Dong Xuan Market to a Hidden Lake Cafe: Five Hanoi Stops

Street food is fresh, fast, cheap and the quickest way into a city, and Hanoi has more of it than almost anywhere. This tour goes for the version locals eat: markets, carts, pavement cafés and a few places you would need directions to find.

It starts at Dong Xuan, the largest covered market in Hanoi, which is a whole education in what the city buys before it is an education in what the city eats.

Then the Old Quarter, block by block, with five food stops. Banh mi, the baguette Vietnam made its own. Banh cuon, steamed rice rolls. Bun cha, grilled pork with noodles and herbs. Nem chua grilled over charcoal. Seasonal fruit and a fresh fruit salad.

It ends at a café most visitors walk past, above Hoan Kiem Lake, with a view over the water and either an egg coffee or a cold beer.

Three hours, up to twelve people, in English, with a guide who will also tell you where to eat for the rest of your stay.

The stops are independent family businesses, so opening hours and menus shift and the guide adjusts on the day. Minimum age six.

One thing to be clear about: this tour cannot cater for dietary requirements.