Banh Goi street stalls
Savor Hanoi's iconic Banh Goi: crispy fried dumplings bursting with savory fillings, a must-try street food delight.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for a snack
Banh Goi street stalls
Best Time
Perfect for a snack
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Savor Hanoi's iconic Banh Goi: crispy fried dumplings bursting with savory fillings, a must-try street food delight.
"A very must-try local resto, they make very delicious fried rolls, donut & shrimp and sweet potato Fritters with fresh vegetables."
🎯 Try a Variety
Don't stick to just one! Sample Banh Goi, Banh Ran Thiet, and shrimp cakes for the full experience.
💰 Affordable Delights
Prices are incredibly low, often around 8,000-15,000 VND per piece. Great value for delicious street food!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Banh Goi (Pillow Cake)
Various street stalls across Hanoi
Crispy, golden fried dumplings filled with savory pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles. A true Hanoi street food staple.
Banh Ran Thiet (Salty Donut)
Various street stalls across Hanoi
A delightful savory donut, crispy on the outside with a flavorful filling. Perfect for a quick, tasty bite.
Shrimp Cakes
Various street stalls across Hanoi
Crispy, bite-sized shrimp cakes, a popular fried snack often enjoyed with fresh vegetables and dipping sauce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Ordering & Payment Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try a Variety
Don't stick to just one! Sample Banh Goi, Banh Ran Thiet, and shrimp cakes for the full experience.
💰 Affordable Delights
Prices are incredibly low, often around 8,000-15,000 VND per piece. Great value for delicious street food!
📝 Ordering System
Some stalls use a paper and pen system for orders. Keep your slip to tally your bill.
🌶️ Dipping Sauce is Key
The accompanying fish sauce-based dipping sauce is crucial to the flavor. Don't skip it!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try a Variety
Don't stick to just one! Sample Banh Goi, Banh Ran Thiet, and shrimp cakes for the full experience.
💰 Affordable Delights
Prices are incredibly low, often around 8,000-15,000 VND per piece. Great value for delicious street food!
📝 Ordering System
Some stalls use a paper and pen system for orders. Keep your slip to tally your bill.
🌶️ Dipping Sauce is Key
The accompanying fish sauce-based dipping sauce is crucial to the flavor. Don't skip it!
🚶♀️ Central Locations
Many popular stalls are found in the Old Quarter, near landmarks like St. Joseph's Cathedral.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Banh Goi street stalls are a beloved Hanoi experience, praised for their delicious, crispy fried snacks and incredibly affordable prices. While the food is consistently rated as tasty and authentic, some visitors note that cleanliness can vary, and service can be slow during peak hours due to the bustling nature of these local eateries.
"A very must-try local resto, they make very delicious fried rolls, donut & shrimp and sweet potato Fritters with fresh vegetables used with super tasty homemade fish sauces. It’s just nearby the Big Church (St. Joseph's Cathedral) which is at the very center of the Old Quarter areas with beautiful vibes & atmosphere. Come and try Vietnam cuisines and you’ll enjoy to the fullest : )"
Trân Nguyễn
"Had my first meal in Hanoi here as I saw those shrimps cake that I had in Danang. It’s a bunch of various fried local food and some freshly rolled beef rolls. Prices and the place is very local but food is good and I’ve since dine here a few times plus take away (shrimp cakes). Place is really local so don’t expect absolute cleanliness.
They give you a menu with the price and a piece of paper and pen for you to write down your order and you give it to them. Afterwards they return you that paper and you keep that to tally your total order and bill.
Service can be lacking, as it’s a popular (with the locals and some foreigners) and busy place but just remind them and you can get your food."
Catherine Lim
"Fabulous fried food with dumpling,
spring roll, pillow cake and shrimp pastry.
Items 1,2,3 and 5 in menu!"
Robbie O'Sullivan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Banh Goi stalls are scattered throughout Hanoi, particularly in the Old Quarter. Look for busy spots with locals. Popular areas include Ly Quoc Su Street and Hang Chieu Street. Many are easily accessible by walking or a short taxi/Grab ride from central Hanoi. +2
While direct bus routes might not always stop right at every stall, Hanoi's public transport can get you close to the Old Quarter. From there, it's a pleasant walk to discover various food streets. Grab is also a very convenient and affordable option.
Yes, several stalls are frequently mentioned. Banh Goi Hien Hao on Hoe Nhai Street and stalls on Ly Quoc Su Street are popular choices. Many TikTok creators highlight specific vendors, so searching for 'Banh Goi Hanoi' on the platform can reveal current favorites. +1
Google Maps is your friend for general navigation. For street food, follow your nose and look for crowds of locals. Many TikTok and Instagram videos showcase specific locations with addresses or clear landmarks.
Absolutely! Apps like Grab are widely used in Hanoi and are a very convenient way to get directly to the vicinity of most Banh Goi street stalls. Just input the address or name of the stall if available. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required. Banh Goi stalls are casual street food vendors. You simply order what you want to eat and pay for it directly at the stall.
Most Banh Goi stalls operate from late morning through the evening, typically from around 10 AM to 7 PM or later. Some may open earlier or close later depending on the specific vendor and location.
There is no entrance fee for the streets where Banh Goi stalls are located. These are public areas where vendors set up shop. You only pay for the food you consume.
Reservations are generally not possible or necessary for most Banh Goi street stalls, as they are casual eateries. Seating can be limited, so you might have to wait a short while during peak times.
No, there are no booking requirements. You can walk up to any stall, order your food, and enjoy it there or take it away. It's a very spontaneous and casual dining experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Banh Goi, or 'pillow cake,' is a popular Vietnamese fried snack. It typically features a crispy wrapper made from wheat flour, filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, onions, and sometimes Chinese sausage or glass noodles. +1
Besides Banh Goi, you'll often find Banh Ran Thiet (salty donuts), shrimp cakes, fried spring rolls, and sometimes sweet potato fritters or other fried snacks.
Banh Goi is very affordable. Prices usually range from 8,000 to 15,000 VND per piece, making it an excellent value for a delicious snack. +1
Banh Goi is traditionally served with a flavorful, slightly sweet and savory fish sauce-based dipping sauce, often enhanced with fresh herbs and chili. This sauce is key to the overall taste experience.
Traditional Banh Goi is not vegetarian due to the pork filling. However, some stalls might offer variations or other fried snacks that are vegetarian-friendly, like sweet potato fritters. It's best to ask the vendor directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street scenes, the sizzling frying process, and the golden-brown Banh Goi. Close-ups of the crispy texture and the colorful dipping sauces are also great. The bustling atmosphere of the Old Quarter provides a fantastic backdrop. +1
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the food and the general scene. If you want to take a close-up photo of a vendor, it's polite to ask for their permission first, perhaps with a smile and a gesture.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful natural light, especially during the 'golden hour.' The bustling activity and the glow from the food stalls can create a magical atmosphere for photos.
Many stalls have a rustic charm. Look for those with well-organized displays of food and active frying stations. The vibrant colors of the ingredients and the golden hue of the fried snacks make for appealing shots.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities works well. For DSLRs, a versatile lens like a 50mm prime or a 24-70mm zoom is ideal. Focus on capturing the texture and steam rising from the hot food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check the spice level of the dipping sauce, as it can be quite potent. You can often ask for a milder version or simply use less. The casual setting means kids can be a bit more relaxed, but keep an eye on them in busy areas. Look for stalls with clear ingredients or ask about what's inside if you have concerns about allergies.
💰 Budget Travelers
This is the epitome of affordable, authentic eating. You're not just saving money; you're experiencing the local culinary scene in its most genuine form. Many stalls are open throughout the day, making them a convenient and economical option for any meal.
🍜 Foodies & Culinary Explorers
Don't shy away from trying the various fried items available. Each stall might have its own specialty, from the classic Banh Goi to unique donuts and shrimp cakes. Engaging with the vendors, even with simple gestures, can enhance the experience and lead to discovering hidden culinary gems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Banh Goi
The filling is a flavorful medley, most commonly featuring minced pork, finely chopped mushrooms, and onions. Some vendors add glass noodles for texture or even Chinese sausage for an extra savory kick. The careful balance of ingredients ensures each bite is a delightful explosion of taste and texture. Many vendors have perfected their recipes over decades, passed down through generations, making each stall's Banh Goi unique.
What truly elevates the Banh Goi experience is the accompanying dipping sauce. This is usually a nuoc cham (fish sauce-based sauce) that is slightly sweet, sour, and savory, often infused with garlic, chili, and lime. It cuts through the richness of the fried cake and adds another layer of complexity. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint are sometimes added for a burst of freshness.
Navigating Hanoi's Street Food Scene
Many Banh Goi vendors have been operating for decades, becoming local institutions. They are often recognized by their long-standing presence and the loyal customer base they've cultivated. You'll find them in bustling areas like the Old Quarter, where the aroma of frying snacks fills the air. Don't be afraid to explore different streets and alleys; you might stumble upon a hidden gem.
When visiting, be prepared for a casual, sometimes crowded, atmosphere. Seating might be limited to small plastic stools or shared tables. The ordering process can vary; some vendors have menus, while others rely on pointing and gesturing. The key is to be patient, observant, and open to the local way of doing things. The reward is an authentic taste of Hanoi that's hard to find anywhere else.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit