Two genarations, one love of hanoi food: Marg & Emma's adventure
Updated: 1 hour ago
⚡ Story Snapshot from Hanoi • Real Moments Around Our Table: A personal look back at the dishes, neighborhood alleys, and conversations we shared with guests exploring Hanoi together. • Local Takeaways Inside: Notice how small adjustments to timing, portion sharing, and hands-on stops make exploring the Old Quarter effortless for every age group.
Two Generations Hanoi Food Tour, Marg & Emma
Today, the first day of December, we welcome Margaret from Australia who’s back in Hanoi after her first trip in 2000. She brought Emma, her granddaughter, fresh out of high school and on her first-ever trip to Vietnam. This time Margaret wanted something special, authentic flavors, hidden spots untouched by mass tourism, free from the busy crowds of tourists, and rich with local life. And guess what? We nailed it! Margaret adored most of the dishes and places. She left with a belly full of happiness, while Emma couldn’t get enough of our sweet soup and fell in love with the cozy tea house. They even took many of photos to revisit later.
Hanoi’s food scene never stops surprising us, and we’re always here to share a favorite of it with you. 😊
Bánh rán, Vietnamese fried doughnut: Warm, golden, sweet, crispy on the outside and perfectly bite-sized, these little balls are impossible to resist! 😍
Noodle soup, perfect for snuggling up in winter with a warm, flavourful bowl that feels like home, perfect for a family trip. 🍜✨
The steamed rice rolls filled with pork and mushrooms were a perfect taste of local Hanoi! 😊🥢
Don't forget to add some pepper, kumquat to your fish sauce and enjoy it with our fresh herbs!😋
The moment we saw these happy smiles, our hearts melted.🥰
It's so lovely to see how they connect and share everything! It's so simple. But it's not so easy to find between grandparents and their grandchildren these days, is it?
A salted coffee for Emma and 2 detox teas, one for Marg, one for our lovely guide, Cream. 😋
Of course. A selfie to capture these lovely moments with such lovely people 😜
Sweet soup in an old house became Emma's favourite food and place. Would you like to join us next time?😋
Marg's smile, always warm and kind, reminds us of the love and comfort of our grandmothers. 🥹❤️
Check out our Taste of Hanoi food tour details by following this link!
Exploring Hanoi With Your Family & Our Local Team
If you want your family's time in Hanoi to feel relaxed and hands-on, our interactive Hanoi Family Quest turns the Old Quarter into a playful cultural adventure with clues, wooden stamp carving with a local artisan, painted bamboo dragonflies, and kid-friendly snacks. Families also love cooling off at our 2-hour indoor Cocoa-Coffee Workshop ($20 USD per person at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where kids 6+ craft Vietnamese Artisanal Cocoa alongside parents brewing Egg, Salt, and Coconut Coffee), joining our daily Taste of Hanoi street food walk (10:00 AM and 6:00 PM), or booking our private car-based Hanoi Bites & Sights when traveling with grandparents. Feel free to reach out on WhatsApp (+84 969 655 521) anytime for honest family planning advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Hanoi's Old Quarter manageable for families with children or older relatives?
Yes, as long as you break your day into short 15-minute walking segments separated by seated cafe or snack stops. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, the entire road loop around Hoan Kiem Lake closes to traffic, creating a wide pedestrian promenade where families can stroll comfortably.
2. Are Northern Vietnamese dishes too spicy for children or cautious eaters?
No. Unlike Thai or Sichuan cuisine, traditional Hanoian cooking is naturally mild, with fresh chilies and garlic vinegar kept in separate jars on the table. Dishes like chicken noodle soup (Phở Gà), steamed rice rolls (Bánh Cuốn), crispy spring rolls (Nem Rán), and honey-glazed rice donuts (Bánh Rán) are very popular with kids.
3. What is the best time of day for outdoor sightseeing in Hanoi?
Starting between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM lets you enjoy cooler temperatures and calmer courtyards at landmarks like the Temple of Literature, leaving the warmest midday hours (1:30 PM to 4:00 PM) for indoor museums, craft workshops, or a hotel rest before dinner.
Keep Exploring Hanoi with Us
Dung (Emma) · Co-founder of Beyond Vietnam Xin chào! 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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