1. Bun cha

This hearty bowl of noodles is one of Hanoi’s greatest claims to culinary fame and there’s something new to uncover with every bite. It features perfectly charred pork belly and meatballs, light vermicelli and a tangy dressing loaded with fish sauce, garlic and chili – topped naturally with a generous helping of bean sprouts and fresh herbs. However, there’s a methodology to eating bun cha – much like Japanese tsukemen, you dip your noodles into the sauce and then load up your bite with pickled veggies, herbs and meat. The humble bun cha even has a presidential connection – the late Anthony Bourdain whisked President Obama off to have this dish at a humble Hanoi hole in the wall (now fondly known as Bun Cha Obama) for his culinary travel show Parts Unknown.