - Triangular steamed rice cake

For those looking to try one of the best breakfasts in Hanoi Old Quarter, Banh Gio offers a unique and hearty option. This triangular steamed rice cake is made from glutinous rice flour filled with seasoned pork, wood ear mushrooms, and sometimes quail egg, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. 

Banh Gio - Triangular steamed rice cake

The result is a fragrant, soft, and flavorful breakfast treat that is both filling and convenient for busy mornings. Each bite delivers a balance of savory filling and subtly sweet, aromatic rice, making it a beloved local favorite.

Where to enjoy Banh Gio & price range:

• Banh Gio Ba Thinh - Hang Than Street: 25,000-35,000 VND ($1-$1.5) per piece. Famous for its tender filling and fragrant banana leaf aroma.
• Banh Gio Hang Bac – Hang Bac Street: 20,000-30,000 VND ($0.9-$1.3) per piece. Loved for its generous pork and mushroom filling.

To get the most out of your Banh Gio, unwrap it carefully to savor the fragrant banana leaf aroma before taking a bite. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or add a small dab of chili sauce, it enhances the savory filling without overpowering it. Try pairing it with a warm cup of green tea or a traditional Vietnamese coffee to balance the richness of the rice and pork. 

Exploring the best breakfast in Hanoi Old Quarter is more than just a culinary adventure, it’s a journey through the city’s rich culture, vibrant streets, and timeless morning rituals. From steaming bowls of pho and delicate bun thang to savory banh cuon, hearty xoi, and the unique charm of banh gio, every bite tells a story of Hanoi’s culinary heritage. 

Book your stay at La Mejor Hotel & Sky Bar and enjoy effortless access to the Old Quarter

To make the most of your Hanoi mornings, staying close to the Old Quarter is key. La Mejor Hotel & Sky Bar, located just 10 minutes by car from Hanoi Old Quarter, offers a perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience. After enjoying your morning feast, you can easily return to stylish rooms, relax at the spa, or sip a coffee overlooking the city, making it an ideal base for exploring Hanoi’s culture and cuisine.

Book your stay at La Mejor Hotel & Sky Bar and enjoy effortless access to the Old Quarter, so every morning can start with the city’s best breakfast experiences right at your doorstep.