What to order:

Order the bún chả. You’ll get charcoal-grilled pork patties and slices of pork served in a warm, slightly sweet fish sauce broth, alongside rice noodles and a big plate of fresh herbs. Mix everything together and adjust with chilli or garlic to taste.

Why it’s here:

This is one of those proper Old Quarter bún chả spots where they do one thing and do it really well. You walk down a narrow alley, passing the grill where you can watch the pork being cooked over hot coals before reaching the small courtyard seating. It’s packed with locals, smells incredible, and feels unapologetically Hanoi.

Tip:

It gets very busy, so go earlier rather than later as they can sell out, especially around lunchtime. Expect a bit of smoke on your clothes – it’s part of the experience.