How to get protein in Hanoi, Vietnam? It all depends on diet and finances.
1. Street Food: One name jumps out among Hanoi street foods, and these tend to be high in protein. Popular items include Pho Dinh Quan (also known as Bao Mi), Nam Bo Bia (a pork rib and noodle dish with pork meatballs), and the quintessential Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi. Such dishes can be found at well-placed stalls on street corners or in local markets like Hoan Kiem Market and Dong Khoi Market.
2. Restaurants: Two other restaurants in Hanoi offer excellent meat proteins. Some notable places include Pho Tim, where river noodles float in beef broth and are topped with basil leaves, bean sprouts, and crispy rice noodles; Trung Hoa Restaurant, which specializes in Vietnamese-style grilled pork, chicken, and shrimp; and Cà Huế T ké Thèng, known for grilled pork, vegetables, and river noodles.
3. Fast food chains: If you want a more convenient way to get your protein, go to fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King or Pizza Hut, which often offer lighter versions of traditional burgers and chicken sandwiches, as well as salads and sides or desserts with protein toppings like cheese, bacon or eggs.
4. On the other hand, Hanoi also has vegetarian and vegan options, such as Vegan Hai Son, which offers vegetarian pho noodles and many other plant-based options. Other options include breakfast bowls with tofu, vegetables and sauces from vegan fast food chains like Big Bowl or Mr. Fook's Meatball.
5. Ethnic food vendors: If you prefer to try a more local and ethnic cuisine, head to Hanoi after dusk to look for grilled meat, tofu or seafood dishes sold by street vendors. For example, you can try classic Hanoi street food like Hanoi-style tofu, Vietnamese baguettes and grilled pork skewers at Ly Tran Snack House, which is located next to Ly Chi Loai Restaurant. |