Vietnam is a feast for the senses, and nowhere is this more true than in its incredible cuisine. From steaming bowls of noodle soup enjoyed on a bustling street corner to crispy pancakes and fresh, herb-laden rolls, Vietnamese food is diverse, vibrant, and utterly delicious. Embarking on a culinary journey is one of the best ways to understand Vietnamese culture and connect with the country's heart.
This Vietnam Food Guide is your starting point to exploring the nation's rich gastronomic landscape. We've curated a list of 20 must-try Vietnamese dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to eat your way through Vietnam!
Here are 20 iconic dishes you shouldn't miss on your Vietnam travel experience:
1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
What it is: Arguably Vietnam's most famous dish. A savory broth (beef - Phở Bò, or chicken - Phở Gà) simmered for hours with spices, served over soft, boiled flat rice noodles (bánh phở) and topped with thinly sliced meat and fresh herbs like basil, mint, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
Why try it: It's the quintessential Vietnamese comfort food, aromatic and deeply flavorful. Regional variations exist (sweeter in the south, simpler in the north).
2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
What it is: A Hanoi specialty featuring grilled fatty pork patties (chả) and pork belly slices served in a bowl of tangy, slightly sweet fish sauce-based broth with pickled papaya and carrots. Eaten with fresh boiled rice vermicelli noodles (bún) and a basket of herbs.
Why try it: The smoky grilled pork combined with the fresh noodles and zesty broth is an unforgettable combination.
3. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
What it is: A legacy of French colonialism, transformed into a uniquely Vietnamese creation. A crispy baguette filled with a diverse range of ingredients like pâté, mayonnaise, various cold cuts or grilled meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.
Why try it: It's a perfect example of fusion food, offering a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. A fantastic, affordable meal on the go.
4. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls / Summer Rolls)
What it is: Translucent rice paper wrappers filled with boiled rice vermicelli noodles, slices of boiled pork, shrimp, fresh herbs (mint, lettuce), and chives. Served cold with a rich peanut dipping sauce or a fish sauce-based dip.
Why try it: Light, healthy, and refreshing – a perfect contrast to some of the richer dishes.
5. Chả Giò / Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls)
What it is: The crispy counterpart to Gỏi Cuốn. Minced pork, shrimp, crab, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables wrapped in rice paper (or a wheat-based wrapper in the North - Nem Rán) and deep-fried until golden brown. Often served with lettuce, herbs, and a fish sauce dip (nước chấm).
Why try it: Irresistibly crunchy and savory, they are a crowd-pleaser and a staple at Vietnamese celebrations.
6. Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup from Hue)
What it is: Originating from the former imperial capital, Hue, this soup features thick, round boiled rice noodles in a rich, spicy broth flavored prominently with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili. Topped with slices of beef shank, pork knuckle, and sometimes congealed pig's blood cubes.
Why try it: More complex and robust than Phở, it's a must for those who enjoy a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
7. Mì Quảng (Quang Style Noodles)
What it is: A Central Vietnam specialty from Quang Nam province. Yellow turmeric boiled noodles served with very little broth, topped with a variety of ingredients like shrimp, pork, chicken, boiled quail eggs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers (bánh tráng mè).
Why try it: Offers a unique texture and flavor profile compared to other noodle soups, highlighting the distinct cuisine of Central Vietnam.
8. Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles)
What it is: A dish found exclusively in Hoi An. It features unique thick, chewy boiled noodles (traditionally made using water from a specific local well), slices of marinated pork (char siu style), fresh greens, bean sprouts, and crispy crouton-like squares of fried noodle dough. Served with minimal broth.
Why try it: Its unique noodles and local legend make it an essential Hoi An culinary experience.
9. Bánh Xèo (Crispy Savory Pancakes)
What it is: A large, crispy crepe made from rice flour, water, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with pork, shrimp, onions, and bean sprouts. You cut it into pieces, wrap it in lettuce and herbs, and dip it in nước chấm.
Why try it: Fun to eat and incredibly satisfying with its crispy texture and fresh accompaniments.
10. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
What it is: A Southern Vietnamese staple, traditionally made with fractured rice grains. Typically served with a grilled pork chop (sườn nướng), shredded pork skin (bì), a steamed pork and egg meatloaf (chả trứng), and a fried egg (ốp la). Drizzled with sweet fish sauce dressing.
Why try it: A hearty and flavorful plate offering a fantastic combination of different tastes and textures.
11. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)
What it is: Thin, delicate sheets of steamed fermented rice batter, often filled with seasoned ground pork and minced wood ear mushrooms. Topped with crispy fried shallots and served with fresh herbs and a fish sauce dip.
Why try it: Showcases a wonderfully soft and delicate texture, a light yet satisfying dish popular for breakfast or a light meal.
12. Chè (Sweet Soups / Puddings)
What it is: A general term for Vietnamese sweet desserts, usually served in a bowl or glass. Varieties are endless, featuring ingredients like beans (black bean, mung bean), fruits (longan, jackfruit, durian), jellies, tapioca pearls, lotus seeds, and coconut cream. Can be served hot or cold.
Why try it: A delightful way to cool down and experience the sweeter side of Vietnamese cuisine. Try Chè Ba Màu (three-color dessert) or Chè Chuối (banana tapioca pudding).
13. Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk)
What it is: Strong Vietnamese robusta coffee, typically brewed using a small metal phin filter, dripped over sweetened condensed milk, then poured over ice.
Why try it: Intensely flavorful, sweet, and refreshing. Experiencing Vietnam's unique coffee culture is a must.
14. Bia Hơi (Fresh Draft Beer)
What it is: Light, locally brewed draft beer, delivered daily and served incredibly fresh (and cheap!). Enjoyed socially, often on small plastic stools at street-side establishments.
Why try it: Less about the beer itself (though refreshing) and more about the quintessential Vietnamese social experience.
15. Bột Chiên (Fried Rice Flour Cakes)
What it is: Cubes of rice flour dough fried until crispy, then topped with egg and scallions, served with pickled papaya and a tangy soy-based dipping sauce. Popular street food, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
Why try it: A satisfyingly crispy and savory snack, perfect for late-night cravings.
16. Hủ Tiếu (Southern Noodle Soup)
What it is: Popular in Southern Vietnam, this noodle soup has many variations (pork-based, seafood, dry). Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh style) is famous, featuring clear pork broth, thin boiled rice noodles, shrimp, pork slices, liver, quail eggs, and garlic chives.
Why try it: Offers a different flavor profile to Phở, often with a clearer broth and diverse toppings, showcasing Southern culinary influences.
17. Lẩu (Hot Pot)
What it is: A communal dining experience where diners cook various ingredients (thinly sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, noodles) themselves in a simmering pot of flavorful broth placed at the center of the table. Many broth varieties exist (spicy Thai-style, seafood, mushroom). The ingredients are boiled right at your table.
Why try it: A fun, interactive, and delicious way to share a meal with friends or family.
18. Bánh Canh (Thick Noodle Soup)
What it is: Soup featuring thick, chewy noodles made from tapioca flour, rice flour, or a blend. Bánh Canh Cua (crab) and Bánh Canh Chả Cá (fish cake) are popular versions. The noodles are boiled until soft and slightly sticky.
Why try it: The unique texture of the thick noodles makes it distinct from other Vietnamese noodle soups.
19. Nộm Hoa Chuối (Banana Blossom Salad)
What it is: A refreshing Vietnamese salad made from thinly sliced banana blossoms, often mixed with boiled chicken or pork, shrimp, carrots, herbs (mint, cilantro), peanuts, and dressed with a light fish sauce vinaigrette.
Why try it: A unique salad showcasing textural contrast and the fresh, zesty flavors typical of Vietnamese salads.
20. Ốc (Snails and Shellfish)
What it is: A huge part of Vietnamese street food culture, especially in the evenings. Various types of snails, clams, cockles, and other shellfish are cooked in numerous ways – steamed with lemongrass (involves boiling/steaming), grilled, stir-fried with tamarind, coconut, or chili lemongrass.
Why try it: An adventurous and authentic Vietnamese street food experience beloved by locals. Pull up a stool and point!
This Vietnam Food Guide only scratches the surface of the incredible culinary delights awaiting you. Be adventurous, try street food stalls, explore local markets, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Eating is a central part of the Vietnam travel experience.
Want to taste these incredible dishes and more on an expertly guided trip? Check out our Vietnam Package Tours! We ensure you experience the best of Vietnamese culture and cuisine, from iconic landmarks to hidden culinary gems.
