“What are the most common Vietnamese proverbs on eating?” is the question I was sometimes asked on our walking food tours in Hanoi, and so in this blog post, I want to show a broader answer.

As a foodie guide taking Hanoi visitors on walking food tour twice a day, I’ve been eating bún chả on almost everyday basis. To get myself updated with all bún chả eateries in Hanoi, I visit and revisit them more often than my friends often think I would.

When searching for duck dishes in Hanoi, you’ll find results showing restaurants that serve many different dishes and duck is one of them. We don’t nornally take our guests to those with extensive offerings, instead we take them to “duck-dishes-only”.

Low stools are everywhere in Vietnam, they’re found on sidewalks, in deserted alleyways, spread around tables, and stacked in the corner of someone’s home. The prevalence of low chairs is so visible in Hanoi that our guests often ask: “Why do Vietnamese sit so low?”.

Since the Michelin Guide came to Hanoi in 2023, the city’s culinary scene has gained more international recognition. The guide has elevated the standards for local chefs and restaurateurs, also provided reliable guidance for travelers to enjoy the flavors of Hanoi.