Besides the famous old architecture and rich culture, Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam – is known for its delicious culinary which cannot be missed when visiting Vietnam. Especially, the diversity of street food dishes and numerous food stalls, which tourists can easily find in any street in Hanoi, have become one of Hanoi’s outstanding features.
Stroll through hidden alleyways and bustling markets of Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter and try local specialties and sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine, which will make your trip more interesting and unforgettable. Also, make sure that you keep your immune system up and stay healthy during your trip or follow some good tips for eating street food safely in Hanoi to avoid food problem.
Research about the popular street food
Before starting street foodie tour in Hanoi, tourists should research the delicious and popular dishes and food stalls to get a big picture about Vietnamese food culture. What you can eat, what you cannot eat, remember or take a note. Google or guidebook on Hanoi food may help you find information easier.
Eat what and where the locals eat
Go around food streets which are full of smell and attractive dishes and the locals sitting and enjoying their dishes. The places packed with many locals are usually the best places, and sometimes the best price too because they know clearly what is delicious and safe – do you think that they still come back if the food was bad? So, come over those food stalls and avoid places full of tourists and English menus.
Eat during normal meal times as the locals
Though street food stalls are often crowded with a lot of customers and sometimes they have to line up for a long time to be served the food during normal meal times, the food will be rotated very quickly and be freshest. Moreover, you usually have more options available and aren’t stuck with leftovers, so you are almost certain of a fresh perfect meal.
Pay attention to nature’s protectors
This is a reason why lime, chili, vinegar, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and galangal - natural antiseptics – are often served along with your dishes. Those ingredients not only make the food tastier but also help you avoid getting sick because all those come together to kill potentially harmful bugs and bacteria. Observe and copy the way the locals do to figure out how to eat. Add a little chili, a little garlic, a little fish sauce, etc. and then enjoy your street food dish.
Go with a local
One of the good tips is to take a local with you in Hanoi street foodie tour. They will introduce you the best places and the best dishes to try out with the guarantee of food safety. Also, you will have a chance to learn more deeply about culinary culture and customs this beautiful S-shaped country in Southeast Asia.
However, no matter how cautious you are, you can still get sick. Remember to stay hydrated, eat small portions of white rice, bread or bananas if you can eat. After a day, if you are still ill, take medications and if it becomes more serious, go to the nearest hospital or medicine clinic for the best treatment.
