Having 24 hours in Hanoi, with many types of food, will attract diners from all over the world. Vietnam’s capital is not only famous for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and friendly locals, but it also boasts numerous restaurants and street food spots listed in the Michelin Guide. If you’re looking for where to eat on your upcoming trip, check out this list of Michelin restaurants for an unforgettable 24 hours in Hanoi.
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Morning: Have breakfast like a local
Life in Hanoi starts early. As early as 4 AM, you can see elderly locals strolling around the lake. Pho stalls begin to fill the air with steam, and diners line the sidewalks. That’s right—Hanoi wakes up early. Breakfast is an essential part of daily life here, which is why the city offers a wide variety of breakfast options to start your Hanoi 24-hour food adventure.
The most iconic is pho. To truly experience Hanoi like a local, start your day with a hot bowl of pho. Hanoi currently has 3 pho restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide, all opening from 6 AM.
At Pho Gia Truyen, you’ll notice a large slab of beef hanging in the kitchen, which the chefs skillfully slice into 3 different cuts for pho: flank steak, round steak, and brisket.
Meanwhile, Pho Au Trieu is famous for its minced beef pho, featuring a rich broth simmered with beef bones for hours.
For a wider variety, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su offers over 10 different types of pho, allowing diners to explore various flavors of this beloved dish.
Besides pho, banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls with pork) is another great breakfast option. Head to Banh Cuon Ba Xuan, where the dipping sauce is delicately balanced in flavor. Don’t forget to enjoy it with fresh herbs such as mint leaves to fully taste the flavor of banh cuon.
Where to find these Hanoi Michelin restaurants:
- Pho Gia Truyen: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan kiem, Hanoi
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan kiem, Hanoi
- Phở Bo Au Trieu: 34 Au Trieu, Hoan kiem, Hanoi
- Banh Cuon Ba Xuan: 16 Hoe Nha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Lunch: Enjoy local restaurants in Hanoi 24 hours
Right in the Old Quarter, you can easily find local restaurants, listed in the Michelin Guide, to enjoy a delicious lunch in Hanoi 24 hours.
One of the most popular among locals is bun cha (Hanoi rice noodles with fresh herbs and grilled pork). A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant for this dish is Tuyet Bun Cha 34. The perfectly marinated grilled pork, served with a warm fish sauce, creates a truly harmonious combination. When you dip the rice noodles into the sauce, there’s nothing more to say than Wow!
Another Michelin Guide 2024 Bib Gourmand restaurant for lunch is Mien Luon Dong Thinh. Open for over 40 years, this place remains a favorite among Hanoians for its signature eel noodle dish. The crispy fried eel, served with soup or dry vermicelli, makes for an energy-boosting meal to fuel your afternoon journey.
For a home-style Vietnamese meal outside the city center, visit Xoi Com restaurant. With an ambiance resembling an ancient Vietnamese house, the restaurant serves rustic dishes like fish, tofu, and water spinach, bringing out the authentic flavors of a Vietnamese family meal.
Another Michelin lunch spot in your 24-hour Hanoi food tour is Chao Ban restaurant. Located near West Lake, this restaurant is an excellent choice to experience Vietnamese cuisine, especially nem ran (fried spring rolls) — a must-try on the menu. Other delicious dishes here are coconut shrimp and lacquered pork ribs.
Where to find these Hanoi Michelin restaurants:
- Tuyet Bun Cha 34: 34 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Mien Luon Dong Thinh: 87 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Xoi Com: 36 Lang Ha, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Chao Ban: 98 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Afternoon: Habit of afternoon tea in Hanoi
Afternoon tea is also a common habit in Vietnam, but unlike in other countries, locals here prefer coffee over tea. Coffee is a true pride of Vietnamese cuisine. That’s why, during your 24 hours in Hanoi, you shouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy a rich, aromatic cup of coffee.
There are plenty of delicious coffee options to enjoy in Hanoi, such as Vietnamese black coffee, ca phe sua da (iced milk coffee), or bac xiu, which contains more milk for a creamier taste. You’ll find coffee shops on almost every street, from small roadside stands to fancy cafés, each offering a unique experience of Vietnamese coffee culture.
Additionally, Hanoi is famous for its egg coffee from Giang Cafe. Smooth, sweet, and creamy egg cream blends perfectly with the bitterness of coffee, creating a unique and delightful experience. A small, warm cup of egg coffee is a must-try in Hanoi 24 hours.
Where to find these coffeeshops:
- Cong Cafe: 27 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Giang Cafe: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Dinner: Experience fine dining in Hanoi 24 hours
End your 24 hours in Hanoi with a memorable fine dining experience at Michelin restaurants. These dishes are not only beautifully presented but also incorporate contemporary cuisine, allowing diners to explore new flavors inspired by authentic Vietnamese food.
Chapter Dining – A Michelin Selected contemporary dining. Offering a curated 10+ course menu, each dish is accompanied by a postcard that tells the story of its locally sourced ingredients. Chapter Dining provides a fine dining experience that goes beyond food, offering a deeper understanding of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.
If you’re looking for another dinner option, Habakuk is a must-visit restaurant in Hanoi 24 hours. This Michelin Bib Gourmand spot in Hanoi offers a fusion of Vietnamese and European cuisine, making it a delightful choice.
By day, Habakuk is a hidden café tucked away in an alley. By night, it transforms into a modern bistro. Signature dishes include Onion Bruschetta, Grilled Beef Tenderloin, and more — each dish showcasing a harmonious blend of flavors from East and West.
Where to find these Hanoi Michelin restaurants:
- Chapter Dining: 12C Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Habakuk Fine Coffee & Bistro: 4 Phan Huy Chu Alley, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Spending 24 hours in Hanoi with Michelin Guide restaurants will be a memorable culinary experience. From street food, local restaurants, to fine dining, each meal is a step toward discovering the culture and lifestyle of the Vietnamese people. Don’t forget to share your thoughts if you’ve dined at any of these restaurants!
