20 food to try in Vietnam

Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich variety of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. Here’s a list of some of the best foods to try while you’re in Vietnam:

1. Phở

What: A fragrant and flavorful noodle soup, typically made with beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà).
Where: Available throughout Vietnam, with Hanoi known for its traditional style and Ho Chi Minh City for a slightly sweeter version.

2. Bánh Mì

What: A crispy French baguette filled with a variety of ingredients like pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. It’s a perfect blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine.
Where: Street stalls across the country, with Hoi An being particularly famous for its variations.

3. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)

What: Fresh spring rolls made with rice paper and filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, served with a peanut dipping sauce.
Where: Popular nationwide, often served as an appetizer in restaurants.

4. Bún Chả

What: Grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s a beloved dish in Hanoi, famously enjoyed by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain.
Where: Best tried in Hanoi, where it originated.

5. Cơm Tấm

What: A dish of broken rice typically served with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables, topped with a savory fish sauce.
Where: Particularly popular in Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Bánh Xèo

What: A crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then wrapped in lettuce and herbs.
Where: Central and Southern Vietnam, especially in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

7. Cao Lầu

What: A regional noodle dish from Hoi An, made with thick rice noodles, pork slices, fresh greens, and crispy croutons, all tossed in a flavorful broth.
Where: Only in Hoi An, as the noodles are traditionally cooked with water from a specific local well.

8. Bánh Cuốn

What: Steamed rice rolls stuffed with minced pork and mushrooms, topped with fried shallots and served with a side of dipping sauce.
Where: Particularly popular in the northern regions, including Hanoi.

9. Chả Cá

What: A Hanoi specialty of grilled fish seasoned with turmeric, dill, and galangal, served with rice noodles, herbs, and peanuts.
Where: Best tried at restaurants in Hanoi, especially at the famous Cha Ca La Vong.

10. Mì Quảng

What: A central Vietnamese dish featuring turmeric-yellow noodles served with a small amount of savory broth, shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and peanuts.
Where: Best in Da Nang and the surrounding Quang Nam province.

11. Hủ Tiếu

What: A Southern Vietnamese noodle soup with a clear and savory broth, typically made with pork, seafood, and a mix of herbs.
Where: Best tried in the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City.

12. Bánh Bèo

What: Small steamed rice cakes topped with minced shrimp, green onions, and crispy shallots, often served with a dipping sauce.
Where: Hue and Central Vietnam are known for this dish.

13. Xôi

What: Sticky rice served with a variety of toppings, from savory (like shredded chicken or pork) to sweet (like mung bean or coconut).
Where: Available throughout Vietnam, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

14. Nem Rán/Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)

What: Crispy fried rolls stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Where: Popular across Vietnam, known as Nem Rán in the north and Chả Giò in the south.

15. Bò Lá Lốt

What: Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, served with rice paper, vermicelli, and herbs for wrapping, then dipped in a flavorful sauce.
Where: Found in both street stalls and restaurants, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.

16. Chè

What: A traditional Vietnamese dessert made with a variety of ingredients like beans, fruit, coconut milk, and jelly, often served in a sweet broth over ice.
Where: Found in dessert shops and street stalls across Vietnam.

17. Bánh Canh

What: A thick noodle soup made with tapioca flour noodles, typically served with shrimp, crab, or pork in a rich, savory broth.
Where: Popular in Central and Southern Vietnam, especially in Hue.

18. Thịt Kho Tàu

What: Braised pork belly and eggs cooked in coconut juice and fish sauce, creating a rich, caramelized dish usually served with rice.
Where: Commonly enjoyed during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), especially in Southern Vietnam.

19. Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)

What: A Hanoi specialty made with robusta coffee, egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk, whipped into a creamy, frothy drink.
Where: Best tried in Hanoi at cafes like Cafe Giang, where it was invented.

20. Lẩu (Hot Pot)

What: A communal dish where diners cook meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth at the table, served with noodles or rice.
Where: Popular across Vietnam, with regional variations in the broth and ingredients.

These dishes are just a taste of Vietnam’s incredible culinary diversity, each offering a unique experience that reflects the local culture and traditions. Be sure to try these during your visit to get the full flavor of Vietnam!