We arrived in Hanoi excited to try all the food! We had come from eating through Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which unfortunately did leave us arriving in Hanoi with, well... a struggling, weakened digestive system. As much as we loved the Thai food, our bodies still weren't accustomed to all. of. that.

However, we found Vietnamese food to be our favorite for its delicate and balanced flavors punctuated with herbs, that were both delicious and easy for us to eat without regretting it the next day. Below are some of our favorites, and where we found them.

One of the must-tries in Hanoi, but for a good reason. We had this at Bún Chả Hàng Quạt, and 

place that's tucked away down an alley. We ate outside in the classic small plastic tables and chairs, but they also had seating inside too. This dish was everything we loved about Vietnamese food - a delicious meats (fatty pork), noodles, and fresh herbs that are amazing by themselves, but when eaten together become so much more. 

, and is fun to eat. You can make each bit however you want it, the ratios are in your control. And everything is better with fresh herbs. It was really fantastic.

Our other absolute must-experience recommendation is the do-it-yourself spring rolls at this restaurant called Nem Nuong Nha Trang Que Hoa. We were shown this place during a food tour we went on, and it was absolutely incredible. The show stopper was the sauce, which somehow balances peanut and shrimp paste, and then each bite makes you want more and more. Plus, you get quite a lot of food, so you can make the rolls as hefty or as light as you want. This was not just delicious, it was fun. Of course, we sat on the small, short plastic seats and tables in a bustling part of the Old Quarter, so..... fantastic place.

Our Food Experience in Hanoi