Hanoi Old Quarter: Food Tour with 8+ Tastings & Secret Dish

Summary

Wander old quarter streets tasting bun cha pho cuon & more with locals

You’ll taste your way through Hanoi’s Old Quarter alongside a local guide — from smoky bún chả to delicate bánh cuốn and crunchy papaya salad. Expect laughter over language mix-ups, hidden corners only locals know, plus a secret dish revealed near the lake. If you love street food adventures that linger long after you leave, this is your kind of day.

What’s the experience like?

First thing you notice in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the noise — scooters weaving past, someone frying something that smells like sweet onion and charcoal. We met our guide, Minh, right by a tiny square where she handed out these little rice rolls (bánh cuốn) stuffed with pork and mushrooms. She laughed when I tried to say it in Vietnamese — probably butchered it, but she just smiled and showed me how to dip it properly. The wrapper was almost see-through and warm in my hands; honestly, I could’ve eaten a dozen.

We zigzagged down alleys so narrow you have to turn sideways if someone’s carrying groceries. Minh knew everyone — she’d wave or chat in quick bursts of Vietnamese I couldn’t follow. At one stop we had bún chả: grilled pork in broth, piles of herbs, vermicelli noodles. The smoke from the grill mixed with the smell of fresh papaya salad (that crunch!) and for a second I just stood there listening to the clatter of bowls and people calling orders. It felt like being invited into someone’s busy kitchen.

There was this moment by Hoàn Kiếm Lake where the air felt cooler and Minh pointed out an old house tucked behind a banyan tree. She told us about families who’ve lived here for generations — I tried to picture all those meals shared inside. After that came phở cuốn (rolled pho with beef), sticky green rice with banana, and then… the “secret dish.” I won’t spoil it but let’s just say it surprised me (I still think about that flavor). We finished with thick Vietnamese coffee and a chocolate bun; by then my shirt smelled like grilled pork and sweet bread.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi Old Quarter Food and Culture Tour

• Introduction and Hanoi history
• Visit first restaurant near square
• Explore street with local venues
• Taste second and third dishes
• Walk and take photos of Hanoi
• Discover food and local culture
• Savour famous local dishes
• Try more delicacies and Secret Dish
• Enjoy dessert and more food
• Walk and wrap up in Old Quarter

Top questions

How many dishes are included on the Hanoi Old Quarter food tour?

The tour includes at least 8 authentic tastings plus a secret dish.

Is this Hanoi food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The food tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

Are drinks included on the Hanoi Old Quarter food tour?

Yes, drinks like Vietnamese coffee and refreshing juice are included.

Where does the Hanoi food tour end?

The tour wraps up in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter near Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Is lunch included on this food tour?

The tastings throughout the tour together make up a full meal experience.

How long is the walking distance during the tour?

The walk covers several stops within Hanoi's compact Old Quarter area.

What’s included

Your day includes at least eight traditional tastings such as crisp green papaya salad with dried beef, homemade chicken phở gà noodles, bánh cuốn rice rolls with pork and mushrooms, bún chả served with herbs and vermicelli noodles, rolled pho (phở cuốn), fragrant sticky green rice with banana, thick Vietnamese coffee paired with a chocolate bun, plus one surprise secret dish—all guided by a local expert as you wander through Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter streets.