If you’re a Filipino traveler heading to Vietnam, one of the highlights you shouldn’t miss is the local cuisine. Known for its harmony of flavors—fresh herbs, zesty dipping sauces, tender meats, and light, aromatic broths—Vietnamese food offers a truly unique experience. Just like Filipino cooking, it reflects rich cultural traditions shaped by history, geography, and everyday life. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Vietnamese food to try that will make your journey even more unforgettable.
To help you make the most of your culinary adventure, here’s a guide to the best Vietnamese food to try while exploring this beautiful country.
1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
A warm bowl of phở is Vietnam’s most iconic dish. It’s made with flat rice noodles, fragrant beef or chicken broth, and topped with herbs like cilantro, green onion, and Thai basil. Served with bean sprouts, lime, and chili on the side, phở is typically eaten for breakfast but is delicious any time of day. It may remind you of batchoy, but it’s lighter and herbier.
2. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
This tasty sandwich reflects Vietnam’s French colonial past. A crispy baguette is filled with grilled pork, chicken, or cold cuts, along with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, chili, and a smear of liver pâté or mayonnaise. Think of it like pan de sal, but with more crunch and bold flavors. It’s cheap, portable, and available on almost every street corner.
3. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, gỏi cuốn are made with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs wrapped in rice paper. They are usually served cold with a rich peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. These are healthier than the fried lumpia we’re used to in the Philippines, and they’re perfect as a light appetizer or snack on a hot day.
4. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Hailing from Hanoi, bún chả features grilled pork patties and sliced pork belly served in a bowl of sweet-and-sour fish sauce, accompanied by rice noodles and plenty of herbs. You eat it by dipping the noodles and greens into the sauce. It’s like a Vietnamese twist on inihaw na baboy with a refreshing herbal touch. best Vietnamese food to try
5. Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
Vietnamese coffee is strong, dark, and flavorful. Brewed using a metal drip filter, cà phê sữa đá is mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice. If you enjoy kapeng barako, you’ll love the bold taste and creamy finish of this unique coffee. It’s a must-try, especially during warm afternoons.
6. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)
Bánh xèo is a crispy pancake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. You break off a piece, wrap it in lettuce and herbs, then dip it in fish sauce. This dish offers a great mix of textures—crispy, soft, and crunchy. It’s somewhat similar to tortang hipon, but much lighter and greener.
7. Chè (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup)
Chè is a sweet, colorful dessert made from a mix of beans, jelly, fruit, and coconut milk. There are hot and cold versions, but most travelers love the iced version, especially on humid days. For Filipinos who enjoy halo-halo, chè offers a familiar yet distinct Vietnamese dessert experience.
🍽️ Food Tips for Filipino Travelers
- Try street food! It’s clean, delicious, and very affordable.
- Vietnamese food is light and healthy, using less oil and sugar than Filipino cuisine.
- Learn phrases like “Không cay” (Not spicy) if you prefer mild flavors.
- Eat with locals—you’ll learn more about the culture and the food!
🌿 Final Thoughts
Vietnamese cuisine is a true reflection of its culture—light, balanced, and full of life. For Filipino travelers, these dishes are not only delicious but also offer a culinary journey that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone looking to try new things, the best Vietnamese food to try will surely leave you satisfied and wanting more.
So as you explore Vietnam’s mountains, beaches, and cities, don’t forget to explore its flavors. Your taste buds will thank you.