The Hanoi food scene can be highly hospitable to Indian tourists once one knows what to order. Right from vegetarian-friendly foods to light meals that don’t have beef, Hanoi has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine that is conducive to digestion.
Phở Chay (Vietnamese Vegetarian Noodle Soup)
Vegetarian Pho is one of the best options available for Indian tourists who are vegetarian. The base of the dish is vegetable soup, which is prepared with vegetable-flavoured spices such as cinnamon and star anise. This gives a warm, comforting feel to the dish. It is a light dish, which means that it is not too heavy on the stomach. It is also non-greasy. This dish is generally served with tofu, mushrooms, and herbs, which provide a crunch but are not too flavorful. This Hanoi food is cleaner compared with the other versions of Pho.
Bún Riêu Chay (Vegetarian Tomato Noodle Soup)
Bún Riêu Chay has a slight degree of sourness from fresh tomatoes, which is a welcome refreshment for many Indians on a trip. The vegetarian bún riêu chay has replaced crab with tofu and mushrooms, which are used as a substitute. The soup is not spicy but still has a rich taste with a mild, nice-smelling aroma. It is not quite as heavy as other dishes that are rich in creaminess from butter, oil, etc. Vegetables are side dishes, which help customers modify the dish as per their desired taste. It is close to vegetable curry soup.
Chả Cá (Turmeric Fish with Herbs)
This is one of the best Hanoi food choices for Indian tourists who consume fish. It is called Chả Cá. It is made with turmeric and dill, which make it look warm and taste warm too. Turmeric is a spice that Indians use in their daily cooking. This makes it easier for Indians to relish this dish too. This requires minimal frying since it is pan-fried. It is not deep-fried. This means that it does not feel greasy either. It is consumed with noodles, nuts, and herbs.
Xôi Đậu Xanh (Sticky Rice with Mung Beans)
This is a very plain, filling, and vegetarian-compliant meal. Sticky rice is boiled with mung beans to make it soft. The flavor is bland with a slight nutty taste, and no additional seasoning is used. This is a very light meal that is easy to digest. It is not made with any meat or fish sauce. This is a favourite among Indian tourists since it is a type of rice cuisine that is similar to some of their own recipes. It is also widely found at street stalls.
Vietnamese Vegetarian Curry
Vegetarian curry from Vietnam is another option that is completely safe for Indian tourists when exploring Hanoi food. This curry contains potatoes, carrots, tofu, and coconut milk. The taste is mild and subtle with a sweet touch, not too spicy like in India, but still warm. It does not contain beef, which means it is completely vegetarian. You can mix it with either rice or rotis, so it is very carbohydrate-rich. It is almost like what they get back home, but it is a local variant.
Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Indian visitors to Hanoi who eat pork have long enjoyed Bún Chả as a staple of street food in Vietnam. Grilled on charcoal fires, the pork provides a little smoky taste compared to the spiciness or richness of other meats. Accompanying the grilled meat are thin rice noodles with various kinds of fresh herbs, along with a light dipping sauce that is sweet and sour in flavor.
Diners are free to add additional herbs or spicy chiles to the Bún Chả to suit their own tastes, as many enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. This allows people to experience authentic Hanoi cuisine while dining in an informal atmosphere.
Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Turmeric Fish with Dill)
Chả Cá Lã Vọng is marinated in a mixture including turmeric powder, which is commonly used in Indian food, thus providing some familiarity to Indian tourists who eat fish. Once the fish has been fried in a pan, it will be placed with the above ingredients on a bed of rice noodles for you to enjoy. While the fish and its ingredients have an outstanding fragrant scent, they also have a very mild flavor that doesn’t overwhelm your palate or overpower you with too much oiliness. During dinner, you can prepare your fish and all the required ingredients at the table. Indian tourists will probably find this dish interesting and convenient. If you are visiting Hanoi, this dish is a must-try.
Bún Cá (Fish Noodle Soup)
Bún cá is a light noodle soup dish that is easily accessible to Indian travelers. Moreover, this dish has a clear broth that uses an emphasis of freshness over spiciness. In addition, the fish in this dish has often been lightly fried. Thus, this dish will not feel heavy in the stomach. Moreover, this dish has an element of sourness contributed by tomatoes, that has an element of familiarity to it. This Hanoi food can be considered suitable for dinner or lunch. Moreover, this dish can be accessible to Indian travelers who love seafood.
Gà Luộc (Boiled Chicken with Herbs)
Gà Luộc is a very simple and traditional Vietnamese dish, which is suitable for Indian travelers who like simple and natural tastes. The chicken is lightly boiled, ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy. Fresh herbs and a lightly seasoned dipping sauce are accompanying condiments, which can also be avoided if desired. There is no rich spice, oil, or aroma used here. This dish can be combined with rice and vegetable-based dishes. Many Indians like this dish for its cleanliness and simplicity.
Đậu Phụ Sốt Cà Chua (Tofu in Tomato Sauce)
Đậu Phụ Sốt Cà Chua is a common Vietnamese dish that has a homely feel to it and is familiar to Indian tourists. The soft tofu is deep-fried lightly and cooked in a fresh tomato sauce with a subtle seasoning. The taste is slightly sour and sweet, like common vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine. This dish does not have any animal or fish products in it. Hence, it is suitable for vegetarians. The dish has been cooked in a manner that makes it filling without becoming too heavy. The dish is not spicy either, but enjoyable.
Bánh Cuốn Chay (Vegetarian Steamed Rice Rolls)
Bánh Cuốn Chay is an extremely delicate and popular Hanoi food, and many Indian tourists enjoy it. It consists of thin rice rolls that are steamed and filled with mushrooms and veggies. The texture is very soft and smooth, and the food is very easy to digest. It is not spicy, and the palate is left to enjoy the actual flavor of the vegetables. It is usually accompanied by herbs and a very light sauce (optional).
Canh Chua Rau Củ (Vietnamese Sour Vegetable Soup)
Canh Chua Rau Củ is a light, refreshing alternative to heavier fare, and its tart flavor will particularly appeal to Indian travelers. Canh Chua Rau Cu can be described as “Vietnamese Sour Vegetable Soup” and has a sour flavor from both the use of tomatoes, an ingredient often used in Indian cooking. It also has a clear, hot, and non-spicy consistency that is easy on the palate and allows the vegetables to maintain their crispness, thus providing good, nutritious value. Canh Chua Rau Cu is typically eaten with rice during a meal; vegetarian soups can often be found throughout Hanoi food.
Tips for Indian Travellers when Trying Hanoi Food
Hanoi’s local food can be very appealing to an Indian traveler by following some easy ways to experience this culture through its ingredients, flavour combinations, and eating behaviours.
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Be sure to ask if the dish has beef or pork or uses fish sauce, as these ingredients are often used in Hanoi cuisine.
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You can find vegetarian restaurants, and there are many options that you can choose from (rice or noodles).
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Try starting with lighter options like chicken soups and fish, vegetable dishes, before moving on to richer street food.
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If you prefer less oil and less seasoning, please request these when ordering your food.
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Instead of mixing everything, take the herbs, limes, and chillies on the side and season your food to your taste.
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If you aren’t used to it, avoid dishes with strong fermented smells, such as shrimp paste, when you visit Hanoi.
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For sensitive stomachs, drink only bottled water and avoid ice from street stalls.
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If you are ever unsure about what to eat while in Vietnam, it is advisable to consult reputable travel guides such as Vietnamtour.in for recommendations on safe, Indian-friendly options.
Some Recommended Restaurants in Hanoi for Indian travelers
Every traveler should explore Hanoi’s thriving culinary scene, and Indian tourists will discover a wide variety of flavors to suit their palates. These suggested eateries make dining in Hanoi a genuinely delightful experience, offering a range of options from vegetarian treats to fragrant curries.
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Dalcheeni Hanoi: 100 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
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Khazaana Restaurant Hanoi: 34 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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Zaika Restaurant Hanoi: 13 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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Namaste Hanoi: 46 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
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Little India Hanoi: 32 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Final Thoughts
Trying the Hanoi food is one of the most enjoyable activities for Indian visitors. There are different noodle soup options, for instance, as well as fish and chicken dishes that are easy on the stomach. The food in Hanoi also has well-blended flavors that are fresh and not too spicy to digest for first-time visitors to the city. Vegetarian and beef-free menus also exist in many restaurants across the city of Hanoi for those who avoid them. Menus featuring rice, herbs, turmeric, and a variety of vegetables will enable Indian travellers to feel comfortable with the recommended food selections offered by Vietnamtour.in.
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