Popular Vietnamese Dishes Every Traveler Should Try
Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers. With its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich culinary traditions, Vietnamese cuisine offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of Hanoi, exploring the charming alleys of Hoi An, or soaking up the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, you’re never far from an incredible meal.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and want to taste the best local dishes, here’s a guide to some must-try Vietnamese foods!
1. Pho (Phở) – Vietnam’s National Dish
If there’s one dish that defines Vietnam, it’s Phở. This flavorful noodle soup is made with slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and either beef (Phở bò) or chicken (Phở gà). The secret to a great bowl of pho lies in the broth—usually simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices.
You’ll find pho everywhere, from humble street stalls to high-end restaurants. If you want an authentic experience, grab a steaming bowl at a roadside eatery in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where locals start their day with this comforting dish.
Where to try: Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn (Hanoi), Phở Thìn (Hanoi), or Phở Lệ (Ho Chi Minh City).
2. Bánh Mì – The Ultimate Vietnamese Sandwich
A fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors, Bánh Mì is a crispy baguette filled with an explosion of flavors. Common fillings include grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of chili sauce. It’s the perfect grab-and-go snack for busy travelers.
Each region in Vietnam has its own take on Bánh Mì. In Hoi An, the sandwich is often stuffed with a variety of meats and sauces, while in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s typically packed with cold cuts, eggs, and fresh greens.
Where to try: Bánh Mì Phượng (Hoi An), Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (Ho Chi Minh City), or any street vendor!
3. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Light, fresh, and delicious, Gỏi Cuốn are Vietnamese fresh spring rolls made with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs wrapped in rice paper. They’re often served with a peanut-hoisin dipping sauce.
These rolls are a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine for those who prefer lighter, non-fried food. They’re also a fun dish to make yourself in cooking classes around Vietnam!
Where to try: Any local restaurant or street vendor—these are a staple across the country.
4. Bún Chả – A Hanoi Specialty
If you’re in Hanoi, don’t leave without trying Bún Chả. This dish features grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly, served with rice noodles and a tangy dipping sauce made of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and garlic.
Bún Chả is often enjoyed with a side of fresh herbs and crispy spring rolls (Nem rán). Fun fact: This was the dish Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama famously shared in Hanoi!
Where to try: Bún Chả Hương Liên (Hanoi), Bún Chả Đắc Kim (Hanoi).
5. Cao Lầu – Hoi An’s Signature Dish
Hoi An is famous for Cao Lầu, a dish that you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. It consists of thick rice noodles, slices of pork, crispy croutons, and fresh herbs, all mixed in a light, savory broth.
Legend has it that authentic Cao Lầu noodles must be made using water from a specific well in Hoi An, giving them a unique texture and flavor.
Where to try: Cao Lầu Thanh (Hoi An), Bà Bé Cao Lầu (Hoi An).
6. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice) – A Southern Favorite
Cơm Tấm, or broken rice, is a popular dish in southern Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s served with grilled pork (sườn nướng), a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce.
Originally a meal for farmers using broken rice grains, Cơm Tấm has now become a beloved street food dish across Vietnam.
Where to try: Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền (Ho Chi Minh City), Cơm Tấm Cali (nationwide).
7. Hủ Tiếu – A Southern Comfort Food
Hủ Tiếu is a flavorful noodle soup popular in southern Vietnam. The broth is lighter than pho and is often topped with pork, seafood, and fresh herbs. Some famous variations include Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (with shrimp and ground pork) and Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho (with chewy noodles).
Where to try: Hủ Tiếu Nhân Quán (Ho Chi Minh City), Hủ Tiếu Thanh Xuân (Can Tho).
8. Bánh Xèo – The Vietnamese Pancake
Bánh Xèo is a crispy, savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s typically wrapped in lettuce or rice paper and dipped in fish sauce before eating.
The name “bánh xèo” means “sizzling cake,” referring to the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan.
Where to try: Bánh Xèo 46A (Ho Chi Minh City), Bánh Xèo Mười Xiềm (Can Tho).
9. Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Treats
No meal in Vietnam is complete without a bowl of Chè! This sweet dessert comes in many variations, featuring ingredients like mung beans, coconut milk, jellies, and even black sticky rice. Some versions are served hot, while others are enjoyed over ice.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on Chè Ba Màu (Three-color dessert) or Chè Bắp (sweet corn pudding).
Where to try: Chè Mười Sáu (Hanoi), Chè Nhà Đèn (Ho Chi Minh City).
10. Vietnamese Coffee – The Perfect Ending
Vietnamese coffee is a must-try, whether you prefer it iced with condensed milk (Cà phê sữa đá), strong and black (Cà phê đen), or the famous Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng). The unique preparation method—using a slow-drip filter (phin)—creates an intense, rich flavor.
Where to try: Giảng Café (Hanoi), Cộng Cà Phê (nationwide).
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Whether you’re a street food lover or prefer dining in restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to explore local markets and street vendors—some of the best meals you’ll have in Vietnam come from tiny stalls on the side of the road!
Have you tried any of these dishes? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!