Published 10th Nov. 2022
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Vietnam is a feast for the senses. Staggering natural landscapes are interweaved with bustling towns and cities, while motorbike horns and grunting water buffalo harmonise in the cacophonous soundscape. Every sense is ignited on a trip here, but taste is where Vietnam really hits the spot. Vietnamese cuisine is an explosion of flavour that takes you on a journey from North to South and into Vietnam’s French Colonial past. From spicy Pho soups and moreish spring rolls, to fresh herby salads, Bahn Mi baguettes, and indulgently creamy egg coffees (yes, really!), there’s a dish to satisfy every taste palate. Vietnam is an undeniably experiential country, and food here is best enjoyed on an excursion. With everything from exciting street food tours on wheels to traditional cooking classes in remote villages, here is a roundup of our favourite food tours in Vietnam…
Hanoi is a city where cultures and flavours intertwine. Known for its stunning architecture, cultural monuments, and mouth-watering street food, this city is a perfect place to give one of the many food tours in Vietnam a try. Vietnamese street food is the star of the country’s cuisine, and there is no better way to experience it than by hitting the streets. Embark on a private tour with a local guide and stroll the streets of Hanoi’s most happening districts. Taste your way through some of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes as you learn about the history and culture of this city’s street food scene. Start with a Bahn Mi (Vietnam’s spin on a French baguette) where fresh crusty bread is filled with sweetly marinated meat or tofu, fresh herbs, and subtle spices, for the perfect combination of flavours. Pho (pronounced ‘fuh’) is the main event, and you will get to try a bowl of this iconic spicy soup, washed down with a cold Bia Hoi beer if it takes your fancy.
Located on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is a charming town known for its striking imperial palaces as well as its delectable culinary delights. Take a rickshaw (or cyclo) through the quaint streets of Hue, over Trang Tien bridge to Dong Ba market. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this bustling market where an array of aromas permeate the air and vendors call out to make their sale. The food court is where you’ll find an infinite selection of Vietnamese dishes made using fresh and premium ingredients. Your private local guide will provide you with a selection of tastings, but make sure to try Banh Xeo. This Vietnamese turmeric spiced rice pancake is cooked to crispy perfection and traditionally stuffed with pork, prawns, and bean sprouts and flavoured with fragrant herbs and spices. Banh Xeo is best enjoyed dunked into a spicy sauce called nước chấm.
Hoi An is an ancient trading port perched on Vietnam’s central coast, with colourful streets, the beautiful lantern-lit Thu Bonh river, and some of the best food in Vietnam. With so many flavours to be explored here, Hoi An is the perfect place to try your hand at Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class. Travel by boat, then by bicycle, to Tra Que village, renowned for its lush gardens and aromatic plants. Here, you will be taught to make the village specialty, Tam Huu, which translates as ‘three friends’ in a nod to the three main ingredients of shrimp, pork and herbs. Spring onion leaves are used to wrap the Tam Huu into a roll, served dipped into a sweet-and-sour sauce. After devouring your creation, you can indulge in a traditional foot massage before heading back to downtown Hoi An.
Last up in our roundup of the best food tours in Vietnam, is Ho Chi Minh (or Saigon). It’s known as the city that never sleeps, so make the most of the magic (and the food scene) by exploring this bustling metropolis by night. Those who have visited will tell you that Ho Chi Minh is teeming with motorbikes, and while it can be overwhelming exploring on foot, it’s great to join the madness with a guide on wheels. Take a night-time food tour by vespa and whiz across the city as part of a small group tour. Sample tasty traditional dishes from frogs’ legs to Vietnamese pancakes, while your local guide takes you through the city’s different districts that showcase the best of Saigon nightlife. The combination of the bright city lights, the sweet and spicy aromas, and the thrill of the vespa adventure make for the perfect hunger-inducing excursion. Finish with an ice-cold beer in a local haunt to cool off from the excitement.
Dive into Vietnam’s vistas on a holiday tailor-made by our talented consultants. We'll guide you down roads less travelled with visits to regions like Ha Giang, where you can stay in authentic homestays and connect with local Hmong tribes. Our savvy in-country Concierges and guides are experts at adapting tours to help you find adventure in Vietnam’s caves, romance on its beaches or family fun throughout this friendly country. Plus, with our e-Visa arrangement, fast-track airport services and options for every budget, you can relax knowing the finer details are sorted.
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Vietnam is as varied in its culture and cuisine as in its landscapes and topography. Tuck into stuffed Bahn Mi against the bustling backdrop of Ho Chi Minh
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