A Self-Guided Food Tour of Hanoi — 4 Stops, 1 Afternoon
A Self-Guided Food Tour of Hanoi — 4 Stops, 1 Afternoon
After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, take a 30-40 minute taxi ride to the Old Quarter, the heart of Hanoi's culinary scene. Start your self-guided food tour in the Dong Xuan neighborhood, where the streets are lined with food stalls and restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. Your first stop is Bun Cha Huong Lien, a local favorite that has been serving bun cha (grilled pork and rice noodles) for over 20 years.
Order the bun cha, which comes with a plate of grilled pork, a bowl of rice noodles, and a variety of herbs and lettuce leaves. Don't forget to try the nem cua be (crab spring rolls), which are crispy and flavorful. From Bun Cha Huong Lien, walk north to the Hang Bac neighborhood, a 10-15 minute walk. Take a stroll along Hang Bac Street, which is lined with shops selling silver and gold jewelry, and stop at Cafe Pho Co, a cozy cafe that serves some of local pho in the city.
- Order the pho bo (beef noodle soup), which comes with a rich and flavorful broth, tender beef, and a variety of herbs and chili sauce.
- Try the banh xeo (sizzling pancake), which is crispy and served with a variety of fresh herbs and sweet sauce.
- Don't forget to explore the cafe's rooftop, which offers stunning views of the city.
From Cafe Pho Co, walk east to the Hoan Kiem neighborhood, a 10-15 minute walk. Stop at Xoi Yen, a popular restaurant that serves xoi (sticky rice) with a variety of toppings, including grilled pork, chicken, and egg. Order the xoi xeo, which comes with a generous serving of sticky rice, grilled pork, and a fried egg. Don't forget to try the che (sweet soup), which is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made with a variety of beans, tubers, and fruit.
Finally, end your food tour at Ta Hien Street, a lively street in the heart of the Old Quarter that is lined with bars, restaurants, and food stalls. Stop at Bia Hoi Corner, a popular spot for bia hoi (fresh beer) and street food. Order the bia hoi, which is brewed fresh daily and costs around 10,000 VND per glass. Try the nem (spring rolls), which are crispy and flavorful, and the bo la lot (grilled beef in wild betel leaves), which is tender and aromatic. With a full stomach and a happy heart, head back to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure, or continue exploring the city, which is easily accessible by taxi or public transit, with bus rides taking around 30-40 minutes and costing around 30,000-40,000 VND.
A self-guided food tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, exploring the city's rich culinary scene one delicious dish at a time, is the perfect way to experience the city's vibrant culture and cuisine.
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