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Tailor-Made Trip

Hanoi Food Walking Tour | Hidden Gems of the Old Quarter

VBTF Join-in or Private 2.5 – 3 hours Hanoi

Overview

Hanoi is considered one of Asia’s greatest street food capitals — a city where tiny alleyways, hidden family-run eateries, bustling markets, and generations-old recipes create a food culture unlike anywhere else in the world.

This Hanoi Food Walking Tour takes guests deep into the hidden corners of the Old Quarter to experience authentic local cuisine, vibrant street life, and the fascinating culture behind Hanoi’s legendary food scene.

Led by experienced local guides, guests will walk through hidden alleyways, local markets, railway neighborhoods, and lively food streets while discovering the flavors, traditions, and stories that shape everyday life in Hanoi.

More than simply a food tour, this experience is a journey into the heart and soul of Hanoi through its people, culture, and cuisine.

Before the tour, our experienced guide will greet you at the meeting location (or your hotel) and provide you with a brief orientation. The guide will tell you everything you need to know in order to have a fantastic trip, and then we’ll set off on our adventure. Three aspects of the trip will be discussed.

Highlights

  • Explore hidden backstreets and secret food alleys in Hanoi Old Quarter.
  • Discover authentic Hanoi street food loved by local people.
  • Visit local markets and family-run eateries rarely found by tourists.
  • Experience Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife and street culture.
  • Learn about Vietnamese cuisine, traditions, and food culture from local experts.
  • Enjoy Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee and local desserts.

Itinerary

Departures
  • Lunch Departure: 11:30
  • Dinner Departure: 18:30

  1. Hanoi Old Quarter Backstreet

    We’ll walk through a maze of passageways only locals know about, make introductions, and learn about the behind-the-scenes stories.

    Going through the labyrinth of zigzagging backstreets, narrow alleyways, and markets.

    Traveling with all of your senses on high alert: observing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling.

    Experiencing various slides of life behind the scenes, the hidden part of the iceberg, and the unknown parts.

    Getting to know people where they live, work, study, and pray.

    Personal connections and cultural exchanges are being formed.

  2. Hanoi Streetside Restaurants

    Some of the most popular food in Vietnam is street-food, which tends to be authentic and traditional Vietnamese staples. You are unlikely to find a burger van here, but there are many locals making banh mi, pho, and Vietnamese pancakes. The street food is always very affordable and easy to come by, especially in the busier areas of town.

    Alongside healthy and savory meals, you can find food vendors selling desserts such as ice cream, rice puddings, and baked goods.

    • Discover hidden food spots beyond tourist restaurants.
    • Experience authentic Hanoi street food with local experts.
    • Explore Hanoi Old Quarter through local culture and cuisine.
    • Perfect balance of food, storytelling, and cultural immersion.
    • Small groups and personalized local experiences.

Inclusions

Included

  • Hotel pick-up within Hanoi Old Quarter area.
  • English-speaking local food guide.
  • Multiple authentic local dishes & drinks.
  • Hanoi Egg Coffee experience.
  • Bottled water.

Not included

  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Additional food or drinks not mentioned above.

Rates

Check your date
Travel datesAdult 12+Child 2–11Infant Under 2
All dates$35QuotedQuoted

“Quoted”: we confirm this price when we reply to your request.

  • Prices are in US dollars and include taxes.
  • A 30% deposit confirms your booking — 50% for groups of 7 or more, infants included.
  • VAT invoices are available on request.

We accept

Book two different tours, save 10%Pair this ride with another tour — 10% off the total price.

Reviews

5.0 4,565 reviews on Tripadvisor

What travelers say about Vietnam Backstreet Tours across all our rides — 98% of reviews are positive.

  • Tripadvisor

    "Most welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable"

    We arranged a half day countryside and Hanoi City tour on Vespa motorbikes through our hotel. Tom and Duc (Donald) were most welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, answering any questions we had…

    Samir P· Couple

  • Google

    "A truly unforgettable experience"

    We had a fantastic time in Hanoi with Vietnam Backstreet Tours. We discovered amazing places and learned so much! Tim was so knowledgeable and shared many stories with us. We loved the tour!

    Ruth Amarilla· United States · Family

  • Facebook

    "I can really recommend this highlight"

    Today we did a wonderful motorbike tour in Hanoi with the guys from Vietnam Backstreet. Many thanks to Mr. Boo and his team for all the impressions we got from Hanoi — we will keep them in our mind!

    Michael Herrmann· Germany · Friends

Tripadvisor Google Facebook

Q&As

Do I need any riding experience?

No. You ride as a passenger behind one of our professional, experienced drivers — just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Where does the tour start and end?

We pick you up free of charge anywhere within 3 km of the city centre, and drop you off there too — pick-up and drop-off can be two different places.

Do you provide helmets and rain gear?

Yes. Helmets are provided, and on wet days we hand out two-piece raincoats and stop at covered places along the way.

Can I bring children?

Yes — you can include children (2–11) and infants (under 2) in your booking. We confirm their prices when we reply to your request.

Can I change my tour date?

Date changes are free with at least 24 hours' notice. Changes made within 24 hours of the tour are charged 30% of the tour price.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel more than 24 hours ahead and we charge no cancellation fee (your bank or PayPal may keep a transaction fee of about 5%). Cancellations within 24 hours are charged in full. Refunds take 7–14 working days.

What if the weather turns bad?

Light rain doesn't stop us. If severe weather forces us to cancel, you can move to another date free of charge or get a 100% refund of the tour price, less bank fees.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Travel insurance is optional. We can arrange PTI cover for about US$3.50 per person per day.

Can you arrange a private tour for a larger group?

Yes. We run private tours and tours for larger groups, and can tailor the itinerary to you — tell us what you have in mind in the booking form or on WhatsApp.

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