Following international tourists to explore Hanoi cuisine

THE HANOI TIMES — Street food has long been a defining feature of Hanoi’s tourism landscape, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

The culinary adventures titled "Best of Hanoi in One Day" by a Canadian couple of Asian descent Flora and Note with a popular YouTube channel of nearly 200,000 subscribers embarked on a flavorful journey through Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

24-hour culinary journey

Guided by recommendations from social media, the couple set out to find the best street food in Hanoi, reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Their day-long adventure is encapsulated in a captivating 28-minute video that showcases the soul of Hanoi, not just its food.

The clip begins with a quintessential Hanoi morning scene of groups of women gracefully exercising in public spaces to prepare their bodies and minds for the new day, a familiar and endearing part of local life.

For breakfast, Flora, Note, and Note’s father visited a popular eatery on Ngo Si Lien Street in Dong Da District to sample chicken pho and bun thang, a traditional Hanoian noodle dish. Upon entering, they were immediately drawn to the visually appealing trays of tender chicken and the aromatic pot of simmering broth.

They ordered a bowl of traditional chicken pho, a bowl of mixed chicken pho, and a bowl of bun thang. Note was especially impressed by the complexity of the bun thang broth: “I can feel the very special aroma. There’s a hint of shrimp paste or dried shrimp. It's very fragrant and enjoyable,” he said, calling it the best chicken broth he had ever tasted.

Meanwhile, Flora appreciated the subtle addition of pickled garlic and vinegar to her mixed-chicken pho. She noted that these unique Vietnamese condiments not only elevate the dish’s flavor profile, but also offer health benefits. She encouraged Note to try it with his dish for a more complete culinary experience.

After visiting the historic Temple of Literature, a must-see cultural landmark in Hanoi, the couple headed to a charming coffee shop tucked away on Hang Mam Street in the city's Old Quarter.

This particular café is beloved by international visitors and is often described as an “isolated oasis” amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital. It gained even more fame when King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited it during their official visit to Vietnam in early April.

Contrasting with its narrow, unassuming one-meter-wide façade, the interior reveals a lush space filled with quirky, recycled décor, a creative blend of nostalgia and eco-conscious design. Yellow-brown tones paired with vintage furnishings evoke peaceful, old-world charm in the heart of the Old Quarter .

Flora and Note were clearly enchanted. They chose the outdoor seating area and sampled three signature drinks: coconut coffee, salt coffee, and traditional iced coffee. They both gave their full approval to the coconut coffee, calling it exceptionally delicious.

For dinner, the trio opted for a refined Vietnamese culinary experience at an elegant restaurant on Bao Khanh Street, adjacent to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. The establishment is known for its tasteful design that blends luxury and romance. It served a spread of homestyle Vietnamese dishes: Malabar spinach soup, salted eggplant, fried eggs, stir-fried morning glory with garlic, braised pork ribs, shrimp sautéed with star fruit, and crispy pork rinds. The family was thoroughly impressed, praising the exquisite flavors, attentive service, and reasonable pricing.

To cap off their day, the group visited the well-known Four Seasons dessert shop on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake for dessert. They sampled three Vietnamese desserts: bamboo white tea, jackfruit yogurt, and sticky rice tea. The dishes were delightful, and the seating arrangement provided a perfect vantage point for enjoying Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife and dynamic street scenes.

Home for countless delicious dishes

The video received enthusiastic feedback from viewers around the world. One comment from a future tourist noted: “My family is heading to Hanoi in three weeks and we’re staying just a block or two away from many of these places. This was incredibly helpful, very excited to check out MIAs and Hidden Gem. Thanks guys!”

Another traveler reminisced about their trip to Hanoi in 2023 and shared that the food was the highlight of their visit. They expressed a strong desire to return. A different viewer suggested that Flora and Note try banh mi during their next culinary adventure in the city.

Indeed, Hanoi is a culinary treasure trove that continues to enchant visitors from around the world. Its gastronomy has consistently earned praise from international media and culinary experts, with numerous local dishes recognized as global delicacies.

However, Hanoian cuisine is more than just flavorful food as it reflects the people’s ingenuity, precision, and deep cultural pride. Beyond iconic landmarks and historical sites, travelers often dedicate much of their time in Hanoi to exploring its rich food culture. They indulge in signature dishes such as pho (rice noodle soup with beef), cha ca La Vong (grilled fish with noodles), bun cha Hang Manh (grilled pork with noodles), banh cuon Thanh Tri (steamed rice rolls), and more.

According to culinary artisan Pham Thi Anh Tuyet, what makes Hanoian cuisine exceptional is its balance of being nutritionally beneficial yet artfully crafted. "The magic lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the meticulous preparation that preserves traditional flavors. This is why Hanoians are proud of their culinary heritage. It’s what has earned Hanoi its rightful place on the world food map,” she affirmed.

Flora and Note's culinary exploration is just one of countless journeys that reveal the richness of Hanoi's vibrant food scene.

For travelers seeking beautiful sights and meaningful cultural immersion, Hanoi’s cuisine offers the perfect gateway. From humble street stalls to upscale restaurants, each dish tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship and embodies the warm, hospitable spirit of the Hanoi people.