In Vietnam, food is more than just sustenance. It’s a way of life. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil rice fields of the Mekong Delta, Vietnamese cuisine is a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds like no other. While phở and bánh mì have gained global fame, there is so much more to explore. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and discover 21 must-try Vietnamese dishes!
Phở: A Bowl of Comfort
Phở is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, a hearty soup that warms the soul. Made with flat rice noodles, tender slices of beef or boiled chicken, and a fragrant beef broth, phở is a breakfast staple that locals enjoy daily. In Hanoi, you can try the original clear broth version, while in the south, phở is served with a bouquet of fresh herbs. Don’t miss out on this culinary masterpiece!
Try it: Pho Thin, 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District in Hanoi or Pho Hoa, 260C Pasteur Street, District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Bánh Mì: The Perfect Sandwich
Bánh mì is a delightful fusion of Vietnamese and French culinary traditions. This iconic sandwich features a crusty baguette filled with paté, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a variety of savory ingredients like pork belly or pork floss. Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
Try it: Banh My Phuong, 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An.
Cơm Tấm: A Taste of Simplicity
Cơm tấm, also known as “broken rice,” is a humble yet delicious dish that originated from the farmers’ leftovers. Today, it has become a beloved staple for many. Cơm tấm is served with caramelized grilled pork chop, a fried egg, and a side of pickled vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a true delight.
Try it: A family-operated stall on 260 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bún Bò Huế: A Royal Affair
Bún bò Huế is a royal dish hailing from the city of Hue. This spicy beef noodle soup is known for its vibrant red broth, made by simmering beef bones and lemongrass for hours. The addition of flash-boiled vegetables and tender beef shanks creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Don’t forget to try the sausage, a unique twist in this already incredible dish.
Try it: Quan Bun Bo Hue, 19 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hue.
Cao Lầu: A Fusion of Flavors
Cao lầu is a dish unique to Hoi An, a coastal trading port with a rich history. This bowl of thick noodles is a fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences. Topped with slices of Chinese barbecued pork and a spice-laden broth, cao lầu is a true delight. Legend has it that the noodles are made from the water found in the thousand-year-old Ba Le well, adding a touch of magic to this already delicious dish.
Try it: Thanh Cao Lau, 24 Thai Phien St, Hoi An.
Cơm Gà: Chicken and Rice Delight
Chicken and rice is a classic combination, but in Hội An, it becomes something truly special. Tender strips of chicken are shredded and mixed with flavored fish sauce and onions, served with a bowl of turmeric rice. Accompanied by pickled shallots, radish, fresh herbs, and soft, young eggs, this dish is a treat for your taste buds. After a day exploring the Ancient Town, indulge in a plate of golden chicken rice.
Try it: Com Ga Hien, 539 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoi An.
Mì Quảng: The Versatile Noodle Delight
Mì quảng is a unique noodle dish that elegantly combines the qualities of a soup and a salad. Originating from the Quang Nam province, mì quảng features vibrant yellow noodles in a turmeric-infused broth. Topped with shrimp, chicken, or pork belly, and accompanied by sliced banana flowers, Vietnamese coriander, and toasted sesame rice crackers, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Try it: Quan Mi Quang Ba Mua, 95 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang.
Bánh Xèo: Crispy Pancakes
Bánh xèo, meaning “sizzling pancake,” is a crispy delight loved throughout Vietnam. Made from rice flour and coconut milk, the golden crepe is filled with slices of boiled pork, minced pork, bean sprouts, and shrimp. Dip it in a flavorful sauce, wrap it in rice paper with fresh greens, and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures.
Try it: Banh Xeo 46A, 46A D Dinh Cong Trang, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bún Chả: A Presidential Pleasure
Bún chả gained global fame when President Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared a meal together in Hanoi. This northern dish consists of grilled pork patties, cold rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a fish sauce-based broth. The best way to enjoy it is to scoop small bundles of noodles, pork, and greens, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Try it: Bun Cha Huong Lien (also known as Bun Cha Obama), 24 Le Van Huu, Phan Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
Xôi: Sticky Rice Delight
Xôi, Vietnamese sticky rice, is a departure from other interpretations of sticky rice in the region. The dense glutinous staple comes in savory and sweet variations. Xôi mặn, savory xôi, is a popular breakfast fix, while xôi ngọt, sweet xôi, comes in over 20 delightful varieties. Don’t miss the mesmerizing five-colored xôi, a swirl of purple, green, red, yellow, and white. Indulge in the magic of Vietnamese sticky rice!
Try it: Xoi Yen, 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bánh Bèo: Bite-Sized Delicacy
Bánh bèo is a delightful appetizer hailing from Hue. These bite-sized steamed rice cakes are topped with creamy mung bean paste, toasted shrimps, and either croutons or fried pork fat. Each delicate, chewy disk is a burst of flavor, best enjoyed with a spoonful of nước chấm sauce. Don’t miss the dimple at the center, a sign of a well-steamed batch.
Try it: Quan Hanh, 11 Pho Duc Chinh (South Bank), Hue.
Bún Riêu: The Crab-Tastic Dish
Bún riêu is a flavor-packed soup that combines the flavors of crab and tomato. This hearty dish features slippery noodles, fresh crab meat, tofu, and stewed tomatoes. The broth is made from pulverized crab shells, giving it a rich, seafood flavor. Topped with pillowy clusters of minced crab and ground pork, bún riêu is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Try it: Bún Riêu Cua Thanh Hồng, 42 Hòa Mã, Ngô Thì Nhậm, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi.
Gỏi Cuốn: Fresh and Light
Gỏi cuốn, also known as fresh spring rolls, are a refreshing and light delight. These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with leafy greens, mint, coriander, and a protein of your choice, such as pork tenderloin or shrimp. Dip them in a bowl of nutty hoisin sauce or savory nước chấm, and savor the explosion of flavors in every bite.
Try it: Quan An Ngon, 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Bánh Căn: Bite-Sized Pancakes
Bánh căn are beloved savory pancakes from the south-central region. Made from rice batter and cracked quail eggs, these bite-sized delights are cooked in an earthenware grill. Topped with either shrimp or pork and served with a bowl of flavorful broth, bánh căn is a satisfying treat that will leave you wanting more.
Try it: Phan Rang, 106 Trương Định, Phường 9, Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang: A Southern Delight
Hủ tiếu, the Vietnamese version of the Cambodian and Thai rice noodle soup, comes in various forms. Hủ tiếu Nam Vang is a popular dish in the south, particularly in the Mekong Delta region. The soup is made from pork bones and eaten with hủ tiếu noodles, boiled liver, shrimp, and a quail egg. Bursting with flavor and a hint of sweetness, this soup is a must-try.
Try it: Hu Tieu Co Huong, 152/7/2 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Chả Cá: A Taste of Hanoi
Chả cá is a unique delicacy from Hanoi that showcases the flavors, textures, and colors of northern cuisine. Chunks of flaky white fish are marinated in turmeric and sautéed in butter, accompanied by fresh dill and green onion. This aromatic dish is as beautiful as it is delicious and is best enjoyed with a side of vermicelli noodles and fresh greens.
Try it: Cha Ca Thang Long Restaurant, 19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Nộm Hoa Chuối: A Colorful Salad
Nộm hoa chuối is a stunning salad made with shredded banana flowers, pickled carrots, coriander, lotus root, cabbage, and an array of other ingredients depending on the season. Tossed in a flavorful sauce and decorated with crushed peanuts and bird’s eye chili, this salad is a refreshing and vibrant delight.
Try it: Mountain Retreat, 36 Le Loi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bánh Cuốn: Delicate Rice Rolls
Bánh cuốn is a delicate dish made from steamed rice flour sheets filled with minced pork and wood-ear mushroom. The rolls are gently folded, chopped, and topped with dried shallots. Served with a side bowl of fish sauce with pork sausage, bánh cuốn is a savory treat best enjoyed for breakfast like a local.
Try it: Bánh Cuốn 101 Bà Triệu, 147 Triệu Việt Vương, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi.
Bún Bò Cuốn Lá Lốt: A Flavorful Wrapper
Bún bò cuốn lá lốt is a unique dish that combines minced beef, garlic, and shallots wrapped in betel leaves. Grilled over charcoal, the result is a burst of peppery flavors that can be enjoyed with noodles or wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs. The playful textures and aromatic flavors make bún bò cuốn lá lốt a must-try for meat lovers.
Try it: Cô Liêng, 321 Võ Văn Tần, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Chè: Sweet Indulgences
No Vietnamese culinary adventure is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. Chè is a versatile dessert served hot or cold, in the form of a pudding or dessert soup. From jellied ingredients to tropical fruits, chè offers a textural adventure. Don’t miss out on the beautiful three-colored chè ba màu, a rainbow dessert made with beans, jelly, crushed ice, and coconut milk.
Try it: Che 95, 95 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Embark on a Delicious Journey
These 21 must-try Vietnamese dishes are just the tip of the iceberg. Vietnam’s culinary scene is vast and diverse, offering something for every food lover. From street food stalls to family-operated eateries, the flavors of Vietnam will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. So grab your chopsticks and embark on a delicious journey through the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine!
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