To truly understand Vietnam, you must first taste it. The soul of this incredible country isn’t found in fancy restaurants; it’s discovered on a tiny plastic stool, amidst the chaotic symphony of a bustling street corner. The air is thick with the scent of grilling pork, fragrant lemongrass, and steaming, spiced broth. This is the world of Vietnamese street food, and it’s an adventure in itself.

Navigating this vibrant culinary landscape can be overwhelming, but it’s also the most rewarding journey you can take. Consider this your expert checklist, a guide to the 21 must-try food in Vietnam that will connect you to the heart of its culture, one delicious bite at a time. We’ve broken it down by region, as the flavours change as you travel the length of the country.

A steaming hot bowl of Vietnamese beef noodle soup garnished with fresh herbs and a lime wedge.

The Soulful Flavours of the North (Hanoi & Surrounds)

Northern cuisine is known for its balanced, subtle, and savory flavours. This is the historic heartland of some of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes.

  1. Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup): The undisputed king. A rich, clear beef broth simmered for hours with star anise and cinnamon, served with flat rice noodles and tender slices of beef. It’s the perfect breakfast.
  2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles): A Hanoi specialty. Smoky, grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly are served in a bowl of tangy dipping sauce with rice vermicelli and a mountain of fresh herbs.
  3. Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Turmeric Fish with Dill): An iconic dish where chunks of fish are marinated in turmeric and galangal, then pan-fried at your table with heaps of fresh dill and spring onions.
  4. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls): Delicate, paper-thin rice noodle sheets are steamed and filled with seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms, then topped with crispy fried shallots.
  5. Xôi Xéo (Sweet Sticky Rice): A popular breakfast, this savory dish consists of sticky rice coloured with turmeric, topped with mung bean paste and fried shallots.
  6. Bánh Gối (Fried Dumplings): Often called “pillow cakes,” these are crispy, deep-fried pastries filled with minced pork, glass noodles, and mushrooms, perfect for a savory snack.
  7. Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee): A uniquely Hanoian creation. Rich, dark coffee is topped with a creamy, meringue-like foam made from egg yolks and condensed milk. It’s a dessert and a coffee in one.

The Royal & Rustic Tastes of the Centre (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

Central Vietnamese food is bold, spicy, and often beautifully presented, a legacy of its imperial past.

  1. Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup): Hue’s answer to Pho is a powerhouse of flavour. Its broth is infused with lemongrass and chilli, and it features thicker, rounder noodles and various cuts of beef.
  2. Mì Quảng (Quang Style Noodles): A dish of wide, flat rice noodles with a small amount of intensely flavourful broth, topped with pork, shrimp, peanuts, and a crispy rice cracker.
  3. Bánh Xèo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake): A large, sizzling, crispy pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. You wrap pieces in lettuce and herbs to eat.
  4. Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles): A Hoi An exclusive. Chewy noodles, made with water from a specific local well, are served with slices of barbecued pork, greens, and crispy pork rind. A must-try in the ancient town.
  5. Bánh Bèo (Water Fern Cake): Dainty, steamed rice cakes in tiny saucers, topped with dried shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork skin, all drenched in a light fish sauce.
  6. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Vạc): Another Hoi An specialty, these delicate, steamed shrimp dumplings are bunched to resemble white roses.
  7. Cơm Hến (Clam Rice): A simple but flavour-packed dish from Hue, with tiny stir-fried clams served over rice with herbs, peanuts, and a bowl of clam broth on the side.

The Sweet & Bold Bites of the South (Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta)

Southern cooking is sweeter and uses more herbs and spices, influenced by its vibrant, tropical climate.

  1. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich): The perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines. A crispy baguette is loaded with pâté, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a choice of protein like grilled pork or meatballs.
  2. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice): A staple of Saigon street food. Broken rice grains are topped with a grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, a steamed egg meatloaf, and a fried egg.
  3. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): A healthy and refreshing snack. Rice paper is wrapped around boiled pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, served with a rich peanut dipping sauce.
  4. Bò Lá Lốt (Beef in Wild Betel Leaves): Seasoned ground beef is wrapped in fragrant wild betel leaves and grilled over charcoal, creating an irresistibly smoky and aromatic bite.
  5. Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza): A sheet of rice paper is grilled over coals and topped with egg, green onions, dried shrimp, and cheese or sausage. A fun, modern street snack.
  6. Chè (Sweet Soup/Pudding): A general term for any traditional Vietnamese sweet beverage or pudding, often made with coconut milk, beans, fruits, and jellies.
  7. Nước Mía (Sugarcane Juice): The ultimate thirst quencher. Fresh sugarcane stalks are pressed through a machine, often with a hint of calamansi or pineapple, served over ice.

A Note for Vegetarian Foodies: Don’t worry, the options are plentiful! Look for “Chay” signs. You can enjoy Phở Chay (veggie broth), Gỏi Cuốn Chay (with tofu), and delicious mock-meat versions of many dishes.

Conclusion: A Journey for Your Senses

Eating your way through Vietnam is the best way to travel. Each dish tells a story about the region’s history, its people, and its landscape. It’s a journey that engages all your senses and leaves you with memories that last a lifetime.

Suggested Internal Links
Vegetarian Foodies
Hanoi & Surrounds