Are you thinking about booking a Hanoi food tour? If you are a dedicated foodie, you already know that you under no circumstances should you miss the delicious experience of roaming the streets of Hanoi with an experienced food tour guide. If a food tour isn’t on your radar at all, here are six reasons why it’s a fabulous idea to go.

1. Food has a strong connection to a country’s culture

And after all, isn’t that why we travel? To explore new cultures, learn about their history, and immerse ourselves in their otherness? Food is often strongly connected to a country’s (or even a specific region’s) cultural identity. By taking a food tour you will not only learn about special dishes, but about how they came to be, which can often be deeply rooted in history. For example, have you ever wondered why Bánh mì includes French baguette? Baguette isn’t exactly an Asian staple food, after all. On a Hanoi food tour you will learn about the French occupation of what was then called Indochina, all while munching on a delicious Bánh mì, slurping hot Pho, or enjoying Gỏi Cuốn, the famous fresh spring rolls. Oh, and did I mention the Vietnamese specialty coffees? They are to die for, and coming from a coffee snob, that’s saying something!

2. You are guaranteed an authentic experience

Unless you do a ton of research on the topic of food, your chances of ending up in a made-for-tourists beachfront restaurant are rather high. You might eat delicious Pho, but was it authentic? You won’t know until you put yourself into the hands of a knowledgeable local who will take you to the smaller establishments in the back alleys which you might never have found on your own. A Hanoi food tour is a perfect introduction to the local cuisine.

3. Diversity is guaranteed!

Maybe you are taking this trip to Vietnam without ever having had Vietnamese food. Once you get there, the choices are simply overwhelming. So much food, so little time! On a food tour you will get to sample small portions of many dishes. If you take it at the beginning of your trip, you’ll be an expert in Vietnamese cuisine, know your favorites, and ready to order without hesitation from then on.

4. Support small businesses

Oftentimes, the money we as tourists spend goes to bigger shops, chain restaurants, and the likes. But it’s good and important to support small businesses just as much, if not more. If you are a conscious traveler, and you care who benefits from your tourist $$$, seek out a food tour and support the smaller back alley restaurants that see way less traffic than the main street establishments.

5. Connect with the locals

At smaller restaurants, the owners, waitresses, and chefs may have time to have a little chat, tell you their story, about their restaurants, and the dishes they serve. You may be able to ask questions, and learn even more about the dishes served on your Hanoi food tour!

6. Make new friends

No matter if you solo travel or are having an adventure with your partner and /or friends, it’s always fun to connect with other travelers! If you are traveling with a group, this could be your first bonding experience. Because let’s face it – what better way to bond than over a nice meal, maybe a glass of Vietnamese beer, or one of the several out-of-this-world coffee varieties Vietnam has to offer?

Foodie or not, don’t let this experience slip through your fingers! If you despair among all the options you’ll find online, don’t hesitate to contact us! We will happily book one, two, or more experiences for you, or even plan out your complete Vietnam itinerary!