Food in Hanoi, VN (March 27, 2026)
Like any major city, Hanoi, Vietnam has incredible places to eat. Full meals range in price from 50,000 VND (about $2 USD) to more than 2,640,0000 VND (about $100 USD) per person. And yes, when you see your restaurant bill displayed in the millions, it’s still a shock. Just like withdrawing 10,000,000 VND from an ATM (about $380 USD) makes you feel about as rich as you can possibly imagine.
In general, Hanoi strikes an incredible balance of delicious food prepared by renowned chefs at inexpensive prices. Here’s an example of a full meal that cost just 50,000 VND per person:
The best soup I’ve had in my life: Pho. So big, Elena asked to split it.
And yes, it’s hard to tell just how massively huge this bowl of beef Pho actually is. The spoon is oversized like you get in any Japanese restaurant with your miso soup (in case that helps). Elena couldn’t finish hers and asked to split a soup with me next time (and that would make a full delicious meal for $1 per person). I don’t know where else that exists (especially at this level of quality ingredients and flavor).
Last year, for Thanksgiving, I shared one of my favorite meals with my friends who live here (see related post). Today I introduced Will and Elena to the same Michelin Star rated restaurant (focusing on both traditional Northern Vietnamese flavors and international fine dining).
Luk Lak: One of my favorite restaurants here in Hanoi, Vietnam
Violet, unfortunately, couldn’t join us as she’s sick. We’re hoping this is a quick 24 hour bug that goes away quickly as we plan on going to Ha Long Bay tomorrow (see related post). She didn’t feel great last night and has been in bed all day today. Hopefully rest and gentle foods will help her recover.
In the meantime, Elena, Will and I feasted. This wasn’t the first time since we were here. Our friend Duc took us to a couple of street food places that were incredible. One used “premium beef” in the Pho and it tasted like they used either wagyu or filet. It was insanely good.
The thing about Vietnamese food is that it is influenced by and follows the many years of occupation this country has gone through. In case you’re unfamiliar, here’s a quick snapshot of Vietnamese occupation:
Key Occupations and Foreign Domination:
Chinese Dynasties (Various periods, 111 BC–938 AD & 1407–1928): China occupied Vietnam for over a millennium, with various dynasties exercising direct rule over northern and central regions.
France (1858–1954): France colonized Vietnam, dividing it into Tonkin, Annam, and Cochin China, forming part of French Indochina. They were briefly ousted by Japan but returned after WWII before being defeated in 1954.
Imperial Japan (1940–1945): During WWII, Japan occupied Vietnam, replacing French colonial administration and leading to a significant famine.
The United States (1965–1973): Following France’s departure, the U.S. intervened to support South Vietnam against the communist North, peaking at over 500,000 troops before withdrawing in 1973.
While all of this explains why Vietnam is so fiercely independent today. It’s national moto is “Independence – Freedom – Happiness.” You can see this spirt everywhere here.
From a foodie’s perspective, I believe the result of all these other countries occupying Vietnam is that you’ll find this country is a melting pot of the best cooking and culinary delights on earth. The Chinese and Japanese food here is incredible. You can taste the influence of the French (as well as American influences). But what Vietnam gets so incredibly right is the fusion with locally farmed foods and Vietnamese flavor. So it’s enhanced in all the best possible ways.
I’d argue we haven’t had a bad meal here yet. It’s the only place I’ve visited where it’s cheaper to eat out than buy groceries and cook at home. But beyond being more economical, the Vietnamese chefs are world class. I’ve had the best Mexican here. Insane cheesecake. And the franchised ice cream store still sells soft serve cones for 10,000 VND (about $0.38 cents).
Freshest shrimp and vegetable spring rolls I’ve tasted. Sauces rule too!
So yes, if you consider yourself a “foodie” and haven’t visited Vietnam, there’s a new level of culinary delight that awaits you. Last year I visited the north, central and southern parts of Vietnam and the food is just as incredible everywhere I visited. So “where” you go in Vietnam is less important than getting here and tasting for yourself.
As for today, I also love that Luk Lak is located walking distance from the Hanoi Opera House. Yes, it was closed, but it’s so iconic even from the outside, I’m glad I got to show it to Will and Elena.
Enjoying the Hanoi Opera House in front of the crazy traffic circle
And so, tonight we’ll find another amazing place to eat and hope that Violet is feeling well enough to join us. If not, we’ll keep bringing her nourishing takeout. We miss her company to be sure, but at least she’s not missing out on this incredible eating experience. Yum!
