Best Lunch Spots In Hanoi For Solo Female Travellers
Food is always one of my priorities when I travel, and Hanoi has become one of my favourite cities to eat in. I’ve been back a few times now, usually on my own, and each visit involves a lot of walking, plenty of meals out, and a growing list of places I want to revisit.
On my most recent trip, I joined a local food tour, which helped me understand what was in each dish and gave me the confidence to try even more. I even had street food and felt completely fine afterwards, which felt like a small win.
👉 Check the food tour’s availability here! It was a lot of fun and I ate really well and safely!
One of the places that really stayed with me was Loading T Café. It’s tucked inside a beautiful colonial building in the old part of Hanoi.
I arrived just before closing without realising it, but they still let me in while they were winding down. The music, the atmosphere, and the drinks were some of the best I’ve had anywhere. I won’t forget it.
If you are searching for the best lunch spots in Hanoi for female solo travellers, these are the places I kept coming back to.
They serve great food and are easy to enjoy when you’re exploring the city on your own.
Before You Head Out For Lunch In Hanoi…
Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind before heading out to eat on your own:
Get your eSIM sorted before getting lost!
Having mobile data in Hanoi makes everything easier. You can check the opening times of cafés, look up directions, and book a Grab to get there without hassle.
👉 I always install a Ubigi eSIM before I arrive. It activates quickly, works everywhere I have been in Vietnam and also worldwide, and has given me better coverage than other eSIMs I tried. You can get 10% off with the code OBSERVER10.
Order in when you are tired
If you are feeling exhausted or just want a quiet lunch in your room, Grab also lets you order food straight to your hotel.
Menus are usually in English and there is an option to message the kitchen if you need to clarify anything or make special requests.
If you have allergies
It is a good idea to save a note on your phone with your allergy information translated into Vietnamese. I use a simple allergy card written in English and then translate it into the local language using Google Translate.
This makes it easy to show to restaurant staff when ordering, especially if the menu is not in English. Most places will do their best to help once they understand your needs.
This is the allergy card copy I have in English and I make sure I translate on my phone into the local language:
If you are using the Grab app to order food, it is even more convenient. Most menus are in English and you can customise your meal before paying. This is especially useful for dishes like salads, pizzas or noodle bowls. There is also an option to leave a note with your order to explain your allergy clearly.
In many cases, the restaurant will message you on WhatsApp after you place your order. This is a helpful way to confirm ingredients or suggest a safer alternative if needed. It is a small detail that can make a big difference when you are managing food allergies alone.
If you want more practical tips for travelling solo with allergies, I have written a full blog post on this topic!
Get travel insurance before your trip
When you are travelling alone, it is just reassuring to know that someone has your back if plans change or something unexpected comes up.
👉 I always use SafetyWing travel insurance when I travel because it is simple to set up and covers all the basics. From delayed flights to clinic visits, it gives me peace of mind so I can enjoy my trip without overthinking every little thing.
My Favourite Lunch Stops Around Hanoi
The Hanoi Social Club
The Hanoi Social Club is one of those places in Hanoi where you can easily spend hours without realising.
It is set inside a quirky three storey house with mismatched furniture, leafy corners, and plenty of cosy spots to sit with a coffee or a meal.
The menu is a mix of Vietnamese and international food, but what makes it stand out is how many healthy, vegetarian and vegan options it has.
I loved the vegan burger, but the pumpkin lentil fritters and homemade granola also get a lot of praise from travellers. On some evenings, they even host live music or small art shows, so it is more than just a café, it is a creative hub in the middle of the city.
🏷️Price Range: Main dishes around $5 to $10, starters $3 to $6, drinks $2 to $5.
Pizza 4P’s
At Pizza 4P’s, pizza is incredible and the interior design of its restaurants is just impeccable. This delicious pizza place was born from 2 Japanese founders, you read that right – not Italians.
However, as an Italian, I can assure you this pizza is a must-try if you’re in Hanoi! The ingredients are fresh, and you can taste it straight away. They’ve actually expanded a lot so if you are heading to Ho Chi Minh next, you can have it there too or even in Japan, Cambodia and India. Impressive, right?
Also, make sure you get a dessert as well because they are 100% worth it! My favourite is the Fondant Chocolate Cake!
🏷️Price Range: Pizzas: $10 – $20; Pasta and Main Dishes: $8 – $15; Salads and Appetisers: $5 – $10; Drinks: $3 – $7.
Banh Mi 25: A Street Food Adventure
Banh Mi 25 is one of the most popular street food spots in Hanoi and it has earned that reputation for good reason. Right in the middle of the Old Quarter, this little stall dishes out some of the best banh mi sandwiches in the city.
The menu is simple but full of flavour. You can choose from fillings like pate, pork, chicken, or a vegetarian version, all tucked inside a crisp baguette with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and plenty of sauce. Everything is made fresh on the spot, so the sandwiches always taste amazing.
It is quick, affordable, and always busy with both locals and travellers, which is usually a good sign. If you want to try an authentic banh mi in Hanoi, this is the place to go.
🏷️Price Range: Banh mi sandwiches: $1.50 – $2.50; Drinks: $1 – $2.
Best Spots For Local Cuisine
Veggie Castle
Veggie Castle is one of the best spots in Hanoi if you are after vegetarian or vegan food. It is famous for its all-you-can-eat buffet, which is colourful, tasty, and full of variety. The place has a relaxed and welcoming feel, so it is easy to see why both locals and travellers keep going back.
The buffet changes regularly but usually includes fresh salads, tofu dishes, vegetable curries, and hearty soups.
There are also some international options, so you never run out of choice. Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients, which makes the food feel wholesome and satisfying.
🏷️Price Range: Buffet: $5 – $7 per person; Drinks: $1 – $3.
Bun Cha Ta
Bun Cha Ta is one of the go to places in Hanoi if you want to try bun cha, the dish that many travellers end up falling in love with. The restaurant is casual, welcoming, and always buzzing with people, which is usually a good sign.
Their bun cha comes with grilled pork patties and slices, a big bowl of vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and the classic dipping sauce that ties everything together. You can also order fresh or fried spring rolls and a refreshing green mango salad if you want to try more.
The food is authentic, tasty, and served quickly, and the friendly staff make it a place you will want to return to.
🏷️Price Range: Main dishes: $3 – $6; Appetizers and Sides: $2 – $4; Drinks: $1 – $3.
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn has built a reputation as the place to go in Hanoi for a proper bowl of pho. You will usually spot the long queue outside before you even notice the sign.
What you get is a no-nonsense experience: steaming bowls of beef noodle soup made from a recipe that has been passed down for years. The broth is rich and full of flavour, the beef is tender, and the rice noodles come with fresh herbs and lime on the side.
The place is simple, with communal seating and the constant buzz of people coming and going. It is all about the food, and this is where you taste pho the way Hanoians have enjoyed it for generations.
🏷️Price Range: Pho bowls: $2.50 – $4; Drinks: $0.50 – $1.50.
Best Spot in Hanoi for Desserts
O’Douceurs Bakery
O’Douceurs Bakery brings a taste of Paris right into the centre of Hanoi. This French patisserie is known for its authentic pastries and desserts that look as good as they taste. It is the kind of place where you can pop in for a coffee and end up staying longer because everything in the display case is too tempting to ignore.
Favourites include buttery croissants, pain au chocolat, colourful macarons, classic éclairs, mille feuille, and beautifully decorated cakes and tarts. If you prefer something savoury, the quiche Lorraine and croque monsieur are worth ordering too.
🏷️Price Range: Pastries: $2 – $4; Desserts and Cakes: $3 – $7; Savory Items: $3 – $5; Drinks: $2 – $4.hy meals and a very secure atmosphere, it’s perfect for a relaxing lunch.
My favourite cafe….
Loading T Café completely won me over. It sits inside a beautiful colonial building in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and has a calm, welcoming feel.
I arrived just before closing without realising it, and the staff still let me sit down while they were packing up. The place looked amazing! I ordered a hot chocolate because it was December and I was freezing, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Warm, rich, and comforting.
They were playing the most incredible music and I could hear the staff chatting away about their plans for later on in the evening.
The menu also has fresh juices, smoothies, and iced tea shakes with flavours such as mango, sweet potato, and passion fruit. I really recommend it!
This cafe is on the same street as my favourite accommodation in Hanoi called The Golden Legend! It’s a lovely place and super affordable. Each room comes with a beautiful balcony, a tea selection and a kettle! 👉 Check availability here! I would reserve this place in advance because it gets booked up very quickly!
Traditional Dishes In Hanoi To Try!
Hanoi has a food culture that is hard to beat. As someone who has allergies, I honestly felt worried and sceptical at first, but through the food tours, I really got to experience the city like I wanted to.
Every street seems to have something worth tasting, and eating like the locals is one of the best ways to experience the city. If you are travelling solo, these are the dishes you should not miss:
1. Phở
Phở is Vietnam’s most famous dish and Hanoi is where it all began. The broth is simmered for hours with bones, ginger, and spices, then served with flat rice noodles, herbs, and either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà).
Locals often eat it for breakfast. You will see them early in the morning sitting on tiny stools, having Pho together!
It might look like a breakfast-only thing, but it’s actually served all day.
2. Bún Chả
Bún chả is a true Hanoi speciality. It comes with grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly in a tangy dipping sauce, served alongside vermicelli noodles, herbs, and pickled vegetables.
It is a mix of sweet, savoury, and fresh flavours that balance each other perfectly. This is the dish President Obama tried with Anthony Bourdain during his 2016 visit to Hanoi.
3. Bánh Mì
Bánh mì is the ultimate Vietnamese street food. In Hanoi, it usually means a crisp baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, fresh coriander, and a splash of chilli sauce.
It is cheap, tasty, and easy to grab on the go, which makes it ideal if you are moving around the city on foot.
4. Chả Cá Lã Vọng
Chả cá is another Hanoi classic and something you won’t find done the same way anywhere else.
The dish is made of turmeric-marinated fish, usually catfish, that is fried with dill and spring onions. It is served with rice noodles, peanuts, and a dipping sauce of fish sauce and lime.
Many places will cook it right at your table which is cool!
5. Bánh Cuốn
Bánh cuốn are thin rice rolls steamed until soft and delicate, then filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots.
They are topped with fried shallots and herbs and served with a light dipping sauce. Watching the rolls being made is part of the fun, as the batter is spread thinly over cloth before being steamed to perfection.
6. Xôi
Xôi, or sticky rice, is a versatile dish that can be either savoury or sweet. In Hanoi, savoury xôi is often topped with ingredients like mung beans, pâté, fried shallots, and various types of meat. It’s a filling and affordable option, popular among locals for breakfast or as a snack.
7. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
A must-try beverage in Hanoi is egg coffee, a unique concoction invented in the city. It consists of robust Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, frothy mixture of egg yolk and condensed milk.
You can order egg coffee hot or iced. It is creamy, sweet, and strong all at once, and works just as well for a mid-morning pick-me-up as it does for a sweet treat after dinner.
8. Nem Rán (Chả Giò)
Nem rán are crispy fried spring rolls stuffed with pork, mushrooms, vegetables, and glass noodles. They are crunchy, full of flavour, and usually served with dipping sauce and herbs.
A great snack if you are wandering the Old Quarter and want something small to nibble on.
FAQs On Food In Hanoi
Yes, it is safe as long as you choose busy stalls where the food is being cooked fresh. I joined a local food tour first, which helped me feel more confident about what I was eating. I also tried street food by myself after that and felt completely fine.
Most meals at local restaurants and cafés cost between $2 and $7. Street food like banh mi or pho can be even cheaper, around $1.50 to $3. International spots or Western cafés are usually higher but still very affordable compared to many other cities.
Yes, and more than you might expect. Places like The Hanoi Social Club and Veggie Castle have plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Even at local restaurants, you can often ask for a meat-free version, though it helps to have the request written in Vietnamese.
I recommend carrying an allergy card translated into Vietnamese and saving it on your phone. Many restaurants are helpful once they understand your needs. If you order through Grab, you can leave a note with your allergy details, and in many cases the kitchen will confirm on WhatsApp.
One Last Thing Before You Go
Trust your gut. If you have days when you just crave something familiar, order it. Travelling does not mean you always have to eat local food.
On my first days in Hanoi, I went for Italian instead, because I had just come off a rough Bali belly experience and my stomach was still recovering. In those moments, sticking to what feels safe is the best option.
Hanoi has plenty of international restaurants, so do not feel guilty if that is what you need for a meal or two.
If you want to do more than just eat your way around Hanoi, I have a full post on the best tours in Hanoi for solo female travellers. From cooking classes to Halong Bay day trips, they are a great way to see more of the city and meet people along the way.
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts:
Best 5 Hotels in Hanoi for Female Solo Travellers
Shower Facilities At Hanoi Airport: My Experience During A Layover
6 Unique Things To Do In Hanoi For Solo Travellers
Visa Run Ideas From Bali: Where To Go If You Are Alone
Top Tips On How To Travel Alone With Allergies
✍️ Solo Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable adventures to a new country, here are the essential tips every solo traveller should know:
📱 Should I get an eSIM?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Check current plans here
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance when travelling alone?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit. I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
🏩 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
My go-to for hotels or hostels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
✈️ Where can I book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark into a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook.com. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car instead, use DiscoverCars, they have cars available to pick up right at the airport!
🐒 What’s the best way to book my activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Bookyogaretreats.com is my go-to for the best yoga retreats worldwide.
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The best debit card to use when travelling worldwide is Wise! It’s easy to apply for and you save lots of money when travelling alone.
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