HN among Asia's top ten street food cities

Vermicelli and grilled chopped meat) at No.1 Hàng Mành

Cable news network CNN described the capital city and its environs as the birthplace of many quintessential Vietnamese dishes, such as phở and bún chả, and the city is often cited as one of the world's great food capitals.

"It is also a street-eater's paradise, with a plethora of options for those who want to eat like a local. In fact, many swear that the best food in Hà Nội is found on the sidewalk, with dishes that often feature fish sauce, lemongrass, chilies, and cilantro and other fresh herbs," according to CNN.  

The city, which celebrated its 1,000 th birthday last year, has put those centuries to good use perfecting its curbside nibbles. Although vendors often cook in small shop fronts, they serve their wares on the sidewalk, on small plastic tables and chairs that can seem woefully inadequate for overgrown foreigners.

CNN features the ten dishes including bún riêu cua (soft noodles with freshwater crab sauce), barbecue chicken, sticky rice and nem cua bể (crab spring roll).