This food tour includes half an hour cycling around the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter, which is said to be a microcosm of the city. Dating back to the 11th century, the Old Quarter has 36 streets, each named after the commodity traditionally produced and sold on it, such as sugar, bamboo, leather or silver. Even though some of streets have had their name changed, many still retain their ancient attributes.
Start walking though narrow streets to Dong Xuan. Along the edge of the market, dozens of street hawkers sell produce, from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices. Your local English-speaking guide will give you an insight into traditional Vietnamese food culture, including details of ingredients and the historical background of popular northern dishes. Try seasonal fruits and sample a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart as you go.
Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, tickle your taste buds with famous Hanoi dish "Banh Cuon" at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate how the tasty dish is put together.
Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter and wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe 1000 years of local life. Your next 2 snack stops are at outdoor barbecue stalls. Sit down with Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties, flame-grilled over hot coals for extra flavor. For dessert, venture down a small alley to feast on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. This is not one to be missed!
Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets — a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that you will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. If coffee's not your thing, you can just as easily sample a cold beer! At the end, feel free to continue exploring the area on your own, or let your guide assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.
