A Delicious Journey: Halal Food Adventures in Hanoi
Thursday, October 12: Exploring the Old Quarter
In the morning, start your food-filled adventure by visiting the bustling neighborhood of the Old Quarter. Begin at the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery and historic sites. For brunch, head to the renowned Halal Street near Hang Luoc, where you can savor traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi with Halal-certified ingredients. In the afternoon, continue your culinary exploration by visiting the Dong Xuan Market, the largest market in Hanoi, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and local snacks. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Tho Ha Village, located just outside Hanoi, known for its unique pottery and charming rural setting.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 2 hours
Halal Street near Hang Luoc: VND 100,000 ($4.35) per person, 1 hour
Dong Xuan Market: Free, 1-2 hours
Tho Ha Village: VND 150,000 ($6.52) per person, 2-3 hours
Friday, October 13: Exploring the French Quarter
In the morning, venture into Hanoi's French Quarter known for its elegant architecture and delightful cafes. Start with a visit to the St. Joseph's Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-gothic architecture. Indulge in a delicious French-inspired brunch at one of the local halal-certified cafes in the area. Afterward, explore the Hanoi Opera House, a magnificent cultural landmark, or visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. In the evening, head to the Hang Gai Street, also known as Silk Street, where you can shop for high-quality Vietnamese silk products and enjoy a delectable dinner at a halal-certified restaurant.
St. Joseph's Cathedral: Free, 1 hour
Halal cafes in the French Quarter: VND 150,000 ($6.52) per person, 2 hours
Hanoi Opera House: Free (unless attending a performance), 1-2 hours
Hoa Lo Prison Museum: VND 30,000 ($1.30) per person, 1-2 hours
Hang Gai Street: Shopping cost varies, 2-3 hours
Halal-certified restaurant: VND 200,000 ($8.70) per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Ava's Cafe: Enjoy a delightful French-inspired breakfast at Ava's Cafe, located in the heart of the French Quarter. Indulge in freshly baked croissants and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Green Garden Restaurant: For lunch, head to Green Garden Restaurant and savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine with a halal twist. Try their flavorful pho or crispy spring rolls. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Silk Road Halal Restaurant: Experience a taste of Hanoi's Silk Street at Silk Road Halal Restaurant. Feast on a variety of halal-certified Vietnamese dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Saturday, October 14: Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture on this day. Begin by visiting the Temple of Literature, an ancient temple and the first national university of Vietnam. Learn about the country's rich academic history and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds. For lunch, head to the Tay Ho area, often called the Westlake, known for its scenic beauty. Choose a halal-friendly lakeside restaurant to relish Vietnamese delicacies while enjoying picturesque views. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the diverse cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups. End the day with a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form in Vietnam that combines puppets, water, and music to depict folklore.
Temple of Literature: VND 30,000 ($1.30) per person, 1-2 hours
Halal-friendly lakeside restaurant: VND 250,000 ($10.87) per person, 2 hours
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: VND 40,000 ($1.74) per person, 2-3 hours
Water puppet show: VND 100,000 ($4.35) per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot near the Temple of Literature is Bao Khanh Restaurant. They serve a variety of halal breakfast options including savory pho and fluffy banh mi. Expect to spend around 80,000 VND per person for a satisfying breakfast.
For a delightful lakeside lunch experience, try Thanh Nien Halal Restaurant. Indulge in their fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the scenic views of Westlake. The average cost for a meal here is about 150,000 VND per person.
In the evening, head to Huong Viet Halal Restaurant for a sumptuous dinner. This restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese halal dishes, such as lemongrass beef and crispy spring rolls. Plan to spend around 200,000 VND per person for a delicious dinner.
Sunday, October 15: Street Food Exploration
On your last day, embark on a street food adventure to taste the diverse flavors of Hanoi. Begin by exploring the bustling streets of the Hanoi Night Market, where you can feast on delectable snacks and authentically Vietnamese street foods. Don't miss trying the famous Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) or Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles). In the afternoon, head to the vibrant Quang Ba Flower Market, known for its colorful displays. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea at one of the Halal-friendly cafes nearby. Before bidding goodbye to Hanoi, savor a final dinner at a Halal restaurant, cherishing the memories of your culinary journey.
Hanoi Night Market: Free (food cost varies), 2-3 hours
Halal-friendly cafes near Quang Ba Flower Market: VND 100,000 ($4.35) per person, 1-2 hours
Halal restaurant for dinner: VND 200,000 ($8.70) per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot, Cafe Pho Co, located near the Hanoi Night Market, serves a variety of breakfast items such as Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and traditional Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to The Gourmet Corner Restaurant, offering Halal-friendly Vietnamese and International cuisine. Their extensive menu includes options like Banh Xeo (Vietnamese sizzling crepes) and Com Tam (broken rice). Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen, famous for their delicate steamed rice rolls topped with savory fillings. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and savor their delicious Halal-friendly dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, located on the outskirts of Hanoi. Here, you can learn about the traditions and daily life of different ethnic groups in Vietnam, while enjoying cultural performances and engaging activities. Another hidden gem is the Bat Trang Ceramic Village, famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Explore the village, try your hand at pottery-making, and bring back a handcrafted souvenir. These off-the-beaten-path attractions will offer unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.
For the best hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.