Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour & Local Guide Near Cathedral

Summary

Old Quarter Food Walk with Vietnamese Tastings

Taste your way through Hanoi’s Old Quarter as you sample eight authentic Vietnamese street foods with a local expert. Learn stories behind each dish, sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, and soak up the lively atmosphere near St Joseph’s Cathedral. A relaxed pace and personal touches make this tour feel like exploring with a friend.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide just steps from St Joseph’s Cathedral, right where the city’s old and new mix together. The buzz of scooters never really stops here, and you can smell grilled pork drifting from tiny stalls even before you spot them. Our group was small—just enough to feel friendly but not crowded—and our guide started us off with a quick story about how this neighborhood has changed over the years.

Each stop brought something different: crispy bánh xèo that snapped when I bit in, slippery noodles swimming in broth, sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. At one point, we squeezed onto low plastic stools beside an older couple who’d been coming to the same vendor for decades. Our guide explained the history behind each dish, mixing in little jokes and memories from his own childhood in Hanoi.

I liked how nothing felt rushed. We wandered down narrow alleys where lanterns hung overhead and locals chatted over iced tea. Sometimes it was hard to hear over the laughter or the clang of pans, but that just made it feel more real. By the end, I’d lost count of how many flavors we’d tried—eight dishes in total—but I remember the warmth of fresh herbs and the way everyone seemed to know our guide by name.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Meet at St. Joseph's Cathedral

• Meet guide near St. Joseph's Cathedral

Top questions

How many dishes are included on this Hanoi street food walking tour?

You’ll try eight different Vietnamese street foods during the tour, each chosen to show off local favorites and regional specialties.

Is this food tour suitable for people using wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and strollers are welcome throughout the route.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is close to St Joseph’s Cathedral in central Hanoi—your guide will give you exact directions after booking.

Are drinks included during the food walk?

Bottled water is provided for all guests so you can stay refreshed as you explore different food stalls.

What’s included

Your experience comes with bottled water at every stop, plus guidance from a US-educated local who shares stories behind each dish. The whole route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, so everyone can join comfortably—and there’s always time to pause or chat along the way if you need it.