Liz’s recommendations.
I eat a lot, then somehow still don’t know where to eat next! If you’re the same in Hanoi, check out my favorite food spots and must-visit places!
LOCAL FOOD AROUND THE OLD QUARTER
7 spotsSTICKY RICE
Xôi xéo is a traditional Hanoi breakfast made with turmeric-colored sticky rice, mashed mung bean, and crispy fried shallots.
Besides the traditional sticky rice, they also have many different toppings. If you’re vegan, I recommend sticking with the traditional one.
Xôi xéo is a traditional Hanoi breakfast made with turmeric-colored sticky rice, mashed mung bean, and crispy fried shallots.
DRIED BEEF SALAD
A classic Hanoi street food made with green papaya, dried beef, fresh herbs, and a sweet-and-sour dressing.
They also have a vegan option, so feel free to ask for **“nộm chay”**! Just keep in mind that in Vietnam, “vegan” usually means no meat, so if you’re allergic to peanuts, cilantro, or anything else, please let the staff know.
A classic Hanoi street food made with green papaya, dried beef, fresh herbs, and a sweet-and-sour dressing.
VIETNAMESE DONUTS
This is a popular Vietnamese street snack made from glutinous rice flour, deep-fried until crispy outside and chewy inside.
There are four types of Vietnamese Donuts here: one savory and three sweet. The three sweet options are suitable for vegans!
This is a popular Vietnamese street snack made from glutinous rice flour, deep-fried until crispy outside and chewy inside.
SUGARCANE JUICE
Vietnam’s most popular street drinks—fresh sugarcane juice, naturally sweet, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
If you find the sugarcane juice too sweet, let the ice melt and mix it a little bit—it makes the drink lighter and more refreshing!
Vietnam’s most popular street drinks—fresh sugarcane juice, naturally sweet, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
BONBAGU VEGAN BAGUETTE
For me, this is the best vegan bánh mì in Hanoi.
The place is quite small, so I’d recommend getting it to go :3
For me, this is the best vegan bánh mì in Hanoi.
HANOI BEER
"Bia hơi" is the place to drink like a local — cheap beer, tasty snacks, and a very lively atmosphere!
Pair the beer with crispy fried tofu and garlic morning glory for the full Hanoi experience!
"Bia hơi" is the place to drink like a local — cheap beer, tasty snacks, and a very lively atmosphere!
MIXED PHO
A refreshing twist on pho that’s perfect for a hot summer day! Tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a flavorful sauce.
Watch your head hahaa~
A refreshing twist on pho that’s perfect for a hot summer day! Tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a flavorful sauce.
TOUR YOU SHOULD JOIN ASAP
4 spots
Hanoi not-to-go-alone areas & stories from Vietnam
Hanoi during the Vietnam War: the dark side of its most famous monuments. Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South of Vietnam). Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South); and the story of the unification of Vietnam, a country once divided between the communist and anti-communist, on the brink of the Cold War. Our "stroll" will last about 3 hours, with a short taxi ride half way through. The aim of my walk is to make you discover specific areas of Hanoi (far away from the tourist's eyes) in the light of aspects of our city's rich history that are rarely touched upon by guidebooks, with in-depth information (history buffs welcome) but in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. A conversation, rather than a lecture! Places we will visit: - Cho Gioi area - Kham Thien B52 memorial - Hanoi Train Street Note: 20% of the profit will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in Hanoi
A tour that even surprised me as a Vietnamese! From the Vietnam War to the untold stories of everyday life — this is a MUST-GO tour!
Hanoi during the Vietnam War: the dark side of its most famous monuments. Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South of Vietnam). Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South); and the story of the unification of Vietnam, a country once divided between the communist and anti-communist, on the brink of the Cold War. Our "stroll" will last about 3 hours, with a short taxi ride half way through. The aim of my walk is to make you discover specific areas of Hanoi (far away from the tourist's eyes) in the light of aspects of our city's rich history that are rarely touched upon by guidebooks, with in-depth information (history buffs welcome) but in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. A conversation, rather than a lecture! Places we will visit: - Cho Gioi area - Kham Thien B52 memorial - Hanoi Train Street Note: 20% of the profit will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in Hanoi
Hidden Hanoi Old Quarter Experience
Go beyond Hanoi’s busiest streets and discover the hidden character of the Old Quarter with a local guide. Wander through narrow lanes, market areas, and everyday neighborhoods while hearing the stories, traditions, and small details that reveal how the city really lives. This relaxed walking experience mixes well-known Old Quarter atmosphere with places many visitors would miss on their own. It is a strong introduction for first-time guests and equally rewarding for returning travelers who want local conversation, cultural context, and a slower look beneath the surface. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Includes the guided walking tour, coffee or tea, and a hand-picked local expert guide.
A truly worthwhile tour where you can explore and better understand Vietnamese culture and everyday life.
Go beyond Hanoi’s busiest streets and discover the hidden character of the Old Quarter with a local guide. Wander through narrow lanes, market areas, and everyday neighborhoods while hearing the stories, traditions, and small details that reveal how the city really lives. This relaxed walking experience mixes well-known Old Quarter atmosphere with places many visitors would miss on their own. It is a strong introduction for first-time guests and equally rewarding for returning travelers who want local conversation, cultural context, and a slower look beneath the surface. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Includes the guided walking tour, coffee or tea, and a hand-picked local expert guide.
Hanoi Spirit, Ancestor & Ghost Stories
Discover the spiritual beliefs that quietly shape everyday life in Hanoi. On this guided Old Quarter walk, you’ll explore Vietnamese traditions surrounding ancestor worship, spirits, the afterlife, and local superstitions while visiting authentic locations connected to these practices. Your guide turns unfamiliar customs into engaging stories and explains how old beliefs continue to influence homes, businesses, festivals, and daily decisions. The tour offers a thoughtful, atmospheric side of Hanoi for travelers interested in culture, folklore, and the meaning behind what they see. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: 1 Lan Ong Street, Hanoi Old Quarter.
you’re into something a little different, darker, and spookier, this is definitely the tour for you! 👻
Discover the spiritual beliefs that quietly shape everyday life in Hanoi. On this guided Old Quarter walk, you’ll explore Vietnamese traditions surrounding ancestor worship, spirits, the afterlife, and local superstitions while visiting authentic locations connected to these practices. Your guide turns unfamiliar customs into engaging stories and explains how old beliefs continue to influence homes, businesses, festivals, and daily decisions. The tour offers a thoughtful, atmospheric side of Hanoi for travelers interested in culture, folklore, and the meaning behind what they see. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: 1 Lan Ong Street, Hanoi Old Quarter.
Hanoi Le Mat Snake Village Tour
Leave central Hanoi behind and discover Le Mat, a village known for its distinctive snake-related traditions and long local history. With a local guide, you’ll explore the community, learn how its identity developed, and hear stories that are difficult to understand from a quick independent visit. This experience is for culturally curious travelers seeking something different from Hanoi’s familiar Old Quarter routes. The pace is relaxed and conversation-led, giving you time to ask questions and better understand village life and customs. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Morning or evening departures are recommended for more comfortable weather. Meeting point: Le Mat Craft Village Cooperative Café, Long Bien, Hanoi.
Meet some of the boldest, most fearless people and discover one of the most misunderstood animals in the world — snakes.
Leave central Hanoi behind and discover Le Mat, a village known for its distinctive snake-related traditions and long local history. With a local guide, you’ll explore the community, learn how its identity developed, and hear stories that are difficult to understand from a quick independent visit. This experience is for culturally curious travelers seeking something different from Hanoi’s familiar Old Quarter routes. The pace is relaxed and conversation-led, giving you time to ask questions and better understand village life and customs. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Morning or evening departures are recommended for more comfortable weather. Meeting point: Le Mat Craft Village Cooperative Café, Long Bien, Hanoi.