Hanoi is full of interesting souvenirs; you are sure to find the right gift for everyone on your list, as well as something unexpected for yourself. Grocery shopping in Hanoi is like participating in a daily scavenger hunt. It takes only a teaspoon (3.6g) to make a 180ml pot of tea. Whether you are traveling by yourself, with a loved one, or as part of a group, you can’t beat this city for truly interesting experiences and a mix between the old world and the new. Here’s are some local insights for buying souvenirs in Hanoi. Hanoi Food and Northern Vietnamese food has its own unique tastes and flavors. You can enjoy your shopping spree in upscale boutiques, shopping malls, or even in flea markets. $51.93 per adult. Opening Hours: Friday - Sunday 20:00 - 23:00; Address: Hang Dao Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi See local villagers going about their daily lives as you come to appreciate a quieter slice of Vietnamese culture. 2. Plus as it is highly likely that your hotel is in the Old Quarter, it is a good idea to have a walk around and buy your souvenirs on the way. Over the years, the tea makers of Hanoi have mastered the art of flavouring green tea with lotus stamen fragrance. Almost everything displayed in the souvenir shops in the Temple of Literature, Museums, Ho Chi Minh complex… can easily be found in the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market at lower prices and wider varieties. Make sure to subscribe to our channel https://goo.gl/06JC87 for awesome daily vlogs. If convenience is what you value, then just looking for the gifts for your loved ones there. That is why the prices of this Vietnam’s ancient tea can go up to hundreds of dollars per kilogram. Its famous Van Phuc silk village (aka Ha Dong silk village) with a thousand year of history is where all the finest quality silk brought to life. You don’t need to compete with all kind of transportation running on streets to contribute more noise to this peaceful city by that way because souvenir shops on Dinh Liet or Hang Gai Street are always available to you with their lavish collections of T-shirt printed with cute slogan like “I Love Hanoi”; “I Love Vietnam” or “I Love Pho” – with picture of hot steaming bow of Pho on; and also in many sizes and … These are my top 9 best street food dishes in Hanoi Vietnam. By itself, the pale white rice batter is silky smooth and soft but otherwise rather bland. The products made by those people like scarves, bags, clothing items, textiles, paintings, woodworks, and ceramics are impressive and culture-rich. PORTABLE LEVEL: Easy to manage. Vietnamese lacquerware gained recognition around the world through the international expositions in the 1930s. If you are looking to really spoil a fashion enthusiast back home then an Ao Dai clothing set may be just the souvenir to surprise her with. But don’t worry! Shops in Hanoi are generally open seven days a week from around 0800 until 2000 or even 2100. BEST GIFTS FOR: All those people who love trying new foods and snacks. Banh Mi Ha Noi – Hanoi Sandwich: This is also a delicious street food in Hanoi which is highly appreciated by a lot of international culinary magazines. Its flavour is best brought out with a cup of lotus tea. Those are into fine creations don’t miss out on chance to buy the best quality silk, broidery and lacquerware. We fell in love with the Hanoi food scene while eating Cha Ca at our first lunch at non-touristy Cha Ca Phan. Tourists from all over the world buy jewellery boxes, trays, bowls, photo frames and vases. Hanoi Food And Cuisine; II. Popular souvenirs to buy in Hanoi. Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam with over a thousand year of history, won’t disappoint any visitors when it comes to finding cultural gifts to bring home. 7. Notify of new replies to this comment - (on), Notify of new replies to this comment - (off), Traveling in Vietnam: The best travel route through this S-shaped country. Shopping centres. Souvenirs is one of the things that bother many of us on our vacation. The Best Street Food in Hanoi Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyen. PRICES: From VND5 million ($220) to VND8 million ($352) per kilogram. This is especially the case when you, as an expat, want to prepare a dish or meal to celebrate a birthday or holiday, cook a treasured family recipe or simply buy something that gives you a taste of home. Follow your nose, and eat where the locals eat, when they eat. The most common fruits used to make O Mai are plum, apricot, peach, dracontomelum, star fruit, tamarind, kumquat, pineapple, and mango. The Most Popular Food To Eat In Hanoi; 1. Forex service at the Old Quarter is mostly offered by gold dealers and tour operators. Bamboo, a plant that has long been referred to as a symbol of Vietnamese traditional old villages, is now can be widely seen in Hanoi in forms of souvenirs of many kinds. Whether it is the street vendors or the souvenir shops or in Dong Xuan Market, prices are often quoted at 30-50% higher so it is crucial that you bargain. Products suitable for bringing home include jewellery boxes, trays, plates, bowls, vases, and photograph albums. The famous Dong Ho paintings are often seen on this kind of paper. USD 51.93 per adult. While shopping in Hanoi, for lacquerware, you need to be extremely cautious of the quality and design of the items. Just fold this two-piece costume up and put it into the luggage like any of your other clothes. With a local lunch of goat meat, fried rice and local fruits onboard, you’ll be fueled for an afternoon of action, taking in the scenery by both bamboo boat and mountain bike. This entry was posted in Travel and Musings, Vietnam and tagged Artichoke Tea, banh cốm, books, Chula, Coconut Candy, cookbooks, Food Souvenirs, hand drawn food maps, Hanoi, Hanoi Beer glasses, jasmine Tea, Lotus Flower Tea, Marou Chocolate, phin coffee filter, Phu Quoc Black Pepper, Phu Quoc Fish Sauce, Saigon, Vietnam, Vietnamese coffee, Young Green Rice Cakes by … Cheap food, great accommodations, over 1000 years of history, friendly locals, and romantic pathways, there really is endless things to do in Hanoi and even more reasons to fall in love here. They could be baskets, trays, bowls, hats, decorative items, chop sticks or even furniture. This is a fascinating place to explore if you want to catch a flavor of local Hanoian life. If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, head to the upper levels, where you can find numerous stalls selling tee shirts, fabrics, handbags, handicrafts and so on. A 125-gram box is good enough to be a nice gift. These make a greet gift for all the females in your life who are into crafting. For top quality products, shop at Marena Hanoi, a place with a wide range of designs and colors. Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) This pancake dish is simple, familiar, not fussy but delicate as Hanoi people considered it a culinary charm of the land. It requires you to make a handful of stops to gather all of the items on your grocery list. Vermicelli And Chicken Soup Supermarkets and shopping centers. Meander around town to fill up on sidewalk-sourced treats like pork-filled banh cuon , steaming beef pho, and refreshing, sip-while-you-stroll beverages like egg coffee. A stroll along the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter will introduce you to various craft stores where Do paper products like greeting cards, postcards, notebooks, and stationary sets shine their beauty. Shopping malls have arrived in Hanoi with the Trang Tien Plaza at 24 Hai Ba Trung, the Parkson on Thai Ha and VinCom City Towers at 191 Ba Trieu selling leading international and domestic brands. This village is just 8 kilometers south-west of Hanoi, making it convenient for a half-day visit. Hanoi is also known for its ceramics, silk and lacquer ware, which have traditionally been produced in villages around Hanoi for centuries. Most of the souvenir shops offer same items at somewhat same prices so unless you have a lot of time, it does not worth wandering about looking for the best color. Ao Dai, the beautiful tight fitted dress with long stylish pants, is the national costume of Vietnam since the 18th century. 14 Pho Hang Ga | Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam. If you want a good bargain on bamboo souvenirs, check out the bamboo shops along Quang Trung Street. Hang Da Market is a good place to shop for ready-made Ao Dai. One of the cutest bamboo gifts to take home is the beautiful dragonfly that is able to stand on its mouth on any surface, making them the ideal little ornament. To others, it can be a cultural decorative ornament. Many of the best dishes are found on the streets, on small plastic tables and chairs. There is also the unique communist propaganda you may find interesting. 1. It’s typically made with four basic ingredients – a clear stock, … A stroll along the streets of Hanoi Old Quarter will give you an insight into the city’s life – architecture, people, street pulse, cuisine, and even the products belonging to it. Those can’t make a trip to Sapa or other destinations in the northwest of Vietnam can easily get the products of the ethnic minorities in Hanoi. Each among more than 20 ethnic minority groups living in the northern mountain villages of Vietnam has their own distinct culture, which can be recognised through their weaving patterns and clothing styles. Bánh cuốn is one of the city’s favorite breakfast items and essential to any list of must-try Hanoi street foods. These days, Non La is still a good friend of people in every part of Vietnam that work under the sun. BEST GIFTS FOR: The ties make the great gifts for the males while the scarves are something the females will love. It is known for its superior quality compared to lacquer products from other Asian countries. If you’re looking to purchase souvenirs at Hanoi Weekend Night Market, make sure you bargain for lower prices (a good start is about 75% off the retail price). Thanh Tri Steamed Rolled Rice Pancake; 3. But when you taste this noble tea, you will know that it is worth the price. Bánh trôi tàu – A warm Vietnamese dessert for a sweet... Cha ca – Vietnamese Grilled Fish – the must-try food in... HANOIKIDS NEW SUMMER PROJECT OLD: TOUR WITH SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, HANOIKIDS NEW SUMMER PROJECT: TOUR WITH SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN. Some of the best items are found on special Vietnamese cotton and linen. Available products include embroidered bed sheets, quilts, bed throws, pillowcases, napkins, place mats, table runners, cosmetic bags, lingerie, night dresses and many more. They could be baskets, trays, bowls, hats, decorative items, chop sticks or even furniture. 4 Best Hanoi Street Food Experiences. Opening hours. Hanoi is a great place to buy embroidered products in terms of selection, quality, and price. There are a number of steamed rice cake-like dishes, banh cuon coated with a thin layer cleverly into the sauce and served with rolls and herbs. Bamboo, a plant that has long been referred to as a symbol of Vietnamese traditional old villages, is now can be widely seen in Hanoi in forms of souvenirs of many kinds. BEST GIFTS FOR: The special ladies in your life – mother, and wife/girl friend, PRICES: From 100,000 VND ($4.50) to 300,000 VND ($13) per handkerchief; from 30,000 VND ($1.30) to 130,000 VND ($5.70) per cosmetic bag; from 180,000 VND ($8) per napkin set (two pieces). This is one of the most beautiful and romantic pictures of Non La seen in real life. The painstaking process goes through 20 stages and takes more than 100 days to finish. BEST GIFTS FOR: Bamboo dragonflies are the cute keepsakes for children, PRICE RANGE: From 15,000VND ($0.70) per item of dragonflies. Bamboo, a plant that has long been referred to as a symbol of Vietnamese traditional old villages, is now can be widely seen in Hanoi in forms of souvenirs of many kinds. Hanoi Noodle Soup; 6. From lively hawker stalls in established food streets to makeshift stands set up by day vendors, the streets of Hanoi are rife with opportunities to eat on the go. (Some clothes shop, however, attach fixed price tag on their items and you cannot negotiate in that case). Lacquerware-making in Vietnam is an art that has been handed down for generations. Anybody who appreciates hard work and culture will definitely like these beautiful handmade gifts. BEST GIFTS FOR: Yourself or your mother and sister, PRICES: From 700,000 VND ($30) per Ao Dai set. Choose a big shop, find anything you need, and make purchase (after bargaining of course), you would likely get a cash discount. Like banh mi, pho is a Vietnamese national dish and a Hanoi food favorite. PRICES: From 150,000 VND ($6.50) per meter of silk fabric; 480,000 VND ($21) per scarf; 240,000 VND ($10.50) per cosmetic bag; the famous Khaisilk ties are from $30 to $50 per item. In the old days, it is common to see high school girls in white Ao Dai (traditional long dress) wearing Non La strolling the streets from home to school and vice versa. They provide good, Reliable money changers in other areas of Hanoi, There are also reputable gold dealer shops outside the Old Quarter that provide professional currency exchange service. In Hanoi there are large shopping centers and supermarket chains with food and manufactured goods, but, unfortunately, they are all far from the tourist area of Hanoi (aka the old town). It has its own particular incredible dishes, and the city is stuffed with spots to eat. This durable paper has been used in folk art for hundreds of years. Lotus, the national flower of Vietnam, can be found in many parts of the country but it is believed that the ones in Hanoi’s West Lake are the best varieties with a more lingering scent. There are a lot to choose from, varying from foods and beverage like coffee, sweetened fruits (Vietnamese ô mai) to small utilities like postcards, bamboo bookmarks, key rings, little doll magnets in Vietnamese traditional dress, decor lacquers, etc. To Hanoi people, O Mai is a quintessential snack to enjoy and to welcome guests during Tet holiday (Lunar New Year). Money exchange shops and jewelry stores are your best options to get the most favorable rates in Hanoi. If you haven’t tried it before, then Cha Ca may be the most unique food to try in Hanoi. Popular Hanoi souvenirs include propaganda posters (reproductions of war-era and Communist-style posters), and dong ho prints (traditional Vietnamese woodblocks). How do we manage to buy something for everyone while still keep it under our budget? Hanoi; 2. Whether you're looking for authentic jewelry, clothing, or just want to buy some cheap mass-produced souvenirs, Hanoi shopping streets have them all. That way you can find the best street food in Hanoi. Silk and hand-embroidery is a also a choice if you are looking for something more special (and more expensive). Silk and hand-embroidery is a also a choice if you are looking for something more special (and more expensive). It is a great souvenir to be bought and taken back home as a token of memory from Hanoi. In Hanoi, o mai is abundantly sold along Hang Duong Street. Pay close attention to the different materials that the embroidery pieces are created on. Our family needs something special, something typical of the local for our colleagues and neighbors, and then there is all these friends of our kids. La Vong Grilled Fish Pie; 5. Hoang, Most bank branches at the Old Quarter in Hanoi are clustered around Hoan Kiem Lake and near Dong, 10 Best Bangkok Nightclubs to Party All Night Long », 15 Best Street Food to Enjoy in Bangkok », 5 Money Changers in Bangkok with Best Exchange Rates », Best Ways to Get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to City », The 10 Best Street Food to Enjoy in Seoul », 10 Best Seoul Souvenirs Worth Your Money », 7 Best Budget Shopping Places in Seoul with Yes Deals », 10 Best Things to Do in Seoul for First-timers », 5 Best Places to Shop for New & Pre-owned Luxury Branded Goods in Tokyo », Best Places in Tokyo to Shop for Cheap Clothes », Best Ways to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo », 5 Best Kimono Rental Shops in Kyoto with Beautiful Styles », 10 Best Tokyo Edible Souvenirs with Amazing Flavor », Khai Silk at 113 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Duc Loi Silk at 77 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Le Minh Silk at 79 – 111 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Tan My Designs at 61 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Chi Vang store at 17 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, May store at 7 Nha Tho, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Ngoc Van store on the 2rd floor of Hang Da Market, Hang Da, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem Hanoi, Craft Link at 43 & 51 Van Mieu, Dong Da, Ha Noi, Vietnam, Souvenir shops on Hang Gai and Hang Bac, Old Quarter, Ha Noi, Huong Mai Café in the Old Quarter at 58 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi or at 15 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Che Minh Cuong at 65 Cu Chinh Lan, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Hong Lam store at 11 Hang Duong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Tien Thinh store at 21 Hang Duong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Toan Thinh store at 15 Hang Duong Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Shops on Bach Mai Street, Kham Thien Street and Hang Da Market for ready-made Ao Dai, Ao Dai Viet Nam at 40 Trang Thi, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi for customised Ao Dai, Ao Dai Designer Boutiques at 23 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi for customised Ao Dai, Marena Hanoi at 28 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hanoi Old Quater, Anh Duy Lacquer at 25 Hang Trong, Hanoi Old Quater, Minh Tam at 2 Hang Bong, Hanoi Old Quater, Bamboo Village Shop at 108 Xuan Dieu street, Tay Ho distric, Hanoi, Bamboo Shop at 4B Hang Hang Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Dong Xuan Market in Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. It’s a noodle soup that originated in Nam Định Province in northern Vietnam, but is now enjoyed throughout the country. Here you will find Hanoi street food in the open streets and corners of the supermarkets that allow you to enjoy food without being confined in the closed restaurants. In the tourist area there are only a couple of supermarkets, which can be reached on foot. With a local lunch of goat meat, fried rice and local fruits onboard, you’ll be fueled for an afternoon of action, taking in the scenery by both bamboo boat and mountain bike. For wooden puppets, paper lanterns and paper fans, wander the areas close to the Water Puppet Theatre (57b Dinh Tien Hoang). Pyramidal Rice Dumpling; 4. And some of the best designs to look for are the majestic dragons and lotus flowers. Your a few dollars can fill up your bag with cheap yet cultural stuff like Do paper products (postcards and notebooks) and bamboo souvenirs like dragonfly toy. The balance of flavors, the influence of the weather and the unique ingredients make for a wonderful culinary adventure. Do paper is a traditional type of paper, made from the bark of the Rhamnoneuron balansae, a wild plant found on the local riverbanks. O Mai is a traditional specialty of Hanoi, which is dried fruits mixed with sugar, salt, lime, chili, and ginger to obtain a harmonious taste of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. Tax information BEST GIFTS FOR: Someone who is into exotic cultures, PORTABLE LEVEL: From easy to hard to manage, WHERE TO BUY: Craft Link at 43 & 51 Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi. There are a lot to choose from, varying from foods and beverage like coffee, sweetened fruits (Vietnamese ô mai) to small utilities like postcards, bamboo bookmarks, key rings, little doll magnets in Vietnamese traditional dress, decor lacquers, etc. You can buy a ready-to-wear Ao Dai for around USD30 or opt to have a customised one for USD70 and above. Most of the best souvenirs Hanoi has to offer can be found in the Old Quarter – the heart of old Hanoi. Where do we buy all of these things in a place we just arrive for the first time? When it comes to Vietnamese silk, Hanoi has the best silk village and textiles. The souvenir shops at tourist attraction sites is not recommended. Things to bring back include the raw fabrics and ready-to-use stuff like scarves, Ao Dai, dresses, ties, cosmetic bags, and underwear bags. Cha Ca, a Northern Vietnamese specialty involves pan-fried chunks of meaty, fatty skinned fish, turmeric, dill, peanuts, shrimp paste and rice noodles. Here are a couple of basic tips that we have picked up from our experience of street food in Hanoi Old Quarter, and the rest of Vietnam: 1. Be careful when buying lacquerware in Hanoi as the market is in chaos with fine quality and low quality, mass-produced lacquer items. This meticulous and time-consuming process takes 1500 lotus flowers to make 1kg of lotus tea. PRICES: Around 40,000 VND ($1.7) per box of 200g; 90,000 VND ($4) per box of 500g. BEST GIFTS FOR: Yourself or someone really special in your life. Street food in Hanoi Old Quarter – general tips. Vong Green Rice; 2. Non La (palm-leaf conical hat) is a traditional symbol of Vietnam, which depicts the rice growing culture of the country through the images of both men and women wearing these hats working in the rice paddies or doing many other kinds of outdoor activities. When it comes to designs, colors, and quality, the choice is abundant. Where to go shopping in Hanoi. BEST GIFTS FOR: Children and female friends or family members, PRICES: From 35,000 VND ($1.50) to 45,000 VND ($2) per item. Also, do not forget to take note of some essential shopping tips in Hanoi. See local villagers going about their daily lives as you come to appreciate a quieter slice of Vietnamese culture. Souvenirs. Take this to learn about the weaving process, and buy the products your heart desires at the original prices. BEST GIFTS FOR: A friend or family member who enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, PRICES: From 30,000 VND ($1.30) – 150,000 VND ($6.50), PORTABLE LEVEL: Hard to manage due to its conical shape. Those can’t make the trip can get silk at specialty shops on Hang Gai (the silk street of Hanoi) like Khail Silk and Duc Loi Silk. Bread, stuffed with meat, pickles, eggs, sausage, or pâté, is the favorite dish of many Vietnamese people, and it also makes Western infatuated when they arrive in Hanoi and try this dish. The hats serve them as a rain and sun protector or even a basket. With bun cha, sweet and smoky slices of fatty grilled pork are served in an umami-intense broth, which you then add rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, chopped garlic and ginger into, and eat all together alongside deep-fried spring rolls (a crab-stuffed version is especially popular in Hanoi). A cup of high-grade green tea combined with lotus’s luscious fragrance gives us a crisp, sweet, vanilla hinted flavour with scent of Lotus flower lingering in the mouth. They could be baskets, trays, bowls, hats, decorative items, chop sticks or even furniture. BEST GIFTS FOR: A senior family member or friend, PRICES: From 180,000VND ($8) to 1,250,000VND ($55) per item, PORTABLE LEVEL: From manageable to hard to manage.