Hanoi Culinary Tours

Day 01: Hanoi Culinary Tours (L.D)

This morning, begin your culinary journey with a short walk to a traditional local market. Like thousands of neighborhood markets throughout Hanoi, it serves as an essential source of fresh ingredients for the daily meals of local families. Here, you will gain a fascinating insight into the vibrant rhythm of everyday life and discover the ingredients that form the foundation of Vietnamese cuisine.

Continue your exploration with a leisurely stroll through Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter. As you wander through its bustling streets, you will experience the unique atmosphere of the city's historic heart and observe locals enjoying their morning routines, including breakfast on the sidewalks.

Your first tasting experience is a bowl of authentic Pho Bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) at either Pho Bat Dan or Pho Bo Hang Dong (subject to availability), two renowned establishments famous for serving traditional Northern-style pho. At these popular local eateries, guests follow the local custom of queuing, ordering, paying, and collecting their own bowl before enjoying this iconic Vietnamese dish.

After breakfast, continue walking through the Old Quarter while your guide introduces you to some of Hanoi’s most celebrated culinary specialties. Discover Banh Cuon, delicate steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, and learn about Cha Ca La Vong, Hanoi’s legendary turmeric-marinated fish dish. Along the way, enjoy a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café before concluding the morning with a delicious Bun Cha lunch at the famous Bun Cha Dac Kim restaurant on Duong Thanh Street. This beloved Hanoi specialty features grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce.

In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on cooking experience at the Taste of Vietnam Restaurant, where you will learn the secrets behind several classic Hanoi dishes.

The experience begins with a one-hour visit to a local market, where you will discover traditional Vietnamese ingredients and learn how to select the freshest produce. This is followed by an introduction to Hanoi’s culinary heritage, including the use of vegetables, aromatic herbs, spices, and traditional preparation techniques.

During the practical cooking session, you will be guided through essential Vietnamese cooking methods, cutting techniques, and the proper use of traditional kitchen tools such as Vietnamese knives and vegetable graters.

The cooking menu includes:

Nem : Traditional Vietnamese fried spring rolls

Ca Hap Thi La : Steamed fish with fresh dill

Nom : Vietnamese mixed salad

After preparing the dishes yourself, enjoy a delightful dinner at the restaurant featuring the specialties you have just created.

This immersive experience offers a perfect combination of cultural discovery, street food exploration, and authentic Vietnamese cooking, providing a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s rich culinary traditions.