Almost foods from villages all over the country are available in Hanoi; if the taste is good, they will become one of the dishes Hanoi people prefer. Among them there are snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon, night and all the food dishes associated with the custom of ancestor worship, or customary New Year.

The principle of yin and yang is applied in selecting the ingredients of a dish and the dishes of a meal, in matching dishes with seasonal or climatic conditions, with the prevalent environment and with the current physical well-being of the diners.

Vietnamese food is varied, distinctive and, because it is comparatively low fat and high in carbohydrate, generally healthy. Traditionally, cooking was done over a fire, so preparation is by boiling, steaming, barbequing and frying, not roasting or baking.

Vietnamese cuisine is a style of cooking derived from Vietnam with fish sauce, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables all commonly used. Vietnamese recipes utilize a diverse range of herbs, including lemongrass, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander and Thai basil leaves. Traditional Vietnamese cooking is greatly admired for freshness of the ingredients and for the healthy eating style.

Looking for a quick lunch of soup, salad or a sandwich? Maybe you ought to think Vietnamese. Perhaps an exquisite vegetarian meal? Well, then, why not think Vietnamese? Or is tonight time for multiple dishes, contrasting flavors, varied textures and exotic ingredients? Once again, it's a good time to think Vietnamese. Or perhaps something healthy and "lite?" Guess what: think Vietnamese.

Street food and street vendors are the own culture of the Vietnamese community. They reflect the lifestyle and the process of society and eventually become a habit for Vietnamese people in general.