27/06/2026
𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐢
Ask a Hanoian what summer tastes like, and you'll probably get a different answer every time. For some, it's a bowl of “bún riêu” enjoyed at a neighborhood stall. For others, it's a cup of iced “sấu” juice, a serving of “chè”, or an afternoon treat from a favorite street vendor.
Beyond the famous pho and banh mi, Hanoi has plenty of seasonal flavors waiting to be discovered. Here are 10 must-try summer dishes and drinks in Hanoi that locals genuinely love. Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, these dishes are part of everyday life in the city.
1️⃣ Chè - Vietnamese sweet soup
Sweet Vietnamese dessert soups made with beans, coconut milk, jelly, fruits, and ice... Every neighborhood has its favorite chè shop.
2️⃣ Bún riêu - River crab noodle soup
A tomato-based noodle soup with crab, tofu, and herbs. Slightly tangy, fresh, and surprisingly refreshing.
3️⃣ Bún chả - Grilled pork noodles
Grilled pork, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and a light dipping sauce. It’s filling without feeling heavy - exactly what you want on a hot day.
4️⃣ Nộm bò khô - Green papaya salad with beef jerky
A refreshing green papaya salad with dried beef, herbs, peanuts, and a sweet-sour dressing. Perfect as an afternoon snack.
5️⃣ Bún đậu mắm tôm - Noodles with fried tofu and shrimp paste
Not everyone falls in love with fermented shrimp paste at first smell, but many travelers end up craving it before leaving Hanoi.
6️⃣ Phở cuốn - Spring rolls
Thin sheets of fresh rice noodles wrapped around beef and herbs. Light, healthy, and loved by locals during summer.
7️⃣ Bún ốc - Snails noodles
Snails, tomatoes, herbs, and noodles come together in a bright, slightly sour broth that many Hanoians associate with summer.
8️⃣ Hoa quả dầm - Mixed fruits with condensed milk
A local fruit cocktail mixed with condensed milk, yogurt, coconut milk, and crushed ice. Think of it as Hanoi's answer to a summer sundae.
9️⃣ Nước mía - Sugarcane juice
Freshly pressed sugarcane juice is one of Vietnam's most beloved street drinks. You'll spot small carts and juice stands throughout Hanoi, where sugarcane stalks are fed through a press and served over ice. Sweet, refreshing, and surprisingly satisfying after a morning of exploring the city.
🔟 Nước sấu đá - Dracontomelon juice
A drink you shouldn't miss. Made from pickled dracontomelon fruit, it's a uniquely Hanoi summer flavor that locals wait for every year.
💛 Local tip: If you see a crowded sidewalk stall filled with locals, that's usually a good sign. Hanoi's best food is often found where locals are already lining up.
—
And if you’re curious to taste, brew, and explore Vietnam’s cuisine with locals, feel free to message us anytime about our Food tour, Coffee workshop, and more. It’s a fun, memorable adventure for everybody we think you’ll love! 😊
