You will have some day in Hanoi and finding best breakfast placces in Hanoi? Look no further, Indochina Voyages team excited to guide you through the best breakfast spots and help you experience morning meals like a true Hanoian. From steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi, let’s dive into the delicious world of Hanoi’s breakfast culture.
What do Hanoians often have for breakfast?
While breakfast in other countries is quite basic, a breakfast in Hanoi is a celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage. Hanoians take their first meal of the day seriously, often starting early to savor their favorite dishes before heading to work or school. The breakfast culture here is diverse, offering a wide array of options to suit every palate.
Typical breakfast dishes that Hanoians often enjoy include:
- Pho (beef or chicken noodle soup)
- Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
- Bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles)
- Xoi (sticky rice with various toppings)
- Banh cuon (steamed rice rolls)
- Bun rieu (crab noodle soup)
- Banh bao (steamed buns)
- Ca phe (strong Vietnamese coffee made by Robusta)
So where can we savor these flavorful dishes in Hanoi as a signature? Let’s move for the below.
7 Best Breakfast places in Hanoi
Pho Thin
- Location: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District
- Price range: VND 50,000 – 70,000/bowl
Pho Thin has been a Hanoi institution since 1979. What sets their pho apart is the unique step of stir-frying the beef in garlic before adding it to the broth, creating a distinct flavor that has kept locals and tourists coming back for decades. The rich, clear broth and tender meat make this a must-try breakfast spot.
Pho Khoi Hoi
- Location: 50C Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem District
- Price range: VND 45,000 – 60,000/bowl
Known for its aromatic broth and generous portions, Pho Khoi Hoi is a local favorite. The restaurant’s specialty is pho bo (beef pho), featuring tender slices of beef and a fragrant broth that’s been simmered for hours. The no-frills atmosphere adds to its authentic charm.
Many locals come here not only to have breakfast but also to have their lunch. Normally, you can sit on the sidewalk on the Pho side, but the opposite drink shop also allows you to sit and eat Pho Khoi Hoi (they also provide chopsticks, spoons, and spices to eat pho like the pho shop), but you must order their drinks if you want to seat here. The drink shop has more airy and cool seats (there is even air conditioning inside). This is like a symbiotic business model of the two shops.
Banh mi 25
- Location: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem District
- Price range: 15,000 – 30,000 VND
This tiny street-side stall serves up some of the best banh mi in Hanoi. The crispy baguettes are filled with a perfect balance of meats, pate, vegetables, and sauces. Don’t let the long queues deter you – the service is quick, and the wait is well worth it.
Bit tet Hai Ty
- Location: 51 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District
- Price range: 70,000 – 100,000 VND
For those craving a heartier breakfast, Bit tet Hai Ty offers a Vietnamese twist on steak and eggs. The sizzling beef is served on a hot plate with a fried egg, pate, and crusty bread. It’s a perfect fusion of Vietnamese and Western breakfast traditions.
Banh cuon ba xuan
- Location: 16 Hoe Nhai, Ba Dinh District
- Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND
This spot is also recommended by the Michelin Guide and really worth it for a outstanding breakfast in Hanoi. Specializing in banh cuon, this place serves up delicately steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. The rolls are served with a side of fried shallots and a dipping sauce that perfectly complements the subtle flavors of the dish.
Banh Bao Ba Mau
- Location: 8 Nguyen Huu Huan Alley, Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District
- Price range: 15,000 – 25,000 VND
This is a small sidewalk shop, people mainly buy takeaway. These fluffy steamed buns filled with pork, quail eggs, and mushrooms are a popular grab-and-go breakfast for busy Hanoians. Ba Mau has been serving their famous banh bao for over 30 years, and their recipe remains a closely guarded secret. If choosing Banh Bao for your breakfast in Hanoi, you could come and buy some for takeaway, then find a local coffee shop, sipping them with a flavor and strong Vietnamese Coffee. That’s perfect for a breakfast in Hanoi
Xofa Cafe
- Location: 14 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem District
- Price range: 40,000 – 80,000 VND
While not a traditional breakfast spot, Xofa Cafe represents the evolving breakfast scene in Hanoi. It offers a mix of Vietnamese and Western breakfast options in a cozy, stylish setting. Their egg coffee is a must-try for those looking to experience a unique Hanoi specialty. You can enjoy a morning in Hanoi with a Western breakfast, also really enjoying!
How to have breakfast like Hanoian?
To truly experience breakfast like a Hanoian, it’s essential to understand the role of coffee in the morning routine. After enjoying their meal, many locals will sip on a strong cup of ca phe den (black coffee) or ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) while reading the newspaper or chatting with friends. This leisurely approach to mornings is a cherished part of Hanoi’s culture.
To have a real breakfast experience in Hanoi to be like Hanoians, here is a routine for your reference:
- Wake up early: Many of the best breakfast spots open as early as 6 AM and can get crowded quickly.
- Be adventurous: Don’t shy away from street food stalls or humble-looking eateries – they often serve the most authentic dishes.
- Engage with locals: If you’re unsure about how to eat a dish, don’t hesitate to observe or ask those around you.
- Take your time: Enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace, then find a nearby cafe to savor a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
- Try different dishes: Hanoi’s breakfast scene is diverse, so try to sample a variety of foods during your stay.
- Use local transportation: To blend in, consider taking a motorbike taxi or walking to your breakfast destination.
By following these tips and exploring the recommended spots, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing breakfast like a true Hanoian. Remember, breakfast in Hanoi is not just about the food – it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture and starting your day with the vibrant energy of this beautiful city. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Hanoi!
Finding the more authentic in Hanoi? Maybe you’ll need: 12 Hanoi off the beaten path experiences & Travel Guide
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From Indochina Voyages Team
