What happens when a group of 27 vibrant students and teachers from Singapore’s renowned School of the Arts (SOTA) meets the passionate travel-mates of Hanoikids? Pure magic—and a Saturday night to remember!
On the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2024, Hanoikids organized a special food tour, taking the SOTA group on an unforgettable culinary journey through Hanoi’s bustling streets. This wasn’t just any group—it was the largest Hanoikids has hosted in the past two years, and it was a smashing success!
27 Members from SOTA, 9 Travelmates, and Countless Memories
The School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA) is a creative institution for students aged 15 to 18. After a successful tour with Hanoikids travelmates last year, SOTA marks a return with 24 students and 3 teachers, requesting three smaller food tour groups for better interaction. They also plan to document their Hanoi experience and share it with Hanoikids for promotional use, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange.
Handling such a large group could have been daunting, but the Hanoikids members, affectionately called “Kids”, rose to the occasion. Sean and Milton, dedicated members of the Tour Operation Department, worked behind the scenes to ensure everything went smoothly.
Meanwhile, a fantastic team of nine Kids (Pau, Peony, Sún, Lee, Nora, Pikachi, Bí, Líp, and Milton) split into smaller groups and took the SOTA visitors through Hanoi’s food haven.
The result? Overwhelmingly positive feedback from the SOTA students and teachers, who were all smiling by the end of the night.
A Food Catalogue to Remember
The SOTA students didn’t just stop at eating—they created a food catalogue documenting the dishes they tried. It wasn’t just a creative way to cherish the experience but also a meaningful way to share Hanoi’s unique food culture with others.
Check out for the food catalogue here.
To bring this catalogue to life, the SOTA group did have a chance to indulge in a vibrant feast of Vietnamese culinary gems, each dish a flavorful tribute to Hanoi’s rich food culture:
- 3 MÓN CHẢ: A trio of irresistible Vietnamese patties that delighted every palate—chả đậu gà, a velvety chickpea patty with a nutty twist; chả cốm, a tender green sticky rice patty with a hint of sweetness; and chả lá vừng, a fragrant sesame leaf patty bursting with bold, earthy flavors.
- GỎI ĐU ĐỦ: A refreshing green papaya salad served elegantly in banana flower petals, offering a zesty crunch that was as eye-catching as it was delicious.
- NEM CUỐN: Fresh, handcrafted spring rolls packed with fragrant herbs and crisp vegetables, each bite delivering a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- BÁNH XÈO: Golden, crispy Vietnamese pancakes, brimming with succulent shrimp and delicate bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce leaves for a satisfying crunch.
- XÔI ĐẬU BIẾC: Beautifully hued sticky rice infused with butterfly pea flowers, a dish that dazzled the eyes as much as the taste buds with its soft, aromatic bite.
- SƯỜN KHO: Tender, slow-braised pork ribs coated in a luscious, savory caramelized sauce, each mouthful a rich and satisfying treat.
Every bite was a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary diversity, leaving the SOTA guests both satisfied and inspired 🌟
Learning and Growing Together
For Hanoikids, this tour was more than just a fun evening; it was a chance to grow. Successfully managing such a large and dynamic group provided valuable lessons for the team, from better collaboration to quick problem-solving.
Finally, special thanks to Sean and Milton for organizing the tour and to the amazing Kids —Pau, Peony, Sún, Lee, Nora, Pikachi, Bí, Líp, and Milton—for their dedication and hard work. Their energy and enthusiasm made this tour a standout event. Kudos also to the Leadership Board for their unwavering support behind the scenes!
Testimonials
The SOTA teachers, after the tour, shared sentiments of gratitude and joy, expressing their heartfelt thanks for the enriching experience. They highlighted how much they enjoyed exploring Hanoi’s diverse and delicious cuisine while gaining a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s rich culture. Their kind words reflected the spirit of connection that defined the evening—a perfect blend of cultural exchange, delightful conversations, and unforgettable flavors.
Mr. Rei Yin commented that the food tour was an incredible experience in Hanoi, in which he and his group thoroughly enjoyed exploring the diverse and delicious vietnamese cuisines, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s rich culture.
Ms. Su Zhen added that they very much enjoyed this experience of the custom food tour Hanoikids prepared for their students and teachers.
We also own a deep heartfelt thank you to Ms. Su Zhen and SOTA for their Letter of Recommendation. Check it out here.
One of the Kids, Lip, couldn’t help but gush about her experience: “Going with these adorable kids yesterday truly made my day! They were so sweet and engaging—an absolute delight to guide.”
Milton also enthusiastically reflected on the experience: “As a person who both helped organize the tour with Sean and joined the food tour that night, not only did I gain valuable experience handling a special tour but also enjoyed imprinted memories with the adorable students from SOTA. (And those Singaporean snacks they gifted us were absolutely amazing, by the way!)”
All these sentiments captured the warmth of the evening, where cultural exchange and delicious food brought everyone closer together.
Ready for Your Own Adventure?
If you’re inspired by this story and want to experience the magic of Hanoi with Hanoikids, why wait? Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family, or a big group like SOTA, the Kids are ready to show you the best of Hanoi with their signature charm and professionalism.
👉 Book your tour now at Hanoikids’ official website and let the adventure begin!
Here’s to many more incredible tours, cultural exchanges, and unforgettable memories with Hanoikids. Cheers to the journey ahead! 🥳🌏
Written by Milton – Tour Operation Department staff of F23