If you’re spending the New Year’s holiday in Hanoi, consider diving into its culinary labyrinth - an alleyway food tour that promises a delightful mix of nostalgia, surprise, and flavor.
A maze-like café with a perfect balcony view
Tucked inside the narrow, dim, and aged alley at 27 Dong Xuan Street, a cozy café quietly draws visitors thanks to its unmatched balcony view overlooking the vibrant streets of Hang Ma, Hang Chieu, and Dong Xuan.
The café’s entrance is well hidden - travelers describe the search as an “urban expedition” through shadowy corridors and camouflaged doorways.
Despite the mysterious setting, the reward is a scenic rooftop escape to observe Hanoi’s iconic Old Quarter.
The café menu focuses on Vietnamese coffee classics - milk coffee, black coffee, egg coffee, and coconut coffee - made from freshly ground beans.
The signature drink, egg coffee, is made from a blend of egg yolk, condensed milk, and espresso, served at 50,000 VND (≈ USD 2).
Another popular option is the matcha latte, topped with a salty-sweet cream foam.
The hidden café offers a stunning balcony view despite its maze-like location.
Coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake
Another captivating café sits inside alley 9A Hang Khay, near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Guided by a weathered wooden sign, visitors step through a narrow passage less than one meter wide and climb a steep staircase.
Behind a small wooden door lies a sun-drenched classic café, where breeze-filled balconies overlook the lake and the bustling intersection of Hang Khay and Dinh Tien Hoang streets.
The drinks are all homemade recipes, developed by the café owner’s family - ranging from egg coffee to rich cocoa, fruit juices, and herbal teas.
The coconut coffee is especially popular among international guests.
Visitors can enjoy a drink while taking in the vibrant streets of Hanoi, especially the dazzling lights of Hang Ma Street.
The café boasts a prime location with a perfect view of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hidden treasures: Pho and other alley delights
Hanoi is also known for its alleyway pho restaurants, many of which have become local legends.
One standout is Pho Ga Anh in a one-meter-wide alley off Hang Dao Street.
Despite its tiny, dimly lit space, the eatery maintains a loyal clientele, often selling out by midday.
The menu revolves around chicken: shredded chicken salad, boiled chicken, pho ga (chicken pho), and chicken vermicelli - served dry or with broth.
Regulars praise the crispy skin, firm texture, and well-seasoned chicken.
Another experience awaits at Pho Ga Cham Ba Mai, located in alley 40 Nha Chung.
This spot uses a unique cut of rice noodle - wide rectangular strips, about 3–4 cm across.
The noodles are lightly blanched to retain a chewy texture.
Chicken is served in customizable portions - breast, thigh, wing - sprinkled with herbs and scallions.
A sweet-sour dipping sauce made from salt, lime, sugar, and chili accompanies the dish, along with a bowl of bamboo shoot chicken soup made from slow-simmered broth.
According to diners, this eatery is famous for its delicious chicken—golden crispy skin and firm, flavorful meat.Tucked away in a small alley, this bun cha spot still draws a bustling crowd.
Diners say this alleyway eatery serves some of the best chicken in town.
The bun cha legend of Hang Quat
Just a 10-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, the bun cha shop in alley 74 Hang Quat has been serving patrons for nearly three decades.
The alley fills with the aroma of grilled pork, and the entire cooking process is visible to guests.
The restaurant uses a two-stage grilling method for its pork patties and pork belly: first seared, then caramelized for extra flavor.
The pork is chosen for a perfect lean-fat balance, ensuring tenderness without being greasy.
Its signature dipping sauce is a mix of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, chili, and water.
Fried chicken feet - if you can find it
Inside the ultra-narrow alley at 162 Pho Hue, one of Hanoi’s most popular chicken feet spots has thrived for over 10 years.
Some visitors liken the search for this restaurant to a game of hide and seek - those without patience might leave before finding it.
Located in a renovated collective housing unit, the family-run space has expanded to over 120 square meters, with capacity for more than 100 guests.
Top sellers include fried chicken feet/wings in fish sauce and salt-roasted chicken feet/wings.
The outer layer is crispy and flavorful, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
A special coating keeps the meat crispy without drying out, while the salt-roasted version delivers a bold, fragrant bite.
Vietnamnet.vn
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