Discover Hanoi - A Journey Through Vietnams Culture, Cuisine, and History
Hanoi, the heart of northern Vietnam, is a city where ancient traditions meet modern life in the most beautiful way. In a recent feature, Nikkei Asia shared a traveler’s experience of Hanoi—one that highlights its deep-rooted history, buzzing street scenes, and unforgettable flavors.
Morning Energy: Hanoi Comes Alive at Dawn
There’s something magical about mornings in Hanoi. Even before sunrise, the city is already wide awake. On a crisp December day, street vendors pedal through the narrow lanes with bicycles overflowing with roses and chrysanthemums. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, elderly locals dance to cheerful music while office workers, still in formal wear, perch on plastic stools enjoying hot bowls of pho.
It’s this contrast of old and new that gives Hanoi its soul. The city may be evolving fast, but its rhythm remains deeply local.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Where History Meets Everyday Life
Since the country’s reunification in 1975, Hanoi has transformed into a lively urban hub filled with cafés, boutique shops, and artisan workshops. According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, millions of international travelers visited the city each year and most found themselves wandering the famous Old Quarter.
This historic neighborhood is a maze of 36 streets, each once dedicated to a specific craft. On Hang Bac Street, silversmiths still handcraft delicate jewelry. And come anual festive seasons, Hang Ma Street turns into a festive wonderland filled with red-and-white ornaments and paper decorations, offering a dose of holiday spirit with a local twist.
Street Food Adventures: Tasting the Real Hanoi
No trip to Vietnam is complete without diving into its street food, and Hanoi is the perfect place to start. Navigating the motorbike-filled streets, the traveler sampled some of the city’s most beloved dishes.
Banh Xeo: A crispy savory pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and dipped in tangy fish sauce.
Cha Ca La Vong: A unique Hanoi specialty of turmeric-marinated grilled fish, stir-fried with dill and scallions at the table, then eaten with rice noodles and fermented shrimp paste.
Bun Cha: Made famous globally after Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared a meal here, this dish includes grilled pork served in a sweet-sour broth with vermicelli and herbs.
If you're planning a food tour in Hanoi, these are must-try dishes.
Vietnam’s Coffee Culture: More Than Just a Drink
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, and in Hanoi, coffee is both an art form and a social experience. While traditional drip coffee is everywhere, the real standout is egg coffee.
At Giang Café, this signature drink is made with whipped egg yolks, condensed milk, and robusta coffee, creating a thick, creamy topping over hot espresso. The result? Dessert in a cup. Other creative versions you’ll find in Hanoi include salt coffee and coconut coffee, each offering a unique flavor twist.
A City Steeped in History
For those interested in Vietnamese history, Hanoi has plenty of stories to tell. Sites like Hoa Lo Prison—once used by French colonialists and later during the Vietnam War—give insight into the country's turbulent past. Meanwhile, the elegant Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel still stands as a symbol of colonial charm and resilience, having once served as a bomb shelter.
10 Essential Experiences in Hanoi
If you're wondering what to do in Hanoi, here are 10 top experiences highlighted in Nikkei Asia’s feature:
- Sample Hanoi’s world-famous street food
- Take a city tour to discover the capital’s deep-rooted history
- Explore the Hoa Lo Prison Museum
- Join the locals for early morning exercise at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university
- Try your hand at a pottery-making workshop
- Sip on rich, creamy egg coffee in Hanoi
- Grab a crusty, flavorful banh mi
- Watch a traditional water puppet show
- Learn about ethnic cultures at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Whether it’s your first time in Vietnam or your fifth, Hanoi never fails to surprise. Its vibrant streets, rich history, and unbeatable cuisine make it one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding destinations. From early morning pho to late-night coffee, from ancient temples to artisan alleys—the capital offers something special for every traveler.
If you’re planning a trip, make sure to add these authentic experiences to your Hanoi itinerary.
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