Hanoi's fried-snack culture is its own delicious world, best discovered on a cool evening with a cold beer. Two stars lead the pack: crispy nem chua ran and plump banh goi. Here's your introduction.
1. Nem Chua Ran — Fried Fermented Pork
Tangy fermented pork rolls coated and deep-fried until golden and crunchy outside, soft and savoury inside. Dipped in chilli sauce, they're impossibly moreish.
Best Seller
⏱️ 4 Hours
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2. Banh Goi — The 'Pillow Dumpling'
Half-moon pastries stuffed with minced pork, mushroom, glass noodle and quail egg, fried to a shattering crisp. Wrapped in herbs and dipped, they're a meal in a bite.
Best Seller
⏱️ 4 Hours
Best Seller
⏱️ 4.5 Hours
3. Where to Find Them
The famous cluster near St. Joseph's Cathedral is a classic spot, but great versions sizzle on Old Quarter corners citywide. Follow the fryers in the evening.
New
⏱️ 2 Hours
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4. Why They Pair With Beer
Salty, crunchy and rich, these snacks are the perfect foil for a cold bia hoi — which is exactly why they crowd the tables on Ta Hien.
Best Seller
⏱️ 4.5 Hours
Popular
⏱️ 4.5 Hours
5. How to Eat Them
Wrap the hot snack in fresh herbs and lettuce, dunk in the sweet-sour chilli dip, and eat immediately while crisp. Order more than you think you need.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is nem chua ran?
A: Fermented pork rolls deep-fried until crispy — tangy, savoury and a favourite beer snack in Hanoi.
Q: What's inside banh goi?
A: Minced pork, mushroom, glass noodles and quail egg in a crisp fried pastry. Rich and satisfying.
Q: Where's the best place to try them?
A: The cluster near St. Joseph's Cathedral is famous, but good fried snacks are all over the Old Quarter come evening.
