What to Eat During Lunar New Year in Hanoi: A 3-Day Food Guide for Foreign Visitors

Lunar New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. If you are visiting Hanoi during the first three days of Tết, you may notice that the city feels quieter, slower, and more peaceful than usual. While many restaurants close, traditional Tết dishes take center stage – offering a rare chance to experience authentic Vietnamese home-style cuisine.

So, what should you eat during Tet in Hanoi? Here is a simple 3-day Tet food guide, specially curated for foreign travelers staying in the central Hanoi.

Day 1 of Tet: Traditional Flavors & Family Dishes

The first day of Tết is all about family, blessings, and classic dishes that symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

Bánh Chưng – The Soul of Vietnamese Tet

No Tết meal is complete without Bánh Chưng, a square sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. Its shape represents the earth and gratitude to ancestors.

Boiled Chicken 

Boiled chicken is a must-have on Tet tables, symbolizing purity and good luck for the new year. It’s often served simply with salt, pepper, and lime.

Pickled Onions & Vegetables 

These crunchy, slightly sour side dishes help balance heavier foods and aid digestion.

Tip: On Day 1, many hotel restaurants and selected local eateries remain open with special Tet menus.

Day 2 of Tet: Light, Comforting & Street-Friendly Foods

The second day is perfect for exploring Hanoi at a relaxed pace and enjoying familiar Vietnamese comfort foods.

Phở – A Warm Bowl to Start the Day

Some traditional Phở restaurants open from the second day of Tết. A hot bowl of beef or chicken noodle soup is especially satisfying in Hanoi’s cool early spring weather.

Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls

Crispy on the outside, flavorful inside – Spring Rolls is loved by both locals and international visitors. During Tết, it is often made with extra care and premium ingredients.

Vietnamese Pork Sausage

Smooth, mild, and easy to eat, Pork Sausage is commonly served sliced with rice or sticky rice.

Day 3 of Tet: Sweet Treats & Symbolic Desserts

By the third day, Tết becomes more relaxed, and sweet dishes take the spotlight – symbolizing a sweet and fortunate year ahead.

Vietnamese Sweet Soup – Chè

Made with beans, coconut milk, and sticky rice, Sweet Soup is a popular dessert during Tết. It’s light, fragrant, and not overly sweet.

Traditional Candied Fruits

Try candied ginger, lotus seeds, coconut, or kumquat. These snacks are usually enjoyed with tea while chatting with family and friends.

Tea & Vietnamese Coffee

Drinking tea during Tết represents calmness and reflection, while a strong Vietnamese coffee helps you recharge for sightseeing.

Where to Eat During Tet in Hanoi?

While many small restaurants close during Lunar New Year, travelers staying at Hanoi Larosa Hotel can easily find:

• Hotel restaurants with Tet-friendly menus

• Selected local eateries in central Hanoi

• Cafés and international restaurants opening from Day 2–3 of Tết

Our front desk team is always happy to recommend trusted places to eat during Tet, so you can enjoy your holiday without worry.

Spending Lunar New Year in Hanoi is not just about food, it’s about atmosphere, tradition, and slowing down. From peaceful streets to meaningful meals, Tết offers a side of Hanoi rarely seen during the rest of the year. Stay with Hanoi Larosa Hotel and enjoy!

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