Hanoi has steadily established itself as the “World’s Best Culinary City” thanks to its extensive culinary treasure, which is infused with the distinct, refined charm of Hanoi in everything from cooking to presentation to dining style. It offers a variety of delights that draw visitors from all over the world.

The capital’s unique feature

Recently, Nvidia Corporation President Jensen Huang's business trip to Vietnam caused a stir in the media. In addition to the signed agreement between the Vietnamese government and Nvidia to jointly establish an AI R&D center and an AI data center in Vietnam, images of the world's 11th richest billionaire strolling the streets and sampling Hanoi's cuisine also garnered attention.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invites Jensen Huang and Nvidia Corporation executives to Truc Bach beer on Ta Hien Street. Photo: Nhat Bac

On an early winter day, the head of the trillion-dollar chip company enjoyed the tranquility of Hanoi in sneakers and a simple black T-shirt. Welcomed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Huang and other Nvidia executives braved the cold weather to enjoy Hanoi's street food, including fried fermented pork rolls, fried tofu with scallion sauce, Truc Bach beer and pork ear rolls. "The vibrant yet elegant Hanoi Old Quarter is the essence of Vietnamese culture in general and Hanoi in particular," Huang said.

The Nvidia CEO also had pho on Bat Dan Street, sipping egg coffee and strolling around like a tourist. When Huang visited Hanoi in late 2023, he also picked a small eatery on Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, sat on a plastic stool, and sipped beer while snacking on rolls and snails.

Huang demonstrated his love for Egg Coffee, a drink that represents the Vietnamese people's inventiveness during their most trying time as an underdeveloped nation, during his two visits to the city. The billionaire stated that he wishes to see the Vietnamese coffee brand in the United States and that he will continue to enjoy the drink whenever he can.

Egg coffee - a Hanoi specialty. Photo: Giang Coffee

Cafe Giang, the coffee shop, used cups made exclusively by artisans from Bat Trang Ceramics Village to serve him egg coffee. The cups subtly highlight the cultural grandeur of the city by featuring paintings of well-known Hanoi landmarks such as the Long Bien Bridge, Turtle Tower, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, or a lotus pond.

Prior to Huang, a number of international leaders were enthralled with Hanoi's rustic street cuisine, including former US President Barack Obama, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaness and William, the Prince of Wales, as well as prominent businessmen and artists. In particular, after Obama's visit, Bun Cha Huong Lien on Le Van Huu Street earned the nickname "Bun Cha Obama" and was frequented by a large number of diners.

Pho, bun cha, banh mi and egg coffee are familiar dishes and drinks to Hanoi residents, but they are also on the must-try lists of international tourists. Among them, the US-based CNN rated egg coffee as one of the most impressive Hanoi specialties. During the three-day Hanoi summit between North Korea and the United States in early 2019, nearly 3,000 cups of egg coffee were ordered from Cafe Giang to serve the delegates.

On April 15, shortly after arriving in Hanoi, Apple CEO Tim Cook posted on X: "Xin chao, Vietnam! Thanks to the very talented musicians My Linh and My Anh for the warm welcome. And I loved the egg coffee!" Attached to the post is a photo of him, "Queen of Vietnamese R&B" My Linh and her daughter, singer My Anh, enjoying the drink and sunflower seeds.

Developing cultural industries based on gastronomy

Hanoi's cuisine is highly praised and is increasingly asserting itself on the world food map. The capital's quintessential dishes such as pho, bun cha, banh mi, sticky rice, steamed rice rolls, fish cakes or egg coffee have mesmerized countless visitors.

Foreign visitors enjoy local food in Hanoi. Photo: Duy Khanh

Hanoi cuisine is regarded by several experts as being especially delicate in terms of ingredient selection, cooking, presentation, and dining customs. Every dish is created by the chef with harmony, beauty, and a flavor that will stick in your memory. As a result, Hanoi has received numerous international honors over the years.

Most recently, Hanoi was named "World's Leading Culinary City Destination" and "Asia's Leading Culinary City Destination" at the 5th World Culinary Awards in October. The city beat out strong competition from Auckland (New Zealand), Cape Town (South Africa), Lima (Peru), Los Angeles (USA), Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), and Tokyo (Japan).

In June, a Tripadvisor article also named Hanoi one of the 15 must-visit food cities in the world. According to the article, Hanoi's cuisine is "subtle and delicate, highlighting the natural flavors of local ingredients. Its diverse cuisine offers visitors unique culinary experiences, from popular eateries to luxury restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide. 

A resolution of the Hanoi Party Committee dated February 22, 2022, on the development of cultural industries in the capital from 2021 to 2025, with an orientation to 2030 and a vision to 2045, identified catering as one of the sectors with advantages in the development of local cultural industries. By 2030, it is expected that the income from these industries will contribute about 8% of the city's GRDP. Therefore, gastronomy is considered one of the important resources for the development of cultural industries.

The dish of Phu Thuong sticky rice. Photo: Duy Khanh

Among relevant activities, the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024 with the theme "Hanoi Connects the World" was recently held, bringing nearly 110,000 visitors to experience and shop in 3 days. This reflects the special appeal of Hanoi cuisine.

According to Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee, the festival aimed to honor, preserve and promote the traditional values of the capital's culture and cuisine, while building and effectively utilizing cultural and culinary brands. It also popularized the image of Hanoi as a unique tourist, cultural and culinary destination.

According to experts, in order for Hanoi's cuisine to truly realize its potential and advantages in the cultural industry, it is important to view cuisine through the lens of culture and heritage. In particular, unforgettable dining experiences should be created where each diner can not only enjoy the flavors, but also live in a part of history and culture.

"Food events and festivals can become great carnivals where people from all over the world gather to experience the richness and uniqueness of Hanoi cuisine," said Bui Hoai Son, a standing member of the National Assembly Committee on Culture and Education.

Along with Me Tri green rice flakes, Phu Thuong steamed sticky rice and Quang An lotus tea, Hanoi Pho was listed in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2024. This is an important legal basis for implementing measures to protect and promote the value of Hanoi Pho.