Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is not only a city with a rich history and culture but also a culinary paradise increasingly asserting its position on the world map. Tripadvisor’s recognition with the “Travelers’ Choice Award: Best of the Best 2024” demonstrates the irresistible appeal of Hanoi’s cuisine, surpassing even famous culinary capitals like Rome, New Delhi, and New Orleans. So, what makes Hanoi food tours so attractive?
Hanoi – A Rising Star on the World Culinary Map
Hanoi’s cuisine is no longer a closely guarded secret but has emerged as a bright spot on the global culinary scene. Consecutive awards and accolades from prestigious organizations have proven this. In 2023, Hanoi was honored with the “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City” title by the World Culinary Awards, surpassing formidable competitors such as Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and Kyoto.
Previously, the UK’s Telegraph also praised Hanoi as one of the cities with the most attractive cuisine on the planet. Many dishes have been included in international travel guides, becoming must-try suggestions for tourists visiting Hanoi. CNN once ranked pho among the must-try dishes and in the top 50 best dishes in the world. National Geographic honored bun cha as one of the 10 best street foods in the world.
In particular, the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Vietnam in December 2022 marked a significant turning point. For the first time, restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were evaluated and ranked according to international standards. By June 2023, three restaurants in Hanoi – Hibana by Koki, Tam Vi, and Gia – were honored with 1 Michelin star. In addition, Hanoi also has 13 restaurants receiving the Bib Gourmand (delicious food at affordable prices), 32 restaurants listed in the Michelin Selected, and 1 Michelin award for outstanding young chefs.
Hanoi Cuisine – A Cultural Bridge to International Visitors
Hanoi’s cuisine not only attracts young people but also conquers the hearts of international politicians and celebrities. During the US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi in 2019, dishes such as Pho Thin, Xoi Phu Thuong, and Giang coffee made a strong impression on international dignitaries and the press. Bun cha became globally famous after US President Barack Obama enjoyed it during his visit to Vietnam in 2016.
In 2023, most politicians visiting Vietnam experienced Hanoi’s cuisine. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife enjoyed pho at a restaurant on Le Thai To Street; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited a beer garden on Duong Thanh Street to enjoy “specialties” and rustic Hanoi dishes. At the end of 2023, the online community was buzzing with images of Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh enjoying banh mi and Vietnamese coffee at the Hanoi Flag Tower.
Culinary artist Pham Thi Anh Tuyet explained the appeal of Hanoi cuisine: the dishes are attractive due to the balance of nutritious ingredients beneficial to health, meticulousness in selecting ingredients, and sophistication in processing, preserving the characteristic flavors of traditional cuisine. She affirmed: “Hanoi has a diverse and rich cuisine with its own identity, thanks to which it has been positioned on the world culinary map.”
Not only listed in the “Top World Food Destinations” category, Hanoi also ranked 4th in the top 25 “Top World Destinations” in 2024 voted by Tripadvisor. The capital of Vietnam is recognized by foreign visitors as an attractive destination thanks to its long-standing charm, with the intersection of ancient architecture and modern society. Landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, and more than 600 pagodas contribute to the appeal of this place.
Exploring Hanoi Food Tours
To meet the increasing demand of tourists wanting to explore Hanoi’s cuisine, many travel companies have developed unique and attractive Hanoi food tours. These tours are not just about taking tourists to famous restaurants but also provide deep experiences of Hanoi’s culinary culture and history.
Popular Types of Hanoi Food Tours
- Walking street food tour in the Old Quarter: Strolling through small streets, enjoying famous street foods such as pho, bun cha, banh cuon, spring rolls… and listening to interesting stories about the history and culinary culture of each dish.
- Hanoi food tour by motorbike: Freely exploring the hidden corners of Hanoi, enjoying local specialties at local eateries that not everyone knows about.
- Traditional market tour and cooking class: Experiencing the bustling atmosphere of traditional markets, learning about the typical ingredients of Hanoi cuisine, and participating in cooking classes to prepare delicious dishes yourself.
- Luxury food tour: Enjoying Hanoi cuisine at luxurious restaurants, honored by the Michelin Guide, and experiencing world-class service.
Suggested Itinerary for a Hanoi Food Tour
A typical Hanoi food tour itinerary may include:
- Morning:
- Enjoy pho bo (beef pho) or pho ga (chicken pho) at a long-standing pho restaurant.
- Explore Dong Xuan Market, learn about typical ingredients and spices.
- Have lunch with bun cha or bun dau mam tom (vermicelli noodles with fried tofu and shrimp paste).
- Afternoon:
- Join a cooking class to make nem ran (fried spring rolls) or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) yourself.
- Enjoy egg coffee at a classic coffee shop.
- Have dinner with cha ca La Vong (La Vong grilled fish) or other specialty dishes.
- Evening:
- Stroll around Hanoi’s night streets and enjoy snacks such as banh goi (pillow cakes), nem lui (lemongrass skewers), che (sweet soup)…
- Watch water puppetry or traditional art performances.
Notes When Participating in Hanoi Food Tours
- Choose tours from reputable travel companies with experience in organizing food tours.
- Learn carefully about the itinerary, dishes, and attractions in the tour.
- Prepare yourself to discover new and unique flavors.
- Bring a camera or phone to capture memorable moments.
- Don’t be afraid to try street food, but choose clean and hygienic eateries.
Image depicting a discussion about developing Hanoi food tours and the need for signature dishes and professional restaurants.
Chairman of the Hanoi Travel Association, Phung Quang Thang, said that many travel companies have organized Hanoi food tours, but this activity is still on a small scale and has not created an effect to attract tourists. To develop specialized food tours in Hanoi, it is necessary to find signature dishes, highlights for promotion, and build a professional restaurant system. He analyzed: “Tourists participating in a food tour not only want to eat but also want to explore, participate in the preparation and processing of food, and experience Hanoi flavors…”
Director of ANZ Travel, Nguyen Tien Dat, suggested that Hanoi should have policies to support brand building and develop international standard restaurants, thereby elevating Hanoi’s cuisine and creating national brand products.
Conclusion
Hanoi cuisine is not just delicious food but also an important part of Vietnamese culture and history. Hanoi food tours are a great opportunity for tourists to discover unique flavors, learn about local culture, and create memorable memories. With world recognition and the development of the tourism industry, Hanoi cuisine promises to continue to be an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. Hanoi is aiming to promote cultural and culinary events, considering cuisine as a “lever” to attract tourists and a cultural bridge to international friends and visitors.