The food scene in Vietnam is vibrant and accessible, with street food stalls and small eateries offering delicious meals at incredibly low prices.
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its fresh ingredients, vibrant herbs, and balanced flavours, influenced by Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian traditions.
Eating on small plastic stools by the roadside is part of the charm and an essential experience for any traveller. Making it easy to indulge in the country’s culinary delights without breaking the bank.
Below are 12 authentic, local dishes you must try if you’re visiting Vietnam. From bun cha to pho, to the iconic banh mi, this list covers everything to try.
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12 Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
1. Pho
The iconic noodle soup, made with a rich broth, tender rice noodles, and aromatic herbs. Comes in beef (pho bo) and chicken (pho ga) varieties.
2. Banh Mi
A crispy baguette filled with savoury ingredients like grilled meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
My favourite banh mi was actually a vegan variation in Hoi An, while himself loved a popular one in Ho Chi Minh City.
Related blog post to read: Ho Chi Minh City: The Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Saigon
3. Bun Cha
Grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.
We learnt how to make bun cha during our traditional cooking class in Hanoi. I’d highly recommend as it was delicious!
Related blog post to read: The Best Traditional Cooking Class in Hanoi, Vietnam
4. Cao Lau
Thick rice noodles with tender pork slices, crunchy croutons, and fresh herbs in a savoury broth.
5. Banh Xeo
Crispy, golden crepes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mung beans, served with fresh herbs and lettuce leaves.
6. Goi Cuon
Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and herbs, served with a peanut hoisin dipping sauce.
7. Cao Lau
A specialty noodle dish from Hoi An featuring thick noodles, pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy croutons.
8. Com Tam
A broken rice dish with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg.
9. Bo La Lot
Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, served with rice paper, herbs, and dipping sauce.
10. Bun Rieu
Noodle soup with a rich crab and tomato broth, topped with prawns, minced pork, and sausage.
11. Cha Ca La Vong
A traditional dish of turmeric fish with dill, served with noodles and peanuts.
12. Egg Coffee
A unique beverage made with rich Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk topping.
We also learnt how to make this in the cooking class in Hanoi!
Regional Specialties of Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is highly regional, and certain dishes are best enjoyed in the areas where they originated. Here are some regional specialties and where to find them:
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi and Surrounding Areas)
- Pho: Enjoy the best pho in Hanoi, where the broth is clear and subtly flavoured.
- Bun Cha: Hanoi is the home of bun cha, where you can find the most authentic versions.
- Egg Coffee: Enjoy this unique drink in Hanoi’s cozy cafes.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An and Surrounding Areas)
- Cao Lau: This dish is unique to Hoi An and cannot be replicated elsewhere due to the special water used in the noodles.
- Mi Quang: Another noodle dish that is a must-try in the central region.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Surrounding Areas)
- Banh Mi: Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide variety of banh mi, with fillings ranging from traditional to modern fusion.
- Banh Xeo: Enjoy these crispy pancakes filled with delicious ingredients in the south.
- Com Tam: This broken rice dish is a staple in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Bo La Lot: Grilled beef in betel leaves is a popular street food in the south.
If you’re visiting Vietnam soon, make sure to check out the other related blog posts below to help plan your trip:
