Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, offers Muslim travelers rich history and culture with a small but present halal infrastructure. Planning is essential but the experience is rewarding. See our halal food guides for dining options. Explore halal food in Hanoi for more information. Explore Muslim travelers for more information.

Muslim-Friendly Overview

Hanoi characteristics:

  • Small Muslim community
  • Growing halal awareness
  • Indian/Middle Eastern options
  • Beautiful historic city
  • Requires some planning

Mosques in Hanoi

Al-Noor Mosque (Hanoi Mosque)

  • Only mosque in Hanoi
  • Address: 12 Hang Luoc Street, Old Quarter
  • Small but active community
  • Friday prayers
  • Visitors welcome

Finding Halal Food

Old Quarter

  • Several halal restaurants
  • Indian restaurants reliable
  • Middle Eastern options
  • Walking distance from sights

Best Options

Indian Restaurants:

  • Many certified halal
  • Familiar cuisine
  • Vegetarian options too
  • Around Hang Bong Street

Middle Eastern:

  • Lebanese and Turkish
  • Kebabs and shawarma
  • Usually halal

Vietnamese Halal:

  • Limited but growing
  • Halal pho available
  • Verify certification

Safe Food Options

Always Safe:

  • Fresh fruit (abundant)
  • Vegetable dishes (specify no fish sauce)
  • Rice dishes (verify ingredients)
  • Seafood (fresh and available)

Popular Halal Dishes:

  • Halal pho (at certified restaurants)
  • Bun cha (verify halal version)
  • Spring rolls (vegetable)
  • Banh mi (vegetarian version)

Top Attractions

Historic Sites

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: City heart
  • Temple of Literature: Historic academy
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Historic site
  • Old Quarter: 36 ancient streets

Culture

  • Water Puppet Theater: Traditional art
  • Vietnamese cuisine: Street food culture
  • Markets: Dong Xuan Market
  • French Quarter: Colonial architecture

Day Trips

  • Halong Bay: UNESCO World Heritage
  • Ninh Binh: Scenic landscapes
  • Sapa: Mountain retreat

Getting Around

  • Grab (Taxi app): Essential, works well
  • Walking: Old Quarter walkable
  • Cyclo: Tourist experience
  • Motorbike: Brave travelers only

Language Tips

Useful phrases:

  • “Không thịt heo” = No pork
  • “Không rượu” = No alcohol
  • “Halal” is understood increasingly
  • Use translation app

Fish Sauce Warning

Vietnamese cuisine uses fish sauce (nuoc mam) extensively:

  • Specify “không nước mắm” (no fish sauce)
  • Indian restaurants avoid it
  • Halal restaurants use alternatives
  • Always ask

Accommodation Tips

  • Old Quarter most convenient
  • Some hotels halal breakfast
  • Apartments for cooking
  • Near mosque helpful for prayers

Practical Tips

  1. Download Grab: Essential transport app
  2. Indian restaurants: Most reliable halal
  3. Fish sauce: Always ask to exclude
  4. Mosque visit: Get directions in advance
  5. Pack snacks: For long day trips
  6. Halong Bay: Book halal meals in advance
  7. Learn phrases: Basic Vietnamese helps
  8. Patience: Halal concept still developing