blog

Planning a trip to Vietnam but feeling overwhelmed? This local guide covers where to go, when to visit, what to eat, safety tips, scams, SIM cards, and everyday travel advice.

Hanoi, January 8th, 2026 We’re so happy to welcome Karen and Anthony from the UK & Laura’s group from the US to our Hanoi food tour today, ready to discover the taste of Hanoi with Casey, our local friend. Casey led everyone into hidden spots where locals eat and let the city slowly unfold through its flavors and stories. Every dish was a yes, with curious bites, bright eyes, and happy nods after each taste: from “bánh cuốn” – steamed rolled rice pancakes, to “bún riêu” - Riv

When winter arrives in Hanoi, the city slows down just a little. The air turns cool, streets feel quieter, and locals instinctively start craving one thing comfort food. Not fancy dishes, not restaurant dining, but local foods eaten on small stools, shared with friends, and cooked by familiar faces who have been feeding the neighborhood for decades. These are the 15 winter dishes Hanoians truly crave, found at local vendors, often in hidden spots, deeply connected to daily li

Hanoi, December 27th, 2025 We were happy to welcome Jacek and his wife from Poland, and Andrew with his wife Kathryn from Australia, all ready to dive into the flavors of Hanoi. One local stop led to another, and along the way, Casey quietly connected our guests not only with the food, but with the stories behind each dish, the places, the vendors who keep these traditional flavors alive year after year, and the rhythm of the city itself. Even though Jacek doesn’t eat mushroo

Hanoi, December 25th, 2025 Say hello to Grady and friends all the way from the US, joining us today in our Taste of Hanoi food tour. With Casey - our companion, everyone explored Hanoi not only through its flavors, but through the stories behind each dish, the culture and local daily life. One of our friends is vegetarian, so of course we made a few adjustments so that everyone could fully enjoy the experience together. Among all the dishes we tried, from the iconic “bánh mì”

Hanoi, December 23rd, 2025 The perfect way to explore the flavors of Hanoi? Doing it as a big family reunion! And for Julie’s family, our Taste of Hanoi tour was more than a food journey, it was the very first time returning to Vietnam together as a three-generation Vietnamese-American family. They had imagined what Vietnam might look like, and had been familiar with Vietnamese food, but experiencing it in real life: eating where locals eat, sitting on tiny stools, walking th

In Northern Vietnam, Lunar New Year (Tết) is not complete without a full table of traditional dishes. Food during Tet fest is about more than flavor - it represents luck, balance, respect for ancestors, and hopes for the coming year. While every family has its own variations, some dishes appear on almost every Northern Vietnamese table. Banh chung (square sticky rice cake) The most important dish is bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) . Made from sticky rice, mung beans, an

Hanoi, December 21st, 2025 Meet Beth’s family - an American family living in Korea, travelling through Vietnam with their two boys, hoping they can experience culture in the most local way, and Hanoi was the perfect choice! With Cihara as our local companion, we started our Hanoi food tour through the Old Quarter, sat on tiny stools while scooters rushed past, and were welcomed by street vendors with the warmest smiles. Both parents were open to every dish, but there was one

Hanoi, December 20th, 2025 Returning to Vietnam for the second time after ten years, Jared and Jen from the US were genuinely excited to eat their way through Vietnam in our food tour, and for Jen to truly reconnect with her homeland again. They’ve tried many Vietnamese dishes over the years, but today’s food journey was different. Together with Casey, we wandered through Hanoi streets, discovered hidden gems, tasted lesser-known dishes and soaked in the locals’ daily life. “

Just a few steps off Hanoi’s busy Old Quarter streets, there’s a little alley that leads to "The little plan" - a vintage hidden cafe in Hanoi that you'll enjoy, especially cat lovers.

Hanoi, December 18th, 2025 Let’s welcome Rachel’s family of 4 from the UK and Eljo from the Netherlands, joining our Taste of Hanoi tour. After a long flight, our friends were so excited and ready to dive into the incredible flavors of Hanoi with Casey's companion. From the very first stop, “nộm” – Vietnamese green papaya salad completely won everyone over. “So fresh” - They were surprised that Vietnamese “nộm” was different and even tastier than the one they’d tried in Th

Discover 9 must-try Vietnamese street foods loved by locals, from phở and bánh mì to bún chả and bánh xèo. A local guide to Vietnamese food culture.

No sign, no clue, just a quiet alley and your instincts will lead you to Kismet - a secret wonderland far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A touching story from a winter morning food tour in Hanoi, discovering local places, Hanoi food, hidden alleys, and unforgettable human connections with Alan & Greg from the US

Nestled in a peaceful alley in Hanoi, Hidden Alley Cafe is a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. True to its name, remember to look out for signs directing you there as it can be easy to miss! Hidden indeed! You’ll need to slip through a narrow alley into a tiny courtyard, then climb a couple of twisty staircases before stepping into a cozy, dimly lit space that feels miles away from the hustle outside. The moment you enter, a wave of warmth and tranquility washe

Hanoi, September, 13th, 2025 Say hello to Rachael and Magnus - our lovely couple from the United Kingdom, spending a whole 3-week getaway to discover Vietnam. And today, we are ready to dive into the Hanoi food tour! Our duo enjoyed every stop, from refreshing, tangy “nộm” – Vietnamese green papaya salad to the comforting warmth of“bún riêu” - river crab noodle soup. But the star of the show? It had to be “bánh cuốn” – steamed rolled rice pancakes. One bite and Rachael immedi

Discover Hanoi’s hidden vintage cafés filled with art, quirky corners, leafy courtyards, and unique drinks. A perfect escape in the Old Quarter.

Discover Hidden Gem Café in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Colorful, eco-friendly, and full of creative charm, with recycled décor and rooftop views.

Discover Hanoi’s best hidden cafés in the Old Quarter. Vintage vibes, egg coffee, lake views, and secret alley cafés with real local charm.

Worried about food poisoning in Hanoi? Wondering if street food is safe? Here’s a friendly, experience-based guide to eating safely in Vietnam — from choosing the right restaurants to understanding ingredients, avoiding common mistakes, and knowing what to do if you get sick.