Hanoi is a city that offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights, ranging from bustling street food stalls to elegant fine dining establishments. Whether you’re a food enthusiast eager to explore local street food, a gourmet seeking high-end dining experiences, or someone looking to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine through cooking classes, Hanoi has something to satisfy every palate. Motorbike food tours add a thrilling twist to the culinary adventure, allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant food scene like a local. Here are 12 unique food and dining experiences you must try in Hanoi.
1. Street food tour with local guide
A street food tour in Hanoi is one of the best ways to dive into the city’s culinary scene. For many travelers, the idea of eating at a street food stall might seem daunting, especially if you’re from a country where this is not common practice. However, a street food tour offers a safe and guided introduction to this vibrant aspect of Hanoi’s food culture.
Local guides know the best and safest places to eat, ensuring that you can enjoy a variety of street foods without any worries. During the tour, you’ll get to try an array of local dishes while also gaining fun experiences and cultural insights from your guide. They will teach you about the food, tell you stories about Hanoi, and take you to hidden gems you might never find on your own.
Booking a street food tour in Hanoi
We from Local Vietnam offer an exceptional street food tour that includes a visit to the famous Hanoi Train Street. For more information and to book your tour, click here.
2. Fine dining experiences in Hanoi
While Hanoi is famous for its street food and local restaurants, it also boasts an impressive fine dining scene. Treating yourself to a fine dining experience in Hanoi allows you to savor gourmet Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting. These restaurants offer a sophisticated take on traditional flavors, perfect for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a luxurious meal.
La Verticale
La Verticale offers a French-Vietnamese fusion menu created by Chef Didier Corlou. The restaurant is located in a charming colonial villa and features a rooftop terrace with stunning city views.
- Address: 19 Ngo Van So, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: $$$$
Home Hanoi Restaurant
Located in a beautifully restored colonial house, Home Hanoi Restaurant serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
- Address: 34 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: $$$
The Gourmet Corner Restaurant
Situated on the top floor of La Siesta Diamond Hotel, The Gourmet Corner offers panoramic views of Hanoi and an extensive menu featuring both Vietnamese and Western dishes.
- Address: 32 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: $$$
3. Exploring local restaurants & dishes
Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region and city boasting its own unique dishes. Hanoi, in particular, is known for its distinctive flavors and culinary traditions. Here are four special dishes that are quintessentially Hanoian, along with recommendations on where to try them.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a dish of grilled pork served with noodles and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s famously known as the dish President Obama enjoyed during his visit to Hanoi.
Where to eat
Bun Cha Huong Lien (The place where Obama’s ate)
- Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Bun Cha Dac Kim
- Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pho
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, typically made with beef or chicken, and flavored with aromatic herbs.
Where to eat
Pho Bat Dan
- Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Pho Thin
- Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Cha Ca La Vong
Cha Ca La Vong is a traditional Hanoi dish featuring grilled fish with turmeric and dill, served with noodles and peanuts.
Where to eat
Cha Ca La Vong
- Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cha Ca Thang Long
- Address: 21 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon are delicate rice rolls filled with ground pork and mushrooms, served with a side of fish sauce for dipping.
Where to eat
Banh Cuon Ba Hanh
- Address: 26B Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Banh Cuon Gia Truyen
- Address: 14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
4. Cooking class
Participating in a cooking class in Hanoi is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home from Vietnam. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced cook, these classes offer a hands-on way to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. Many cooking classes include a market visit to select fresh ingredients, providing an immersive culinary experience.
Hanoi Apron Up Cooking Class
Apron Up offers a comprehensive cooking experience, starting with a market tour and ending with a hands-on cooking session where you can prepare a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
Rose Kitchen Cooking Class Hanoi
Rose Kitchen provides a cultural and culinary adventure with market visits, cooking sessions, and a chance to enjoy your creations in a beautiful setting.
5. Motorbike food tour
Bringing the classic street food tour up a notch, a motorbike food tour offers an exciting blend of adventure and culinary exploration. Imagine zooming through the bustling streets of Hanoi on a motorbike, just like the locals do. This method of travel adds an element of thrill and authenticity, allowing you to experience the city in a unique way.
A motorbike tour takes you beyond the Old Quarter, reaching remote areas that tourists seldom visit. You’ll dine at hidden gems and local eateries, mingling with residents and feeling like you’re on a night out with Vietnamese friends. Expect to taste a wide variety of street foods, from pho to banh mi, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi’s nightlife. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, providing cultural insights and making sure you have a memorable and safe experience.
6. Explore local coffee shops
Vietnam boasts a massive coffee culture, being the second-largest coffee bean exporter in the world. In Hanoi, coffee shops are a staple on almost every corner. The local coffee culture is fascinating, with unique creations like coconut coffee, egg coffee, and yogurt coffee.
These coffee shops are bustling in the early mornings and late evenings, filled with people meeting friends, family, or conducting business. It’s a way of life and a crucial part of the local culture. You’ll find everything from small street-side stalls with low plastic stools to trendy cafes designed for Instagram lovers. Exploring these coffee shops offers a glimpse into the daily life of Hanoians and a chance to savor some of the city’s most innovative coffee drinks.
Check here our list of best coffee shops in Hanoi.
7. Coffee workshop
For true coffee enthusiasts, a coffee workshop in Hanoi is a must-do experience. These workshops offer in-depth knowledge about Vietnamese coffee, from its history and cultural significance to practical brewing techniques. You’ll learn how to make traditional Vietnamese drip coffee using a phin filter, as well as the famous egg coffee and other local specialties. Workshops often include tasting sessions, allowing you to savor the different flavors and understand the nuances of Vietnamese coffee beans.
Expert instructors provide tips on selecting the best beans, roasting methods, and brewing techniques, ensuring you leave with a thorough understanding of Vietnamese coffee culture and the skills to recreate it at home. These workshops are both educational and enjoyable, making them perfect for coffee lovers looking to deepen their appreciation of this beloved beverage.
8. Snake village dinner experience
Le Mat Snake Village, located just a short drive from Hanoi, offers a dining experience that is both unique and adventurous. This village is famous for its snake dishes, prepared in a variety of ways. Visitors can watch the preparation of the snake, including the extraction of the heart and blood, which are often consumed as a health tonic. The dishes range from snake soup and spring rolls to stir-fried snake and snake wine.
The Hung Ha Noi Snake Restaurant
The Hung Ha Noi Snake Restaurant is one of the most popular dining spots in Le Mat Snake Village. Known for its variety of expertly prepared snake dishes, this restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary adventure. The chefs use traditional methods to create a wide range of dishes, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
- Address: 33 Le Mat, Long Bien, Hanoi
- Opening Times: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, daily
9. Home-cooked meal with a local family
One of the most unique dining experiences in Hanoi is enjoying a traditional Vietnamese family dinner. Typically, these dinners are a communal affair with a variety of dishes spread across the table. Each person has their own bowl of rice and helps themselves to the shared dishes, which often include meats, vegetables, and soups. This style of dining emphasizes the importance of family and community, with everyone sharing the same meal and enjoying the food together.
For travelers, joining a local family for dinner is a special opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture firsthand. It provides an intimate glimpse into daily life, traditional cooking methods, and the warm hospitality that Vietnamese families are known for. To participate in a family dinner, travelers can book through local tour companies or homestay programs that offer this unique dining experience.
10. Dinner cruise on the Red River
The Red River Delta is a vital region in northern Vietnam, known for its rich history, fertile lands, and bustling waterways. A dinner cruise on the Red River offers a serene and scenic way to enjoy a meal while taking in the beauty of the delta.
Jade of River Hanoi
The Jade of River Hanoi dinner cruise offers a luxurious dining experience as you sail along the Red River. The cruise features a multi-course meal with both Vietnamese and international dishes, set against the backdrop of Hanoi’s illuminated skyline and tranquil river scenery.
- Price Range: $$ – $$$
- Starting Time: 6:30 PM
- End Time: 9:00 PM
11. Dining in the dark
Noir. Dining in the Dark is one of the most intriguing and unique dining experiences in Hanoi. This restaurant offers a dining experience that heightens your senses by serving your meal in complete darkness. Guided by visually impaired staff, diners are led to their seats and served a mystery menu, which they enjoy without the sense of sight.
This unique dining concept encourages guests to rely on their taste, smell, and touch to fully appreciate the flavors and textures of the food. Noir. Dining in the Dark not only offers a memorable meal but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by the visually impaired community.
12. Craft beer tour
Hanoi’s beer culture is vibrant and diverse, with a long history that includes both traditional and modern influences. The city is famous for Bia Hoi, a fresh, locally brewed beer that is often referred to as the cheapest beer in the world. Bia Hoi is typically enjoyed on small plastic stools at street-side establishments, providing a casual and communal drinking experience that is a staple of Hanoi’s social life.
In addition to Bia Hoi, Hanoi has seen a rise in local breweries producing craft beers. These breweries offer a range of flavors and styles that appeal to both locals and visitors. A craft beer tour in Hanoi takes you on a journey from the bustling Bia Hoi corners to the more sophisticated craft beer bars. It’s a perfect way to explore the city’s drinking culture, learn about its brewing history, and taste a wide variety of beers.
Embark on a craft beer tour and enjoy everything from the budget-friendly Bia Hoi to exclusive craft beers, making it a unique and enjoyable way to experience Hanoi’s dynamic food and beverage scene.
