Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour Old Quarter & Dong Xuan

Summary

Hanoi street eats with locals from Dong Xuan to hidden cafes

You’ll taste Hanoi’s best street food in places you’d probably never find alone — from sizzling banh cuon at Dong Xuan Market to smoky bun cha in the Old Quarter. With a local guide leading you through hidden alleys and secret cafés (egg coffee included), expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe a noodle mishap or two along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about my stomach before this Hanoi street food tour. But after meeting our guide, Linh, outside Dong Xuan Market (she greeted us with this easy grin and a “ready to eat?”), I just sort of let go. The market was already humming — vendors calling out in Vietnamese, the air thick with grilling pork and something sweet I couldn’t place. Linh handed me a tiny rice roll, banh cuon, still warm and slippery in my fingers. I tried not to drop it but honestly, it’s harder than it looks.

We wandered through the Old Quarter next — those narrow streets that twist and tangle like someone spilled spaghetti on a map. Every few steps Linh would stop to point out something: a woman fanning charcoal under skewers of nem chua, kids chasing each other around plastic stools. At one stall we tried bun cha; the broth was smoky and sharp with herbs, and the noodles tangled up on my chopsticks (I’m not proud of how much ended up on my shirt). There’s this moment when you realize you’re eating lunch elbow-to-elbow with locals who’ve done this every day for years — it feels good, you know?

My favorite bit wasn’t even the food though. Near the end, Linh led us down an alley so narrow I had to duck past laundry flapping overhead. Suddenly we were in this tiny café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. She ordered egg coffee for us — thick and sweet and almost pudding-like on top — while an old man played chess by the window. I still think about that view sometimes, golden light bouncing off the water while scooters buzzed somewhere below.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hanoi street food and markets

• Meet local guide
• Visit Dong Xuan Market
• Walk through Hanoi Old Quarter
• Taste street food with guide
• Visit hidden café by Hoan Kiem Lake

Top questions

How long is the Hanoi street food walking tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Are all food tastings included in the price?

Yes, all street food samples are included during the tour.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi.

What foods will I try on this Hanoi street food tour?

You’ll sample dishes like banh mi, banh cuon, bun cha, nem chua, seasonal fruits, and egg coffee or cold beer.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet your guide at the starting point near Dong Xuan Market.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

No, unfortunately dietary requirements cannot be catered for on this tour.

Is this walking tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 6 years old for participants.

Will we visit family-owned or independent businesses?

Yes, all stops are independent or family-run businesses; venues may vary based on availability.

What’s included

Your evening includes meeting your English-speaking local guide at Dong Xuan Market before exploring family-run stalls and hidden cafés across Hanoi’s Old Quarter. You’ll enjoy five different food stops with all tastings covered — think banh mi baguettes, fresh fruit salad, grilled pork noodles (bun cha), steamed rice rolls (banh cuon), nem chua skewers — plus either egg coffee or a cold beer as you relax over lake views before heading off with plenty of tips for what else to eat around town.