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We couldn’t believe how much delicious food we managed to try during our Hanoi food tour .
We couldn’t believe how much delicious food we managed to try during our Hanoi food tour . As we leaned back in our chairs, completely satisfied, we realized this experience had become one of the highlights of our trip. With our phones brimming with photos and videos of iconic Ha
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Vietnam Travelers
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We couldn’t believe how much delicious food we managed to try during our Hanoi food tour .
Route flow, hotel placement and transfer timing are the three decisions that shape the whole trip.
We couldn’t believe how much delicious food we managed to try during our Hanoi food tour. As we leaned back in our chairs, completely satisfied, we realized this experience had become one of the highlights of our trip. With our phones brimming with photos and videos of iconic Hanoian and Vietnamese dishes, it was a feast for both our taste buds and memories.
A food tour in Hanoi is more than just a culinary adventure—it’s a way to connect with Hanoi’s rich culture and vibrant street life. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or longer, a guided food tour is an absolute must-do. As we wandered through bustling streets and tucked-away alleys, we not only tasted the best local flavors but also gained fascinating insights into Vietnamese dining traditions and daily life.
Our 4-hour Hanoi food and walking tour was an unforgettable journey that went far beyond just savoring dishes. It was a deep dive into the essence of Hanoi’s culinary scene, leaving us with stories, flavors, and experiences we’ll cherish forever. Read on for a closer look at the dishes we tried and the exact stops on our guided food tour.
59 Hàng Mã
Sweet, tangy, and smoky—bún chả is a flavor-packed dish you can’t miss!
Locals often enjoy bún chả for breakfast, so we decided to follow suit. This hearty meal consists of grilled pork, pork meatballs, fermented rice noodles, and fresh herbs, served in a deliciously balanced sweet-and-sour broth.
Our Hanoi food tour began with this iconic dish at 11:00 am, and it instantly became one of my personal favorites. While you can customize your bowl with as many herbs as you’d like, I skipped them as their strong flavors aren’t my preference. However, Minh suggested adding a spoonful of pickled minced garlic to the broth—a game-changing tip that elevated the taste to new heights.
Alongside the bún chả, we enjoyed nem cua bể—crispy fried crab spring rolls. Seafood is a prominent feature in Hanoi’s cuisine, with ingredients like shrimp, clams, eel, and crab making frequent appearances. These spring rolls, with their distinctive flavor, were the perfect complement to the smoky richness of the bún chả.
12 Hàng Gà
Bánh cuốn nóng are delicate steamed rice rolls, typically filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and wood-ear mushrooms—another must-try if you’re on a street food tour Hanoi.
As you stroll through Hanoi, you’ll often spot vendors preparing bánh cuốn right on the streets. The telltale sign? Clouds of steam wafting from the shopfront. To make them, a thin layer of rice batter is poured onto a cloth stretched over boiling water, steamed until set, and then filled with ingredients before being rolled like a crêpe.
Our bánh cuốn was topped with a unique shrimp “powder,” along with crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of cilantro. The texture stood out among all the dishes we tried—soft, slightly chewy, and buttery smooth, making it a light yet satisfying snack.
As is tradition with Vietnamese dishes, bánh cuốn is accompanied by nước mắm, a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water. Compared to bún chả, this dish is much lighter but still a popular choice for breakfast in Hanoi.
79 Hàng Điếu
A great way to distinguish this Hanoi specialty from bánh cuốn is by their preparation and presentation. While bánh cuốn features thin, rolled steamed rice pancakes, bánh xèo stands out as a large, crispy, folded pancake made with a batter of rice flour, turmeric, eggs, scallions, and coconut milk.
Unlike the light and delicate bánh cuốn, bánh xèo is a hearty dish that’s rich, crispy, and packed with flavorful fillings like pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Its golden, sizzled crust makes it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Rather than being rolled, this pancake is folded in half and fried to achieve its signature crunch. Given its size and richness, one pancake is usually enough for a group of four to share. To enjoy it the traditional way, wrap a slice in fresh lettuce or rice paper, add herbs, and dip it in the tangy sauce served alongside.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to pair your bánh xèo with a refreshing glass of freshly pressed sugarcane juice (nước mía), available just across the street at 77 Hàng Điếu. It’s the perfect sweet treat to complement this stop on your Hanoi food tour.
Enhance your culinary skills with our Hanoi’s Culinary Authentic Cooking Class and Local Market, blending cooking with local flavor exploration
10 Lý Quốc Sư
Our unanimous favorite from the trip was miến lươn xào—a delightful dish of stir-fried glass noodles topped with crispy, golden-brown eel pieces. Yes, eel might sound unconventional at first, but one bite and you’ll understand why this dish is so beloved.
Despite being stir-fried, the dish feels remarkably light due to the delicate, airy texture of the glass noodles. Locals enjoy it with a splash of lime juice and a drizzle of chili oil for an added kick, and I’d highly recommend doing the same to fully appreciate the flavors.
Tô Tịch Street
If you’re looking for a refreshing dessert on your Hanoi food tour, hoa quả dầm kem might catch your eye—a tropical mix of coconut ice cream and fresh fruits.
But this dessert doesn’t stop at just ice cream and fruit. The Vietnamese signature twist includes a drizzle of condensed milk, adding a creamy sweetness to the dish. The fruit selection often features watermelon, jackfruit, papaya, mango, and strawberries, with occasional surprises like chewy jellies or coconut shreds.
While it wasn’t my personal favorite (I’m not a big dessert enthusiast), the experience was memorable, especially with the charming setup of tiny plastic stools and low tables—a quintessential Vietnamese dining vibe.
13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng
No trip to Hanoi is complete without tasting its iconic egg coffee, cà phê trứng. This unique drink, born right here in Hanoi, is a must-try for anyone on a best Hanoi street food tour.
We made our way to Café Đinh, a charming spot near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and headed up to the second floor for an authentic experience. And trust me, this legendary drink lived up to its reputation.
So, what makes egg coffee so special? Contrary to what you might imagine, it’s not an eggy coffee at all! The base is rich Vietnamese robusta coffee, topped with a sweet, creamy foam whipped from egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. The result? A drink that’s more like a luxurious dessert with a hint of coffee.
Ending the tour with this indulgent treat was the perfect way to recharge before heading out to explore the picturesque lake and Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter.
If it’s your first time joining a food tour in Hanoi, here are a few practical tips to make the most of your experience:
At Vietnam Travelers, we curate exceptional Hanoi food tour that blend authentic culinary experiences with cultural exploration. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment as you delve into Vietnam’s rich gastronomic landscape.
Embark on an exciting motorbike adventure through Hanoi’s vibrant streets. This Hanoi food tour offers seven mouthwatering local dishes, including the renowned Obama Bun Cha and refreshing Mango Jelly. Navigate hidden alleyways and bustling markets with our skilled guides, who provide insightful stories behind each culinary delight. Experience Hanoi’s dynamic food scene like never before!
Highlights:
Savor the best of Hanoi’s vegan cuisine on this immersive walking tour. Taste a variety of plant-based specialties while exploring the historic Old Quarter. The journey culminates at the iconic Train Street, where you can witness the unique interplay of daily life and railway tracks. Perfect for vegan travelers seeking authentic flavors and cultural insights.
Highlights:
Dive into Hanoi’s bustling street food culture with our 7-tasting walking tour. Enjoy traditional favorites like Bún chả, Bánh Xèo, and Vietnamese Egg Coffee as you navigate the lively streets with our expert guides. The tour concludes at Train Street, offering a unique perspective of Hanoi’s vibrant urban life.
Highlights:
If you’d like to discover local specialties, our 7 Tasting Street Food Walking Tour is an absolute must-do for food lovers.
Experience the best of Hanoi’s culinary delights with Vietnam Travelers. Our tours are meticulously crafted to provide you with authentic tastes and cultural insights, all while ensuring your safety and comfort. Visit Vietnamtravelers.com to explore our food tour options and secure your spot on an unforgettable gastronomic journey through Vietnam’s capital!
Planning your culinary adventure in Hanoi is simple with Vietnam Travelers. Book directly through our website, to access our exclusive food tours. Enjoy personalized service, competitive pricing, and the assurance of a memorable experience tailored to your tastes. Avoid third-party platforms and choose us for the best value and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Start your delicious journey with Vietnam Travelers today!