Discover Nộm Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Salad) in Hanoi’s Old Quarter! Explore eco-friendly food tours, sustainable dining, updated costs, and top eateries with Legend Travel Group. Book your culinary adventure now!
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, Nộm Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Salad) is a refreshing dish that epitomizes the city’s dynamic street food culture. This light, tangy salad combines shredded poached or rotisserie chicken with crunchy cabbage, carrots, pickled onions, and a medley of fresh herbs like Vietnamese coriander (rau răm), mint, and cilantro, all tossed in a zesty nước chấm dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. Topped with crushed peanuts and crispy fried shallots, it offers a symphony of textures and flavors, perfect for Hanoi’s warm climate. Just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter’s bustling stalls make it an ideal place to enjoy this dish. Aligned with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, sustainable dining practices and eco-friendly tours enhance the Nộm Gà experience. Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours provide a responsible, immersive culinary journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines access through sustainable infrastructure, including pedestrian-friendly paths and eco-transport options, ensuring seamless travel to Nộm Gà spots in the Old Quarter.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a focus on environmental care and cultural preservation. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos and electric carts, led by local guides who share the history and artistry of Nộm Gà, ensuring a safe, enriching experience. Supporting Hoan Kiem Ward’s local vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Nộm Gà responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews
Nộm Gà, or Vietnamese Chicken Salad, is a northern specialty celebrated in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Set in a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F) and a rainy season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F), this dish is a refreshing choice year-round, especially in summer. The salad features shredded chicken (poached or rotisserie), crisp cabbage, carrots, pickled red onions, and herbs, dressed with a tangy nước chấm made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili, then garnished with peanuts and fried shallots. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a popular side or light main dish. Recent trends show Hanoi’s eateries adopting sustainable practices, like biodegradable packaging and local sourcing, enhancing its eco-friendly appeal.
Savor authentic Nộm Gà at family-run stalls, a 30–60-minute culinary experience featuring shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and eco-friendly garnishes like locally grown herbs and peanuts.
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per serving.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM (varies by stall).
Eco-Friendly Note: Many stalls use biodegradable bowls; supports local farmers.
Top Spots:
Nộm Gà Hàng Bông: 30 Hàng Bông, Hoan Kiem Ward. Known for vibrant herbs and tangy nước chấm.
Nộm Gà Tạ Hiện: 39 Tạ Hiện, Hoan Kiem Ward. Offers a lively street food vibe with fresh ingredients.
Nộm Gà Bà Định: 34 Lò Sũ, Hoan Kiem Ward. Famous for generous portions and crispy shallots.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Embark on a guided food tour to explore Nộm Gà stalls and learn about Hanoi’s street food culture, a 2–3-hour eco-friendly activity using cyclos or walking.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports small vendors.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Join a cooking class to master Nộm Gà’s preparation, a 2–3-hour sustainable activity using locally sourced chicken and eco-friendly practices.
Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses organic produce; minimizes waste.
Top Spots: Apron Up Cooking Class, 8 Gia Ngư, Hoan Kiem Ward; Hanoi Cooking Centre, 44 Châu Long, Ba Đình Ward.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400).
Explore Dong Xuan Market (0.5 km from Tạ Hiện) to see fresh chicken and herb vendors, a 1–2-hour low-impact activity supporting local suppliers.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Encourages local sourcing; use reusable bags.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Sample complementary dishes like Bún Chả or nem chua rán (fried fermented pork rolls) at nearby stalls, a 30–60-minute sustainable dining experience.
Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per dish.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports family-run vendors; uses biodegradable packaging.
Top Spots: Bún Chả Hàng Mành, 1 Hàng Mành, Hoan Kiem Ward; Nem Chua Rán at 35 Tạ Hiện, Hoan Kiem Ward.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Most Nộm Gà eateries in Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter are accessible in 10–30 minutes from central Hanoi via sustainable transport options:
By Air: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 25 km away, serves domestic and international flights. Round-trip costs: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), international (e.g., Bangkok, $200–$600). Airport bus No. 86 to Old Quarter ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 25–30 min frequency); taxi/Grab ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND).
By Bus (Eco-Friendly): From Long Bien or My Dinh Bus Stations, take Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem Ward (15–30 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5–10 minutes to eateries. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart (Eco-Friendly): From Hoan Kiem Lake, hire a cyclo or electric cart for a 5–10-minute ride ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Book via local vendors or hotels.
By Bicycle or Walking (Eco-Friendly): Rent a bicycle in the Old Quarter ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) or walk 5–10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. Bike rentals at hotels or shops.
By Taxi or Grab: From Hoan Kiem Ward center, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly travel with Old Quarter stopovers.
Tip: Walking or cyclos are most sustainable; confirm “Hàng Bông” or “Tạ Hiện” with drivers. Download offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hoan Kiem Ward” as a landmark.
Dry Season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F): Mild weather is ideal for walking the Old Quarter and dining at outdoor stalls. Tet (January–February) adds festive vibrancy but draws crowds.
Rainy Season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Warm, humid weather enhances Nộm Gà’s refreshing qualities, with 15–25% tour discounts. Summer (June–August) is perfect for cooling herbs, but bring waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Morning to Early Evening Hours (8:00 AM–6:00 PM): Best times for fresh Nộm Gà at peak stall hours, avoiding evening crowds.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable, comfortable visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, modest outfits for cultural respect; comfortable shoes for Old Quarter walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for food notes; small container for leftovers ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Tip: Carry small VND notes for stall payments; use a reusable bag to reduce plastic waste.
Food and Activity Fees
Nộm Gà: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per serving.
Guided Food Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Market Purchases: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Other Street Food (e.g., Bún Chả): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple (Nearby): $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, Old Quarter)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND).
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking: Free.
Taxi/Grab: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86: $2.80 (70,000 VND); taxi $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, Nộm Gà, homestay).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (cyclo, food tour, hotel).
Luxury: $60–$100 (private car, cooking class, premium hotel).
Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.
For those inspired to recreate Nộm Gà, here’s a simple, sustainable recipe:
Poach Chicken: Place 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast in a saucepan with water, 1 tsp salt, and 1-inch ginger slice. Boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked (165°F/74°C). Cool and shred by hand. Use rotisserie chicken for a no-cook option.
Prepare Vegetables: Shred ½ head green cabbage, 1 large carrot, and 1 Persian cucumber using a grater. Thinly slice ½ red onion and soak in 2 tbsp rice vinegar with ½ cup water for 15 minutes to reduce sharpness.
Add Herbs: Hand-tear 1 cup Vietnamese coriander (rau răm) or mint, ½ cup cilantro, and ½ cup Thai basil.
Make Nước Chấm Dressing: Whisk 3 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp chili sauce, and 2 tbsp water until sugar dissolves.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss shredded chicken, vegetables, and herbs with half the dressing. Let sit for 10 minutes. Drizzle remaining dressing, then top with ¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts and 2 tbsp fried shallots.
Serve: Enjoy as a side with rice crackers or as a light main, chilled or at room temperature.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Source organic chicken and vegetables from local markets to reduce carbon footprint; use reusable containers for leftovers.
Choose Your Season: Dry season (November–April) for comfortable Old Quarter walks; rainy season (May–October) for indoor dining and discounts. Morning to early evening (8:00 AM–6:00 PM) ensures fresh Nộm Gà.
Book in Advance: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons to secure spots and customize itineraries.
Sustainability: Walk or use cyclos ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) to reduce emissions; choose stalls with biodegradable utensils. Buy local herbs ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) to support farmers.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); mark “Hàng Bông, Hoan Kiem Ward” as a landmark. Local guides ensure seamless access.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in the Old Quarter; keep valuables secure. Avoid extending phones on busy streets.
Weather Considerations: Dry season for outdoor dining; rainy season requires waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for updates.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). Respect stall etiquette (e.g., don’t linger during peak hours).
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent; inform vendors of dietary preferences (e.g., “ăn chay” for vegetarian).
Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s culinary treasures, including Nộm Gà:
Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Nộm Gà stalls (Hàng Bông, Tạ Hiện), street food tasting, Dong Xuan Market visit. Includes guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Nộm Gà, Ngoc Son Temple, cooking class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Nộm Gà, Son Tay Citadel, Ba Vi National Park, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews
Nộm Gà, or Vietnamese Chicken Salad, is a refreshing culinary masterpiece that shines in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where vibrant stalls offer an authentic taste of northern Vietnam. From savoring crunchy, herb-packed salads at Hàng Bông to joining eco-friendly food tours, every experience supports local vendors and Hanoi’s green initiatives. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours provide a responsible, immersive journey, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience blending Hanoi’s food culture with eco-conscious travel. Whether exploring markets or mastering Nộm Gà’s recipe, this dish promises unforgettable flavors. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Hanoi culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hanoi’s iconic Nộm Gà? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable food journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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