Meet with your local guide, then dive straight into Hanoi’s culinary scene with a visit to Dong Xuan, the largest covered market in the city. Along the perimeter of the market, dozens of street hawkers sell a staggering variety of produce, from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices.

Hear about traditional Vietnamese food culture, like ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. Try seasonal fruits and sample a banh mi, a famous Vietnamese baguette, with your choice of fillings. One of the most beloved combos is pate, ham, sliced cucumber, and chili sauce.

Next, walk through the bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Taste the famed Hanoi dish banh cuon at a local eatery and watch the chefs make this dish. Wander past street stalls and residential lanes and observe how little local life has changed since Hanoi was founded 1,000+ years ago.

Stop at a stall selling bun cha, a classic Vietnamese dish served with grilled fatty pork (chả) over a plate of white rice noodles (bún) and herbs with a dipping sauce. Save room for the grilled nem chua, a fermented pork roll, and a fresh fruit salad, two of the most well-known snacks in the city.

Go to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the Hoan Kiem Lake. This café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that you will sample. At the end of your Hanoi tour, explore the area or return to your hotel.