Unique and unforgettable Vietnamese food. Typical Vietnamese dishes can be found in street vendors and high-end restaurants with all kinds of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Whether you want a lunchtime snack in Hanoi or check out the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese food is among the best in Southeast Asia, so no wonder What is the best food in Vietnam – we have it covered.
We’ve picked out ten must-try Vietnamese dishes everyone should try from The Rough Guide to Vietnam. And, great news for thrifty foodies, Vietnam is also one of the cheapest places to travel. There’s no shortage of sights here either – read your polls for the best places in Vietnam.
Goi Cuon
Goi Cuon is a translucent spring roll filled with vegetables, coriander, and minced pork or shrimp. A Southern variation is grilled pork chops wrapped in green bananas and star fruit, then dipped in a rich peanut sauce – every bite is as delicious as it sounds.
Goi Cuon is served cold and is often served as an appetizer before the main course in Vietnamese restaurants. If you travel to the North of Vietnam, you may see this dish called Nem cuon. No matter what their name is, they are sure to be delicious!
Banh mi
Banh mi is one of the most popular street foods in Vietnam – once you’ve read about it, you can’t wait to try it for yourself! Vietnamese (or Saigon) bread was first invented during the French colonial period in the 19th century. Banh mi uses baguette bread with a variety of delicious ingredients.
The baguette is filled with vegetables and a variety of fillings, including bolognese and pork. Other fillings include beef, chicken, liver, and tofu. The bread is so good that it is imitated all over the world, from London to New York.
See our Vietnam food and drink guide for tips on how to incorporate food into your travels.
Banh Xeo
inexpensive Vietnamese pancakes feature shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and eggs. They are fried and the vegetables are wrapped in rice paper and soaked in fish sauce (Nuoc Cham) before serving.
The best city to try in Banh Xeo is Ho Chi Minh City. But if you’re traveling by train or bus, this is also one of those snacks you should stock up on – the perfect companion for long journeys.
Speaking of day trips, if you want to experience the real Vietnam, you’ll want to venture beyond the touristy roads.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a specialty of Hanoi. You can find vermicelli soup in eateries and street kitchens all over the city. Pork is grilled on an open hibachi and served over cold rice noodles, assorted leaves, and broth.
This Vietnamese dish is usually eaten at lunchtime. It is described as somewhat similar to meatballs or burgers, but in our opinion, with its interesting flavor combinations, there is no equal! Find out other Hanoi street food that you should try.
Pho
The country’s best dish is pho. This noodle dish can be eaten at any time of the day but is mainly eaten for breakfast. It originated in the north of the country but is now the national dish of Vietnam. A bowl of pho consists of a light beef or chicken broth seasoned with ginger and coriander, then topped with flat rice noodles and green onions. For meat, then add strips of chicken, pork, or beef. Tofu is the main vegetarian option.
Pho is present in almost every menu; When serving, squeeze a little more lemon and a little chili for extra flavor. Learn more about Vietnamese Soups and Noodles.
Cao Lau
Central Vietnam does it best. One of Hoi An’s delicious specialties is Cao Lau, a thick bowl of vermicelli, bean sprouts, and pork skin bread in a light soup. Good sound? It only gets better. Then season with mint and star anise, put thinly sliced pork on top, and serve with grilled rice paper or sprinkle with crispy rice paper.
Enjoy this typical Vietnamese dish with a local salad and green beans. Legend has it that authentic pho is cooked with the signature local water – that’s why Hoi An is the best place to try it.
If you are considering visiting Vietnam, contact our local experts today. They are ready to create a custom Vietnam tour for you.
Cha Ca
The seafood dishes are above most other Vietnamese dishes. Cha ca is said to have been created in Hanoi and is perhaps the most famous dish. He found white fish sautéed in butter with dill and chives, then served with vermicelli and a handful of peanuts.
Da Nang is one of the best places to enjoy Vietnamese seafood dishes. Due to its seaside location, Da Nang’s specialty is fish, making it an ideal place to enjoy Cha Ca. For a similar dish that is locally popular, try Bun Cha Ca, a noodle dish with fish balls.
Find out why you should still stay in Da Nang. It also appears on our list of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
Mi Quang
Mi Quang noodle is an underrated and affordable noodle dish that is a Hanoi specialty. The side dishes can vary from restaurant to restaurant, but you’ll find a simple bowl of meat noodles with delicious oil, fresh leaves, shrimp, peanuts, mint, and quail eggs.
Hanoi street food is nothing better than My Quang, a classic Vietnamese noodle dish. It is usually served as dinner; You’ll find yourself counting down the clock until you can enjoy the turmeric bone broth, golden noodles, and herbs sprinkled on top.
You can learn more about Vietnamese food on the country’s official tourist office website.
Com Tam
Com Tam rice is a quick and easy street food favorite and is almost exclusively in Ho Chi Minh City. It consists of smaller grains of rice, also known as broken rice, and is a traditional leftover snack. The Vietnamese have successfully honed the famous Ho Chi Minh street snack.
Com Tam can be served with grilled/steamed/shredded pork (usually grilled), fish, or a simple fried egg. This is Vietnamese food, and it wouldn’t be complete without a squeeze of lemon, some herbs, and some green onions.
If you want to try these delicacies on the go, book an expert-led Vietnamese food tour – they’re available everywhere from Saigon to Hanoi.
After a day of enjoying Vietnamese cuisine, it’s time to experience Vietnamese nightlife. Discover Vietnam’s most popular bars and clubs.
There is 10 Vietnamese food you must try when visiting Vietnam.
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