Established over 1000 years ago, the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is rich in a unique blend of the East and West cultures with French influence. If you know about Vietnam, you probably know how diverse Vietnamese cuisine is.
You can absolutely search for these quintessential flavors in some narrow Hanoi alleyways without visiting the world-class restaurants. Here are some food experiences that you can go and see for yourself!
1. Dinner with a local family (Hanoi-an family)
This authentic experience is a perfect way to not only help you understand eating etiquette in the daily meals of Vietnamese people but also to enjoy the delicious and healthy Vietnamese dishes. Don’t hesitate to tell if you have a special food request!
The friendly owner of the house also shares with you some interesting stories about Vietnamese history, lifestyle, economy, social issues, and some fun Vietnam facts. Besides, you also see how the typical house in Hanoi is designed.
2. Eggs coffee workshop
Strolling through every Hanoi street, you easily recognize that and Vietnamese people are caffein lovers. More than a normal dripping coffee, egg coffee is the Hanoi specialty in which a creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee.
This workshop introduces you from the egg coffee’s origin to its formative process to create a special taste. After that, you enjoy your own cup of egg coffee made by yourself and get your certification. You also receive a special gift made by Bat Trang Ceramics from the organizer.
3. Walking foodie tour
Your Hanoi trip will not complete without enjoying a wide variety of Hanoi street foods. Here is a food list that you must try during your walking foodie tour:
3.1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Vietnamese street food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world because of its fresh, light, and gluten-free. Pho is regarded as the “ideal” option for your breakfast or lunch. This iconic soup may be the “unofficial” national dish thanks to its delicious broth that is made from an exclusive blend of herbs.
3.2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Have you ever been curious about the savory scent emanating from the clouds of smoke rising from charcoal grills all around the city? This attractive dish comprises charring fatty pork to be served in a broth with white rice noodles, herbs, which was praised by President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain.
3.3. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Spring roll is a widely common dish of Vietnamese food that can be found in every Hanoi street. It can also be fried, called “Deep Fried Spring Rolls”, is one of the most favorite dishes on special occasions such as Tet and other family festivities.
3.4. Bánh Tôm (Shrimp Cakes)
Both overlooking Hanoi’s peaceful West Lake and enjoying the crispy shrimp cakes will be your intriguing Hanoi food experience. Generated in the 1930s, this dish linked to the memories of the old-time and nostalgia when local people have to go with a torch at night-time just to manually catch every single shrimp. This simple recipe has just consisted of freshwater crayfish or shrimp, flour, and sweet potato.
Wanting to get a real Hanoi food experience and more, please accompany us to experience our best private food tours.
Read more: Hanoi – Cooking & Street Food Tour Full Day