A taste of Vietnam's street food and coffee culture

Vietnam had been on my mind for a long time, and in 2018, I finally had the chance to visit – right in the middle of Tet New Year, Vietnam's most important holiday. Much like China's Spring Festival, Tet is a time for family gatherings, vibrant celebrations, and a fresh start. The atmosphere in Hanoi was electric, with the streets filled with locals preparing for the holiday, colorful decorations, and an air of excitement leading up to the New Year.

Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers, and the street food scene was the absolute highlight of my trip. Every corner of the city seemed to offer something delicious at unbelievably low prices.

Pho, Vietnam's most famous noodle soup, was a daily staple – whether enjoyed on a small plastic stool by the roadside or in a bustling market. Banh mi, a crispy baguette stuffed with meats, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce, was the perfect on-the-go snack.

Another must-try was bún chả – grilled pork meatballs served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce. The smoky, charred meat combined with the freshness of the herbs made it one of the best meals I had in Vietnam.

If there's one thing that truly stood out, it was Hanoi's coffee culture. The city's coffee shops are unlike anywhere else, each with its own personality – from cozy cafes adorned in warm messages left by visitors, to tiny hole-in-the-wall coffee shops with outdoor stools scattered across the pavement. The coffee itself was unforgettable. Egg coffee, a rich and creamy blend of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a frothy egg mixture, became an instant favorite. The balance of bitterness and sweetness made it one of the most unique coffee experiences I've ever had.

No visit to Hanoi is complete without seeing Train Street, one of the city's most well-known (and thrilling) attractions. A narrow alley lined with homes, cafés, and shops, this street is famous for the train that passes through at 3:30 p.m., leaving barely any room between the train and the surrounding buildings. When the time came, locals and tourists alike pressed themselves against the walls as the train rumbled past – a surreal and exciting moment that felt like a scene from a movie.

Being in Hanoi during Tet was a special experience. On New Year's Eve, I joined friends from my hostel and made our way to the lake, where massive crowds gathered to watch fireworks. The streets were packed with motorcycles and people, all waiting in anticipation. When the fireworks finally lit up the sky, cheers erupted, and for a moment, it felt like the entire city was celebrating together.

Although I only had the chance to visit Vietnam once, my time in Hanoi left a lasting impression. The food, coffee, and energy of the city made it a destination unlike any other. There are still so many places I didn't get to visit such as Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, but Hanoi alone was enough to make me want to return. Until next time, Vietnam.