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Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie

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Ha Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Ha Food Tours

• See all photos

Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie

Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour With Real Foodie

Private Hanoi Street Food Tour With Mr.Ha

Private Hanoi Motorbike Sightseeing and Food Tour

[Hi-end] Private Hanoi Street Food Tour With Real Foodie

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Top 5 Hanoi Food Tour: Discover Vietnam’s Culinary Capital

LOOKING FOR A HANOI FOOD TOUR?

You’ve come to the right place — as we have traveled around Vietnam since 2015!

Welcome to Hanoi, the culinary heart of Vietnam ! This vibrant city has got your taste buds covered, with flavors so diverse, they’re as colorful and intricate as the city’s history.

Embarking on a food tour in Hanoi isn’t just about satisfying your stomach, though that’s a big part of it! It’s a journey – a delicious adventure where each bite tells a story of tradition, culture, and love for food. 

It’s a sensory experience that transcends beyond just ‘eating’, taking you deep into the heart of the city’s heritage.

When in Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, food is the ultimate ice breaker between locals and visitors. Engaging in food culture is a perfect way to peel back the layers of this exotic destination, revealing the rich tapestry of its history, its people, and the incredible blend of flavors that the city is known for. 

So, pull up a tiny plastic stool, pick up those chopsticks, and get ready for an unforgettable gastronomic journey! It’s time to experience the real Hanoi, one dish at a time!

The Heart of Vietnamese Cuisine

The Richness of Hanoi’s Food Culture

Have you ever stopped to think about the story behind that bowl of pho ? The depth of Hanoi’s food culture is as vast as the Red River flowing through it.

Hanoi’s culinary scene is like a living history book. Its diverse flavors are a reflection of the city’s past – marked by Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian influences. 

Each wave of influence has left a unique stamp on Hanoi’s food, transforming it into the flavorful feast that we relish today. 

From the hearty Pho that combines Chinese-style noodles with local spices, to the iconic Banh Mi sandwich which is a delicious blend of French baguette with Vietnamese fillings, Hanoi’s food is a beautiful fusion of cultures.

In the North, where Hanoi is located, the food is more traditional and subtle in flavors compared to the food in the southern and central regions. This variance makes dining in Hanoi a unique experience, as it allows you to taste a piece of Vietnam’s rich and layered food history.

Essential Ingredients in Hanoi Cuisine

Now, let’s take a closer look at the building blocks of Hanoi’s mouthwatering dishes. Rice and noodles form the backbone of most meals, providing a comforting base for a variety of toppings and sauces. 

But it’s the herbs and spices that truly make Hanoi’s food stand out. Imagine handfuls of fresh mint, cilantro, and basil that add a vibrant freshness to every dish. And don’t forget the piquant chillies, tangy lime, and the unmistakable fish sauce, that lend a distinct depth of flavor.

Then there’s the star of Hanoi’s food scene – the humble street-side BBQ . Grilled meats, especially pork, are marinated with traditional Vietnamese spices, resulting in succulent, smoky bites that will make your taste buds sing!

So, if you’re in Hanoi, get ready for a culinary journey that’s not just about tasting, but also about understanding the culture and history behind every bite. Because that’s what makes Hanoi’s food scene so very special.

Top 5 Best Food Tours in Hanoi

Embarking on a food tour in Hanoi is like stepping into a magical culinary maze, where each turn reveals a new flavor, a new aroma, and a new gastronomic delight. 

Here, we’ve curated the top 5 food tours in Hanoi, each offering a unique perspective of the city’s vibrant food culture:

1. Old Quarter Street Food Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 |📌 Address: 47 P. Hang Bong, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi |💵 Check rates and availability

We had a wonderful tour with Dante, who was friendly and informative. He also took care to ask about dietary restrictions and order smaller portions to let us try many different things. Some of the things we tried: banh mi with pate and sausage, pho ga and dry pho, banh cuon (steamed rice noodle rolls), coconut ice cream with sticky rice, and egg coffee. Amanda, (Read more reviews)

Embarking on a food tour in Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers a delightful array of dishes, from spicy noodle soups to delectable sweet desserts, all while soaking in the vibrant ambiance of bustling food stalls. 

Alongside satisfying your palate, this tour enriches your understanding of the historic Old Quarter and its cultural landmarks under the guidance of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, making it a perfect blend of culinary and cultural immersion.

2. Hanoi Evening Motorbike Street Food Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 |📌 Address: 47 P. Hang Bong, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi |💵 Check rates and availability

Met with 4 enthusiastic, friendly & young Hanoian, Rachel, Austin, Martin and Bucky. Enjoyed the tour very much. Austin was especially knowledgeable. And we love the food that they introduced to us. 👍👍👍 Wai S. (Read more reviews)

Starting from your hotel in the Old Quarter, this tour takes you to key landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Complex and West Lake before bringing you back to the heart of the city where you’ll meander through old streets, sampling renowned Vietnamese delicacies such as their world-class coffee, mixed fruits, and dried beef salad. 

This half-day tour from 8:00 AM – 12:00 NN or 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM promises a fulfilling experience for both your cultural curiosity and gastronomic desires!

3. Romantic Hanoi Sunrise/Sunset Vintage Minsk Motorbike Tour

⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 |📌 Address: 3B Hang Tre Street, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi |💵 Check rates and availability

It is great experience with a solo driver who can take you around the Hanoi in the morning. you can explore the Hanoi life in the early morning and can hunt the sunrise as well. Then, enjoy Pho and coffe after all. Thiện Tâm Tour Guide Mac K. (Read more reviews)

This comprehensive tour includes visits to key attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc’s ancient Buddhist and Taoist temples, Temple of Literature, the French Quarter, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Hanoi Opera House, and the Long Bien Bridge. 

Sunrise tour is from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and sunset tour is from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. 

The experience also features a taste of local cuisine with dishes like Vietnamese spring rolls, kebab rice noodles, and the legendary egg coffee.

4. Rose Kitchen Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Ha Noi

⭐ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 |📌 Address: Ngoc Ha market: 52 Son Tay, Ha Noi |💵 Check rates and availability

The host Dana was very friendly, lively and explained a lot about the local market and some history of Hanoi through the cooking class. She also keep checking to ensure we are okay with the lesson and enjoying ourselves. She’s made the class a delight and joy to attend. Highly recommended! Xiao F. (Read more reviews)

Step into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture and cuisine with a unique cooking class and tour that blends education and exploration. 

Under the guidance of your instructor, unravel the secrets of creating wholesome Vietnamese dishes such as Bún Chả, Nem, and the beloved Vietnamese egg coffee and enjoy your handcrafted meals. 

Complete with complimentary wine tasting and round-trip transfers within the Old Quarter area, this tour provides an immersive, intimate glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese culinary traditions.

5. Hanoi Vegan Food Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 |📌 Address: Craft Viet Shop, 41 Luong Van Can St., Hanoi |💵 Check rates and availability

AMAZING food and so much of it! I had a very authentic Vietnamese experience, going down alleys and stopping at places only locals would ever find. I was so grateful to be shown how to find vegan food and have a tour completely catered to me! I also had plenty of leftovers to take home with me! 🙂 Paige A. (Read more reviews)

Embrace the allure of Vietnamese street food, tailored to vegan preferences, with this insightful half-day tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. To enhance the enjoyment, bottled water, coffee, and beer are provided, and you can choose between an afternoon or an evening tour.

Must-Visit Food Spots in Hanoi

Here are some must-visit spots where you can embark on a memorable food tour based on Google reviews:

🔪 Tung’s Kitchen : 2 P. Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

“We ordered the Vietnamese pancake and stir fried noodles, both vegetarian and they were great :-)”

🥕 Hoang Cuisine (Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Food) : 54 Hang Buom Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

“I would highly recommend Hoang Cuisine to anyone looking for a top-notch Vietnamese dining experience. The food was outstanding, the service was exceptional, and the atmosphere was perfect for a cozy and relaxing dining experience.”

🍽️ Sen Trang An Vietnamese Restaurant : 43 P. Hang Be, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

“If you are looking for a very traditional, wholesome Vietnamese meal, this is the place to come! I had a vegan meal (the pork sausage) and my partner had a meat meal (bun cha) and both were amazing”

🍴 Poke Hanoi : 11B P. Hang Khay, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

“ I went with the spicy tuna and shrimp as well as all the toppings and it was phenomenal (190k dong per bowl). The fish was good quality and the sauce was just the right amount of spicy.”

🍹 Hương Việt Vietnamese Drink & Food : 13 P. Hang Ca, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

“ We ordered barbecue pork and vegetable with steamed rice, and fresh beef spring rolls, avocado smoothie, orange juice and lemon tea. The food is amazingly good!”

🫑 Madam Tran Restaurant & Cooking Class Best Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegan Foods : 42B P. Dao Duy Tu, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

“Great prices. We paid will less than $20AU for our meals (two mains and a side, plus a beer each) and couldn’t finish it all! Air con, polite and a dipping sauce that was lovely.”

🍜 Hong Hoai’s Restaurant : A gem in the heart of Hanoi, Hong Hoai’s serves a variety of Vietnamese dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

Iconic Dishes to Try on Your Hanoi Food Tour

Pho, oh glorious Pho! Imagine this: you’re seated on a tiny stool at a street-side stall, steam rising from a bowl of soup in front of you.

You catch a whiff of the aroma – it’s rich and complex, a symphony of s immered beef bones, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon . Thin slices of tender beef or chicken adorn the top, while soft rice noodles swim below.

You take your first sip and boom – flavor explosion! This, folks, is Pho, Vietnam’s treasured noodle soup and Hanoi’s culinary icon.

Bun Cha is another Hanoi staple you simply must try! Picture grilled pork patties and belly served with a tangy dipping sauce, fresh herbs, and rice noodles .

It’s a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors that dance on your palate.

Ah, the Banh Mi, a testament to the fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisines. Picture a crusty French baguette , sliced open and filled with layers of cold cuts , pickled veggies , coriander , chili , pâté , and a swipe of mayonnaise . Each bite delivers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors that are surprisingly complex yet comforting.

These iconic dishes are the heart and soul of Hanoi cuisine. Savouring them is like stepping into the essence of Hanoi itself – rich, diverse, and undeniably delicious.

As you embark on your Hanoi food tour, let each bite tell you a story, and let the flavors of Hanoi become memories you’ll cherish long after your journey. Happy feasting!

An Immersive Experience: Hanoi Cooking Classes

The sizzle of a hot pan, the chop-chop-chop of the knife against a wooden board, the aroma of fresh herbs and spices in the air… that’s right, we’re diving into the delightful world of Hanoi cooking classes . Who says the fun ends after tasting the food? Let’s kick it up a notch!

Learning to cook local dishes isn’t just about filling your stomach (although that’s a great bonus!). It’s about experiencing the culture in the most hands-on way possible. It’s about understanding the locals’ love and respect for their ingredients, the time-honored techniques they employ, and the stories behind each dish.

You’ll come away not just with a belly full of good food, but also a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese culture, a new skill, and hey, maybe even some new friends!

Cultural Etiquette to Keep in Mind on Your Hanoi Food Tour

Oh, the excitement of trying out new foods and immersing yourself in a foreign culture! But let’s put on the brakes for just a second.

Remember, we’re guests in Hanoi, and it’s super important to be mindful of the local customs and manners. It’s not only polite, but it also enhances the authenticity of your experience. So, let’s dig into some do’s and don’ts for your Hanoi food tour!

🍜 Vietnamese Dining Norms and Expectations

You’re probably itching to slurp that Pho, right? Hold on, buddy! In Vietnamese culture, there’s a bit more to it. First, if you’re dining in a group, always wait for the elders to begin eating first . It’s a sign of respect. Oh, and about the chopsticks – never leave them sticking upright in your bowl; it’s considered bad luck.

And yes, slurping is totally okay ! It’s actually seen as a compliment to the chef. So, go ahead and make some noise!

📸 Respecting Local Customs during the Tour

Taking photos of your food is fine, but remember to be mindful of the people around you. Not everyone wants to be in your snapshot. Always ask for permission if you’re taking a picture that includes locals or other tourists. And if they say no, respect that.

Also, when you’re navigating through the bustling streets of Hanoi, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. But remember to keep your voice down , especially in the early morning or late evening. Many people live right above the shops and restaurants in the Old Quarter, so let’s avoid waking them up!

Lastly, remember the golden rule of travel (and life in general): treat others the way you’d want to be treated. Show respect, be polite, and keep an open mind . You’re here to learn, explore, and enjoy!

Keep these tips in mind, and you’re set to have a culturally respectful and unforgettable food tour in Hanoi!

Practical Tips for Your Hanoi Food Tour

Embarking on a food tour in Hanoi is a guaranteed fun-filled adventure. To ensure that your journey is as smooth as possible, here are some handy tips and advice that’ll keep you one step ahead.

⏲️ Best Time to Go

When’s the best time to explore Hanoi’s food scene? Well, there isn’t a wrong time really! Hanoi has a tropical climate, which means it’s pretty warm all year round. However, for cooler weather, consider visiting between October and December when the temperatures are more moderate.

If you’re a fan of Pho (who isn’t?), consider an early morning tour. The locals believe it’s best served for breakfast. If you’re an evening owl, try the Bun Cha, usually enjoyed during lunchtime, or the street barbecues that pop up at dusk!

😋 Health and Safety

Hanoi’s street food is tantalizing, but do keep an eye out for hygiene . Stick to busy stalls where the food turnover is high – it’s a good indication the food is fresh. And don’t forget to stay hydrated ; carrying a bottle of water is always a smart idea.

If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure to let your tour guide know in advance. The good news is, Vietnamese cuisine is quite accommodating to various diets, with numerous vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

🍴 Navigating the Hanoi Food Scene

Most locals in Hanoi are friendly and willing to help, even if there’s a language barrier. It helps to learn a few Vietnamese phrases though, such as ‘Cảm ơn’ (Thank you) and ‘Tôi muốn đặt…’ (I would like to order…).

In terms of currency, Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) . It’s useful to have some small bills for street food vendors. As for tipping, it’s not a common practice in Vietnam. However, if you feel the service was exceptional, feel free to leave a small tip .

And there you have it! With these practical tips, you’re ready to dive into the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Hanoi. Happy tasting!

Frequently Asked Questions about Hanoi Food Tour

Is hanoi food tour worth it.

Absolutely! A food tour in Hanoi is a fantastic way to discover the city’s vibrant culture and history through its rich culinary scene. You get to taste diverse local Vietnamese food and have a fun night.

What food is Hanoi known for?

Hanoi is famous for a variety of dishes but most notably Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with rice noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and Ca Phe Trung (egg coffee). Make sure to also try the Banh Cuon (rice noodle roll), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepe), and the Xoi Xeo (sticky rice with mung bean).

Is street food popular in Hanoi?

Yes, street food is an integral part of Hanoi’s culture. Locals and tourists alike enjoy hundreds of street food sellers spread across the city. The city’s Old Quarter is particularly known for its bustling street food scene.

What are 5 popular street foods in Vietnam?

Some of the popular street foods in Vietnam include Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with rice noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Goi Cuon (spring rolls), and Banh Xeo (sizzling pancake).

All in all, embarking on a Hanoi food tour is a taste-bud tantalizing adventure that offers a unique perspective into the city’s rich history and culture. 

Whether you’re slurping down a comforting bowl of Pho, savoring a tangy Bun Cha, or mastering local recipes in a cooking class, the experiences you gain will surely add depth to your Vietnam travel stories. 

Pack your appetite and curiosity, and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in the heart of Hanoi!

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Why booking with www.hanoistreetfoodtour.com ?

Hanoi Street Food Tour By Walking Promo: 20$ only included all foods

Druation : 03 hours - Any Time 6h00 AM to 19h00

Price : 20 USD/ 01 Person - Book it now pay on arrival

Hanoi Street Food Tour By Scooters

Druation : 03 hours - Any Time 7h30 AM to 19h00

Price : 45 USD/ 01 Person Only - All included

The Train street + Morning Hanoi Tour By Scooters 

Druation : 4,5 hours - Depart at 8h00 AM

Afternoon City + The Hanoi Train Street By Scooter

Druation : 4,5 hours - Depart at 12h05 PM

Hanoi Nightlife Street Food Tour By Walking

Druation : 2,5 hours - Depart at 19h30

Price : 25USD/ 01 Person Only - All included

Hanoi Nightlife Food Tour By Scooter

Druation : 04 hours - Depart at 18h00

Price : 59 USD/ 01 Person Only - All included

Street Food & Heritage Road Walking Tour

Duration : 03 hours - Depart at 07h30,14h30 & 17h45

Price : 30 USD/ 01 Person Only - All included

Adventurous Street Food

Druation : 03 hours - Depart at 11h30 or 18h00

Hanoi Street Food Cooking Class

Duration : 03 hours - Depart at 9h30 , 11h30,16h00

Price : 35 USD/ 01 Person Only - All included

About Hanoi Street Food Tour Team - Hanoi Package Tours

Hanoi street food tour client's feedback :.

“Simply awesome. You have to do this!!” from Michael-Anna-Allison - TripAdvisor member since 2013 Firstly make sure you book with, https://www.hanoistreetfoodtour.com. There are a few places around who try and fake they are them. There address is on the website, simply turn up and book your tickets. They have tours at 11 am, 5 pm and 6:30 pm. g. Read More... Our tour guides: Miss Moon, Miss Mango, Miss Rosie, Miss Money, Miss Potato.., Money (the English nickname for our guide) was amazing. She spoke great English. Explained all the dishes extremely well. When it started raining she went and bought us all waterproof tops to throw over so we stayed dry between stops. Answered any questions that were asked. There were 8 of us in total. A great group size. At the end of the tour, she gave us all the names and descriptions of the dishes so we can easily order them again. She even gave us a bunch of other recommendations for restaurants and dishes so those staying in Hanoi for a while can go check them out. There was so much food. We went on the 5 pm tour and finished at 8 pm. I would suggest not eating anything much at all before, we had a brunch at 11 am and still struggled there is just so much good food. Well worth the money (20usd per person) paid in Dong.. Reading more..,

Highly Recommended by TripAdvisor's Members :

• Nov 28, 2018: “1st night in Hanoi...”
• Nov 28, 2018: “Eating with Sunny”
• Nov 27, 2018: “Best street food tour”
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Greatest street food & drink in Hanoi

Banh cuon is a Northern Vietnamese dish that migrated to Hanoi . Read More ...

Best Bun Cha

Pork patties and slices of pork belly are grilled over hot coals and served with fish sauce Read More

Bun Rieu Cua

Freshwater crabs flavor this tangy tomato soup that's made . Read More

As the birthplace of pho, Hanoi is ground zero for the fragrant rice noodle soup served with fresh herbs . Read More

Toast has nothing on chao ca, so if you're looking for a satisfying breakfast in Hanoi . Read More

Xoi - Sticky Rice

Banh cuon is a Northern Vietnamese dish that migrated to Hanoi . Read More

Hanoi Coffe

Coffee was brought to Vietnam by the French and is, along with baguettes. Read More

Warning Fake Hanoi Street Food Tour

For Money! Recently there have been few hotels, travel agents, tour sellers are trying to convince our recommended customers that they are Hanoi Street Food Tour’s partners, Hanoi Street Food Tour’s agents in order to sell the tours under the fake stamp of Hanoi Street Food Tour. They are even trying to copy our tour programs, tour guides’ names to make our customers believe that they are the real Hanoi Street Food Tour… but please be aware that all of them are Fake. to avoid booking a tour with the Fake One, Please doing as below :

Hanoi Street Food & Drink

In Hanoi the food is plentiful, it’s everywhere that you look and is an integral part of the livelihoods of many locals. More often than not, the street is the stage where much of what is food related in Hanoi takes place. Street food can be found on the main streets of Hanoi, and down many of the side streets and alleyways. Most areas aren’t dedicated to food, and you’ll find places to eat sandwiched in between residences and all kinds of businesses. Several times my wife and I would walk down an alleyway that looked interesting only to find ourselves in the courtyard of a residence. The looks we received on these occasions ranged from puzzled to nonchalance. I’m not sure whether there is any regulation as to where people can sell food. Most of the time the wandering vendors seem to simply set up shop where they want, and then move on to another spot depending on how busy things are. Read More...

Avoid getting trouble with someone faked us, Travelers must be paid and departed at our office meeting point as below the only Add : 78a Tran Nhat Duat Street at Kim Tours's Building - Old Quarter - Hanoi

Tel :Outside Vietnam : + 84 966 960 188 - Inside Vietnam : 0966 960 188 - WhatsApp: +84966 960 188 - QR code here

• +84 967 25 8586

Flavors of Hanoi

Visiting hanoi.

Get the best of what Hanoi has to offer with  these Foodie Experiences by the #1 Food Tour Company

HOW IT WORKS

Foodie experiences, heart and soul of hanoi old quarter, hanoi street food tour, hanoi home-hosted dinner, hanoi cooking class, food. culture. history..

“Since coming to Asia, I’ve never met such a great group of people. It’s been food, folks, and fun like I’ve never experienced. There are, by Vietnamese standards, party animals – warm, generous, thoughtful, kind – occasionally very funny, sincere in both their hospitality and their fierce pride. I don’t want to leave.”

— Anthony Bourdain , A Cook’s Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal .

WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US

Sandra & Bobby, TX The “Heart & Soul of Hanoi Old Quarter” tour really lived up to the hype! We learned interesting facts while touring the neighborhood, received generous & delicious portion sizes of a variety of foods. Joe was passionate about food and really took the time to get to know all four of us. Most importantly, the food was AMAZING! This tour was fantastic and I would 100% recommend it for every Hanoi visitors! I made sure my friends will contact FOH when they come.

Deborah & James Wallace Wolfe, WA Though my travel agent recommended them, we were unsure about the tour, but we went and LOVED it! They are so much more than just being walked from place to place, eating Hanoi street food. The food is the vessel, but you also get to experience the city in a way that goes way below the surface. FOH made me feel like a true insider! Would highly recommend to any foodie or someone looking to see a different side of the normal Hanoi touristy activities.

Kate & Michael, NY It's not just about the food, although that was delicious. Lots of history, too. Aside from the great food we saw various entertainment spots famous in the area, met the family who make rice noodles for pho restaurants in the city, learned what lies under Hoan Kiem Lake, walked through hidden alleys where people share really small pace, and lots of other interesting facts. Highly recommend this company!

THE STORY OF A FOODIE

Meet Joe, Owner & Founder

My first delicious street food in Hanoi city was in 2002 when I was leaving my village for the college. It was a lovely bowl of pipping hot noodle soup, Pho, served by a family living on the bank of the Red River, and that was the best fresh noodle with the richest stock I’ve ever eaten. The flavors of the noodle dish that day was the beginning of Flavors of Hanoi, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.

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• Tel: +84 967 25 8586
• E-mail: [email protected]

• Small Group Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour
• Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour
• Private Hanoi Street Food Tour With Mr.Ha
• Hanoi Food Tour On Motorbike
• Hanoi Vegan Food Tour
• Good Morning Hanoi
• Vietnamese Cooking Class
• Hanoi Seafood Tasting And Walking Tour
• Le Mat Snake Village Tour
• Vietnamese Recipes
• Travel News

Experiencing Hanoi Through Food

The city felt overwhelming. Along with two children, We had our hands clasped tight. We hurried through narrow streets, negotiating corners with relentless motorbikes and food carts loaded to the brim with crops and livestock. The chaos unfolding before us seemingly weaved through a complex pattern of unrelated sounds before morphing into a coherent symphony of vibrance and dynamics that has been the heartbeat of this 1,000-year old quarter in Hanoi.

Hanoi Old Quarter is an intriguing neighborhood. We strolled and criss-crossed through ancient streets and narrow alleys interspersed with a mix of modern civilizations, heritage houses and monuments with reminiscence of Vietnam’s colonial past.

The sidewalks were dotted with an unorganized mix of modern coffee joints, old local specialty stores from silverwares, textiles, handicrafts and a chock-full of local food fare and street vendors laying out their bountiful fresh harvests.

Led by an experienced food guide from Ha Food Tour , we zapped through eight locations and eight local eateries within a span of three hours. An authentic culinary journey deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and history “à pied” (on foot),  we explored Hanoi’s old world charm through food.

Pho (Beef/ Chicken Noodle)

A comfort food for Vietnamese that originated from the North, Pho (pronounced as fuh) is a steaming bowl of noodle soup, slow-cooked in rich broth with slithery noodle strands and tender beef. 

Pho’s origins can be traced back to influences from the Chinese and French. In the past, the rice noodles and spices used in preparation of the Pho were imported from China. The French popularized eating red meat during the colonial days. As the dish gained popularity and spread to the South during Vietnam’s civil war, the dish evolved with the infusion of  additional ingredients becoming what is commonly served today.

Northerners eat their Pho simpler, crisp and pure with less ingredients. Fewer cuts of meat and smaller slices of ginger layered on top the soup served without herbs and bean sprouts. The Southerners love to indulge their decadent Pho in sweet and spicy style layered with a dozen over ingredients from soy bean paste, tender beef slices and sometimes Chinese rock sugar. They are usually served with basil, bean sprouts, herbs, chillies and lime as condiments.

Pho’s origins have always been divided and strongly debated. But it is indeed the Vietnamese who blended the Chinese, French and native influences to make Pho uniquely Vietnamese.

Bun Cha (Hanoi style vermicelli with grilled pork)

This dimly lit local eatery, furnished with wood furniture, old style posters and menu boards plastered all over the wall felt like the opening of a time capsule dating back to the 1980s. Here, I had my taste of what has came to become my favorite Hanoian dish.

Bun Cha, light and refreshing, consisting of rice noodles, and charcoal grilled pork marinated in its own fats with garlic and shallots. As it turns out, it is also the same dish that was highly popularized when ex President of the United States, Obama visited Hanoi.

Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

Everybody loves a good sandwich. The Vietnamese are no different. Bahn Mi is a cheap and popular snack for the locals. Originated in Saigon with French influence from the country’s colonial past, Bahn Mi is simply warm crusty baguette combined with the rich flavors of meat, tartness of pickles and zingy tastes of herbs and fresh vegetables created by the Vietnamese. 

Like Pho, Bahn Mi is also one of Vietnam’s popular culinary exports exploding in popularity all over the world particularly, in the United States and Australia, where Vietnamese immigrants fled to after the fall of Saigon.

Ca Phe Trung – Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Humbly tucked in a quiet lane, We arrived at a local coffee joint. Small and unpretentious out-of-the-way kind of place. We walked through a dark walkway before arriving at a steep spiral staircase leading us to an open hall on the second floor. The cafe’s nostalgia time worn patina furnished with Vietnamese style low stools and tables is renowned for their Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee).

The beverage is brewed from a combination of chicken egg yolk (when milk was scarce in the past), sweetened condensed milk, Vietnamese coffee powder, butter and cheese and the recipe has remained the same since 1946. The magic in the formula lies in the right amount of egg yolks and coffee. As odd as this sounds, the egg coffee tastes heavenly! This place is indeed a gem.

From tasting Banh Cuon (steamed rolled pancakes) , Kem (deep fried spring rolls) , Kem Xoi ( Vietnamese ice-cream) to the famous Pho, Ha Food Tour has brought us to street food eateries tucked away in Hanoi’s secret alleys, most of whom have been serving up delicacies to generations of Vietnamese that have stood the test of time. There is really no better way to experience Hanoi’s  life, history and culture out of the corner of our eyes than food. Not without a great food guide of course!

Ha Food Tour, with their team of leading local food guides has served over 10,000 international food lovers annually. Their impeccable experience and passion for local food culture has brought international visitors closer to Hanoi’s cuisine and experience authentic Hanoi through food.

This article is written by Joey Ho Meng Guet, a Singaporean freelance content writer based in Thailand. She also owns a newly minted travel site Travel Growing Up where she shares her authentic travel experiences in South East Asia with nature and sustainability at the core of her content.

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