Hanoi Culinary Walking Tour : Savor 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Hanoi Old Quarter

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4 hours
Private Tour
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Overview

Tour Map
Start/End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Route: Hanoi - 4 Hour Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour - Hanoi
Duration: 4 Hours (Morrning or Afternoon)
Tour guide in: English

Trip Highlights

Hanoi Street Food Tour – tasting authentic local dishes & exploring Hanoi old quarter

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its harmonious blend of fresh herbs, meats, and spices, resulting in dishes that tantalize both the taste buds & the senses, and can be considered as one of the healthiest cuisines in over the world.Some of the best Vietnamese delicacies are actually found at roadsides, vibrant street markets or in humble-looking restaurants.

On this street food walking tour, we’ll lead you through the hidden corners of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, offering opportunities to interact with locals, admire ancient architecture, and savor the best street food from beloved stalls and restaurants mostly chosen by local Vietnamese

Hanoi street food tour

Special Experiences Await You

  • Indulge in 10 must-try street food dishes at Hanoi’s renowned food stalls and restaurants.
  • Learn about Vietnamese food culture and the history behind each dish through informative stories shared by our knowledgeable guide.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, gaining insights into Hanoian daily life, cultural traditions, and the architectural gems scattered throughout the area.
  • Travel authentically and responsibly as you support local family businesses while enjoying delicious cuisine.

Famous Street Food Dishes You’ll Taste:

  • Bun Cha & Nem Ran (Grilled pork with noodle & spring rolls)
  • Pho (Noodle soup with beef or chicken)
  • Bun Oc (Snail noodle soup)
  • Banh Cuon (Steamed rice cake)
  • Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
  • Che (Sweet sticky soup)
  • Xoi Yen (Yen Sticky Rice)
  • Hoa qua dam (Mixed fresh fruit)
  • Bia hoi Hanoi (Draught beer)
  • Cafe trung (Egg coffee)
  • Hanoi draught beer

Join us on this culinary adventure to experience the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Hanoi’s street food scene.

Itinerary

Your foodie guide will pick you up from your hotel at your preferred time, leading you on an exciting journey through the hidden alleys and ancient streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. Discover the historical and architectural values of this thousand-year-old city, while gaining insights into local daily life and Vietnamese food culture. Learn about the ingredients and historical backgrounds of famous Hanoi street food dishes as you stroll

We eat as we go and you will enjoy authentic local bitestraditional drinks and some of the best street food in famous food stalls or restaurants which are really renowned & popularly chosen by local Vietnamese.

Hanoi street food tour

Cheer -up with fresh Bia Hoi Hanoi

Follow your foodie guide to one of the locals’ favorite Pho eatery, try a famous Bun Cha ( grilled pork with noodle – the dish gained worldwide acclaim when it was selected by President Obama for his dinner on his Vietnam trip), head to a green market to taste Hoa qua dam ( Mixture fresh fruit), Che ( Sweet sticky soup); view Joseph’s cathedral & sip local Tra chanh ( Lemon tea).

And that’s just the beginning; there’s more food to come! Enjoy the locals’ favorite Bánh Mì ( Vietnamese sandwich), try out the unique Vietnamese egg coffee ( Cafe trung) and cheer with a cold glass of Bia hoi Ha Noi ( Draught beer)….

Rice noodle with beef

Rice noodle with beef

What a nice experience to explore Hanoi’s ancient streets & enjoy a selection of 10 tastings hand-picked by your foodie guide while chatting with street vendors – really a good way for your rich insight of local culture & their daily life !

After the trip, you can continue exploring the area on your own or our guide will assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.

Notes : Vegetarian option is available upon request 

The trip includes :

  • From 5- 8 suggested dishes + 1-2 drinks as mentioned in the program
  • Enthusiastic and skilled English speaking guide.
  • Pick-up & drop-off service at your hotel in Hanoi old quarter

Price policy for children:

  • Free of charge for children under 4 years old.
  • 50 % rate of adult for children from 4-6 years old.
  • 75% rate of adult for children from 7-9 years old.
  • 100 % charge for children from 10 years old and over

The trip excludes :

  • Tips for tour guide.
  • Personal expenses: Shopping, buying souvenir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike standard culinary tours, the Golden Holiday Travel experience focuses on authenticity and storytelling. We lead you into hidden alleys and family-run stalls that have been serving the same secret recipes for over three generations. You don’t just eat; you learn about the “Yin and Yang” balance of ingredients and the cultural history behind iconic dishes like Egg Coffee and Bun Cha.

Yes, safety and hygiene are our top priorities. As a licensed local tour operator, we carefully select vendors with high turnover rates and a reputation for cleanliness. Our guides are experts at identifying the freshest ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of street dining with total peace of mind.

 

Our curated menu typically includes 8 to 10 tastings. You will experience the “Big Three” of Hanoi: Pho (aromatic noodle soup), Bun Cha (charcoal-grilled pork with noodles), and Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette). We also introduce you to hidden specialties like Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls), Nem Ran (crispy spring rolls), and the legendary Egg Coffee overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Absolutely. Because this is a private or small-group tour, we can customize the menu to suit your dietary needs. Hanoi has a rich tradition of “An Chay” (vegetarian eating), and we can swap meat-based dishes for delicious tofu, mushroom, and fresh herb alternatives without losing the authentic flavor of the tour.

The tour typically lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, usually starting around 5:00 PM. The walking pace is very leisurely, covering short distances within the flat terrain of the Old Quarter. We stop frequently to sit on traditional “low-stool” plastic chairs, making it a comfortable experience for travelers of most ages and fitness levels.

The most important thing to bring is a large appetite! We recommend eating a very light lunch. Additionally, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some small cash if you wish to buy souvenirs along the way. Your guide handles all food and drink payments included in the tour, so you can focus entirely on the flavors and the atmosphere.

Good to Know

Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.

Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.

If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.

Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:

  • Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
  • Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
  • All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions

We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.

Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.

ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.

Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.

As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:

  • Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
  • Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
  • Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.

We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.

International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.

For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.

For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.

Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.

Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.

Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.

If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:

  • Collect your checked luggage after landing.
  • Complete immigration and customs procedures.
  • Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
  • Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.

Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes

This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.

Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for travelers entering Vietnam. However, depending on the length of your stay and the areas you plan to visit, several vaccinations are commonly recommended by health professionals, particularly for rural or remote travel.

Recommended vaccinations may include:

  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis (booster shots advised)
  • Rabies (recommended for extended stays or frequent contact with animals)

If you take regular medication, we strongly advise bringing an adequate supply to cover your entire trip, as certain medicines may not be easily available locally.

Please also carry your medical prescription, ideally translated into English, to assist with customs procedures or in case medical attention is needed during your stay.

Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrival exit according to your flight number and landing time. The driver will be holding a welcome sign displaying: “Golden Holiday Travel – [Your Name]”

Please take a moment to carefully look for your name among the signs at the arrival area. In case you cannot locate our driver immediately, kindly stay near the meeting point and contact our 24/7 support team for quick assistance:

Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 988 451 530

Useful Tip: We recommend activating international roaming or ensuring internet access on your phone upon arrival so we can easily communicate if necessary.

Important Note:At busy airports, many drivers may be waiting in the same area. If you do not see our representative right away, please do not leave the arrival hall – simply contact us and our team will assist you promptly.

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