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Taste of Hanoi: Where music, poetry and food become one 🎶🍜

Oct 26, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Sep 9

Taste of Hanoi – October 26th, 2025


Taste of Hanoi: Where music, poetry and food become one 🎶🍜

Meet Amber, a poet, and Peter, a musician - a lovely couple all the way from America, exploring Hanoi food with curious hearts and hungry souls!


From their very first stop, with Chi's guidance, they learnt how to greet the locals in Vietnamese by instantly winning the heart of Mrs Mai, who makes a favorite bánh chưng in our hearts. With a few baskets, she kept Hanoi's flavors alive over time, in just a tiny corner of Hanoi. And Peter loved her bánh chưng so much that he promised to make them at home!


Amber and Peter were amazed by the green papaya salad. “We’ve only ever had ripe papaya before!” they laughed. Later, at Train Street, they were surprised by the crowd's energy and excitement, and by how everyone waited together just to see the train pass.


But the real highlight of the night? When Peter tried making bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) himself under the guidance of Auntie Thu. Calm and steady, and feeling a little proud after receiving 8/10 from her, Peter said, 'Maybe my drum practice finally paid off!' 😎


Chi didn’t just share her favorite flavors and hidden corners of Hanoi, but also the heartfelt stories behind them. It was her love for the city that truly touched Amber and Peter - so much that they decided to extend their stay.


Because sometimes, Hanoi isn’t just a place you visit - it’s a melody you carry with you long after the night ends. 💛


Amber and Peter are excited to try bánh chưng for the first time! From the tiny stools to the baskets full of traditional treats, they loved it all.

The next stop is bánh cuốn - steamed rice rolls. Peter is excited to try making them himself, of course, under the guidance of Auntie Thu - the owner. 😄

Careful and focused, Peter spread the fermented rice batter (made by rice flour, water & tapioca starch) over the thin cloth stretched across a pot of boiling water (yes, a special pot just for bánh cuốn!).

He covered it with the lid and waited as the steam did its job. A few seconds later, he gently lifted the delicate rice sheet, added the filling of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, then rolled it up neatly.

The result? Auntie Thu even gave him an 8 out of 10 (which is basically a Michelin star in her kitchen 😆). Just look at his satisfied face! 😆

Now comes the moment to try a perfect plate of bánh cuốn, made by our master – Auntie Thu herself! Would you like to try one? 😜

Just look at the way our couple is enjoying the refreshing sweet soup (chè) you can see how much they love it! And, of course, they don't leave a single drop. 😆

Sitting on a bamboo chair, surrounded by vintage decor in a traditional Northern Vietnamese-style house, it felt like stepping back in time, with every spoonful cooling both the body and the soul.

We ended the night at a cozy café along Train Street, sipping lemon tea as the train past just inches away. Time seemed to slip by as we chatted and laughed.

So, how about you? Come see Hanoi through our eyes - simple, soulful, and full of those little charms that make it impossible to leave.


Don't hesitate to hit us up! Click here


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!


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