Vietnam’s capital serves up its best food experiences through local, family-style dining. Skip the tourist traps and head straight for the action-packed street corners where vendors cook up perfect banh mi sandwiches and steaming bowls of bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). We especially love the morning food walks through the Old Quarter, where expert guides introduce you to hidden food stalls and explain the stories behind each dish.
The hands-on cooking classes are another winner – you’ll shop at local markets, learn authentic techniques, and enjoy your creations in a relaxed setting. For a memorable evening, combine dinner with Hanoi’s famous water puppet shows, a uniquely Vietnamese experience.
Small-group food tours consistently rank as our top picks, offering the perfect mix of tastings and cultural insights. Check out our recommended food experiences below.
Key Points
- The Quang An 22 Restaurant offers an authentic, family-oriented dining experience with specialties like fresh fried crab and cooked duck with orange.
- The Cultural Experiences: Water Puppet Show with Dinner package provides an immersive cultural experience with a visit to a local market, a 50-minute water puppet show, and a traditional buffet dinner.
- The Hanoi Street Food Experience is a private tour that showcases the vibrant street food scene in Hanoi, with an English-speaking guide and a variety of local dishes.
- The Hanoi Cooking Class and the Vietnamese Cooking Class at Orchid Restaurant offer hands-on cooking sessions with market tours, where participants can learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes.
- The Hanoi Food Lovers Walking Tour and the Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience are highly recommended walking tours that provide an in-depth exploration of Hanoi’s iconic dishes and local delicacies.
Hanoi Food Lovers Walking Tour: Street Food Experience With 5 Food Stops
Travelers seeking an authentic taste of Hanoi’s vibrant food scene can dive into the Hanoi Food Lovers Walking Tour.
This 3-hour experience offers a 95% traveler recommendation, with a small group size of up to 12 participants.
Led by passionate local guides, the tour takes you through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you’ll sample iconic Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, banh cuon, and bun cha.
Along the way, you’ll explore hidden alleys, bustling markets, and soak in the local culinary culture.
With a Badge of Excellence and 597 positive reviews, this tour promises a delicious and immersive introduction to Hanoi’s renowned street food scene.
Read our full review: Hanoi Food Lovers Walking Tour: Street Food Experience With 5 Food Stops Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience
Immersing oneself in Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers an unparalleled opportunity to savor the city’s vibrant street food scene.
Joining a guided food tour is a popular way to explore this culinary treasure trove. Lasting 3-4 hours, the 7 Tastings Street Food Tour with Train Street takes visitors on a mouthwatering journey, introducing them to a diverse array of local delicacies.
Pickup is available, and the small-group experience garners a stellar 4.9 rating from over 235 reviews. At $28.27 per person, it provides an excellent value for those seeking an authentic taste of Hanoi’s renowned street food culture.
Read our full review: Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi Street Food Experience by Walking
For those seeking a more intimate exploration of Hanoi’s renowned street food scene, the Hanoi Street Food Experience by Walking offers an excellent alternative to the larger group tours.
This private walking tour takes guests through the city’s vibrant Old Quarter, led by an English-speaking local student guide. With its 100% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence, the experience promises an authentic, personalized journey into Hanoi’s vibrant culinary culture.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour provides transfer fees and entrance fees, if any. Participants should note the early evening start time and that the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain health conditions.
Read our full review: Hanoi Street Food Experience by Walking Review
Book now: Check availability
Homemade Restaurant Dining
Often, visitors to Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter seek out Quang An 22 Restaurant, a family-run hotel that has served Vietnamese cuisine from the French colonial era since 1981.
This 3rd generation restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere. The menu features specialties like fresh fried crab, stuffed crab, fried frog, and cooked duck with orange.
Reservations start at ₹4,162 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can expect a 2-hour private group experience and may be subject to fees for commercial photography.
While the restaurant isn’t suitable for those with altitude sickness or over 95 years old, it provides an authentic taste of colonial-era Vietnamese flavors.
Read our full review: Homemade Restaurant Dining Review
Book now: Check availability
Ha Noi Water Puppet Show With Buffet Dinner
Visitors to Hanoi can embark on a captivating cultural experience by attending the Hanoi Water Puppet Show with Buffet Dinner. This 4-hour tour includes a visit to a local market, a 50-minute water puppet performance, and a traditional Vietnamese buffet dinner.
The water puppet show offers insight into the art form’s origins, with skilled puppeteers controlling wooden puppets using bamboo rods, accompanied by live music.
The buffet dinner at Sen Tay Ho restaurant features a variety of Vietnamese dishes, though some reviews indicate mixed experiences with the meal quality.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, providing an intimate small-group experience.
Read our full review: Ha Noi Water Puppet Show With Buffet Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi Local Street Food Experience
Travelers looking to enjoy Hanoi’s vibrant culinary scene can embark on a 3-hour Local Street Food Experience. Priced at $26.42 per person, this guided tour includes pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels and an English-speaking local guide.
Participants will sample over 5 authentic dishes and drinks, exploring the city’s bustling life. The flexible itinerary can be personalized based on preferences, allowing visitors to discover local favorites beyond typical options.
With an overall 5/5 rating, the tour promises a delightful mix of appetizers, snacks, main courses, and desserts. Raincoats and ponchos are provided if needed, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Participants can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Hanoi Local Street Food Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Trang an Hoa Lu Mua Cave Tour [Japanese Guide, Limousine Bus, Lunch and Dinner Included]
![Trang an Hoa Lu Mua Cave Tour [Japanese Guide, Limousine Bus, Lunch and Dinner Included]](https://powertraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1_trang-an-hoa-lu-mua-cave-tour-japanese-guide-limousine-bus-lunch-and-dinner-included.jpg)
This Trang An Hoa Lu Mua Cave Tour offers travelers an immersive experience in the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh, located just south of Hanoi.
Priced from $57.23 per person, the tour includes a limousine bus transfer, a Japanese guide, and a buffet lunch and dinner.
Visitors can enjoy cycling, a boat ride, and hiking to explore the Hoa Lu ancient capital, the Mua Cave, and the Trang An scenic landscape.
With a maximum capacity of 100 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible option for visitors.
Read our full review: Trang an Hoa Lu Mua Cave Tour [Japanese Guide, Limousine Bus, Lunch and Dinner Included] Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi: Street Food Experience With 5 Food Stops
For those looking to enjoy Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene, the Hanoi: Street Food Experience With 5 Food Stops tour offers an opportunity to savor the city’s culinary delights.
This 3-hour guided tour takes participants to five different food stops, including Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Old Quarter, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Guests will sample a variety of local specialties, such as banh mi, banh cuon, and bun cha, as well as explore a hidden café with panoramic views.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour provides a personalized experience led by an English-speaking local guide. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the excellent value for money, making this a must-try for any foodie visiting Hanoi.
Read our full review: Hanoi: Street Food Experience With 5 Food Stops Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi The Best Street Food Experience |SOLO |VEGETARIAN OPTION
Immersing oneself in Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene is a must for any foodie visiting the city.
The Hanoi Street Food Tour offers a comprehensive experience, with options for travelers and vegetarians. The afternoon tours, priced from $29 per person, provide an enthusiastic English-speaking guide, 8 suggested dishes, bottled water, a can of beer, and even the iconic egg coffee.
Pickup and drop-off services from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels are included, and the tour is capped at 8 travelers for an intimate experience.
With rave reviews and a 5-star rating, this tour promises an authentic taste of Hanoi’s culinary delights.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it a flexible and convenient option.
Read our full review: Hanoi The Best Street Food Experience |SOLO |VEGETARIAN OPTION Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi: Night Market Tour, Water Puppet Show and Dinner
A Hanoi night market tour, water puppet show, and dinner experience offers travelers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s vibrant culture and cuisine.
This 3.5-hour tour includes transportation, market exploration, a traditional water puppet performance, and a buffet dinner featuring diverse North Vietnamese flavors. Priced from $78 per person, the experience covers key highlights, with an English-speaking guide to provide context.
The tour starts with a 10-minute car ride to Phố Cầu Gỗ market, followed by a 50-minute water puppet show and 1.5-hour dinner by West Lake.
Participants can expect a maximum of one child per adult and no unaccompanied minors allowed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Hanoi: Night Market Tour, Water Puppet Show and Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi Cooking Class: Local Market, Local Food & Local Restaurant.
Although Hanoi is known for its vibrant street food scene, a cooking class offers travelers a chance to delve deeper into the city’s culinary traditions.
The Hanoi Cooking Class provides an immersive experience, starting with a guided shopping trip to a local market to source ingredients. Participants then learn to prepare three authentic Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor.
The class is capped at 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention. At $50 per person, the class represents good value, with pickup, cooking, and a chance to enjoy the prepared meal all included.
With flexible booking and cancellation policies, the Hanoi Cooking Class is a convenient and enriching way to experience Vietnamese cuisine.
Read our full review: Hanoi Cooking Class: Local Market, Local Food & Local Restaurant. Review
Book now: Check availability
From Hanoi: Guided 2-Day Tour of Sa Pa With Lunch & Dinner
Departing Hanoi in the evening, travelers embark on a captivating two-day guided tour to the picturesque town of Sa Pa. The tour, priced from $84 per person, includes round-trip bus transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a homestay with a local family.
Highlights include trekking through the Muong Hoa valley, learning traditional cooking, and exploring rice paddies and bamboo forests. With a maximum group size of 10, the tour offers an intimate experience.
Though not suitable for young children or the elderly, the manageable trails are suitable for most. Travelers should bring appropriate footwear and be prepared for potentially challenging conditions due to rain.
Read our full review: From Hanoi: Guided 2-Day Tour of Sa Pa With Lunch & Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Hanoi Street Food Experience
Travelers embark on a captivating Hanoi street food experience, seeing the vibrant culinary scene of Vietnam’s historic capital.
For $50 per person, this private tour offers an English-speaking guide, local side dishes, and drinks (with alcohol restricted for underage 18+).
The meeting point is at Hàng Điếu in the Old Quarter, with the tour ending back at the same location. Guides will communicate with participants via WhatsApp.
The tour starts at 6:00 PM, with confirmation provided at the time of booking.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, though those with medical conditions may want to reconsider.
The non-refundable policy applies to all cancellations.
Read our full review: Hanoi Street Food Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Vietnamese Coooking Class Wih Market Tour at Orchid Restaurant & Cooking Class
A Vietnamese cooking class with a market tour at Orchid Restaurant & Cooking Class in Hanoi offers foodies an immersive culinary experience.
Participants can learn to prepare popular dishes like pho and fried spring rolls during the hands-on cooking session. The tour includes hotel pickup for convenience, and participants can enjoy all the dishes they prepare.
A variety of Vietnamese signature dishes are available to learn, and a vegetarian option is provided upon request.
With an overall rating of 5.0 based on verified reviews, this private tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic Vietnamese cooking experience.
Read our full review: Vietnamese Coooking Class Wih Market Tour at Orchid Restaurant & Cooking Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Hanoi offers a diverse array of dining experiences. Visitors can enjoy authentic street food, participate in cooking classes, and savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine in local restaurants. These experiences provide a well-rounded taste of the city’s vibrant food culture. Whether seeking a casual street food tour or a more immersive culinary adventure, Hanoi has something to satisfy every food lover’s palate.