GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. Why should I take a street food tour in Hanoi?
A. Taking a Hanoi food tour is one of the best ways to get familiar with local dishes, customs, and the layout of the city. Northern Vietnamese food is very different from what most travelers have tried before. That’s because Southern-style food became more common overseas after the Vietnam War, which is called the American War here in Vietnam.
A local guide can answer your questions about cultural etiquette, food traditions, and how to navigate things like eating with locals or trying unfamiliar dishes. It makes your whole trip more enjoyable and a lot easier. You’ll also learn what kinds of flavors you enjoy most and which dishes you can confidently keep exploring as you travel around Vietnam. Your guide will help you find the best vendors and steer you away from places that are too touristy or overhyped.
During your tour, we’ll take photos and give you a short 30-second recap video to remember your experience. You’ll also get a custom Google Maps link with all your stops, so you can go back anytime and enjoy more of the best street food in Hanoi.
​
Q. Why should we tour with Curious About Vietnam?
A. Here’s why travelers choose us for an unforgettable Hanoi food tour:
-
We offer a truly one of a kind street food experience in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, curated with care and precision
-
Our founder, Lylla (also known as Ms. Yummyface), is deeply committed to the details. From food quality and presentation to overall guest experience, she understands what Western travelers expect and trains our team accordingly
-
Every stop on your tour has been personally selected by Lylla. As an experienced cook with an exceptional palate, she avoids touristy spots and chooses only local vendors who serve authentic, delicious food
-
Our guides are friendly, professional, fluent in English, and take great pride in being cultural ambassadors of Hanoi and Vietnam
-
Lylla lived in the US and Europe before returning home to build Vietnam food content in 2023. She brings that global perspective to everything we do, especially when it comes to hygiene, safety, and communication
-
All of our guides are well paid and highly valued. We believe happy guides create better tours and we expect them to go above and beyond for every guest
-
The cost of your tour reflects the high quality of food, service, guide training, and thoughtful gifts included. In fact, what we spend on each tour often exceeds the retail price of many other providers because we never cut corners on food quality or the number of stops
-
You will receive a small Curious About Vietnam tote bag upon arrival to carry water and tour supplies like tissues and wet wipes
-
At the end of your tour, we will give you a custom Google Maps link so you can easily return to your favorite Hanoi food spots
-
As a small parting gesture, your guide will also present you with a thoughtful farewell gift to wrap up your experience
Q. What types of food tours do you offer?
A. We offer both group and private food tours in Hanoi. Group tours are limited to a maximum of 7 curious eaters to keep things personal and relaxed. Private tours are fully customizable and can be arranged for any group size. These are ideal if you have specific dietary needs, food allergies, or want a more tailored experience. All of our tours are designed to highlight the best of Hanoi’s street food and local culture, led by passionate and knowledgeable local guides.
​
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Just bring your appetite and a good attitude. We’ll take care of the rest.
You’ll be given bottled water, tissues, wet wipes, and a small tote bag to carry
your tour essentials. We also recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes
and dressing appropriately for the weather, especially during Hanoi’s hotter or
rainier months.
​
Q. Do you provide riding or scooter tours?
A. We do not offer scooter or motorbike tours. Our focus is on premium street
food experiences in Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter, where everything is best
explored on foot. The walking routes are very manageable, with short distances
between vendors. The pace is comfortable and suitable for most ages, including
young children and older family members.
Q. Is a Train Street visit included on your food tours?
A. It is not. Our Hanoi food tours are focused on mouth-first food adventures in the Old Quarter, where the best culinary experiences are found. Train Street is not located nearby and does not offer standout food worth including in our curated routes. While we understand its appeal, visiting Train Street usually requires waiting up to an hour for the next train and can take up valuable time from your food tour experience.
In Lylla’s opinion, you can either enjoy excellent food or visit Train Street — trying to squeeze in both often leads to a rushed and less satisfying experience. Train Street is about a 15-minute walk from the Old Quarter, so we recommend doing it separately, at a time that works best with the train schedule.
Authentic Street Food Dining Experiences
FOOD QUESTIONS
Q. I want to have authentic street food experiences and avoid touristy spots. Is that possible?
A. That is exactly what we specialize in. Our Hanoi food tours feature Northern Vietnamese dishes served at small, truly local eateries throughout the Old Quarter. While it is impossible to avoid seeing a few other travelers, we guarantee that the food you will eat is authentic and made by vendors who cook for locals every day. If your goal is to taste real street food and skip the tourist traps, you are in the right place.
Q. What can I expect to happen on your food tour?
A. You can expect us to do everything we can to make sure you try new foods in
a clean and safe environment. Throughout your Hanoi food tour, we will guide
you through how each dish is meant to be eaten, and help you feel comfortable
trying everything. Along the way, we will also share stories and insights about
daily life in Hanoi and give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.
​
Q. Will we be eating any really strange or unpleasant foods on our tour?
A. No. Our food tours focus on delicious, approachable dishes that represent
the best of Hanoi and Northern Vietnamese cuisine. We do not include anything
bizarre or extreme on our regular tour menu. If you are looking for a more
adventurous experience, you are very welcome to book a custom private tour
where we can explore more unusual local specialties based on your interests.
​
Q. How many foods will we try?
A. Our group tours include approximately 8 different stops. You can expect to try
around 4 to 5 savory dishes, along with 1 or 2 local snacks, 1 or 2 desserts, and a
mix of drinks including Vietnamese coffee. Each stop is carefully selected to give
you a well-rounded and satisfying taste of Hanoi’s street food culture.
​
Q. Do I need to be worried about getting food poisoning?
A. Not at all. We take food safety very seriously and go above and beyond to ensure a clean, comfortable experience. Over the years, we have hosted hundreds of guests on our Hanoi food tours without a single case of food poisoning. Our guides are highly trained to keep each dining area clean and presentable, and they wear gloves whenever handling food.
We often tell travelers that to enjoy the best food in Vietnam, you need to turn off your mind and open your mouth. That said, we also advise avoiding tap water entirely. Do not drink, brush your teeth with, or consume local water in any form, including vegetables that have been rinsed with it unless you are confident it has been properly treated.
​
Q. How is food shared in a group tour setting?
A. In Vietnam, one important cultural value is that no food should go to waste. Local vendors may be frustrated if we under-order, but they are even more upset if food is left uneaten. It is a delicate balance that we have learned to navigate over time, which is why we are often welcomed with preferential treatment at even the busiest spots.
To respect local customs while making sure everyone enjoys the experience, our guides will split portions by hand using gloves. That way, each guest receives a satisfying amount and, more importantly, the perfect bite of each dish. You will not go hungry on our tours, but we do encourage you to pace yourself so you can fully enjoy every stop along the way. And yes, we mean food-full, not uncomfortably full.
Q. Are your tours suitable for vegetarians?
A. Yes, absolutely. Most of our group tour stops offer vegetarian-friendly options, and we are always happy to accommodate. If you follow a strict vegetarian or plant-based diet, we recommend booking a private tour so we can fully customize the experience to meet your dietary needs. Just let us know in advance, and we will take care of the rest.
Q. What if I have food allergies, or foods that I can't eat? Can I still join a group tour and will I be taken care of?
A. Yes, you are absolutely welcome to join. Our guides are trained to accommodate dietary restrictions and food preferences as much as possible, even during group tours. That said, if you have severe allergies or strict food limitations, we strongly recommend booking a private tour. This allows us to fully customize your food experience and ensure everything is safe, enjoyable, and suited to your needs.
Q. Is there any beer drinking included on your tour?
A. Yes. A classic Bia Hoi experience is included as a quick beer stop on both our morning and afternoon tours. You are more than welcome to enjoy additional adult beverages along the way if you like, but please note that alcohol beyond the included Bia Hoi is not covered in the tour price.
Q. Is there a difference in the foods between the morning and afternoon tours?
A. Not really. In Vietnam, there is no strict concept of breakfast foods like in many Western countries. The dishes served on both the morning and afternoon tours are quite similar, with just a few changes depending on vendor opening hours. Whether you join us in the morning or later in the day, you will still get to enjoy a full variety of local favorites.
Visit Unknown Local Attractions
GROUP OR PRIVATE TOUR QUESTIONS
Q. What time do your food tours start?
A. Group tours begin daily at 8:30 in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon. Private tours usually start at 9:00 in the morning or 4:00 in the afternoon, and we schedule them based on your request and availability.
Q. How much do your food tours cost?
A. Our group tours are priced at 45 US dollars per guest. Private tours are 150 dollars for one or two guests, with an additional 50 dollars per extra guest. For guests seeking a longer experience, our upgraded four-hour private tour is 200 dollars for one or two people, plus 60 dollars per additional guest. You can view full details and options on our booking page.
Visit Hanoi's Oldest Citadel Gate
Q. How large are your group tours?
A. We keep our group tours small and personal, with a maximum of 7 guests. Solo travelers, couples, and small groups are all welcome. For larger group requests of 8 or more, we can easily arrange a second guide to ensure the experience stays smooth and intimate.
Q. Are the foods we will try the same in the morning and afternoon?
A. Yes, they are very similar. In Vietnam, there is no strong division between breakfast and lunch foods like there is in many Western countries. The dishes offered on both tours reflect what locals eat at any time of day, with only a few small vendor changes depending on availability.
Q. What is the advantage of booking a private tour over a group tour?
A. Private tours are closed to other guests, giving your guide the ability to focus entirely on you and your group. They can also be lightly customized to fit your dietary preferences. For example, if you want to focus on noodle soups, we can build a route around that. Private tours can be confirmed up to four weeks in advance, while group tours can be confirmed two weeks ahead. If you have any allergies or specific dietary needs, we strongly recommend booking a private tour.
Q. What are the differences between the 3-hour and 4-hour upgraded private tour?
A. In addition to extra time, the 4-hour upgraded tour includes a visit to Lylla's favorite upscale restaurant to enjoy a Hanoi classic called Cha Ca. This version also includes hotel pick-up if you are staying in or near the Old Quarter. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation and arrange a car to your first food stop.
Q. Why don’t you offer an evening tour?
A. Many of the best vendors and most interesting dishes in Hanoi are only available during the day and close by 6:00 in the evening. After that, the Old Quarter’s food scene becomes more touristy and limited. For the most authentic and flavorful experience, morning and afternoon are the best times to explore.
Q. Can I make a special request for a custom start time if I book privately?
A. Yes. If you are arriving in Hanoi later in the day and cannot make the usual group or private tour times, we will do our best to arrange a custom start time that works with your schedule.
RESERVATIONS & PAYMENT QUESTIONS
Q. How early can I reserve a group or private tour?
A. We can accept tentative reservations up to one year in advance for both group and private tours. Early booking is always encouraged, especially during busy travel seasons.
Q. Can I reserve now and pay later?
A. Yes. We encourage guests to reserve their preferred tour dates as early as possible so we can hold space for you ahead of last-minute requests. Payment is only required once your tour date and time are confirmed, which is typically about two weeks before the tour. Private tours can be confirmed and paid for up to four weeks in advance.
​
Q. Can I pay cash at the conclusion of my tour?
A. Unfortunately, we do not accept cash payments. Once your tour is confirmed, we will send a secure payment link. All payments must be made by credit card. In some cases, we can also accept PayPal or provide a QR code for payment by Vietnamese citizens.
Enjoy Timeless Hanoi Flavored Scenes
Q. Is tipping my guide expected or required?
A. Tipping is not required, as Vietnam is generally a non-tipping culture. However, if your guide made your experience truly memorable, a tip is always appreciated. One of the best things we can offer our team members is the opportunity to travel themselves, and any tips received often go toward helping them explore new places when they have time off. It is a meaningful way to show appreciation and support their personal growth.
KIDS & TODDLER QUESTIONS
Q. Are your tours suitable for children and are there any discounts available for them?
A. Yes, children are absolutely welcome on our group tours and often end up enjoying the experience as much as the adults, even if they are a little picky. We offer a 30 percent discount for children under 8 years old. If your child has special needs or preferences, we are happy to discuss whether a private tour may be a better fit.
Q. Are infants able to be brought along on a food tour, and are strollers a good option for moving kids around?
A. Infants under the age of 3 are welcome to join and are free of charge. However, we do not recommend bringing a stroller if you are able to carry or walk with your child instead. The streets and sidewalks in Hanoi’s Old Quarter can be very narrow and crowded, making stroller use difficult. For guests traveling with infants or toddlers, we highly recommend booking a private tour so we can adjust the pace and stops to suit your needs.
ASK US ANYTHING!
If you have a question that you can’t find an answer for, please email us directly for more assistance: Howdy.cav@gmail.com
