Discover a variety of mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisine, from the iconic Pho to the tempting Banh Mi, complete with unique flavors and traditions.
Vietnam has a wealth of culinary delights that not only pamper the tongue but also captivate the eyes. From light snacks like Goi Cuon to heavy meals like Pho, every bite brings you closer to Vietnam’s rich culture and history.
With French, Chinese and local influences, Vietnamese food is known for its fresh ingredients, thoughtful use of spices, and a balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. Here are 10 Vietnamese dishes you must try when visiting the country.
1. Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are one of Vietnam’s most popular appetizers. With a translucent rice skin, goi cuon are filled with a variety of fresh ingredients such as greens, cilantro, and protein such as minced pork or shrimp.
Southern variations even use grilled meat chunks wrapped in green banana leaves, which are then dipped in a savory peanut sauce.
In Northern Vietnam, goi cuon is known as nem cuon. It is often served as an appetizer in local restaurants and is usually served with a special peanut sauce. Its fresh and light taste makes it a perfect choice before enjoying the main course.
2. Pho
Nothing is more iconic than Pho, Vietnam’s signature noodle soup. Pho consists of rice noodles in a rich beef or chicken broth, accompanied by spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and scallions.
The dish is popular throughout Vietnam, with each region having its own unique way of preparing it. Although Pho can be found in many places, the taste remains authentic with each vendor.
Usually, Typical Vietnam Food, Pho, is served with various accompaniments such as fish sauce, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables. When you are on the streets of Vietnam, it is not uncommon to see crowds of people enjoying a bowl of Pho at roadside stalls.
3. Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich inspired by the French baguette. However, the filling served inside is what makes it unique and distinctive.
The fillings vary, from sliced roast pork, chicken, to eggs, complemented with vegetables such as cucumber, coriander, and pickled carrots. Banh Mi has a very harmonious combination of flavors between the crispy bread and the delicious filling inside.
Due to French influence, Banh Mi is very popular in Vietnam, even internationally, because of its delicious taste and easy to find in various corners of Vietnam. The specialty of Banh Mi is its very varied choice of meat, providing many choices for culinary lovers.
4. Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a large Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour. This pancake is filled with various ingredients such as pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and eggs that are fried until crispy, then wrapped in lettuce leaves and fresh vegetables.
Banh Xeo is usually eaten with fish sauce which gives this dish a salty and fresh taste. Banh Xeo is most famous in Ho Chi Minh City and is often served as a light meal or snack during long journeys.
This food is also very suitable to be eaten with friends or family because of its savory and crunchy taste.
5. Cha Cha
Cha Ca is a very typical dish in Hanoi. This dish consists of pieces of fish seasoned with garlic, turmeric, ginger, and anise, then cooked on a hot pot directly at the dining table. This dish is often enjoyed with rice and fresh vegetables.
What makes Cha Ca La Vong so famous is that the restaurant specializes in serving this dish, making it a culinary icon in Hanoi.
However, the price of this dish is quite expensive, and as an alternative, you can try it at other restaurants that serve Cha Ca at a more affordable price but still delicious.
6. Banh Hue
Banh Hue is a typical dish from Central Vietnam, consisting of various types of rice flour cakes. One of the most popular is Banh Beo, a steamed rice cake served with dried shrimp, scallions, and roasted peanuts.
The savory and slightly spicy taste combines perfectly with the distinctive fish sauce. Banh Hue reflects the traditional cooking style of Central Vietnam that is rich in flavor. It is usually served with a variety of toppings to choose from, adding a unique flavor to every bite.
7. Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a very famous Central Vietnamese noodle dish. One bowl of Mi Quang usually contains noodles, beef or chicken, flavored oil, shrimp, quail eggs and peanuts.
With the addition of fresh mint leaves, Mi Quang provides a rich, savory and fresh taste in every bite. Mi Quang differs from other noodle dishes in that it uses very little broth, providing a drier noodle experience with a variety of ingredients.
This dish is perfect for those of you who want to taste the authentic taste of Central Vietnam.
8. Xoi
Xoi is a very typical Vietnamese sticky rice dish, usually eaten as a main dish. This sticky rice is cooked with various mixtures, ranging from sliced chicken, fried eggs, to preserved ingredients. On top, it is often sprinkled with fried shallots which give a savory taste to this dish.
Xoi is most often eaten at breakfast or lunch, but can also be served as a light meal throughout the day. Due to its deliciousness, Xoi is a very popular choice among locals.
9. Chao Tom
Chao Tom is a specialty from Central Vietnam consisting of shrimp seasoned and mashed into a paste. The shrimp are then wrapped in sugar cane stalks and steamed to maintain their shape.
Chao Tom can then be grilled or fried, giving it a savory and slightly sweet taste that is tempting. This dish is a perfect combination of delicious prawns and the distinctive aroma of sugar cane stalks, which makes it a unique dish in Central Vietnam.
10. Bo La Lot
Bo La Lot, or ground beef wrapped in betel leaves, is a very unique dish that is different from most other Vietnamese dishes. Ground beef is seasoned with special spices, then wrapped in betel leaves from the Piper sarmentosum plant.
After that, the meat is grilled over charcoal until cooked. The aroma produced by burning betel leaves gives a distinctive perfume nuance, making this dish very special.
Bo La Lot is one of the traditional dishes that is popular among Vietnamese people, especially for those who want to taste something unique and different. Its rich taste of spices makes Bo La Lot a very appetizing dish.
Vietnamese cuisine offers a variety of flavors and ingredients that will please your palate. From the refreshing Goi Cuon to the rich broth Pho, and the tempting Banh Mi, each Vietnamese dish has its own story and history.
Not only are these Vietnamese specialties filling, they also reflect the colorful local culture. Typical Vietnam Souvenirs can include some of these delicious treats, allowing you to take a taste of Vietnam home with you.
So, if you visit Vietnam, be sure to try these ten specialties to experience the deliciousness for yourself!