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10 Hanoi street foods you shouldn't miss!
Hanoi street food isn’t about fancy restaurants or long menus. It’s about timing, balance, and eating what locals eat at the right moment of the day. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, don’t try to eat everything. Eat smart. In this guide, we’re sharing the Hanoi street food dishes you shouldn’t miss, based on how locals actually eat — what we enjoy daily, and what we’d suggest you try if you want to understand the city through food. Pho Made with flat rice noodl

Dung (Emma)
2 min read


Visiting Vietnam in February 2026 – Honest Tips from locals
February is one of the most beautiful — and most misunderstood — times to visit Vietnam. The weather is great, the country feels alive with color and emotion, and Tet in Vietnam (Lunar New Year) often takes place during this month. At the same time, traveling during Tet is very different from traveling at any other time of year. Things slow down, prices change, crowds appear in unexpected places, and routines disappear. In this guide, we share honest, local tips to help you u

Dung (Emma)
4 min read


Cocoa, coffee and laughter - A fun workshop with Daniel’s family ☕
Hanoi, Oct 5th, 2025 Meet Daniel’s family of 3 from Australia at our Cocoa-Coffee Workshop! Kate and Daniel came to Hanoi for a short break, hoping little Mollie ( or “Monkey”, her nickname) could explore new culture and learn through experiences. And oh, what a fun and memorable day it was! Casey and Chihara - our passionate instructors guided our friends through the art of Vietnamese coffee: From the iconic egg coffee to the smooth coconut and bold salted coffee, each cup

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


Family, flavors & wonders - A Hanoi family tour to remember
From crunchy bánh mì to bamboo dragonfly painting, Bridget’s family explored Hanoi’s Old Quarter, learned local crafts, and made memories they’ll never forget.

Ngân (Hazel)
2 min read


A Hanoi family day tour with street food, crafts, culture, shared moments
From crunchy bánh mì to bamboo dragonfly painting, Bridget’s family explored Hanoi’s Old Quarter, learned local crafts, and made memories they’ll never forget.

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


A special, fun food tour and Hanoi Train Street with Deb's & Monish's families
Hanoi, December 14th, 2025 What happens when two families from two different countries come together on a food tour? Different stories, one shared curiosity for Hanoi’s local life and food. Let’s join Deb’s and Monish’s families from Australia and India on our Taste of Hanoi food journey. The food adventure was full of surprises. From bánh rán (Vietnamese donuts) — where the long line finally made sense after just one bite — to a buzzing nộm (papaya salad) spot, sitting on ti

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


Hanoi family food tour, full of joy, curiosity, and connection
Hanoi, October 1st, 2025 Say hello to Wanda’s lovely family of six from Australia, exploring Hanoi during a two-week family holiday. From the very start, we knew the day would be filled with laughter, curiosity, and great energy. With Casey as their companion for the day, Wanda’s family wandered through Hanoi’s streets on a family-friendly walking food tour, discovering hidden gems, enjoying local street food, and learning the stories behind each dish. Our Aussie crew loved e

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


Best food tour in Hanoi - a local journey shared with love
Hanoi, August 31st, 2025 While searching for " the best food tour in Hanoi" , Vera and Charlie from the U.S. found us. What drew them in wasn’t just the food, but the fun moments, energetic guides, and honest local stories. Knowing that Beyond Vietnam is run by a team of young local women who truly love Hanoi and proudly support small local vendors, they chose our Taste of Hanoi food tour without hesitation. And finally, we welcomed them to Hanoi. From the very first steps,

Ngân (Hazel)
2 min read


When flavors meet culture: a fun Hanoi food tour with Chantal's family
Hanoi, August 31st, 2025 From the very first “Hello,” Chantal’s lovely family of four from Australia brought sunshine to Hanoi’s streets. Let’s join them on today’s food journey with us! Chihara - our companion guided everyone through Hanoi’s hidden gems, tasting local street food and uncovering the stories behind each dish. Among them all, “bánh cuốn” - steamed rolled rice pancakes and “bánh rán” - Vietnamese donuts became instant favorites. But today wasn’t just about food

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


Things do to in Hanoi | Honest Guides from Locals
When people search for things to do in Hanoi , they often expect a checklist of landmarks. And while Hanoi’s famous sights are an important starting point, they are only the surface of the city. Hanoi is not just about where you go, but how you move, who you meet, and how deeply you engage with daily life. This guide to the best things to do in Hanoi begins with iconic attractions that most visitors see, then slowly leads you toward more local, hands-on, and lesser-known exp

Dung (Emma)
5 min read


☕ A Hanoi vintage Hidden cafe for cat lovers
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.
Media Beyond Vietnam
2 min read


Discover 9 must-try Vietnamese street foods loved by locals
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.

Dung (Emma)
4 min read


☕ A UNIQUE HANOI HIDDEN CAFE where nothing matches, and everything fits
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.
Media Beyond Vietnam
2 min read


A snow globe, a winter morning & the first “Taste of Hanoi”
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

Dung (Emma)
3 min read


☕ A calm escape, hidden cafe behind twisty staircases and old brick walls in Hanoi
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

Ngân (Hazel)
2 min read


Hanoi Food Tour with Locals – A Lovely Couple from the UK
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

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


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

Ngân (Hazel)
1 min read


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

Dung (Emma)
1 min read


5 Hidden cafes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter that you’ll love discovering!
Discover Hanoi’s best hidden cafés in the Old Quarter. Vintage vibes, egg coffee, lake views, and secret alley cafés with real local charm.

Dung (Emma)
3 min read


Have you ever tried waking up before dawn... just to watch Hanoi wake up?
Experience Hanoi at 4 a.m., when the city is quiet, gentle and slowly coming to life. From morning exercises to market vendors and sleepy streets turning lively, this is the most peaceful and authentic way to watch Hanoi wake up.

Dung (Emma)
1 min read
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