Upon arriving in Hanoi, Western content creator Logan Moffitt made his first stop at a local restaurant to savor a steaming bowl of rare beef pho topped with fragrant green onions.
Interestingly, this dish also marked his final meal before bidding farewell to the Vietnamese capital.
A Taste for Adventure
For many foreign visitors, Hanoi is not just a destination but a culinary adventure. Its vibrant food culture offers both traditional flavors and dishes considered “unusual” or “daring” by some. Logan, an American YouTuber with over 1.08 million followers, is no stranger to culinary exploration. Known as the “cucumber guy” for his viral cucumber salad recipes, Logan’s passion for food extends beyond his kitchen and into the streets of cities he visits.
In his first-ever trip to Vietnam, Logan documented his culinary experiences in Hanoi, showcasing a deep appreciation for the city’s food scene.
The Love for Pho
On his first evening in Hanoi, Logan visited a pho restaurant on Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District. He ordered a bowl of rare beef pho and was immediately captivated by its aromatic broth, tender beef, and generous topping of green onions and crisp bean sprouts.
“What I look forward to the most when arriving in Vietnam is enjoying a hot bowl of pho,” Logan shared in his video.
During his five-day trip, Logan visited another well-known pho restaurant on Hang Vai Street, recommended through glowing Google reviews. He described the dish as his favorite in Hanoi, praising the broth’s richness and the fresh green onions.
Before departing Vietnam, Logan made sure to return to the first restaurant he visited, savoring one final bowl of pho. “I had to come back for one last bowl before flying home,” he said.
Discovering Bun Cha and Street Food Wonders
While pho stole the spotlight, bun cha quickly became another favorite. Logan was astounded by the dish’s harmonious blend of smoky grilled pork, tangy dipping sauce, and fresh herbs.
“I can’t believe I’ve never tried this before. I feel like I’ve missed out all these years,” he exclaimed after his first bite.
Logan enjoyed bun cha multiple times throughout his stay, often stopping at random eateries or taking portions to-go. Other street food delights such as banh cuon, pho cuon, and banh mi also found their way onto his must-try list, each leaving a memorable impression.
Coffee Culture: 4-5 Cups a Day
No trip to Hanoi is complete without diving into its renowned coffee culture. Logan became enamored with Vietnamese coffee, sampling different styles multiple times a day—egg coffee, iced milk coffee, coconut coffee, and silver coffee, among others.
The YouTuber expressed his amazement at the variety and richness of Hanoi’s coffee offerings, claiming it was unlike anything he’d tasted before.
A Memorable Culinary Journey
Logan’s culinary adventure in Hanoi wasn’t just about food—it was an exploration of culture, tradition, and the warmth of local hospitality. From iconic bowls of pho to endless cups of coffee, his journey reflects the deep culinary charm that Hanoi offers every visitor.
As Logan shared with his audience, “Hanoi is not just a city; it’s a sensory experience. Every dish tells a story, and every cup of coffee feels like a moment worth savoring.”