A Food Lover’s Guide to Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, offering a vibrant culinary scene filled with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and centuries-old traditions. From street food stalls to family-run eateries, the country’s diverse regional dishes promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. If you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time, these must-try dishes will introduce you to the heart of Vietnamese cuisine.

No trip to Vietnam feels complete without tasting pho, the nation’s most iconic noodle soup. A rich, flavorful broth, slow-cooked with bones and fragrant spices like star anise and cinnamon, creates the base of this beloved dish. Served with tender rice noodles, slices of beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà), and fresh herbs, pho offers a comforting and aromatic meal at any time of day. While Hanoi’s pho boasts a clearer, more delicate broth, the southern version in Ho Chi Minh City leans sweeter and comes with an abundance of herbs and condiments. I tried this Phở Bò (Beef Pho) at a Michelin starred restaurant Phở Chào in Binh Thanh, Saigon.

A fusion of French and Vietnamese influences, banh mi delivers a crispy baguette filled with a medley of savory ingredients. Common fillings include pate, grilled pork, chicken, or eggs, complemented by pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a touch of chili sauce. Each region presents its own variation, with Hoi An’s banh mi often considered the country’s best. Portable and bursting with flavor, this sandwich is an essential street food experience.

Originating in Hanoi, bun cha features grilled pork patties, caramelized pork belly and crab spring rolls served alongside rice noodles and a tangy dipping sauce. The smoky, charred meat pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and noodles, creating a satisfying yet balanced meal. The best way to enjoy bun cha is by dipping everything into the sauce before taking a bite, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. I tried this Michelin star dish at Bún chả Hương Liên in Hanoi where Anthony Bourdain introduced this dish to Barack Obama.

Unique to Hoi An, cao lau showcases thick, chewy noodles made using water from a specific well, giving them a distinct texture. Topped with slices of char siu-style pork, fresh greens, and crispy croutons, this dish provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors that set it apart from other Vietnamese noodle dishes.

For those who love grilled meat, bun thit nuong offers an irresistible choice. This dish consists of vermicelli noodles topped with marinated and grilled pork, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and pickled vegetables. A drizzle of fish sauce-based dressing ties all the elements together, creating a flavorful, refreshing meal perfect for hot days. I tried this dish at a road side stall in District 1, Saigon called Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò – Nguyễn Trung Trực.

For a lighter option, goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls, make a fantastic choice. These translucent rice paper rolls come filled with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and sometimes pork, offering a refreshing and healthy snack. Served with a peanut dipping sauce, goi cuon highlights Vietnam’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.

Hailing from Hue in central Vietnam, Bun Bo Hue delivers a bold and spicy kick. This beef noodle soup features a robust broth infused with lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste. Thick rice noodles, tender beef slices, and fresh herbs complete this hearty dish, making it a must-try for those who enjoy spicier flavors. This is my favourite noodles among the many choices of noodles in Vietnam. You can find these noodles all over Vietnam and not just in Hue. This dish appears to be very popular in Saigon.

A staple in southern Vietnam, com tam features broken rice grains that provide a soft yet slightly chewy texture. Typically served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a tangy fish sauce-based dressing, this dish offers both heartiness and bold flavors. It’s a popular choice for lunch or dinner.

Bo Kho, a fragrant and hearty Vietnamese beef stew, is a dish that warms the soul. Slow-cooked beef, infused with star anise, cinnamon, and lemongrass, results in a rich, aromatic broth. Traditionally served with a baguette for dipping or over rice noodles, bo kho makes for a satisfying meal at any time of the day.

Bánh cuốn, a beloved Vietnamese dish, features thin, silky rice sheets steamed to perfection and filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. These delicate rolls are then topped with crispy fried shallots and served with fresh herbs, slices of cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage), and a bowl of nước chấm—a tangy fish sauce-based dipping sauce. Light yet flavorful, bánh cuốn offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a must-try breakfast or snack for anyone exploring Vietnam’s vibrant food scene.

A delightful dish influenced by Chinese cuisine, Sui Cao noodle soup features delicate wontons filled with seasoned pork and shrimp. These dumplings float in a clear yet flavorful broth, often accompanied by egg noodles and fresh greens. Light yet deeply satisfying, this dish is perfect for those seeking a comforting meal. I had this dish in Binh Thanh at Mì – Sủi Cảo – Hủ Tiếu 68 but you should be able to get this in District 5 and 6 (Chinatown) if the Binh Thanh location is not convenient.

Bún riêu is a vibrant Vietnamese noodle soup known for its rich, tangy broth and bold flavors. Made with a tomato-based stock infused with crab, shrimp paste, and aromatic spices, the soup has a distinct umami depth. The dish typically includes delicate crab meatballs, tofu, pork, and sometimes blood pudding, all served over vermicelli noodles. Fresh herbs, shredded banana blossoms, and bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch, while a squeeze of lime and a dollop of chili paste elevate the flavors even further. Light yet deeply satisfying, bún riêu is a must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam’s street food culture.

Crispy on the outside and packed with a tasty filling of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, banh xeo serves as Vietnam’s answer to a savory pancake. The batter, made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, creates its signature golden hue. For an authentic experience, wrap a piece in lettuce or rice paper, add fresh herbs, and dip it into a zesty fish sauce-based dip. I had this dish and Banh Khot at the same restaurant in Hanoi Mr Bảy Miền Tây – Bánh Xèo.

Bún mắm is a rich and aromatic noodle soup from southern Vietnam, celebrated for its deep, umami-packed broth made with fermented fish sauce. This intensely flavorful base is balanced with lemongrass, garlic, and chili, creating a broth that is both savory and slightly sweet. Served with thick vermicelli noodles, bún mắm is typically topped with an assortment of proteins such as shrimp, squid, pork belly, and eggplant. Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and water spinach provide a crisp contrast, while a squeeze of lime and chili paste enhance its complexity. Bold, fragrant, and deeply satisfying, bún mắm is a must-try for adventurous food lovers seeking an authentic southern Vietnamese dish.

Bánh Khọt are crispy Vietnamese mini pancakes, popular in southern Vietnam, particularly in Vũng Tàu. Made from a rice flour batter mixed with turmeric and coconut milk, these bite-sized treats have a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, slightly chewy center. Typically topped with shrimp, scallions, and sometimes mung beans, bánh khọt are served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a tangy fish sauce-based dipping sauce. To eat them like a local, wrap a pancake in a lettuce leaf, add herbs, and dip it into the sauce for a burst of flavors and textures. Light yet satisfying, bánh khọt showcase Vietnam’s love for crispy, flavorful street food.

Hu Tieu originates from Southern Vietnam, this versatile noodle soup combines a rich, clear broth with a variety of meat options, from succulent pork to savory seafood. The noodles themselves are typically soft, with a slight chewiness, creating a perfect balance with the fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a touch of lime and chili. Whether served with a side of fried shallots or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, Hu Tieu is a comforting bowl that warms both the body and the soul, reflecting the flavors and spirit of Vietnam’s diverse culinary heritage.

Those with a sweet tooth should try che, a traditional Vietnamese dessert available in numerous variations. Ingredients such as mung beans, tapioca, coconut milk, and tropical fruits come together to create delightful treats. Whether served hot or cold, che provides a refreshing finish to any meal.

Coffee lovers shouldn’t leave Vietnam without savoring egg coffee (ca phe trung). Originating in Hanoi, this creamy, rich coffee features a frothy, custard-like topping made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk. Poured over strong Vietnamese coffee, this unique drink exemplifies the creativity of Vietnamese cuisine. I tried this egg coffee at Loading T Café in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Set within a charming 1930s French villa, the café boasts a cozy and inviting ambiance providing a peaceful escape from the city’s lively streets.

Vietnam’s culinary scene, as diverse as its landscapes, offers an incredible array of flavors, textures, and aromas that delight the senses. From the comforting warmth of pho to the spicy depth of Bo Bun Hue, each dish tells a story of the country’s history and culture. Whether enjoying street food in a bustling market or dining at a family-run eatery, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable journey. For first-time visitors, these dishes provide the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s rich gastronomic heritage.