Hanoi Vegan Food Tour Review: Iconic Train Street & Beyond

Okay, so you are in Hanoi, and maybe you are keen on trying some delightful local eats. Perhaps you have dietary needs that you’re worried will be difficult to accommodate. I get that! Thinking about navigating food scenes in a different place can be a bit much, especially if you have dietary considerations. I recently tried out a “Hanoi Vegan Walking Food Iconic Train Street Tour”, and I’m here to tell you all about it, the wonderful stuff, and maybe some small things to be aware of so you have super high times! I’ll walk you through all the stops and the general vibe of the tour. Let’s find out if it’s worth your money, and most importantly, your stomach space!

First Impressions: Setting the Stage

Right, so the tour kicked off smack-dab in the Old Quarter. Very busy, very touristy, it is, though also a fun mix of chaos and old world attraction. Meeting the tour guide, whose name was Linh, right there, she seemed to be very personable and definitely up for chatting. It was reassuring, because, of course, when you sign up for walking around trying bites of yumminess, a friendly leader really, really makes all the difference, you know? The group wasn’t really big, only six of us, so that’s intimate, which I’m very much appreciating. It kind of, almost made it feel like hanging out tasting dishes with friends, which definitely added positively to the overall experience.

A Vegan Feast: What’s on the Menu?

Alright, let’s speak of the stars: the dishes! Being a vegan offering, I was somewhat curious as to how the tour would showcase true Vietnamese tastes. Boy, I am, like, excited to tell you, Hanoi’s cuisine totally shines; they showed great skill using herbs, spices, and creative ways of cooking. First stop, a local favorite: Banh Mi Chay. Instead of pork, which, too, traditionally comes, they made tasty sandwiches with tofu, mushrooms, and cilantro, along with a zingy chili sauce. The bread was warm, crisp – a genuinely delightful start!

Then there’s the famous Pho Chay. Right, that’s where they switch traditional beef broth for this clear, vegetable broth that allows star anise and cinnamon that stand out in the fragrance! Rice noodles seemed comforting, while there were lots of mushrooms along with fresh greens giving some texture to each bowl. Okay, that bowl’s steaming heat soothed what stress I have from travelling so fast! Plus? No fake, scary meat. Only what is pure, whole, or unadulterated.

Next on our adventure list? Nem Cuon – totally refreshing spring rolls. Transparent rice paper hides vermicelli with veggies plus, again: herbs. You dunk those in this nutty hoisin-peanut dip, and the mix? Light enough it bursts over palate. Such, too, great choices following each other during humid afternoons, for sure!

So now, a change with Bun Dau Mam Tom Chay – tofu and vermicelli! So, admittedly, this just tasted funny, due to, of course, an ingredient having a…pungent aroma, perhaps beyond palatability. Like fermented shrimp paste is funky strong normally, that alternative…might cause divides! Still; giving points cause creativity existed that tried mirroring things even through weirdness. But okay; honestly? Not what one of us finished entirely. Hey — experimentation gets credit when happening, naturally!

Of course it doesn’t end there though! Ending sweetly through tasting che – otherwise meaning dessert soup type options really. What we chose featured glutinous tapioca globs and mango cream blended, adding such delicious texture combo qualities as being satisfying following adventures when finding street taste thrills; truly.

Train Street: A Photo Opportunity (and More!)

Right, so Hanoi’s Train Street. It might even be the main thing bringing people in! That railway squeezing tightly alongside resident houses. Very popular these past years thanks to every blog around — images portray life just moments where vehicles approach — and truthfully? Quite remarkable feeling seeing just what little space people occupy.

Thing is though, you’re never fully assured something won’t hit you somehow while watching those moments yourself! As the tour progressed there while waiting on trains, our guide would speak briefly by filling in on safety regulations, telling how coffee spots support those families…so something is gotten for simply sitting, looking onward. This? Adds unique depth since you are observing reality directly then versus afar merely seeing content. But too—make it quick before wardens hurry folk elsewhere now, mind!

The Guide: Linh Made the Distinction

Oh, and okay — important shout-out regarding Linh. Having just okay guides might change the entire outlook honestly when tours lean directly to experience led rather that just informational transfers right. Turns-out that our team, the six, did ask the tour representative any stuff as wanted plus enjoyed making jokes and such plus received personalized assistance that just amplified things beyond standards; therefore feel? Hugely, largely positively helped by who directed it versus itinerary on-hand themselves — for some people? These might weigh extremely in satisfaction rates while spending capital here!

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Alright — about money stuff – cost around $40. When you consider that you try at least half-dozen unique, diverse eats besides having a guided companion doing logistical planning, locating smaller shop attractions coupled, it does then begin showing signs in its worth honestly when considering all advantages happening within about, such maybe, three to four stretch. Food wise I was filled perfectly adequately though it may slightly concern people with super large belly cravings! But okay as entire encounter – good values given perks bundled truthfully.

Minor Hiccups and Considerations

Right; no tour stays flawless. Obviously Bun Dau Mam Tom Chay would challenge folks likely due specific taste which you’ll encounter…but besides? Occasional vendors could pressure sale, but Linh mitigated swiftly ensuring nonstress; this too happened. Then, pace felt occasionally rushed moving locations yet understanding exists thanks tourism spots crowd usually thereby that cannot realistically help unfortunately often either it will. Little tiny quirks – absolutely nothing really critical; more little blips appearing than complete tour ruinations too however!

Overall Verdict: A Delicious Dive into Hanoi’s Vegan Scene

So if veggie meals mix good alongside wanting some insight regarding cityscapes also finding true eats rather just reading guide descriptions than for sure – then absolutely take look for said opportunities if landing soon perhaps I urge truly! Yes it does cost but worth if considering benefits gotten especially with persons preferring personalized guidance as eating gets tasted. Also though know that things like “fermented funky alternatives” comes during tastes that might not work perfect but fine, overall really recommended especially due such an extremely unique street side viewing experiences!

Hey, also just in case this vegan adventure makes you think of going more ‘into the earth’… there are parks nearby. They’re alright locations just if time comes. You can relax following eating if energy surges allow. Little lakes there — alright for reflecting/recuperating post tour! No amazing view — though relaxing indeed following those rush experiences! Great additions even while brief to have, I assure!

Just also maybe research where restrooms come by when being that way too! They happen by rarely unless places sit longer through but it’s something helpful too be alert over prior, really!