Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour & Train Street Stop

Summary

Walk Hanoi’s Old Quarter, taste bun cha and banh mi, wait for the train

You’ll walk Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a local guide, tasting bun cha, banh mi, and sticky rice ice cream along hidden streets before ending up at Train Street with coffee in hand as the train rushes past—an evening full of flavor and little surprises that linger after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through our first bowl of bun cha when our guide, Minh, grinned at my clumsy chopsticks. The place was tucked behind Bat Su Street — not one of those spots with neon signs or English menus. The air smelled like grilled pork and something sweet I couldn’t place. Minh kept telling us stories about his grandma making spring rolls on Sundays, and honestly, I was just trying not to drop noodles on my shirt. That first bite — smoky meat with fresh herbs — made me forget how jetlagged I was.

After that we wandered down these narrow lanes where scooters brushed your ankles if you didn’t pay attention. We stopped for banh mi (I picked chicken), and Minh explained how every vendor has their own secret sauce. He laughed when I tried to say “banh mi” properly; apparently my accent means “bread mother” or something? Anyway, the bread was warm and crunchy, stuffed with pickled veggies and cilantro. I still think about that crunch sometimes.

The next stop was pho — but not the soupy kind I’d had back home. This was a mixed version, tossed with beef and chicken, herbs everywhere. It came in a bowl that steamed up my glasses for a second. Dessert was sticky rice ice cream (kem xoi), which sounds weird but actually works — cold and chewy at the same time. There was this old lady selling it who winked at us when we hesitated between hot or cold versions (it was humid so…cold).

I didn’t expect the last part to be so tense: sitting on tiny stools at Train Street, waiting for the train to barrel past. Minh ordered egg coffee for us while we waited; it tasted like dessert in a cup, thick and sweet. When the train finally thundered by — so close you could feel the ground shake — everyone went quiet for a second except some kids waving from a balcony above. We took photos but mostly just stared, hearts pounding a bit too fast maybe. That moment sort of sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi street food and train visit

• Meet at No.38 Bat Su Street
• Visit traditional restaurant for Bun Cha and spring rolls
• Try Vietnamese Banh Mi with various fillings
• Enjoy Pho with beef and chicken
• Taste Kem Xoi sticky rice ice cream
• Visit train street and watch train pass
• Have a local drink while waiting

Top questions

How long is the Hanoi street food walking tour?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several stops including dinner and dessert.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is included if your hotel is within Hanoi’s Old Quarter; otherwise meet at 38 Bat Su Street.

What food is included on this Hanoi street food tour?

You’ll try bun cha, fresh spring rolls, banh mi (choice of pork/chicken/egg), mixed pho (beef & chicken), and sticky rice ice cream.

Is Train Street included in this walking food tour?

Yes, the final stop is Train Street where you’ll have a drink while waiting for the train to pass by.

Are drinks included on this Hanoi food tour?

One drink is included at Train Street—typically egg coffee or another local option.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to be fit to join this walking tour?

The route is suitable for all physical fitness levels; expect some walking in busy streets.

How do I contact the operator for more info?

You can reach them via WhatsApp at [phone] for questions or support.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (or meeting point), all five street food dishes chosen by your guide along hidden lanes, one drink at Train Street while waiting for the train to pass by, transportation to Train Street itself if needed, plus stories and tips from an English-speaking local guide throughout.