Hanoi Old Quarter: Private Food Tour & Train Street Cocktails

Summary

Hanoi’s narrow alleys, market chaos, French corners & street eats

You’ll slip through Hanoi’s alleys with a chef-guide, taste street food you won’t find in guidebooks, wander Dong Xuan Market’s chaos, and sip cocktails right by Train Street as trains thunder past. Every bite and moment feels lived-in—expect laughter, new flavors, and those little surprises only Hanoi can pull off.

What’s the experience like?

We dove straight into the buzz of Hanoi’s Old Quarter—no slow build-up, just right into the thick of it. Our guide (he used to be a chef, which I didn’t expect) grinned as he pointed out the stalls outside Dong Xuan Market. The air smelled like fresh herbs and something smoky—maybe grilled pork? I tried to keep up as he explained how locals pick their vegetables. There was this moment when a woman bargained for live fish with one hand while texting with the other. Made me laugh.

I thought I knew Vietnamese food, but honestly, what we ate on this private food tour was nothing like back home. We squeezed down an alley so tight my backpack scraped the wall, and suddenly there was this tiny spot serving bún chả that our guide swore by. He showed us how to wrap the greens properly (I still messed it up). The flavors were sharp and bright—fish sauce, charred meat, fresh lime—and people just kept coming and going in this steady flow that felt almost choreographed.

Later we wandered past these faded French buildings—the Metropole Hotel looked straight out of a movie—and then ended up sitting basically on top of the tracks at Train Street. I could feel the rumble before I saw anything; then the train slid by so close it rattled my glass. We had these cocktails with local herbs (I tried to pronounce “rau má”—Li laughed at my accent). The whole thing was relaxed but sort of electric at the same time. I still think about that view down the rails as dusk hit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hanoi's markets and architecture

• Visit Dong Xuan Market
• Explore Hanoi Old Quarter alleys
• Discover French architecture sites
• Enjoy drinks near the railway

Top questions

Is all food included on this Hanoi private food tour?

Yes, all food and beverages—including lunch, snacks, dinner, coffee or tea—are included.

Does the tour visit Train Street in Hanoi?

Yes, you’ll sit near Train Street for drinks and watch trains pass close by.

Are vegan options available on this Hanoi food tour?

Yes, vegan food is available if you let your guide know in advance.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour explores Hanoi Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market plus some French architecture spots.

Is pickup included for this gastronomic tour?

No specific mention of hotel pickup; check with your operator for details.

Can infants join this Hanoi gourmet tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infant seats are available.

How long does the private food tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers multiple meals from lunch through dinner.

What’s included

Your day includes all meals—lunch through dinner—with snacks and drinks along the way (coffee or tea too), plus an English-speaking guide who’s actually a former chef. You’ll walk through Dong Xuan Market and Old Quarter alleys, try cocktails by Train Street as trains pass by, and sample both street eats and dishes at fancier spots before heading back full (and probably still grinning).