Introduction and welcome (10 minutes)

I’ll meet you at your hotel and introduce over the tour itinerary with you.

This is a walking tour to discover the street food in Hanoi's Old Quarter and nightlife.

You will walk on foot in the vibrant atmosphere as you observe locals going about their evening routines.

You stop by a traditional street food stall known for its signature dish and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine that has stood the test of time.

I will share about captivating stories and cultural insights about Hanoi's rich culinary heritage.

Next, we’ll try a refreshing local favorite—Green Papaya Salad, known in Vietnamese as Nộm Đu Đủ.

Unlike the sweet, ripe papaya you may know, this version uses young green papaya, shredded into crisp strips and tossed with fragrant herbs, roasted peanuts, a tangy fish sauce dressing, and a touch of chili. To top it off, it's often served with chewy slices of dried beef or pork for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

It’s crunchy, zesty, and packed with bold contrasts—a perfect example of Vietnam’s balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in one vibrant street food dish. Light but full of character, it’s a refreshing break between the hot and hearty dishes on the tour.

I’ll share with you a glimpse into daily life in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the stories behind one of its most iconic traditional dishes—fried spring rolls, or Nem Rán. Once a must-have on every Tet holiday meal tray, these golden, crispy rolls are filled with a savory blend of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles—bursting with flavor in every bite. They pair perfectly with a cold local beer!

We’ll enjoy this dish at a cozy local spot tucked away behind St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where you’ll also get to try Bánh Tôm—Hanoi’s famous deep-fried shrimp cakes, crunchy on the outside and tender inside. A true hidden gem beloved by locals!

We continue our journey on foot, weaving through the lively maze of Hanoi’s Old Quarter—where every corner tells a different story through its food. As we explore the city’s culinary soul, we’ll stop at a carefully chosen local eatery for a warm and satisfying dinner.

One of the highlights of the tour is Phở bò—Hanoi’s iconic beef noodle soup, featuring a clear, aromatic broth that’s been slow-simmered for hours using beef bones, traditional spices, and fragrant herbs.

Here, we’ll enjoy it the authentic way—sitting down at a humble, family-run phở shop that has been serving locals for three generations. I’ll share with you the story behind this family’s legacy and how these time-honored recipes have become a part of daily life for Hanoians. These family-run eateries are not just food stalls—they are living heritage, carrying the taste and spirit of the city itself.

As we continue walking through the lively streets of Hanoi, we’ll make our way to a hidden corner just behind the bustling Dong Xuan Market—a local hotspot where the air is filled with the smoky scent of sizzling street-side seafood.

Here, we’ll stop at one of the best-loved spots for grilled oysters with scallion oil, a dish that’s simple but unforgettable. The oysters are grilled right in front of you over open flames, topped with green onions, peanuts, and a splash of savory fish sauce. The result? A rich, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth bite that captures the essence of Vietnamese seafood culture.

A favorite late-afternoon snack among locals, these Vietnamese BBQ pork skewers are smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. Marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, the pork is grilled over hot charcoal until slightly charred and caramelized.

We’ll grab a skewer fresh off the grill from a street vendor—just like how Hanoians do it—and stand on and enjoy it right on the sidewalk with that unmistakable aroma of sizzling meat in the air. Simple, satisfying, and absolutely addictive!

Next on our journey is one of Hanoi’s most delicate and beloved dishes—Bánh Cuốn, or steamed rice rolls.

You’ll enjoy this dish in a small, tucked-away family house in the heart of the Old Quarter, where tradition is kept alive through every roll. Here, you’ll have the rare chance to watch the process up close—thin sheets of rice batter are steamed over cloth, then expertly rolled by hand with a savory filling of minced pork and wood ear mushrooms.

The rolls are served hot, topped with crispy shallots and fresh herbs, and dipped in a light, tangy fish sauce. It’s soft, fragrant, and deeply comforting—a true taste of Hanoi’s home-style cooking. Watching the skill and rhythm of the cook is like seeing a quiet art form in motion, and eating it right away while it’s still steaming is simply unforgettable.

After exploring the rich cultural layers of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we’ll slow down with a sweet surprise—a tasting of 2–3 traditional Hanoi-style desserts that have been beloved by locals for generations.

From Chè—Vietnam’s iconic sweet soup made with ingredients like mung beans, coconut milk, jelly, and sticky rice—to Tào Phớ, a silky tofu pudding served with ginger syrup, these desserts are more than just a treat—they’re a nostalgic taste of old Hanoi.