Best Recommendations For An Authentic Food Tour In Hanoi

Hanoi’s vibrant food scene is a key factor that creates the unique Hanoi Vietnam travel. From the bustling street food stalls to the hidden family-run eateries, the flavors and aromas of Hanoi’s local cuisine offer an exceptional window into the city’s culture and traditions.

To help you experience Hanoi like a local, we’ve curated the ultimate local guide for your food tour in Hanoi that guides you to the best spots for iconic Vietnamese dishes, hidden culinary gems, and authentic cultural immersion. Get ready to indulge your senses and savor Hanoi to the fullest!

Top Choices for Your Food Tour in Hanoi

As you embark on your culinary exploration of Hanoi, here are some highlights to include on your Hanoi street food tour itinerary.

Food Markets

The markets are bustling hubs of activity, filled with the lively sounds of vendors calling out their wares, the sizzle of food being cooked, and the chatter of shoppers. Absorbing this energetic ambiance is a feast for the senses.

Here, vendors offer an astonishing array of fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, and traditional Vietnamese specialties. You can sample iconic dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), bun cha (Vietnamese grilled pork with rice vermicelli noodles), xoi (sticky rice), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), cafe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee), etc. There are some local food markets in Hanoi to explore.

Dong Xuan Market

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is one of the city’s largest and oldest indoor markets. This 200-meter-long “food alley” is a true gastronomic gem. 

You can find many local foods in the Dong Xuan market (Source: Collected)

The majority of the stall owners here have been serving up their specialties for over a decade. With just a few dollars, you can enjoy a satisfying meal.

Don’t miss these must-try dishes when you visit the Dong Xuan market:

• Chao Suon Huyen Anh (Huyen Anh steamed pork rib porridge): 14 Dong Xuan Street
• Banh Tom Co Am (Co Am shrimp cake): Dong Xuan Alley
• Bun cha que Co Nga (Miss Nga’s vermicelli noodles with grilled pork): Dong Xuan Alley
• Bun oc Thuy (Miss Thuy’s ​​snail noodles): 11 Alley Dong Xuan Market
• Nom bo kho Long Vi Dung ( Long Vi Dung dried beef salad): 23 Ho Hoan Kiem, Hang Bac Ward
• Bun rieu top mo Huong Beo (Huong Beo crab noodle soup): 4 Dong Xuan Street

Long Bien Market

Established more than 20 years ago, the Long Bien market, located near the iconic Long Bien bridge, is a wholesale market where vendors from across Vietnam come to sell their bountiful harvests and supply fresh produce to the people of Hanoi.

Crowded Long Bien market in the early morning (Source: Collected)

Strolling through the market’s winding lanes, you can find an astounding array of locally grown fruits and vegetables, from fragrant lychees and mangos to crisp leafy greens and vibrant tubers.

Hanoi Weekend Night Market 

As the sun dips behind the charming rooftops of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the area transforms into a vibrant food paradise. This night market takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 18:00 to 23:00.

The market stalls and mobile food vendors come alive, welcoming visitors to the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of the Hanoi street food tour.

The Dong Xuan market food alley boasts an extensive selection of local delicacies, including Kem Trang Tien (Trang Tien ice cream), thit xien nuong (grilled skewered meat), hoa qua dam (mixed fruit), kem hoa qua (fruit ice cream), banh trang (rice paper rolls), kem ong (ice cream in a tube), xien nuong (grilled skewers), and khoai tay chien (french fries).

The Hanoi weekend night market stretches for several blocks along the winding streets of the Old Quarter (Source: Collected)

Tong Duy Tan Street

Nestled in central Hanoi, Tong Duy Tan Food Street is a compact, 200-meter stretch that connects Tran Phu Street and Dien Bien Phu Street, intersecting with Cam Chi Alley. The street’s food stalls and restaurants operate from 08:00 to 23:00, drawing crowds of local Hanoians and curious travelers, especially in the evenings. 

This longstanding culinary destination is beloved for its time-honored establishments that have preserved the unique flavors and traditions cherished by generations of patrons. Many Hanoians fondly recall their childhood memories associated with the street’s iconic eateries.

Some of the signature specialties found along Tong Duy Tan Street for your food tour of Hanoi are: 

• Ga tan Cay Si (Chicken stew with herbs): 29 Tong Duy Tan
• Com dao ga rang (Chicken rice): The intersection of Tong Duy Tan and Cam Chi.
• Banh cuon Ky Dong (Rice Rolls): 11 Tong Duy Tan
• Chao suon Tho Xuong (Pork rib congee): 1 Tong Duy Tan

Ga tan Cay Si (Chicken stew with herbs) (Source: Collected)

Note: Try to hone your bargaining skills as you negotiate prices with friendly vendors. It’s all part of the local market experience!

Culinary Workshops and Cooking Classes

As you plan your Hanoi food adventure, be sure to reserve a spot in one of the city’s culinary workshops or cooking classes. You’ll not only savor the flavors of the city’s renowned dishes but also develop a profound understanding of the techniques, traditions, and cultural nuances that define them.

Many workshops begin with a visit to a local market, where participants can explore the vibrant displays of fresh produce, herbs, spices, and other essential ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine. 

At the cooking class venue, which is often in a family home or a professional chef, you can actively engage in the preparation of classic Hanoi dishes. Under the guidance of skilled local chefs, you can learn the intricate techniques and step-by-step processes involved in making dishes such as Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup), Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles), and Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwiches).

A hands-on cooking class in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

Based on glowing reviews from Tripadvisor, here are the top 5 cooking classes in Hanoi that promise to elevate your food tour in Hanoi.

• Apron Up Cooking Class: 8 Gia Ngu Street, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District.
• Rose Kitchen: 173 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ba Dinh District.
• Manh’s Farm Tour and Homestay Cooking Class in Hanoi: No 23, Thon 4, Song Phuong, Hoai Duc District, Hà Nội 
• Blue Butterfly cooking class: 69 Ma May, Hoan Kiem District.
• Hoang’s cooking class: 54 Hang Buom Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Unique Dining Experiences

Hanoi’s food scene is brimming with unique dining experiences that allow visitors to discover the true essence of the city’s culinary culture. Whether you’re seeking authentic, time-honored dishes or novel culinary creations, the city has something to tantalize every palate.

Hidden local eateries

Hidden among the bustling streets, you’ll find humble eateries that have perfected local specialties over generations. These hidden gems, often frequented by in-the-know locals, serve up dishes that embody the true essence of Hanoi’s food culture. 

• Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District.
• Bun Dau Hang Khay: 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem District.
• Banh Mi 25: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem District.
• Pho ga tron: 47 Ma May, Hoan Kiem District.
• Bun cha: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem District.
• Bun thang ba Duc: 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District.

Bun Thang in Hanoi

Stepping into the family-run restaurants of Hanoi is akin to stepping into the homes of the city’s residents, where generations-old recipes and techniques are passed down with pride and passion. They offer you an intimate, authentic dining experience that reflects the warmth and hospitality of their owners.

Popular brands

These are considered some of the best and most iconic sites for these traditional Vietnamese dishes in the city:

• Pho Thin bo Ho: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District 
• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District 
• Xoi Yen: 35 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District 
• Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District

Highlighted fusions

Hanoi’s food scene is also home to a new generation of innovative restaurants that are pushing the boundaries of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

A new generation of innovative restaurants pushes the boundaries of Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Collected)

These recommendations highlight a mix of both traditional and innovative Vietnamese restaurants, showcasing the city’s dynamic and evolving food scene.

• Gia Restaurant: 61 P. Van Mieu, Van Mieu, Dong Da District.
• Cha ca La Vong: 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem District.
• Tam Vi: Address: 4B Pho Yen The, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District. 
• Bep Prime: No. 12 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem District.
• Hanoi Highway 4 restaurant: 5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Hanoi West Lake Culinary Cultural Area: 614 Lac Long Quan, Nhat Tan, Tay Ho District.
• Banh tom Ho Tay: 01 Thanh Nien Road, Tay Ho District.

Guided Food Tour in Hanoi

The key to an unforgettable street food tour lies in a well-curated food tour in Hanoi, designed to cater to your unique preferences and interests. The expertise of local guides, passionate foodies, and culinary professionals can grant you exclusive access to Hanoi’s culinary landscape. 

Your local guide will carefully craft an itinerary that showcases the city’s signature dishes and regional specialties, ensuring you savor the full spectrum of Hanoi’s culinary offerings. Whether you’re seeking authentic street food or cutting-edge dining experiences, the tour will be tailored to your discerning tastes.

Beyond just tasting delicious food, you’ll have the chance to meet the chefs, vendors, and artisans behind the flavors, learning about their techniques, ingredients, and the rich traditions that shape Hanoi’s vibrant food scene. 

As you venture through the vibrant streets of Hanoi, discovering the city’s rich culinary landscape can be a daunting task for the uninitiated. However, with the expertise of Asian Pioneer Travel, you can immerse yourself in authentic flavors and traditions. We offer a seamless and enriching food tour of Vietnam by guiding you through the city’s hidden gems and introducing you to the masters behind the most beloved local dishes.

Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Hanoi’s evolving food landscape. Book your culinary tour with our dedicated travel designers and get ready to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure!