Hanoi Food Price Guide: How Much Should You Budget for Eating in Hanoi?

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi, you’re in for a delicious adventure. The city’s food scene is famous worldwide — from steaming bowls of pho on the sidewalk to indulgent banh mi sandwiches and fragrant noodle soups. But how much does it all cost?

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the real Hanoi food prices, where to find the best value, and how you can savor authentic dishes without breaking the bank.

For a full breakdown and insider tips, you can check the Hanoi Food Price Guide for updated details.

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Why Understanding Hanoi Food Prices Matters

Hanoi is a city where you can eat like royalty on a budget — but prices can vary dramatically between a street food stall, a local eatery, and a tourist-focused restaurant. If you know the average costs, you can plan your meals wisely, save money for extra snacks, and avoid overpaying in tourist traps.

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Average Street Food Prices in Hanoi

You’ll be delighted to know that Hanoi’s street food is both affordable and authentic. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Pho (Beef Noodle Soup): 35,000–60,000 VND (about $1.50–$2.50)
  

• Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich): 25,000–45,000 VND ($1–$1.80)
  

• Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup): 30,000–50,000 VND ($1.20–$2.10)
  

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Pro Tip:

If you’re at a stall without prices listed, ask politely before ordering. Locals will appreciate your respect, and you’ll avoid surprises on the bill.

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Mid-Range Restaurant Prices

If you prefer air-conditioning and table service, mid-range restaurants in Hanoi are still very affordable compared to Western standards:

• Set Lunch or Dinner: 120,000–250,000 VND ($5–$10)

• Shared Family-Style Dishes: 70,000–150,000 VND per dish

• Coffee or Smoothies: 25,000–60,000 VND ($1–$2.50)

Most mid-range places use high-quality ingredients and may have English menus, making them perfect if you’re still getting used to local flavors.

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High-End Dining Prices

Hanoi has an emerging fine dining scene, with restaurants serving modern Vietnamese cuisine and international fare. Expect:

• Tasting Menus: 1,000,000–2,500,000 VND ($40–$100)

• A La Carte Dishes: 200,000–600,000 VND ($8–$25)

• Imported Wines: 700,000–1,500,000 VND per bottle

These restaurants often require reservations and offer a more curated experience — perfect for special occasions.

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Fresh Market Prices

If you love cooking or just want to explore the source of Hanoi’s flavors, head to Long Bien Market, the city’s largest wholesale food market.

Here’s what you might pay for fresh ingredients:

• Seasonal Fruits: 20,000–40,000 VND/kg ($0.80–$1.70)

• Fresh Vegetables: 10,000–25,000 VND/kg ($0.40–$1)

• Live Seafood: 150,000–400,000 VND/kg ($6–$16)

Markets open early (around 2 AM) and are busiest before sunrise, so if you’re up for an adventure, this is a must-see.

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How to Save Money on Food in Hanoi

Eating in Hanoi is already budget-friendly, but these tips can help you stretch your travel funds even further:

1. Eat Where Locals Eat – Busy spots with mostly local customers usually mean fair prices and fresh food.

2. Go Beyond the Old Quarter – Tourist-heavy areas often have higher prices. Try neighborhoods like Tay Ho or Ba Dinh for local gems.

3. Avoid Peak Tourist Hours – Late lunch or early dinner can sometimes score you discounts.

4. Try Vegetarian Options – Not only healthier but often cheaper. For inspiration, read the Vegetarian Food Tour in Hanoi guide.

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Common Scams to Avoid

While Hanoi is generally safe and welcoming, a few food-related scams exist:

• No Price Menu – Always check the price before ordering.

• Tourist Mark-Up – Politely negotiate if something feels overpriced.

• Overcharging for Drinks – Some places offer cheap food but expensive drinks, so confirm prices in advance.

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What’s a Realistic Daily Food Budget in Hanoi?

If you eat street food for breakfast and lunch, then enjoy a mid-range dinner, your daily budget could look like this:

Meal Type	Cost Range (VND)	Cost Range (USD)
Breakfast (Street)	30,000–50,000	$1.20–$2
Lunch (Street or Casual)	35,000–80,000	$1.50–$3.30
Dinner (Mid-Range)	120,000–250,000	$5–$10
Total Daily	185,000–380,000	$7.70–$15.50

That’s incredibly affordable compared to most travel destinations.

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Final Thoughts

Hanoi is one of those rare cities where you can eat gourmet-level food for just a few dollars or splurge on fine dining for a fraction of Western prices. Whether you’re slurping pho at a busy street corner or savoring a chef’s tasting menu, the value for money is outstanding.

By knowing average Hanoi food prices and being smart about where you eat, you can maximize your food budget while enjoying authentic, unforgettable flavors.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the city’s culinary scene, don’t miss the Hanoi Food Price Guide for insider tips, maps, and the best spots to try on your trip.

Bon appétit — or as we say in Vietnam, Chúc ngon miệng!