Vietnamese Food Guide: 25 Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through Vietnam, a country renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and incredibly diverse cuisine. From bustling street food stalls to charming local eateries, every corner offers a delicious adventure for your taste buds.
Vietnamese food is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, often characterized by aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and a delicate balance of spices. Each region boasts its own specialties, reflecting local traditions and available ingredients. Prepare to dive into a world of exquisite tastes with our guide to 25 must-try Vietnamese dishes.
Noodle Soups: The Heart of Vietnamese Cuisine
No trip to Vietnam is complete without slurping down a bowl of its iconic noodle soups, a staple at any time of day.
Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup)
The undisputed national dish, Phở Bò features tender slices of beef (or brisket, meatballs), flat rice noodles, and fresh herbs in a rich, aromatic broth. Originating from Northern Vietnam, it's a comforting classic found everywhere from street vendors to upscale restaurants, especially popular in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Phở Gà (Chicken Noodle Soup)
A lighter alternative to its beef counterpart, Phở Gà uses shredded chicken and a clear, delicate chicken broth. It offers a subtle yet equally satisfying flavor profile, often garnished with spring onions and a squeeze of lime.
Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
A quintessential Hanoi specialty, Bún Chả consists of succulent grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly, served in a sweet and sour dipping sauce with a side of vermicelli noodles and a generous plate of fresh herbs. It's a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Hailing from the imperial city of Huế, Bún Bò Huế is a robust and spicy noodle soup. It features thick vermicelli noodles, slices of beef, pork hock, and congealed pig's blood, all swimming in a deeply flavorful lemongrass and chili-infused broth.
Mì Quảng (Quang Noodle)
A specialty of Central Vietnam, particularly Hội An and Da Nang, Mì Quảng uses wide, yellow turmeric-infused noodles. It's served with a small amount of rich broth, various toppings like pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and crushed peanuts, often accompanied by sesame rice crackers.
Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodle Dish)
Exclusively found in Hội An, Cao Lầu is a unique dish with thick, chewy noodles said to be made with water from a specific ancient well and ash from local trees. It's served with slices of char siu pork, fresh greens, and crispy croutons, with minimal broth.
Hủ Tiếu (Southern Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Popular in Southern Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, Hủ Tiếu comes in many variations. It often features clear pork broth, chewy rice or egg noodles, and toppings like pork slices, shrimp, and sometimes offal. It can be served "khô" (dry) with sauce on the side.
Bún Riêu Cua (Crab Noodle Soup)
A vibrant and savory noodle soup, Bún Riêu Cua boasts a rich tomato and crab paste broth, vermicelli noodles, and various toppings like crab cakes, fried tofu, and sometimes snails or pork blood cubes. It's a comforting and flavorful dish.
Street Food & Snacks: Quick Bites and Flavorful Delights
Vietnamese street food is an experience in itself, offering a myriad of quick, delicious, and affordable options.
Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
This iconic sandwich combines French colonial influence with Vietnamese flavors. A crispy baguette is filled with a variety of ingredients like pâté, cold cuts, grilled pork, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili. It's a perfect on-the-go meal.
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Light and refreshing, Gỏi Cuốn are translucent rice paper rolls filled with fresh ingredients like shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and a medley of herbs and lettuce. They are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce or a sweet chili fish sauce.
Nem Rán / Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Known as Nem Rán in the North and Chả Giò in the South, these crispy fried spring rolls are a beloved appetizer. They are usually filled with a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Bánh Xèo (Sizzling Pancake)
A crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, Bánh Xèo is often filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and spring onions. It's typically eaten by breaking off a piece, wrapping it in lettuce leaves with herbs, and dipping it in fish sauce.
Bánh Khọt (Mini Sizzling Pancakes)
Similar to Bánh Xèo but smaller and thicker, Bánh Khọt are mini savory pancakes cooked in special molds. They often feature a single shrimp on top and are served with fresh herbs and sweet fish sauce, perfect for sharing.
Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Delicate and silky, Bánh Cuốn are thin, steamed rice flour sheets filled with seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. They are typically served with fried shallots, fresh herbs, and a light fish sauce dressing.
Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Fish with Dill)
A famous Hanoi specialty, Chả Cá Lã Vọng features marinated white fish (often snakehead or catfish) grilled and then pan-fried tableside with dill and spring onions. It's served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and a shrimp paste dipping sauce.
Phở Cuốn (Fresh Pho Rolls)
Another Hanoi invention, Phở Cuốn are essentially deconstructed Phở. Thin sheets of rice noodles are rolled with stir-fried beef and fresh herbs, served chilled with a sweet and sour fish sauce for dipping, offering a lighter alternative to the soup.
Rice Dishes & Hearty Meals: Sustenance and Flavor
Rice is the cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, appearing in countless delicious forms.
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
A popular dish in Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam, Cơm Tấm utilizes broken rice grains, which have a unique texture. It's typically served with grilled pork chop (sườn nướng), shredded pork skin (bì), a steamed egg custard (chả trứng), and a fried egg (ốp la), all drizzled with fish sauce.
Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)
A staple in Vietnamese family meals, Cá Kho Tộ features firm white fish (often catfish or snakehead) braised in a rich, savory-sweet caramelized fish sauce with black pepper and spring onions. It's traditionally cooked and served in a clay pot with steamed rice.
Canh Chua (Sweet and Sour Fish Soup)
Commonly found in the Mekong Delta, Canh Chua is a refreshing and tangy soup. It combines fish (often catfish or snakehead), pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and taro stems in a broth flavored with tamarind, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory.
Gỏi Đu Đủ (Green Papaya Salad)
A vibrant and crunchy salad, Gỏi Đu Đủ features shredded green papaya mixed with various ingredients like dried beef, shrimp, peanuts, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lime and fish sauce dressing. It's a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Desserts & Drinks: Sweet Endings and Refreshing Sips
Quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth with these delightful Vietnamese treats.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk)
A quintessential Vietnamese beverage, Cà Phê Sữa Đá is a strong, dark roast coffee brewed using a phin filter, then mixed with generous amounts of condensed milk and served over ice. It's incredibly rich, sweet, and invigorating.
Sinh Tố (Fruit Smoothie)
Vietnam's tropical climate yields an abundance of fresh fruits, making Sinh Tố a popular and healthy choice. These thick, creamy smoothies blend fresh fruit (like avocado, mango, passion fruit, or durian) with condensed milk or yogurt and ice.
Chè (Vietnamese Dessert Soup/Pudding)
Chè encompasses a wide variety of sweet soups, puddings, and drinks. Ingredients can include beans, glutinous rice, fruits, jellies, and coconut milk. From warm, comforting bowls to refreshing iced versions, there's a Chè for every preference.
Kem Xôi (Sticky Rice Ice Cream)
A unique and delightful dessert, Kem Xôi combines creamy coconut ice cream with chewy, green pandan-flavored sticky rice, often topped with toasted coconut flakes or peanuts. It's a fantastic blend of textures and flavors.
Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza)
Often dubbed "Vietnamese pizza," Bánh Tráng Nướng is a popular street food snack. A thin rice paper disc is grilled over charcoal and topped with an egg, minced pork, dried shrimp, spring onions, and chili sauce, cooked until crispy.
Nước Mía (Sugarcane Juice)
A refreshing and naturally sweet drink, Nước Mía is freshly pressed sugarcane juice, often mixed with a squeeze of kumquat or lime to balance its sweetness. It's a perfect thirst quencher on a hot day.
Trà Đá (Iced Tea)
Simple yet essential, Trà Đá is ubiquitous throughout Vietnam. It's typically green tea, lightly brewed and served over ice, often offered complimentary with meals. It's a refreshing palate cleanser.
Travel Tip:Don't be afraid to try street food! Look for stalls with long lines of locals, as this is usually a good indicator of quality and freshness. Embrace the communal dining experience and the bustling atmosphere.
Exploring Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight of any trip to this beautiful country. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the region's history, culture, and culinary traditions. Be adventurous, taste everything, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavors Vietnam has to offer!