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Taste of Hanoi Food Tour: Hidden Dishes, Local Stories and Hands-On Fun

Updated: Dec 7

Hanoi, Nov 4th, 2025


Six years of friendship, one flavorful day in Hanoi


Let’s welcome Simone, Rob, Helga and Cornell - best friends for six years - first time in Hanoi. After a whole month in Vietnam, they thought they’d seen it all,... until our Taste of Hanoi tour surprised them from the very first bite!


We had a great time trying lesser-known dishes, interacting with welcoming local street vendors and listening to the stories behind each dish. Our friends loved them all, but the star of the show was definitely “bún riêu” - river crab noodle soup. They finished the whole bowl in a blink! But what made it even more special was the setting: a tiny Old Quarter home that’s been there for decades, filled with steam, chatter, and that unmistakable Hanoi coziness.


The highlight of today? It must be our friends’ most hands-on moment: making “bánh cuốn” - steamed rolled rice pancakes! Watching Autie Thu - our friendly owner stretch and lift each delicate rice sheet with perfect rhythm was mesmerizing. Simone gave it a try and burst out laughing as the sheet tore halfway. “It looks easy... until you do it!” she said. A small, funny moment, but one that made everyone feel part of something local and real.


We wrapped up the day at a cozy coffee shop, sharing refreshing drinks just like Hanoians’ street-side culture - gathering around low stools and chatting about everything: simple, warm and deeply connected.


The star of today? You guessed it - “bún riêu”! - warm, tangy crab noodle soup with soft tofu, fresh herbs, pork, and a balanced broth that tasted so comforting.


Our friends were so excited to dive right into the dish! Look at them mastering the art of using chopsticks, just like locals do!


Wait...what! In a blink of an eye, the full bowl was gone! No broth, no noodles left, just smiles and the satisfied sighs that say “That was perfect!”


“Who liked this dish the most?” - Chihara asked, Helga’s hand shot up immediately, no hesitation, all smiles! 🖐😄


“If this weren’t a seven-dish tour, I’d eat three bowls of these!” - Rob said. Do you think he can finish 3 bowls in a row?


At the “chè” - sweet soup stop, everyone was charmed by the interior space - unique, beautiful, represents traditional Northern house, and clearly well cared for. Our friends also really enjoy “chè xoài”- mango sweet soup.


“Do I look like a true Vietnamese local yet?” Rob casually sat on a stool in front of the cafe, crossed his legs and asked us. Honestly, you kind of did, Rob!


What a fun and flavorful day with Simone, Rob, Helga, Cornell and Chihara - our passionate and energetic companion of today’s food adventure. See you next time!


Ready to explore Hanoi's hidden culinary gems with us? Don't hesitate to hit us up - we’ve got plenty more delicious adventures waiting for you! click here

Ngân (Hazel)

Beyond Vietnam


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