In an attempt to answer this oft-asked question, Mytravelroom has selected some recently visited countries where the food was interesting, mystifying, varied, and almost always, delicious.
Most of us are aware that Vietnam is world-renowned for its cuisine. As illustrated by the photos below, this culinary champ of SE Asia provides a vast variety of mouthwatering offerings. Almost without exception, most are fresh, tasty, and subtly flavoured. Also, good news for those with a delicate palate, Vietnamese food isn’t quite as spicy as some of its neighbouring countries’ fare.
This post introduces dishes we enjoyed during our six nights in Hanoi, North Vietnam
North Vietnam – Hanoi.
Food and restaurants in Hanoi are not as “sophisticated” as those in South Vietnam, especially compared to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
However, this city’s beauty and unique identity are expressed by an array of flowers wherever your eye wanders and a huge assortment of mouth-watering street food.
Whether from a charcoal cooker, a food cart (everywhere), a small locally owned cafe selling morish Banh Mi or alternative versions of Pho, and many markets selling fresh everything. Or simply being able to buy a piece of fruit or an unusual sweet treat from a *Non-La-wearing woman pushing her “fresh from the farm” wares loaded onto a bicycle or weighing down her shoulder pole, all make Hanoi a welcoming city for anyone seeking out culinary treats.
*Non La translates as “leaf hat,” a conical shape often made from Palm leaves.
Additionally, there are tons of interesting choices and no end of flavours exuding from the many generationally established food businesses crowded along Hanoi’s ancient cobbled walkways, laneways, and roads, especially in the “Old” part of the city.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more “salubrious ” to nourish your soul, take a day trip and amble the elegant streets of the more affluent French Quarter. The easy, cheap, and highly entertaining 20-minute Cyclo ride from the Old Quarter makes the delicious French-influenced offerings all the more enticing.
Below is a photo tour of the various delectable food offerings Mytravelroom enjoyed in Hanoi.
On the streets of Old Quarter -Hanoi
Read More: https://mytravelroom.co.nz/travelling-vietnam-hanoi-city/
Below are some delicious food and restaurant options with that French flair that can be found in the French Quarter of Hanoi
Food prices :
The Note Cafe: Espresso coffee and a croissant are just over NZ$5. This charming little find in Hanoi offers an array of yummy food and drinks. It’s a must-see place.
High-end : Restaurants such as Bancong in the Old Quarter cater to a high-end customer. However, their prices are (compared to most Western restaurants) very cheap. Mains are under NZ$20 and Asian entrees are around NZ$7.00.
Medium : Food in more casual (generally unlicensed) family cafes ranges from $5 to $10 per dish. It is always served very hot and fresh, and because these places are busy cooking for locals and visitors, food turnover is high. Local bars and alcohol are slightly more expensive.
Cheap : Food Markets and Street Stalls are very cheap, so, they’re a great way to eat. For “on the run” eating or sitting outside in a park, a freshly BBQd chicken kebab for example is around NZ$3. A freshly made banh mi is usually around NZ$4.
For more “What’s The Food Like?” stories, click the links below.
https://mytravelroom.co.nz/whats-the-food-like-in-hanoi-vietnam/
https://mytravelroom.co.nz/whats-the-food-like-in-cambodia/
MTR TIPS regarding food safety: If you feel unsure, remember that most food is freshly cooked and on high rotation. The stalls are generally bustling, and lots of locals regularly eat at the markets. To be cautious, don’t eat raw food. Wash your hands often. Carry a small spray bottle of hand sanitiser and hand wipes, wipe utensils with sanitiser, and discreetly wipe the table.
If you would like to know more about this story or any other Mytravelroom story, please contact me at janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
