While Vietnamese cuisine has gained international recognition through iconic dishes like pho and banh mi, these only scratch the surface of the country’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. Vietnamese Foods offer a captivating symphony of textures, vibrant colors, and nuanced flavors that are sure to delight any palate.
Across Vietnam, a deep love for food is evident, with cooks skillfully utilizing each region’s unique ingredients and abundant produce. Northern Vietnamese food is celebrated for its delicate simplicity, while Central Vietnam’s cuisine is bolder, embracing spice and richer flavors. Southern Vietnamese dishes often incorporate a touch of sweetness. No matter where you venture in Vietnam, a memorable and delicious culinary experience awaits.
1. Pho: Vietnam’s Iconic Noodle Soup
Pho stands as the quintessential Vietnamese food, with the very name “pho” referring to the distinctive flat rice noodles that are central to this beloved soup. These delicate noodles mingle harmoniously with thinly sliced, tender beef (either medium-rare or well-done) or succulent boiled chicken, all immersed in a deeply flavorful and aromatic beef broth. Among the various regional styles, pho Hanoi, originating from the north, is particularly renowned. It is characterized by its clear, light broth, typically seasoned simply with a squeeze of fresh lemon and fiery bird’s eye chili slices, allowing the pure flavors of the broth and beef to shine. In contrast, pho Nam, the southern variation, features a richer, slightly murkier broth and is served with a generous array of fresh herbs, including crisp bean sprouts, fragrant basil, and refreshing mint, adding layers of complexity and freshness.
The true essence of exceptional pho lies in its meticulously prepared broth. Often simmered for hours, the broth is infused with fragrant spices like star anise, warm cloves, and aromatic cinnamon, imparting a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. While often enjoyed by visitors for lunch or dinner, pho is a staple Vietnamese food frequently enjoyed as a comforting and nourishing breakfast by locals, found on nearly every street corner throughout the country.
Try it: For an authentic Hanoi style pho, visit Pho Thin at 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District in Hanoi. For a taste of Southern pho in Ho Chi Minh City, head to Pho Hoa, located at 260C Pasteur Street, District 3.
2. Banh Mi: The Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich
While the baguette itself is a legacy of French colonial influence, banh mi has become undeniably and uniquely Vietnamese food. This iconic sandwich transforms the simple baguette into a culinary masterpiece. The process begins with a swift spread of rich pate and creamy margarine across the soft, airy interior of a freshly baked baguette. This is then generously filled with a vibrant medley of pickled vegetables, crisp cilantro, savory pork belly, delicate pork floss, and refreshing cucumber slices. Each bite of banh mi offers a delightful textural contrast – the satisfying crunch of the crust gives way to a harmonious blend of soft bread and flavorful fillings, creating a truly addictive Vietnamese food experience.
Try it: For arguably one of Vietnam’s best banh mi, visit Banh My Phuong, located at 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An. This popular spot is known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations.
3. Com Tam: Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop
Com tam, or “broken rice,” has an intriguing origin story. Historically, Vietnamese farmers would consume the fractured rice grains that were deemed unsuitable for sale. Today, this “broken” rice has evolved into a beloved staple Vietnamese food, particularly popular amongst the working class. Despite its humble beginnings, com tam preparations can be surprisingly elaborate and incredibly delicious.
Among the numerous ways to enjoy com tam, com tam suon nuong op la stands out as a favorite. This hearty dish features a perfectly fried egg paired with a succulent, caramelized grilled pork chop, all served atop a generous mound of broken rice. The dish is then lavishly drizzled with nuoc cham, Vietnam’s ubiquitous dipping sauce, a flavorful blend of chili, fish sauce, and sugar, and a vibrant green onion oil. Completing the culinary experience are refreshing sides of shredded pickled carrots and daikon radish, cool cucumber and tomato slices, and crunchy garnishes of crushed fried pork rinds and shallots, adding layers of texture and flavor to this quintessential Vietnamese food.
Try it: For an authentic and family-run com tam experience in Ho Chi Minh City, look for the family-operated stall at 260 Vo Van Tan, District 3. This local favorite offers a truly traditional taste of this Vietnamese food.
4. Bun Bo Hue: Spicy Beef Noodle Soup from Hue
Representing the esteemed royal cuisine of Hue, the former imperial capital, bun bo hue is a powerful testament to both the artistry and flavor depth of Vietnamese food. The soup’s strikingly red broth immediately signals its bold and complex flavor profile. This vibrant color and intense taste are achieved through hours of slow simmering beef bones and fragrant stalks of lemongrass, creating a citrusy and deeply savory concoction. Flash-boiled vegetables and tender beef shanks add further layers of texture and flavor to this dynamic Vietnamese food. While the name translates to “beef noodle soup,” don’t be surprised to find cha lua, a Vietnamese sausage with a smooth, tofu-like texture made from ham paste, nestled within the bowl, adding another dimension to this iconic soup.
Try it: To experience authentic bun bo hue, visit Quan Bun Bo Hue, located at 19 Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Hue. This restaurant is renowned for its traditional preparation and flavorful broth.
5. Cao Lau: Hoi An’s Unique Noodle Dish
Cao lau is a truly unique Vietnamese food, found exclusively in the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Reflecting Hoi An’s rich history as a bustling coastal trading port, this captivating bowl of noodles is a delicious fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese culinary influences. Slices of flavorful Chinese barbecued pork are artfully arranged over a bed of cao lau noodles. These distinctive thick noodles, possessing a satisfying chewiness reminiscent of Japanese udon, are then generously drizzled with a spice-infused broth and topped with fresh herbs and crunchy crushed pork cracklings, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Local legend claims that authentic cao lau noodles are made using water sourced from the ancient Ba Le well in Hoi An, rumored to possess magical properties, further adding to the mystique of this regional Vietnamese food specialty.
Try it: For an authentic taste of Cao Lau in Hoi An, Thanh Cao Lau at 24 Thai Phien St is a well-regarded local establishment.
6. Com Ga: Hoi An Chicken Rice
Chicken and rice is a universally comforting and satisfying combination, but in Hoi An, this classic duo is elevated to new heights using the freshest local ingredients. Com ga, or Hoi An chicken rice, features strips of tender chicken that are shredded and expertly mixed with flavorful fish sauce and fragrant onions, served alongside a bowl of vibrant turmeric-infused rice. Pickled shallots, crisp radish, and fresh herbs are offered as accompaniments, allowing diners to customize their perfect bite. Across Vietnam, cooks have their own unique secrets to creating exceptional turmeric rice, but classic Hoi An chicken rice is traditionally topped with a sprig of Vietnamese coriander and hot mint, perfectly balancing the zesty chicken marinade and the richness of soft, young chicken eggs. After a day of exploring the ancient streets of Hoi An on foot, a plate of golden com ga is simply the perfect and most satisfying Vietnamese food treat.
Try it: Com Ga Hien, located at 539 Hai Ba Trung St in Hoi An, is a popular local spot known for its delicious and authentic com ga.
7. Mi Quang: Turmeric Noodles from Quang Nam
Mi quang occupies a unique culinary space, somewhere between a soup and a salad, gracefully defying easy categorization. Despite its elegant presentation, mi quang, a vibrant and refreshing noodle dish hailing from Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam, is undeniably street food at its heart. The noodles themselves are a striking shade of yellow, their rich color derived from turmeric-infused broth, further enriched with flavorful peanut oil. Intriguingly, only a small ladleful of this broth is used in the preparation of this “soup,” which can be generously topped with a variety of ingredients, from succulent shrimp and tender chicken to savory pork belly and flaky snakehead fish. To fully appreciate mi quang, it is traditionally enjoyed with thinly sliced banana flowers, fragrant Vietnamese coriander, fresh basil, and banh trang me, toasted sesame rice crackers, adding layers of texture and flavor to this distinctive Vietnamese food.
Try it: Quan Mi Quang Ba Mua, at 95 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang, is a well-known spot to savor authentic mi quang.
8. Banh Xeo: Sizzling Crepes
A culinary creation originating from the Mekong Delta, banh xeo is a crispy crepe that has gained popularity throughout southern and central Vietnam. Watching banh xeo being prepared is a captivating sensory experience: the rice batter crackles loudly as it hits the hot pan – xeo literally meaning “sizzling” – and the edges gradually curl and turn golden brown as the skilled crepe maker expertly swirls the pan to evenly distribute the thin batter. The batter, traditionally made from rice flour and creamy coconut milk, owes its distinctive yellowish hue to the addition of turmeric. Another delightful example of French culinary influence adapted to Vietnamese tastes, this savory pancake is generously filled with slices of boiled pork, flavorful minced pork, crisp bean sprouts, and plump shrimp, then folded in a manner reminiscent of a classic French crepe. A perfectly cooked banh xeo should be delightfully crispy, never soggy, and is best enjoyed fresh off the hot skillet, making it a truly irresistible Vietnamese food.
Try it: For a delicious banh xeo experience in Ho Chi Minh City, visit Banh Xeo 46A, located at 46A D Dinh Cong Trang, District 3.
9. Bun Cha: Grilled Pork with Vermicelli Noodles
Bun cha experienced a surge in international fame after President Obama was famously photographed enjoying a bowl of this Hanoi specialty with Anthony Bourdain. However, this iconic Vietnamese food from Hanoi’s Old Quarter has long been a beloved staple among locals. Around lunchtime, the tantalizing aroma of pork grilling over hot charcoal drifts through the streets, enticing hungry Hanoians.
This quintessential northern Vietnamese dish is composed of cool bun (delicate rice vermicelli noodles); slices of expertly seasoned grilled pork belly; a generous mound of fresh herbs and crisp salad greens; and, perhaps most importantly, flavorful medallions of minced pork swimming in a bowl brimming with a savory fish sauce-based broth. The traditional way to enjoy bun cha is to scoop small bundles of vermicelli noodles into your broth bowl, alternating between bites of noodles, grilled pork, and refreshing greens, creating a harmonious and flavorful Vietnamese food experience.
Try it: For the bun cha experience enjoyed by Obama and Bourdain, visit Bun Cha Huong Lien (also famously known as Bun Cha Obama), located at 24 Le Van Huu, Phan Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
10. Xoi: Vietnamese Sticky Rice
Xoi, Vietnamese sticky rice, offers a unique and delightful departure from other sticky rice variations found throughout the region. This substantial, dense glutinous rice staple is enjoyed in both savory and sweet forms, catering to diverse palates. Xoi man, savory xoi, is a particularly popular and affordable breakfast Vietnamese food option. For those with a sweet tooth, the options are abundant – there are over 20 varieties of xoi ngot, sweet xoi. For a visually stunning and equally delicious experience, xoi ngu sac, five-colored xoi, is a must-try. This psychedelic swirl of vibrant purple, green, red, yellow, and white sticky rice is naturally pigmented using extracts from various plants, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Try it: Xoi Yen, at 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, is a popular spot to explore the diverse world of xoi, offering both savory and sweet options.
11. Banh Beo: Steamed Rice Cakes
More of a delectable appetizer or snack, banh beo is a quick and flavorful Vietnamese food originating from Hue in Central Vietnam. These delicate steamed rice cakes are served in small, bite-sized portions, akin to Vietnamese tapas. Each soft, chewy disk is topped with a spoonful of creamy mung bean paste and savory toasted shrimps. The cakes are then garnished with either crunchy croutons or the more indulgent tep mo – crispy fried pork fat, adding a delightful textural contrast. A hallmark of well-made banh beo is a small dimple at the center of each cake, indicating perfect steaming. Banh beo is traditionally paired with nuoc cham for dipping, enhancing the flavors of this simple yet satisfying Vietnamese food.
Try it: Quan Hanh, located at 11 Pho Duc Chinh (South Bank) in Hue, is a local favorite known for its delicious and authentic banh beo.
12. Bun Rieu: Crab and Tomato Noodle Soup
The harmonious interplay between the sweetness of crab and the acidity of tomatoes makes bun rieu a truly exceptional and standout Vietnamese food. This hearty soup is bursting with bright, tangy flavors. Key components of bun rieu include slippery bun vermicelli noodles, fresh crab meat, soft blocks of tofu, and stewed tomatoes, creating a complex and satisfying dish. Preparing an authentic bowl of bun rieu is a labor of love. After the crab meat is carefully extracted, the crab shells are meticulously pulverized using a mortar and pestle and then strained to form the flavorful base of the broth. Floating within the rich broth are pillowy clusters of minced crab meat combined with ground pork and egg, which melt in your mouth, adding a luxurious texture to this unique Vietnamese food.
Try it: Bun Rieu Cua Thanh Hong, at 42 Hoa Ma, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, is a well-regarded restaurant specializing in delicious and authentic bun rieu.
13. Goi Cuon: Fresh Spring Rolls
Goi cuon, fresh spring rolls, are vibrant and action-packed, bursting with freshness in every bite. The delicate, semi-transparent wrapper is made from softened sheets of rice paper. Encased within this delicate skin is a medley of leafy greens, refreshing mint, fragrant coriander, a protein element, and a stalk of garlic chive artfully protruding from the snugly wrapped roll. The most common and popular variation of goi cuon features a surf and turf combination of tender pork loin and succulent shelled shrimp. These refreshing rolls are typically dipped in either a rich and nutty hoisin-based sauce or nuoc cham, enhancing the fresh flavors of this healthy and delightful Vietnamese food.
Try it: Quan An Ngon, at 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, offers a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes, including excellent goi cuon.
14. Banh Can: Savory Mini Pancakes
Bite-sized savory pancakes, banh can, are a beloved Vietnamese food specialty from the south-central coast. Made from a simple yet flavorful combination of rice batter, a cracked quail egg, and fragrant green onions, banh can are cooked over an open flame in traditional earthenware grills, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, savory interior. Traditionally served plain, banh can is now often enhanced with toppings such as shrimp or pork and dipped in a flavorful broth loaded with green onions and small, savory meatballs, adding layers of flavor and texture to this delightful Vietnamese food snack.
Try it: Phan Rang, located at 106 Truong Dinh, Phuong 9, Quan 3, Ho Chi Minh City, is a popular spot to enjoy authentic banh can.
15. Hu Tieu Nam Vang: Phnom Penh Noodle Soup
Hu tieu is a ubiquitous street food staple in southern Vietnam, representing the Vietnamese adaptation of kuy teav in Cambodia and guay tiew in Thailand. This flavorful noodle soup is served either “wet” (nuoc) in a rich broth or “dry” (kho) with the broth on the side. Typically, a cloudy broth made from pork bones forms the base of hu tieu. The definitive rendition of hu tieu is Hu Tieu Nam Vang, or Phnom Penh-style hu tieu. This version features a complex and flavorful broth with toppings including pork on the bone, tender boiled liver, a quail egg, and succulent shrimp. For the less adventurous, you can request to omit the congealed pork blood chunks that are sometimes included. The peppery broth, speckled with chopped green onions, also has a subtle sweetness derived from the addition of rock sugar, adding a unique dimension to this popular Vietnamese food.
Try it: Hu Tieu Co Huong, at 152/7/2 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, is a well-known spot for enjoying delicious hu tieu.
16. Cha Ca: Turmeric Fish with Dill
Fragrant with fresh dill, cha ca is a distinctly northern Vietnamese food delicacy, particularly associated with Hanoi. This dish offers a captivating contrast of flavors, textures, and colors. Chunks of flaky white fish are marinated in vibrant turmeric before being sautéed in hot butter over high heat. Fresh dill and green onions are then generously scattered across the sizzling skillet, their feathery fronds draping over the pale yellow fish fillets, creating a visually stunning dish. Cha ca is a very photogenic entree, so be sure to capture a picture while the dill is still vibrant and wispy before it wilts from the heat, preserving the beauty of this unique Vietnamese food experience.
Try it: Cha Ca Thang Long Restaurant, at 19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, is a highly regarded restaurant specializing in cha ca.
17. Nom Hoa Chuoi: Banana Flower Salad
Nom hoa chuoi, banana flower salad, is a visually stunning and refreshing Vietnamese food creation. It features a colorful array of shredded banana flowers tossed with crisp pickled carrots, fresh coriander, crunchy lotus root, and refreshing cabbage. Depending on the season and regional variations, additions may include segments of juicy pomelo and julienned green mango or papaya, adding further layers of flavor and texture. In some preparations, you might find chicken, beef, and/or shrimp, while nom hoa chuoi can also be enjoyed as a vibrant vegetarian Vietnamese food option. The salad is bound together with flavorful nuoc cham sauce and generously garnished with crushed peanuts and fiery bird’s eye chili. For an extra refreshing touch, a squeeze of lime juice is highly recommended.
Try it: Mountain Retreat, located at 36 Le Loi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, offers a delightful nom hoa chuoi in a pleasant setting.
18. Banh Cuon: Steamed Rice Rolls
Banh cuon, made from large, thin sheets of delicate steamed rice flour, are a delightful and savory Vietnamese food treat. The rice sheets are carefully gathered around a flavorful filling of minced pork and earthy wood-ear mushrooms, then gently folded and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Banh cuon is always prepared fresh to order, ensuring optimal texture and flavor. It is typically topped with crispy dried shallots and served with a side bowl of savory fish sauce and slices of Vietnamese pork sausage. Enjoy banh cuon for breakfast like a local, and feel free to add fresh herbs to enhance the flavors of each bite of this light and satisfying Vietnamese food.
Try it: Banh Cuon 101 Ba Trieu, at 147 Trieu Viet Vuong, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, is a popular spot to enjoy freshly made banh cuon.
19. Bun Cha Ca: Fish Cake Noodle Soup
Bun cha ca is a Vietnamese food dish with numerous regional variations, each offering a unique twist. Common elements include spaghetti-like rice vermicelli noodles (bun), savory fish cakes (cha ca), and fresh herbs, all adapted with local ingredients and flavors. Pictured above is bun cha ca Nha Trang, from the central coastal city of Nha Trang. This version features the core ingredients, along with bouncy squid cakes, fragrant dill, fried green onions, and ripe tomatoes, creating a light and slightly sour flavor profile. Enjoy bun cha ca with a side of fresh greens and a squeeze of lime to enhance the bright flavors of this coastal Vietnamese food specialty.
Try it: Bun Ca Min, located at 170 Bach Dang, Tan Lap, Nha Trang, is a well-regarded restaurant for experiencing authentic bun cha ca Nha Trang.
20. Bun Bo Cuon La Lot: Beef in Betel Leaves
A crispy, seared, leafy exterior encases juicy minced beef, fragrant garlic, and shallots in bo la lot. This southern Vietnamese food specialty is a delightful surprise. A flavorful meat mixture is rolled in aromatic betel leaves, resembling small cigars, and then grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky char and enhancing the peppery notes of the betel leaves. The result is a stupendous burst of flavor that can be enjoyed on its own, with noodles, or rolled in rice paper with fresh herbs. The playful textures and bold flavors, especially when dipped in a spicy fish sauce, make bo la lot a must-try Vietnamese food for meat lovers visiting Vietnam.
Try it: Co Lieng, at 321 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, is a local spot known for its delicious bo la lot.
21. Che: Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup
Che encompasses a wide variety of Vietnamese sweet desserts, served either warm or cold, and ranging in consistency from pudding-like to soup-like. Cold che often features a refreshing combination of jellied ingredients and tropical fruits such as sweet bananas, juicy mangoes, and delicate longan, typically drizzled with creamy coconut cream. Always a textural adventure, you’ll often encounter delightful surprises like coconut shreds, refreshing crushed ice, soft lotus seeds, and various jellies within these syrupy sweet snacks. Che ba mau, the beautiful three-colored dessert, is often referred to as “rainbow dessert.” This visually stunning layered creation features red beans, creamy mashed mung beans, and vibrant pandan jelly, topped with crushed ice and rich coconut milk, making it a perfect and refreshing end to any Vietnamese food journey.
Try it: Che 95, located at 95 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, is a popular destination to explore the diverse and delicious world of che.
Vietnamese foods offer an incredible journey for the senses, showcasing a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and regional specialties. From the bustling street food stalls to elegant restaurants, exploring Vietnamese cuisine is an essential part of experiencing the heart and soul of Vietnam.
