4 Hours
Join-In tour
Min 4 pax
Max 20 pax
Tour start: 6:30 PM
Tour end: 10:30 PM
Age: 16+
Join us for the ultimate beer walking tour in Hanoi, where we’ll venture through unknown streets, discovering the local culture. Along the way, we’ll discover hidden gems you’ve never heard of, beers on the train tracks and local rice wine.
As we mingle with old or new mates, we’ll dig into the best BBQ street food in the city. It’s a fun and truly local experience that promises to leave you with unique memories of Hanoi’s authentic spots. Come along for a tips adventure filled with laughter, good company, and a taste of the local brews at weird and wonderful locations.
For many visitors, the true essence of Hanoi often remains hidden behind its iconic landmarks. Without guidance, it’s easy to miss the lesser-known culinary treasures tucked away in its vibrant streets and local eateries!
But here’s the good news: Vietnam Backpacker Hostels has introduced the Hidden Hanoi Food Tour, a journey designed to unveil the city’s best-kept secrets. Let’s explore further.
Vietnam Backpacker Hostels is a chain of hostels in Vietnam that offers budget accommodations for backpackers and travelers.
All these hostels are located in major cities and tourist destinations throughout the country, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay. Each offers a variety of room types (including dormitories and private rooms), all equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms. The hostels also have a number of common areas, such as lounges, kitchens, and rooftop terraces, where guests can relax and socialize.
In addition to accommodation, Vietnam Backpacker Hostels introduces a variety of tours and activities, such as cycling tours, cooking classes, day trips to nearby attractions, and more.
Vietnam Backpacker Hostels has introduced a 4D3N package designed for group adventure (aged 16 and above), priced at just $189 per adult. Its comprehensive and well-designed itinerary will take you on a journey through the stunning landscapes and lovely food culture of Northern Vietnam.
For this hidden Hanoi food tour, we require a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 20.
It’s time to take a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s culinary soul! Just one day into exploring hidden places in Hanoi, and you will realize this capital city is a golden trove of flavors:
Bia Hoi, or “fresh beer,” is part of Vietnamese’ unique beer culture. The beer is brewed daily and served fresh from the tap in small, chilled glasses.
These small, family-run breweries produce a light, refreshing beer that pairs well with the hot and humid climate of the country. Better yet, the beer is often accompanied by a variety of delightful snacks, such as peanuts, dried squid, or Banh Da. Your trip around Hanoi isn’t complete if you never spend at least one evening drinking Bia Hoi at a local brewery during your hidden Hanoi food tour!
Next is Ruou Gao (translated to rice wine), a traditional Vietnamese alcoholic beverage that has been produced for centuries. It’s made from fermented glutinous rice and is typically clear or slightly cloudy in color. Vietnamese people love to have them served on special occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and festivals.
You can enjoy Ruou Gao neat, on the rocks, or even mix it with other drinks like soda or fruit juice. Although the alcohol content of Ruou Gao varies, it’s typically high nonetheless, so remember to drink responsibly and be aware of the potential effects.
Hanoi’s street food scene has always been world-renowned, and grilled meat skewers are one of the most popular dishes on the hidden Hanoi walking tour.
The skewers are often made with pork belly, chicken, or seafood and then marinated in a variety of spices and herbs (including fish sauce, garlic, and chili pepper).
After that, the skewers are then grilled over charcoal until cooked through. The smoky flavor of the grilled meat, plus the savory marinade, is simply impossible to resist! Not to mention, eating street food in Hanoi is the best and easiest way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the city like a local.
Who doesn’t like Pho? This Vietnamese noodle soup is made with a rich broth (often flavored with star anise or clove), rice noodles, and a variety of toppings like beef, chicken, or pork. Although most Vietnamese like to enjoy Pho as a breakfast food, you can actually enjoy it at ANY time of the day!
There are two main types of Pho: Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup). As the more popular option between the two, Pho Bo is often served with a side dish of bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers. Pho Ga, lighter and more delicate, is a favorite among people who are looking for a healthier option.
Another popular Vietnamese dish to try on your hidden Hanoi food tour, Bun cha, mostly consists of grilled pork, rice noodles, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
The pork is typically marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic and then grilled over charcoal. Later, the rice noodles are eventually served in a bowl with a side of lettuce, herbs, and pickled vegetables. And don’t forget to order a side of cha gio (spring roll) and a bowl of dipping sauce to spice up your experience! We highly recommend sharing Bun Cha with friends, families, or your group mates while exploring hidden places Hanoi.
Considered Vietnam’s iconic street food, Banh Mi is an amazing blend of French and Vietnamese culinary influences.
Specifically, the baguette (a legacy of French colonial rule) is typically lighter and airier than its European counterpart, with a crisp crust and fluffy interior. And then, it’s the fillings where Vietnamese creativity shines: common ingredients include pate, grilled pork, Vietnamese ham (cha lua), and pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon. Fresh herbs, cucumber slices, and chili add extra freshness, while a drizzle of soy or fish sauce ties everything together.
Made with strong, dark-roasted Robusta beans, the coffee is brewed using a phin filter, which allows the coffee to drip slowly into a cup, ensuring a robust and concentrated flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk is then added to balance the coffee’s intensity with creamy sweetness before being poured over ice. Enjoy it either in bustling cafes or from street-side vendors; it’s your choice!
Wrapping up our list is Che, with tons of varieties ranging from creamy coconut milk to chewy tapioca pearls.
Popular versions include Che Ba Mau (three-color dessert), featuring layers of pandan jelly, red beans, and coconut milk, and Che Chuoi (banana tapioca pudding), a creamy, fragrant dessert highlighting ripe bananas. You will likely find it sold by street vendors, served in plastic cups or bowls, and enjoyed by locals of all ages.
Book your spot on our hidden Hanoi food tour today! There are plenty of chances to explore Vietnam’s culinary culture and connect with fellow food enthusiasts.
Questions? We’re here to help! Reach out to us:
Jugs & Jugs of Beers
Local Rice Wine
BBQ Dinner
Hidden Locations
Unknown Train Street Location
Pick-up and Drop-off Services
Tips & Gratuity
We will meet as a group at a central location, likely St.Josephs cathedral as its easily accesible for everyone! 
Put your faith in us as we head for our first watering hole, wandering through winding alleys to find our first cold beer (or 4)
Wander along the famous tracks that wind their way through the city, see the spectacle of the locals living on the tracks, and even better, where they drink beer and rice wine as the train zooms past. 
Our last stop is to indulge in some of Hanoi’s best and tastiest street food. Leaving the train tracks, we take a stroll to our last stop (dont worry, there will be beers there too) One of Hanoi’s most fascinating locations for street food, and we’re going to dig into some of the best BBQ street food you’ll have in Asia
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