Meet with a local food expert for a mouth-watering food tour of Hanoi and live up all five senses through fascinating markets. Start with a trip to Thanh Ha market, a busy, eclectic market alive with the sounds and smells of Hanoi. Capture the essence of Vietnamese culture while browsing the food stalls, hearing about local culinary culture and sampling unusual Hanoi delicacies.

Carry on to the Dong Xuan market where, amid the stalls selling handbags, clothes and other goods, are popular noodle shops. Sample treats such as “Pho Sot Vang”, noodle soup with pork and herbs, and bun dau, tofu served in soup with rice noodles and fermented shrimp paste. The guide will share the secrets of these dishes and explain about Vietnamese meal times.

Meander onwards to the Old Quarter and explore the maze of laneways of this historic neighborhood. See ceremonial cake stalls and stop to taste a special French influenced dessert. An explanation of traditions and food gifts for celebrations will be given. Continue walking along Hang Cot Street where popular preserved fruits are sold and onto other streets with unusual special items for sale.

The tour wraps up at a busy, but small, coffee shop. Sit down and enjoy a sweet iced coffee or a slow-dripped hot brew while watching the passing scenes of local life. This is the perfect way to end a wonderful culinary and culture Hanoi tour.