Explore 30 Must-Try Hanoi Delicacies

Hanoi – the heart of Vietnam – is not just a city preserving heroic historical imprints and ancient architectural wonders, but also a captivating culinary paradise that enchants anyone who visits.

With its 36 old streets and long-standing culinary traditions, Hanoi never disappoints diners from near and far. From the refined combination of ingredients to the meticulous and careful preparation process, each Hanoian delicacy is a work of art, a unique story, always a focal point for anyone with a passion for food.

It’s truly difficult to fully capture the deliciousness and essence of Hanoi’s cuisine within a few pages.

Top 30 Must-Try Hanoi Delicacies When Traveling to the Capital

1. Pho – The Soul of the Nation

When mentioning Hanoi, you simply can’t overlook its “national soul” – Pho. From traditional noodle soup, rich stir-fried pho, to refreshing pho rolls; from sweet chicken pho to diverse beef pho with rare beef, flank, brisket, tendon… It seems you could eat pho for a month without getting bored, thanks to the myriad of appealing options.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan (6:30 AM – 8:30 AM, 30,000 – 55,000 VND/bowl)
  • Pho Thin: 13 Lo Duc (5:00 AM – 9:00 PM, 40,000 – 60,000 VND/bowl)
  • Pho Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su, 42 Hang Voi, N2A Hoang Minh Giam (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM, 50,000 – 77,000 VND/bowl)
  • Pho Suong: Trung Yen Alley, Dinh Liet Street (Old Quarter) OR Nguyen Hong (40,000 – 55,000 VND/bowl)
  • Pho Cuon Huong Mai: 25 Ngu Xa (20,000 – 55,000 VND/dish)

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  2. Bun Thang – A Meticulously Refined Essence

  Bun Thang is a dish that fully embodies the sophistication, meticulousness, and care of Hanoians. This dish is a perfect blend of colors, flavors, and presentation: the yellow of shredded fried egg, the white of pork sausage, the green of shredded scallions harmonizing with the brown of mushrooms. All these elements create a delicate and flavorful Hanoian dish that makes anyone want to pick up their chopsticks immediately.

Suggested Addresses:

• Bun Thang Cau Go: 32 and 48 Cau Go (30,000 – 55,000 VND/bowl)
• Bun Thang Hang Hom: 11 Hang Hom (20,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl)
• Bun Thang Giang Vo: At the beginning of D2 Giang Vo (40,000 VND/bowl)

3. Bun Oc Chuoi Dau – An Unforgettable Flavor

This distinctive Hanoian dish is special because of its exquisite and elaborate preparation, as well as its wonderfully unique flavor. You can taste the richness of each snail, the crispiness of the golden fried tofu, and the spicy sourness of chili paste and broth with your first bite of vermicelli. The flavor of the dish is further enhanced when eaten with green bananas and various fresh herbs.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Bun Oc Co Them: Hang Chai Alley (30,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Oc Top Mo Mai Huong Alley: Bach Mai Street (25,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Oc Nguoi at O Quan Chuong: (35,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Oc Chuoi Dau Ba Luong: Alley 191 Khuong Thuong (20,000 – 33,000 VND/bowl)

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  4. Bun Rieu – Rich Countryside Flavor

  Bun Rieu is a dish for any weather; whether on hot summer days or cold winter ones, a bowl of field crab noodle soup easily wins over diners. The rich flavor of field crab blends with the refreshing sourness of tomatoes and the depth of fermented shrimp paste, making anyone who tries it once remember it forever.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Bun Rieu Quang Trung: 2F Quang Trung (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 30,000 – 45,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Rieu Nguyen Sieu: 32 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem (20,000 – 25,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Rieu Thi Sach: 2 Thi Sach, Hai Ba Trung (20,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl)

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  5. Bun Moc – A Light Breakfast

  Bun Moc is a familiar breakfast dish for Hanoians, especially on chilly days. Although called Bun Moc (pork paste noodles), this dish also includes chicken, ribs, bamboo shoots, or taro stems alongside the plump pork paste balls. The ingredients complement each other, blending into a clear, sweet broth, creating a delicious sensation for the diner.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Bun Moc 57 Hang Luoc: (25,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Moc 32 Cau Go: (30,000 – 66,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Moc 11 Hang Trong: (20,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Moc Chan Ga 45A Mai Hac De: (25,000 VND/bowl)

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  6. Bun Dau Mam Tom

  From a humble street food, Bun Dau Mam Tom (fermented shrimp paste with fried tofu and vermicelli) has conquered even the most sophisticated diners with its rich and unique flavor.

  

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Bun Dau Hang Khay: Alley 31 Hang Khay (10:30 AM – 9:00 PM, 45,000 VND/set)
  • Bun Dau Trung Huong: Phat Loc Alley (20,000 – 50,000 VND/set)
  • Bun Dau Mam Tom Cay Bang: Dai La (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 30,000 VND/full bowl)
  • Bun Dau Goc Da Ngo Gach: (50,000 VND/full set, from 10:00 AM)
  • Bun Dau Long Nuong Hoang Cau Area: Alley 16 Hoang Cau (60,000 VND/plate, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

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  7. Bun Ca

  Bun Ca (fish noodle soup) originated from Hai Phong but is greatly loved by Hanoians, becoming a “specialty” of the capital. Crispy fried fish, finely diced fried tofu, chewy pork ear sausage eaten with water spinach, pristine vermicelli noodles, and a rich, tangy broth.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Bun Ca Van: 105/2 Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh (35,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Ca Tron Thai Binh: 5B Cao Dat, Hai Ba Trung (35,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Ca Sam Cay Si: 5 Ngo Trung Yen, Hoan Kiem (30,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Ca Co Phuong: 77 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem (35,000 VND/bowl)
  • Bun Ca: 164 O Cho Dua, Dong Da (30,000 VND/bowl)

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  8. Bun Cha

Bun Cha Hanoi is so famous that it even captivated US President Obama during his visit to Vietnam. This rustic dish has become an icon of Hanoi’s cuisine.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Bun Cha Huong Lien: Le Van Huu (The restaurant President Obama visited, 40,000 VND/set)
  • Bun Cha Dac Kim: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem (50,000 – 60,000 VND/set, generous with meat)
  • Bun Cha Sinh Tu: 57 Nguyen Khuyen, Dong Da (35,000 VND/set)

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  9. Chao Suon

On chilly Hanoi days, sitting and enjoying a hot bowl of Chao Suon (pork rib porridge) while sharing daily stories is truly delightful. A bowl of Hanoi’s pork rib porridge isn’t overly elaborate, simply porridge, ribs, and crispy fried dough sticks, but its flavor draws many people after work, offering a comforting warmth on a cold, windy evening.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Chao Suon Bach Khoa – Ta Quang Buu: Alley 17 Ta Quang Buu, Hai Ba Trung (10,000 – 15,000 VND)
  • Chao Suon Hang Bo: (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM, 10,000 – 20,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Suon Ngo Huyen: (20,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Suon Dong Xuan Market: (Open from 6:00 PM, 25,000 VND/bowl)

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  10. Chao Ca

  Chao Ca (fish porridge) is also a delicious dish for cold days. Cooking a truly flavorful fish porridge without any fishy smell is not easy. Therefore, seek out reputable establishments to enjoy this excellent fish porridge.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Lao Ngu Cha Ca: 171 Thai Ha, Dong Da (50,000 – 110,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Ca Doan Xom: 213 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem (35,000 – 60,000 VND/bowl)

11. Sticky rice

Like pho, Hanoi offers many different kinds of sticky rice, primarily savory options such as Xoi Xeo (sticky rice with mung bean paste and fried onion), Xoi Ngo (sticky rice with corn), Xoi Cha (sticky rice with pork sausage), Xoi Khuc (sticky rice with Gac fruit and pork), etc. All these create a diverse and unique color for Hanoi’s rich “sticky rice cuisine.”

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem (Early morning – 1:00 AM, 35,000 – 44,000 VND/set)
  • Xoi Truong Chinh: Near Nga Tu So (6:00 PM – midnight, 25,000 – 35,000 VND/set)
  • Xoi Loc: 105 Ta Quang Buu, Hai Ba Trung (20,000 – 40,000 VND/set)

12. Nem – Delicious Hanoi Flavors

Hanoi has countless versions of Nem (spring rolls): grilled nem, fried nem, fermented pork sausage (nem lui)…

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Nem Chua Nuong 10 Au Trieu: (2:00 PM – midnight, 7,000 VND/piece)
  • Nem Lui Phan Huy Ich Street: (10,000 VND/piece)
  • Nem Ran Ngo Tam Thuong: (80,000 VND/plate for 2 people)

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  13. Caramel (Banh Flan)

  Caramel or Banh Flan (custard pudding) is a favorite snack not only for Hanoians but also for any faraway visitor. The richness of egg and milk blended with the deep sweetness of caramelized sugar creates a truly alluring flavor.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Caramel 29 Hang Than: (15,000 VND)
  • Nguyen Cong Tru Market: 37H2 Nguyen Cong Tru Collective (Caramel with tapioca pearls, 20,000 VND)

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  14. Thach Dua

  If you’ve already visited 29 Hang Than for Caramel, you don’t need to go far to enjoy Thach Dua (coconut jelly).

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Thach Dua 29 Hang Than: (60,000 VND/whole coconut)
  • Thach Dua 34 Hang Cot: (50,000 VND/whole coconut)
  • Thach Dua Le Trong Tan: (25,000 – 30,000 VND/whole coconut)

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  15. Nom Thit Bo Kho

  This super appetizing favorite dish is a combination of different parts of beef (tendon, dried meat) mixed with papaya, carrots, and a flavorful dressing.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Nom Bo Kho Hoan Kiem Street: The entire street (35,000 – 45,000 VND/plate)
  • Nom Lim Hang Bun Street: (Opens from 4:00 PM, 30,000 VND/plate)
  • Nom Mai Nga Ham Long Street: (35,000 VND/plate)
  • Nom Bo Kho Them Bi Ton That Tung Street: (20,000 VND/plate, opens from 3:00 PM)

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  16. Kem Trang Tien – A Taste of Childhood

  It would be a waste for anyone visiting Hanoi not to try Kem Trang Tien (Trang Tien Ice Cream). This small ice cream, rich with milk flavor, has “lived” with Hanoians for countless years. Time may change, but Trang Tien ice cream has never lost its delicious taste and the affection of discerning diners. The most famous is still the waffle cone ice cream.

• Address: 35 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem (12,000 VND/cone)

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  17. Old Quarter Coffee – A Nostalgic Space

  Old Quarter Coffee in Hanoi always makes people linger, whether they are long-time residents or transient visitors.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Cafe Dinh: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang (Hoan Kiem Lake view, 15,000 VND/glass)
  • Cafe Giang: Alley 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem (Famous for egg coffee, 15,000 – 33,000 VND/cup)
  • Cafe Pho Co: 11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem (20,000 – 55,000 VND/cup)

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  18. Banh Cuon

  Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls) in Hanoi style can be considered a combination of “banh uot” and “banh cuon” from Saigon. Coming to Hanoi without enjoying a fragrant hot plate of Banh Cuon would truly be a waste! You’ll find it hard to resist this dish.

• • Suggested Addresses:

    • Banh Cuon Thanh Tri: Thanh Tri Ward, Hoang Mai (30,000 VND/plate)
    • Banh Cuon Hang Ga: 14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem (20,000 – 45,000 VND)
    • Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung (30,000 VND/plate)
    • Banh Cuon Gia An: 25 Thai Phien, Hai Ba Trung (29,000 – 54,000 VND/plate)

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    19. Banh Gio

    With Hanoi getting chilly like this, eating Banh Gio (steamed rice dumpling with pork) is absolutely perfect. This humble dumpling never disappoints anyone looking for a bit of warmth on a winter day. You can eat Banh Gio at any time of the day.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Banh Gio Thuy Khue: (12,000 VND/piece, full set 25,000 VND)
  • Banh Gio Nguyen Cong Tru: Inside Nguyen Cong Tru Market (10,000 VND/piece, full set 16,000 VND)
  • Banh Gio Cho Hom: (10,000 VND/piece)

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  20. Banh Goi

  Enjoying Banh Goi (pillow cake) with its crispy crust and rich, savory filling is one of the things you absolutely must do when visiting Hanoi, especially on winter days.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Banh Goi Ly Quoc Su: 52 Ly Quoc Su (9,000 VND/piece)
  • Banh Goi Hoang Tich Tri: 17 Hoang Tich Tri (7,000 VND/piece)
  • Banh Goi Hang Chieu: 49 Hang Chieu (10,000 VND/piece)

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  21. Chao Ga

  The “What to eat on a cold Hanoi day” category cannot be complete without Chao Ga (chicken porridge), hot enough to blow on. Each bite of the rich, full-flavored porridge will make you feel incredibly warm.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Quan Chao Ga Ba My: 47 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem (35,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Ga Tho Nhuom: 6B Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 20,000 – 45,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Gia Truyen: 37 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung (30,000 – 66,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Ga Thang Xoan: 158 Ngoc Lam, Long Bien (25,000 VND/bowl)

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  22. Chao Trai

  Chao Trai (clam porridge) is a rather simple, rustic dish, truly characteristic of Hanoi. Like chicken porridge, clam porridge is a choice sought by many food connoisseurs on chilly Hanoi days.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Chao Trai Tran Xuan Soan: 26 Tran Xuan Soan, Hai Ba Trung (25,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Trai Nghia Tan: Nghia Tan Collective Area, Cau Giay (15,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Trai Vu Ngoc Phan: 1 Vu Ngoc Phan, Dong Da (18,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chao Trai Tran Nhan Tong: 33 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung (10,000 VND/bowl)

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  23. My Van Than (Wonton Noodles)

  My Van Than (wonton noodles) can be found anywhere in Hanoi. This dish is quite nutritious, with a sweet broth blending with the fresh taste of the noodles and the fragrant warmth of the dumplings, creating an irresistible, well-rounded flavor.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • My Van Than Dinh Liet: 9 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem (40,000 VND/bowl)
  • My Van Than and Sui Cao Thang Huyen: 125 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung (40,000 VND/bowl, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
  • My Van Than Hoang Map: 107 Thai Thinh, Dong Da (30,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl)
  • My Van Than 4C Lo Duc: Hai Ba Trung (40,000 VND/bowl)

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  24. My Ga Tan

  My Ga Tan (stewed chicken noodles), with its broth made from chicken stewed with traditional herbs, becomes more delicious than ever, making it an ideal choice for cold weather.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Quan Nga Tu Hang Bo – Luong Van Can: (50,000 VND/bowl)
  • Quan Cay Si: Tong Duy Tan (9:00 AM – 11:30 PM, 65,000 – 100,000 VND)
  • Mi Ga Tan Hang Cot: (6:00 AM – 11:00 PM, 50,000 – 80,000 VND/bowl)

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  25. Mien Ga (Soup)

  Mien Ga (chicken glass noodles) was originally cooked during Tet holidays in the North to balance the all-meat menu. Because it’s easy to eat, Mien Ga quickly became widely available on every street.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Pho Ga & Mien Ga Hang Dieu: 45 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem (8:00 PM – midnight, 35,000 – 100,000 VND)
  • Bun & Mien Ga – Giang Vo: Opposite 19 Alley 189 Giang Vo, Ba Dinh (9:30 AM – 9:00 PM, 25,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl)
  • Chien Ga – Pho, Chao & Mien Ga: 19 Alley 39, Alley 154 Ngoc Lam, Long Bien (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, 20,000 – 60,000 VND/bowl)

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  26. Mien Tron

  Hanoi has an incredibly diverse range of Mien Tron (mixed glass noodles): mixed beef glass noodles, mixed fish glass noodles, mixed crab vermicelli glass noodles… Each type offers diners a different sensation.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Quan Banh Duc, Mien Tron: 8 Le Ngoc Han, Hai Ba Trung (25,000 VND/bowl)
  • Quan Mien Tron Ly Thuong Kiet: 42C Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem (25,000 VND/bowl)
  • Quan Mien Banh Da Cua Ly Quoc Su: 59A Phung Hung, Hoan Kiem (30,000 VND/bowl)
  • Quan Mien Tron – My Chua Ngot Han Quoc: 87 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem (35,000 VND/bowl)

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  27. Mien Ngan – A Delicious Change of Pace

  Similar to Mien Ga, Mien Ngan (duck glass noodles) is also a popular dish due to its light, fragrant, and delicious flavor.

Suggested Addresses:

• Bun Ngan Nhan: Trung Yen Alley (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 40,000 VND/bowl)
• Bun Ngan Ba Thong: 56 Bat Su (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 30,000 VND/bowl)
• Bun Ngan Ly Quoc Su: 31 Ly Quoc Su (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 30,000 VND/bowl)

28. Soup – Warmth on a Winter Day

For soup, Hanoians have quite a few different cooking methods, from traditional chicken soup to crab soup and eel soup. On cold winter days, a thick, hot bowl of soup is enough to make anyone feel warm.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Sup Ga Doc Hang Than: 19 Doc Hoe Nhai, Ba Dinh (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 15,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl)
  • Sup Luon – Mien Luon Dong Thinh: 87 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem (6:30 AM – 9:00 PM, 30,000 – 55,000 VND/bowl)
  • Sup Cua: Small alley between Chau Long Street and Truc Bach Lake (12,000 VND/bowl)

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  29. Tra Chanh – A Street Culture Trait

  Needless to say, Hanoi’s simple yet “hot-selling” Tra Chanh (lemon tea) is already famous. On hot summer days, going out with friends to enjoy the breeze, sipping lemon tea, and munching on sunflower seeds while chatting is as fun as it gets.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Tra Chanh Cho Gao: 3 Cho Gao, Hoan Kiem (10,000 – 50,000 VND)
  • Tra Chanh Nha Tho: 26 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem (15,000 – 39,000 VND)
  • Tra Chanh Dao Duy Tu: 31 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem (15,000 – 33,000 VND)

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  30. Sua Chua Nep Cam

  Sua Chua Nep Cam (black sticky rice yogurt) is a dish combining fermented black sticky rice (somewhat similar to rice wine) and yogurt. The key to its deliciousness is the perfect ripeness of the black sticky rice.

• Suggested Addresses:

  • Sua Chua Nep Cam To Tich: Fruit Mix Street, 17 To Tich (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 20,000 – 50,000 VND)
  • Sua Chua Nep Cam Hang Duong: 23 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem (15,000 VND)
  • Sua Chua Nep Cam Hang Bong: 192 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem (15,000 VND/cup)

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  Concluding Your Culinary Journey and Finding Your Ideal Accommodation in Hanoi

  Now you have your guide to 30 delicious Hanoi dishes to “pocket” and confidently explore Hanoi. Each dish is not just food, but also a story, a unique cultural trait, sure to enrich your journey of discovery in the capital.

  After hours of wandering through the Old Quarter and fully enjoying the flavors of Hanoi cuisine, what you need most is undoubtedly a comfortable and convenient place to rest and recharge for your next adventures. And this is where Hanoi Larosa Hotel confidently stands as the perfect choice for you!

Hanoi Larosa Hotel is conveniently located right in the center of Hanoi, making it easy for you to reach the famous culinary spots I just introduced, as well as other cultural and historical attractions. Imagine returning to a quiet, clean room with attentive service and top-notch amenities at Larosa after a long day of exploring delicious eateries. We believe that the combination of a supreme culinary experience and excellent hotel service will make your trip to Hanoi more memorable than ever.

At Hanoi Larosa Hotel, we offer you:

• Prime location: Convenient for exploring cuisine and attractions.
• Luxurious, well-appointed rooms: Ensuring a deep sleep and maximum comfort.
• Professional, dedicated service: Our staff is always ready to assist you.
• Diverse facilities: Meeting all traveler needs.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to book your room and embark on the most complete Hanoi culinary adventure, with Hanoi Larosa Hotel as your “second home” in the thousand-year-old capital!

Ready for your culinary and relaxation adventure in Hanoi?

Book your room today!

Phone: +84 243 747 1155

Email: info@hanoilarosahotel.com

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Address: 36 Nguyen Khuyen, Hanoi, Vietnam.