Taste of Hanoi: A street food tour full of flavors, stories and laughter 🥢❤️🥢❤️

Hanoi, November, 23rd, 2024

Meet Carly and Shannon from Australia who joined our Taste of Hanoi street food tour for a day of authentic flavours, local connections and unforgettable moments!

Follow us on Facebook for a while, Carly was a bit nervous at first after seeing our ‘exotic food’ challenge from Kathrin’s food tours. But it was no problems at all! We always tailor our Hanoi street food tours to match your tastes. Just let us know your preferences, and we’ll craft a perfect menu! 😉

By the end, Carly and Shannon loved every moment. Shannon even joined a "mini cooking class" right on his table, made a papaya salad from scratch, and quickly earned the title of “staff of the day,” chatting and laughing with other customers like a local. Other fun parts? Cracking jokes with Mrs. Mai, our legendary bánh giò vendor with 27 years of expertise and stories to share.

Carly & Shannon sitting in a tiny alleyway

Sitting in a tiny alleyway where everything is mini - from the chair to the table to the plate - Shannon had the important task of protecting his plate and bowl of noodle soup as motorbikes whizzed by. It was so fun watching him guard his food like a pro! 🍜😂

Shannon enjoyed making connections with the local vendors.

Here's a hilarious conversation between Shannon and our legend Mrs Mai at her place:

Shannon: Are you 20 years old?

Mrs. Mai: No way, I am over 60. And you? How old are you?

Shannon: I am 25 *laughs out loud*. Just kidding, I am 52.

The man: You just ate balut - "trứng vịt lộn"?

And for the curious, "lộn" means "upside down", which adds an extra twist to the fun! 😂🍜

Carly and Shannon had a bánh cuốn like a local.

Start the day off right with a plate of delicious steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn). Not a crumb left when we finished - it's just that good! 🥢✨

Shannon learned how to make green papaya salad right at the table.

Here’s Shannon on his first day of our "mini cooking class" right on his table, mastering the art of making Vietnamese green papaya salad. 🍽️✨

The friendly local vendor helped Shannon make a green papaya salad.

The lovely seller stepped in and guided Shannon.

Shannon: "Is it good enough to be your staff? Will you pay me?"

The seller: "Pay you? If I did, I’d have to close my shop - there wouldn't be enough left to pay you!" 😂

Shannon's green papaya salad plate

Just a few more steps and Shannon's green papaya salad will be ready to serve! 🥗✨ Almost there, Chef! 👨‍🍳👏

Here it is - Shannon's very first plate of Vietnamese green papaya salad - one of Hanoi's must-try dishes! 🥗✨ And who better to take the first bite than Carly? Full of flavor and made with love, it quickly became Carly’s favorite dish of the entire tour. 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

Here's Shannon proudly holding his hot and freshly fried dumplings - crispy, golden and straight from the pan - bánh gối! 🥟🔥✨

Carly & Shannon explored the hidden alley.

They were both amazed by the tiny alleyway that led us to our coffee today - it felt like stepping into a hidden gem! ☕✨

We wrapped up the tour with a cup of hot egg coffee on the balcony, overlooking the lively streets below. As we sipped, we shared stories and laughs like old friends. Our hearts were so full when Carly and Shannon shared how much they loved every moment, not just the food but also the warm connections we created with local vendors and neighbors, breaking through all barriers.

Shannon: “We’ll come back to Hanoi and definitely book this tour again, but only if you’re with us next time!”

Without missing a beat, Linh shot back, “Deal, but the exotic food next time 🤣” 🥰☕✨

Every tour is a new story waiting to be told. Come see for yourself why our Taste of Hanoi street food tours are about so much more than just food—they’re about sharing, connecting, and creating memories.❤️🍴 Join us now!

Dung (Emma)

Beyond Vietnam