Hanoi Old Quarter: Street Food Walking Tour & Egg Coffee

Summary

Taste pho, banh mi and egg coffee with local stories in hanoi

You’ll walk Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a local guide who knows every shortcut and snack stand. Try freshly made banh cuon, slurp pho side-by-side with locals, bite into crunchy banh mi, and finish with egg coffee or beer. It’s messy, lively, sometimes funny — and leaves you wishing you had more room to eat.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my evening in Hanoi watching someone swirl rice batter on a steaming cloth — but that’s exactly how our street food tour kicked off. The Old Quarter was already humming, scooters darting past as our guide Linh waved us over to a tiny spot for banh cuon. She showed us the chef’s quick hands rolling those slippery noodles and honestly, I’m still not sure how they do it so fast. The place smelled like grilled pork and fresh herbs, with a bit of something tangy in the air. We squeezed around a plastic table, elbows almost touching strangers, and Linh grinned when she saw me try to eat with chopsticks (I dropped half my first roll — classic).

After that we zigzagged through narrow lanes, dodging bikes and baskets of fruit. Pho came next — both beef and chicken versions — at a spot Linh said she’s been coming to since she was a kid. There was this moment where the broth’s steam fogged up my glasses and I just sat there listening to the clatter of bowls behind me. Crab rolls, pillow cakes (still don’t know why they’re called that), fried rice balls… each stop felt more crowded than the last, but nobody seemed to mind. One lady selling limes winked at us as we passed by; Linh joked that she knows everyone here.

Somewhere near Hang Gai Street we ducked into what looked like someone’s living room for banh mi — the bread crackled when you bit into it. I tried saying “cà phê trứng” for egg coffee; Linh laughed at my accent but ordered anyway. The cup came out creamy and sweet, almost like dessert but somehow still coffee? You could swap it for beer or even egg chocolate if you wanted (someone did). By then my feet were tired but I didn’t really want it to end — there’s something about eating your way through Hanoi at night that sticks with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening walking food tour in Old Quarter

• Meet local English-speaking guide
• Walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Learn about Vietnamese food culture
• Watch Banh Cuon preparation
• Sample beef and chicken pho
• Taste crab rolls, pillow cakes, fried rice balls, fresh rolls
• Visit hidden street food restaurant
• Try Banh My sandwich
• Enjoy Vietnamese Egg Coffee or alternative drink
• End tour and explore or return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Hanoi street food walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Hanoi food tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels/hostels in the Old Quarter area.

What foods will I try on this Old Quarter street food tour?

You’ll sample banh cuon, pho (beef & chicken), crab rolls, pillow cakes, fried rice balls, fresh rolls, banh mi, and egg coffee or beer.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this Hanoi food tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the tour.

Are vegetarian options available on this street food tour?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions?

Please advise any specific dietary requirements when booking; some accommodations can be made.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the Old Quarter meeting point.

Is this small group or private?

This is a small group walking tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup from anywhere in Hanoi’s Old Quarter plus drop-off at your hostel or hotel if you want it. You’ll get bottled water throughout the walk and all street foods mentioned in the itinerary—banh cuon demonstrations, pho tasting (beef & chicken), crab rolls and more—plus your choice of Vietnamese egg coffee or beer at one of the final stops before heading back out into the city night.