Hanoi is famous for its pho, banh mi, and bun cha, but its vibrant street food scene also offers a variety of delicious and affordable snacks that locals are willing to wait in line for.

Here are five must-visit street food spots in the capital.

A legendary Thai-style sticky rice and ice cream shop in Giang Vo

Tucked away in an old apartment complex in Giang Vo, Mrs. Duong Thi An’s 40-year-old dessert shop serves just three dishes: sticky rice ice cream, Thai-style sweet soup, and a coconut-infused pudding. The shop is a nostalgic favorite among generations of Hanoians.

The sticky rice ice cream follows a traditional Thai-style recipe with fragrant pandan-infused sticky rice and homemade vanilla ice cream.

Unlike many modern variations, the shop’s version stays true to its roots, with a smooth, creamy texture free of ice crystals.

The Thai-style sweet soup, featuring mung bean paste, sago pearls, coconut milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, is another crowd favorite.

The shop is open from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

A fruit salad stall run by three sisters on Thai Phien Street

Located at the entrance of Alley 25 on Thai Phien Street, this fruit snack stall has been around for over 20 years, run by three sisters who make everything fresh daily. The secret to their popularity lies in the freshness of their ingredients.

Each fruit selection, whether it’s green mango, starfruit, guava, or pineapple, is carefully picked to ensure a crisp, tart, and juicy texture.

Seasonal fruits like peaches, plums, and green apricots are also added to the menu. Customers love the balanced flavors, with just the right mix of salt, sugar, and chili.

The stall operates from 9 AM until late afternoon, and a portion costs just 5,000 VND per 100 grams.

A famous fried sticky rice ball shop in Lac Long Quan

Located in Alley 242 on Lac Long Quan Street, this fried sticky rice ball shop has been a Hanoi street food staple for decades.

The stall serves both savory and sweet versions of the snack. The savory version is stuffed with minced pork and mushrooms, while the sweet version is filled with mung bean paste and coated in sesame seeds.

Despite the slightly higher price - 9,000 VND per savory ball and 6,000 VND per sweet ball - customers keep coming back for the rich fillings and crispy, golden crust.

In the past, the shop issued numbered tickets to manage the long queues, but now customers simply line up and wait their turn.

A legendary shrimp cake stall in Dong Xuan Market

Hidden in a small alley inside Dong Xuan Market, Mrs. Am's shrimp cake stall is one of Hanoi’s top street food destinations.

The batter, made with a mix of wheat flour, tapioca starch, egg, and turmeric, creates a crispy shell, while fresh shrimp and julienned sweet potatoes add texture and sweetness.

Each portion is served hot, accompanied by a tangy-sweet dipping sauce, papaya-carrot salad, and fresh herbs. The shop is busiest during lunch and late afternoon, with peak hours from 10:30 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5:30 PM.

A family-run dried beef salad shop on Ho Hoan Kiem Street