One of the most authentic ways to explore a place on our travels is to taste the regional cuisine and enjoy a meal with the locals.
Communal eating and sharing street food in Hanoi, Vietnam is one of the real pleasures of budget travel in Asia.
The plastic stools are small and close to the ground. The pot of Pho, or noodle soup, is steaming hot and right up close to the customer's face.
If you don't like tourist traps, you will ignore where the tourist guide recommends and just sit down to enjoy an authentic cultural experience with the locals slurping at their bowls with chopsticks in hand.
This meal is cheap, tasty and on the menu all day.
