During their visit to Vietnam in 2016, President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain decided to casually dine at a local restaurant for bún chả. Instantly, the President became a fan. Hard to believe? Well, not for those who have tasted Hanoi cuisine!

(Photo courtesy of Instagram @anthonybourdain)
In this 3-hour walking tour, you will have the chance to sample more than 10 signature dishes. Our local guide has handpicked the best and safest street food vendors, eateries, and restaurants so that you can comfortably sit down and enjoy the food without worry.

As a food expert, our local guide will also give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on the ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes.

Wandering through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, you will also have the chance to learn about their history while observing daily life in the modern days. This area is nearly a thousand years old, yet, much of the old flavor that made it special in earlier times has withstood the test of time. Each street resembles exclusive guilds, including blacksmiths, silver shops, paper shops, headstone makers and more.

The best thing about this tour is that you experience both the most well-known places, and the hidden gems of the city. You'll be able to see the best of both worlds and compare them for yourself! And, if you feel a bit adventurous, you can try Vietnamese rice wine: a type of alcoholic beverage made from sticky rice. Enjoy a hot cup of Hanoi's famous egg coffee; or if coffee is not your style, a cold beer across the street.

Make sure you have enough room in your stomach, because you'll be hitting all the popular dishes of Northern Vietnam: phở (northern style), bún chả, bánh mỳ, bánh cuốn, bún đậu mắm tôm, xôi, bún thang, chè, nộm bò khô, bánh gối, etc. All included in the price!

Start

This Hanoi street food tour can start in the morning at 11 a.m., or in the evening at 6 p.m. If you are staying within the Hoan Kiem District, our local guide will pick you up. Otherwise, you can arrange a meetup point inside Hoan Kiem District, or be picked up at your place of stay at extra cost.

Main activities

• Walk through the streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
• Eat as you go, try seasonal fruits and tasty a French-inspired snack from street carts.
• Sample various signature Hanoi dishes such as bún chả and bánh cuốn at local eateries.
• Watch skilled chefs demonstrate for you how these tasty dishes are put together.
• Observe local life as you walk through the residential area of the Old Quarter.
• Stop at an outdoor stall to sample various barbecued goodies.
• Venture down a small alley to feast on fresh fruit served in a cup of crushed ice and condensed milk.
• Visit a hidden alley to try bánh mỳ, Vietnamese rice wine, and the famous egg coffee or cold beer.

The dishes include: phở bò (phở with beef), bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich), bánh rán (French-style fried cake), bánh gối (pillow pie), nem (northern style spring roll), bún chả (pork and vermicelli), bánh cuốn (steamed rice pancake), bún đậu mắm tôm (vermicelli with shrimp sauce and fried tofu), bún thang ("ladder" noodle), nộm bò khô (dried beef salad), chè (Vietnamese dessert), cà phê trứng (egg coffee), etc.

End

The trip will end after 3 hours. If you would like to continue exploring the area, don't forget to ask your local guide for more advice!

What's included

• English-speaking guide.
• Authentic Vietnamese snacks, dishes, and dessert.
• One cup of coffee or cold beer per person.
• Personal expenses (additional food, drinks, and shopping) are not included.