about us
Born from a love of food and a little frustration, we created Self-Guided Food Tours to offer a convenient solution to enjoy local food when travelling.
We love doing food tours when visiting a new country, but with a time constraint of 2-3 hours, they’re often an expensive way to eat a lot of snacks, rather than trying real local dishes. The alternative? Spend hours researching, wading through blogs full of irrelevant information and endless ads, or wander the streets hoping to stumble upon the perfect spot.
Now we’ve done all the hard work for you! We’ve eaten our way through cities across the globe (yes, it’s as tough as it sounds). We’ve tried and tested iconic spots and uncovered hidden gems with the help and advice of local residents.
Our self-guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying carefully curated local food experiences. No groups, no guides, just great food and the confidence that you’re tasting the best a destination has to offer.
WE’RE HERE TO TAKE AWAY YOUR FOOD FOMO!
FAQ
What’s included in the guides?
Each guide includes a minimum of 10 must try foods for your chosen destination, and our recommended location to try them. You will receive a desktop pdf for your pre-trip planning, a convenient mobile version for on the go, plus a map link with all of the locations pinned and labelled
Why should I pay for a tour when I could read a food blog for free?
Our guides are clear and concise. No ad spam and no unnecessary story telling. A few clicks and a small fee will save you heaps of time and frustration leaving you more time for what’s important – eating!
Why should I buy one of your guides?
Every single one of our recommendations has been independently researched and tasted by us. No sponsorship, no bias.
How much does the food cost?
The food costs vary depending on the location but the price of each item is listed in the guide. Our guides are catered more towards budget conscious travellers, rather than fine dining experiences.
Who are the guides suitable for?
Anyone! Anyone with an interest in food. The great thing about doing a self-guided tour is that you can go at your own pace and to your own capabilities and schedule. Had enough of walking? Jump in a taxi to your next stop. Feeling full? Continue your tour the following day.
How do you choose what goes in the guides?
By eating… a lot! We take our time in every destination, sampling dishes at a range of eateries and comparing the experience. We also speak with locals and ask them to share their favourite spots.
Our Blog
Is a Food Tour Worth It? — A Practical Guide to the Pros and Cons
If you’re visiting a new city and curious about food, then you might be wondering if it’s worthwhile to do a food tour. If you’re unfamiliar with the local cuisine, then a food tour can be a great way to gain a basic introduction. A food tour gives you quick access to discovering iconic dishes, hygienic stalls and restaurants, and local context you’d likely miss on your own.
Why Tourists Miss the Best Spots in Hanoi
We’ll share common tourist mistakes and show you some tips on how to avoid them. The best spots are often out of sight because they don’t advertise, they sit in narrow lanes, or they serve neighbourhoods rather than tourists. We’ll show you how being conscious of a few small decisions, will help take your food discovery journey to the next level!
Where to Eat in Hanoi: Best Areas for Food Lovers
Our self-guided food tour is based in and around Hanoi’s charming old quarter. Narrow alleys hold dozens of tiny shops and carts selling the city’s most iconic dishes, making it the perfect place to start your Vietnamese street food journey. This area offers a distinct slice of Hanoi’s food culture: late-night beer and bar snacks, grilled meats and rice dishes, traditional sweets and noodles.