Bún ốc: Hanoi's sour snail noodle soup
If you want to eat like a Hanoian rather than a visitor, this is the bowl. Snails are a much-loved local treat.
Bún ốc is a Hanoi noodle soup with freshwater snails in a sour broth made with tomato and fermented rice vinegar (giấm bỗng). It comes hot, or cold (bún ốc nguội) with the broth on the side. It usually costs 30,000–50,000 VND. Order with “Cho tôi một bát bún ốc”.
At a glance
How to order
“Cho tôi một bát bún ốc.”
One bowl of snail noodle soup. Say bún ốc nguội for the cold version, where you dip noodles and snails into a cool broth.
What it tastes like
Sour and bright from tomato and fermented rice vinegar, with the gentle chew of the snails. Add chilli and herbs from the table to balance it.
When to go
Afternoon is popular – bún ốc is often eaten as a snack between lunch and dinner. The cold version is a summer favourite.
Questions travellers ask
What kind of snails are in bún ốc?
Freshwater snails, cleaned and cooked, sometimes served shelled and sometimes in the shell.
How much does bún ốc cost?
Around 30,000–50,000 VND a bowl.
What is bún ốc nguội?
The cold version: noodles and snails with a cool, sour broth for dipping.
Is bún ốc safe to eat?
Busy stalls with high turnover are the best choice; snails should always be served fully cooked.
Prices are typical ranges we’ve seen and change often; tourist areas can charge more. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Last updated 2026-09-30.
