Hungry Hanoi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Hanoi , Vietnam

Hungry Hanoi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the food heroes of Hanoi, navigating through the Old Quarter and beyond at local street eats, food markets and taste the legendary Cha Cá Lã Vong speciality of the city.

Available options

Hungry Hanoi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

What's included

Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Hanoi (private tour or 9+ guests - contact us)

15+ food tastings included, more than any other Hanoi food tour

Bottled water included

Moveable feast with 6-7 stops around the streets of old Hanoi

Led by professional foodie guides

Detailed itinerary

Our lunchtime food tour invites guests on a culinary experience around Hanoi. It's a carefully curated food adventure, led by our team of professional food guides.

Before we get started, our tour reflects the local cuisine, & the limitations of street food vendors means we unfortunately cannot cater for every dietary restriction. Here's an honest appraisal for the tour, so no-one is disappointed:
✘ Unsuitable for vegetarian diets sorry, as there would be 4-5 less tastings.
✖️ Unsuitable for severe allergies, halal and celiac diets, due to the risk of traces & cross-contamination.

If you are feeling adventurous for a foodie journey, read on!

We'll meet at the historic Old Quarter, navigating through street food vendors, decades-old eateries and family-owned recipes that have been passed down generations. We'll crunch on crispy handmade pillow cakes, translucent tapioca dumplings, and caramelized pork belly. We can't miss a Hanoian classic -Chả Cá Lã Vọng, a turmeric-spiked fish dish with dill at a century-old original joint, before a steamy hot bowl of pho at a Michelin-rated eatery.

Next up, bánh cuon rice rolls are rolled expertly over the griddle, and later grilled bun cha pork patties are doused over stringy vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, whilst young green rice flakes are bundled over banana leaves, washed down with dracontomelon juice. There's many more surprises amongst 15+ tastings over the course of 7-8 stops of our moveable feast.

Come hungry, cos we're taking you on a food adventure like no other, to the backstreets to discover the real street food of Hanoi and the food heroes deep inside the culinary underbelly of the North.

We'll toast the iconic egg coffee with your seasoned foodie pro guide, an expert in delicious dishes, arming you with the local knowledge to continue eating street food across Vietnam. Pack loose trousers, we'll show you where the locals eat!

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks excluded

Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarians have 4-5 less tastings due to limited alternatives

Unsuitable for severe allergies, halal & celiac disease, due to risk of traces & cross-contamination

Meeting point

Meet your guide by the arch, at the coffee shop with the red canopy called "Cafe Ô Quan Chuong". This historic arch is conveniently located near hotels in the north of the Old Quarter.

Important notes

"*Ticket:* The guide should have your name on the manifest, please check you have booked the right date and time. We don't need to scan the tickets.

*Telephone number:* Please kindly do not call the telephone number if your enquiry is regarding date changes, cancellations, dietary requests.etc. The telephone number stated is ONLY for emergencies and meeting point arrivals with the guide team on-the-ground. They won't be able to help with any booking-related questions.Please contact directly to A Chef's Tour Customer Support team. Email: info@achefstour.com with your name, for a prompt response.

*Meeting point:* The meeting point is marked on the tour page. Please aim to arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time, so we can begin punctually with the other guests. The city is surprisingly large, and traffic is unpredictable. Please ensure you leave with plenty of time to order the taxi, and reach the meeting point.

*Taxis:* We recommend downloading the ‘Grab’ app on your smartphone. This is a convenient taxi-hailing app, similar to Uber. You can safely input your desired location and the price is fixed. The payment can be made from your credit/debit card, or cash in the local currency.

*What to bring:*
- We recommend comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking.
- This tour operates come rain or shine. Most eating stops are sheltered, though please carry rain gear/umbrella if rain looks likely, for walking between stops and when visiting some streetside stalls.
- There's lot of tastings to try, come hungry!"

About Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Top Attractions

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.

Historical 1-2 hours 30,000 VND

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.

Architecture 1-2 hours for a performance Varies by event

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Egg Coffee

A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.

Drink Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Trekking in Sapa Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake Coffee at a local café Exploring the Temple of Literature Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay Egg coffee tasting

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station

By bus

Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Quarter French Quarter Ba Dinh District Tay Ho District

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • Full day

Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.

Sapa

320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day

Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.

Festivals

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar) Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.