Vietnamese cuisine is a fascinating blend of flavors, textures, and influences from various regions, cultures, and historical periods. From savory soups to crispy rolls, spicy salads, and hearty noodles, there are countless options to indulge in when it comes to food in Vietnam.Â
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Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or a curious traveler, trying the local dishes is a must-do experience that will take you on a culinary journey you will remember. In this travel guide, we’ll explore some of Vietnam’s most popular and delicious food, along with tips on where to eat and what to expect.
Pho
Let’s start with the quintessential Vietnamese dish that needs no introduction – Pho. This beloved noodle soup is a staple breakfast, lunch, or dinner option that you can find in any city, town, or village in Vietnam. Made with flat rice noodles, beef or chicken broth, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and meat or tofu, Pho is a hearty and satisfying meal with flavors and aromas. You can customize your Pho with different condiments such as chili sauce, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha, to name a few.
Among the best places to try Pho in Vietnam are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue.
Banh Mi
Banh Mi is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack or a light meal. This French-inspired sandwich features a crispy baguette filled with various fillings such as grilled pork, pate, ham, cheese, eggs, vegetables, and pickles. The combination of textures and flavors makes Banh Mi so addictive, and you can find it at street food stalls, cafes, and restaurants across Vietnam. Among the best places to try Banh Mi in Vietnam include Hoi An, Da Nang, and Saigon.
Bun Cha
Another iconic Vietnamese dish that you should take notice of is Bun Cha. This delicious dish consists of grilled pork patties and slices served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. The smoky and juicy pork, fragrant herbs, and sweet and sour sauce create a harmonious flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Bun Cha is a popular street food in Vietnam, you also find it in cities such as Hanoi, Hue and Da Nang.
Cao Lau
If you’re a fan of noodles, you’ll love Cao Lau. This dish is a specialty of Hoi An, a charming coastal town known for its historic architecture and culinary scene. Cao Lau features thick noodles made with ash water, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. The noodles have a unique texture and flavor from the water used to make them, which can only be found in Hoi An. Cao Lau is usually served with soybean sprouts and chili sauce, making it a balanced and flavorful meal.
Goi Cuon
Goi Cuon is the perfect choice if you’re craving something light and refreshing. Also known as fresh spring rolls, Goi Cuon consists of rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs, dipped in peanut sauce or fish sauce. Combining crispy veggies, chewy rice paper, and savory filling makes Goi Cuon a satisfying and healthy snack or appetizer. You can find Goi Cuon at most Vietnamese restaurants, but the best ones are often found at local markets or street food stalls.
Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a must-try dish for those who crave spicy and savory flavors. This noodle soup originated in Hue, a former imperial city in central Vietnam, and features spicy beef broth, rice noodles, sliced beef shank, pork hock, and various herbs and vegetables. The soup is garnished with chili oil, lime wedges, and banana blossom, adding a tangy and crunchy texture. Bun Bo Hue is a hearty and satisfying dish that will warm you up on a cold day or after a long night out.
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a crispy and flavorful pancake famous in Vietnam’s central and southern regions. The pancake is made with rice flour, turmeric powder, coconut milk, and water and filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. The pancake is folded in half and served with lettuce leaves, herbs, and dipping sauce. Banh Xeo is a fun and interactive dish you can wrap in lettuce leaves and dip in the sauce, creating a crunchy and refreshing bite. The best places to try Banh Xeo are Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang.
Ca Kho To
Ca Kho To is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features caramelized fish cooked in clay pots with various spices and seasonings. The fish is marinated in sauce, sugar, garlic, and shallots and simmered with coconut water, chili, and lemongrass until tender and fragrant.
The dish is served hot with steamed rice and fresh herbs, and the combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors makes it so delicious. Ca Kho To is a popular home-cooked meal in Vietnam, but you can also find it at some restaurants and street food stalls.
Nem Nuong
Nem Nuong is a grilled pork sausage that is a specialty of the central province of Ninh Thuan. The sausage is made with ground pork, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce and grilled over charcoal until it becomes crispy and fragrant.
Nem Nuong is often served with rice paper, lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce, which allows you to wrap and customize your rolls. The sausage has a unique and addictive flavor that is different from other Vietnamese dishes, and it’s a great snack or appetizer to share with friends or family.
Che
Last but not least, let’s talk about desserts. Che is a Vietnamese sweet soup with many variations and flavors, such as coconut, beans, fruits, and tapioca pearls. Che can be served hot or cold, and it’s a popular dessert or snack you can find at most Vietnamese restaurants and markets. Some of the most popular Che flavors are Che Ba Mau (three-color dessert), Che Troi Nuoc (glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup), and Che Chuoi (banana and coconut milk dessert). Che is a refreshing and satisfying way to finish a meal or to cool down on a hot day.
In conclusion, Vietnam is a foodie paradise offering a wide range of delicious and unique foods that satisfy any palate. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, you can find fantastic food in Vietnam wherever you go. Whether you’re a fan of noodles, soups, pancakes, sandwiches, or desserts, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. So, pack your bags and be ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
Don’t forget to try Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, and other must-try dishes, and explore lesser-known gems like Cao Lau, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Xeo, Ca Kho To, and Nem Nuong. Remember to be adventurous and open-minded when trying new food in Vietnam, as some of the best meals here can be found in the most unexpected places.