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The Hidden Side of Hanoi’s Kitchen

3 Hours

The Hidden Side of Hanoi’s Kitchen

When in Hanoi, eat like a Hanoian, not a tourist.

Duration
3 Hours
From
$60
Reserve your spot

Itinerary

Journey flow

A single narrative of the experience, from first welcome to closing circle.

1

Gà Tần Thuốc Bắc (Herbal Chicken Soup with Medicinal Herbs)

We begin with a dish that reflects the deep relationship between food and healing in Vietnamese culture. Gà Tần Thuốc Bắc is a slow-cooked chicken soup infused with traditional medicinal herbs such as jujube, goji berries, and Chinese angelica root. Often prepared in small clay pots—or even improvised containers like metal cans—it transforms simple ingredients into a rich, nourishing meal. Originally rooted in traditional Eastern medicine, this dish is believed to restore energy, improve circulation, and support overall health. Today, it remains a comfort food, especially during times of fatigue or seasonal change. What might seem unusual is the idea of “food as medicine”—but here, it is a natural part of daily life.
Gà Tần Thuốc Bắc (Herbal Chicken Soup with Medicinal Herbs)
2

Chân Gà (Chicken Feet)

Next, we explore a popular street-side favorite. Chân Gà—chicken feet—are marinated, grilled, or pickled with lime, chili, and lemongrass. While often unfamiliar to Western palates, they are prized in Vietnam for their texture and collagen richness. Rather than meat, the experience is about sensation: chewy, slightly crispy, and deeply flavorful. Chicken feet are commonly enjoyed as a social dish—shared among friends in the evening, paired with conversation and local drinks.
Chân Gà (Chicken Feet)
3

Trứng Vịt Lộn (Fertilized Duck Egg)

One of the most well-known “exotic” foods in Southeast Asia. Trứng Vịt Lộn is a fertilized duck egg, boiled and eaten with salt, ginger, and Vietnamese coriander. Inside, the egg has developed into a partially formed duck embryo. While this may feel confronting at first, it is considered highly nutritious—rich in protein, vitamins, and energy. Traditionally, it is eaten for strength and vitality. For locals, it’s a simple, affordable snack. For visitors, it’s often a moment of reflection on cultural perspective.
Trứng Vịt Lộn (Fertilized Duck Egg)
4

Ốc (Vietnamese Snail Dishes)

We continue to one of Hanoi’s most vibrant food experiences: a local snail eatery. In Vietnam, “Ốc” refers to a wide variety of snails prepared in different ways—steamed with lemongrass, stir-fried with tamarind, or cooked in spicy sauces. Snail dining is deeply social. Tables fill with small dishes, dipping sauces, and shared plates, creating an atmosphere that is lively, communal, and full of flavor. The textures and tastes are diverse—ranging from chewy to tender, tangy to spicy—offering a completely different way of experiencing food.
Ốc (Vietnamese Snail Dishes)
5

Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (Fermented Shrimp Paste with Tofu & Noodles)

We end with one of Hanoi’s most iconic—and polarizing—dishes. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm consists of fresh rice noodles, fried tofu, herbs, and pork, all served with mắm tôm—a fermented shrimp paste known for its strong, pungent aroma. The smell can be intense for first-timers, but the flavor—when balanced with lime, chili, and sugar—becomes complex, savory, and deeply satisfying. This dish represents the boldness of Northern Vietnamese cuisine: unapologetic, authentic, and rooted in tradition.
Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (Fermented Shrimp Paste with Tofu & Noodles)
6

Closing Reflection

This journey is not about pushing limits—it’s about expanding understanding. You’ve tasted dishes shaped by history, necessity, and local wisdom. Foods that may seem unusual at first, but reveal deeper meaning when experienced in context. In Hanoi, food is not just about taste. It’s about life, culture, and connection.

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  • Every journey can be adapted—from private departures to extended stays.
  • We'll get back to you personally within two business days to guide you through next steps.

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