Love in every bite - A Heartwarming Hanoi Food Tour with Emily & Reece

Hanoi, October, 15th, 2025

“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑡.” That’s the message Emily sent us six months ago - and guess what? We finally got to meet her and her partner, Reece, right here in Hanoi!

Together, we wandered through Hanoi’s many corners - from our favorite local eateries where every bite tells a story of culture, history, people and daily life, to the lively Train Street. Emily even jumped in to make a steamed rice roll (bánh cuốn) herself (for Reece, of course 😉).

We created so many memories and shared so many laughs that even after the tour, the whole team couldn't stop talking about it (and their cat, Bear, back home).

Come join our adventure through the photos below.👇

As true food lovers, Emily & Reece had done plenty of research on Vietnamese cuisine before coming. But during our food tour, even they were amazed by the refreshing taste and crunchy texture of the green papaya salad.

With thinly shredded papaya and carrot, tender beef jerky, peanuts, beef tendon, and fresh herbs - all brought together by a secret family dressing perfected over almost 70 years - you won’t find anywhere else this flavor!

And here came another surprise - the Vietnamese donut “bánh rán”! Tiny but super tasty, it’s made from glutinous rice flour instead of wheat flour like in Europe, giving it that special chewy texture that Emily absolutely loved!

Can you sense the love and laughter in the air?

Emily made this steamed rice roll and wrapped it with her love for Reece. Needless to say, it was a favorite for him. 💛

Came to the next spot, our couple was amazed not only by the beautiful old house architecture but also by the sweet soup’s texture and flavor - so refreshing, so delicious!!!

Our couple tried many bánh mì in the UK and during their a week in Vietnam, from south to north. They happily found differences in taste and ingredients between each place.

And now for the moment we've all been waiting for: seeing the train pass, right next to us, just a few inches away!!!

We took lots of photos and shared lots of stories here. Emily even promised to bring her cat, Bear to Hanoi next time so that they could go on our food tour together.

And tada! This is Bear, wearing the tiny conical hat - a special gift from Emily after the

trip. Isn’t it so cute?

We can’t wait to see him and meet the couple again.

Ready for a Hanoi Food Tour of Hidden Culinary Gems?

Don't hesitate to hit us up - we’d love to show you Hanoi through our eyes, with all its flavors, laughter, and little hidden corners 💛 click here

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Dung (Emma) Co-founder of Beyond Vietnam

Xin chào! I’m Dung, but many travellers call me Emma. I grew up on the outskirts of Hanoi, and no matter how far I travel, this busy and slightly chaotic city still feels most like home.

I’ve explored Vietnam on my own and with the people I love, while also spending years volunteering and joining community projects. Along the way, I’ve collected plenty of stories, local tips and unforgettable moments. I share them here to help you feel closer to Hanoi and Vietnam, hopefully even before you arrive.

You can also find me on Facebook. Come and say hi!