Hanoi Old Quarter with food lanterns and timeless streets

Hanoi has a way of feeling both lively and familiar. Walking through the Old Quarter is like stepping into a scene where history and daily life blur together. Narrow streets lined with yellow-painted buildings, motorbikes weaving past, and rows of glowing lanterns overhead – it’s chaotic in the best possible way.

Because we visited close to Vietnam’s National Day on September 2, the streets were draped with red flags and banners. Combined with the lanterns, the atmosphere felt festive yet deeply rooted in tradition.

Food is at the heart of any Hanoi trip. One stop brought smoky grilled pork with vermicelli (bún chả), another was all about duck dishes (vịt ngan) and crispy spring rolls.

But the flavours didn’t stop there – steaming bowls of beef noodle soup at Phở Ông Vui – Hàng Giầy, sizzling turmeric fish (chả cá Thăng Long), sour crab soup with pickled eggplant dipped in shrimp paste (canh riêu với cà pháo chấm mắm tôm), and delicate steamed rice rolls at Bánh Cuốn Thanh Vân so thin they almost melt on your tongue. Even snacks like pyramid dumplings (bánh giò) or crusty baguettes with pork and pâté from Bánh mì Pate que Hải Phòng left their mark. Hanoi’s food is bold, layered, and endlessly memorable.

Cafés are another essential stop. Tucked into side streets and hidden courtyards, they offer a pause from the bustle. One favourite is Blackbird Coffee. It’s the perfect place to linger over a strong Vietnamese coffee or a silky latte while watching the rhythm of the streets outside.

Hanoi isn’t just a place to see – it’s a place to feel. Spend a few days wandering the Old Quarter, eating your way through local dishes, sipping coffee in hidden corners, and soaking in the spirit of a city where every street carries centuries of history.