Vietnam is a dream destination not just for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, but also for its mouthwatering cuisine. From savory noodle soups to sizzling street snacks, Vietnamese food is an explosion of flavor, texture, and history. This Vietnamese food guide will walk you through the best dishes to try, where to find them, and how to eat like a local.
Whether you’re planning a food tour in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or just exploring regional specialties, this guide is your ultimate travel companion.
🍜 Why Vietnamese Cuisine Is So Special?
Vietnamese food is all about balance: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami. It’s also incredibly fresh. Most meals are built around rice, herbs, vegetables, and minimal use of oil, making Vietnamese cuisine both tasty and healthy.
One of the most unique aspects of Vietnamese cooking is how it changes region by region — the north tends to favor light and balanced flavors, the central region is bold and spicy, and the south is vibrant and sweet.
🥇 10 Best Vietnamese Dishes You Must Try
If you’re wondering what to eat in Vietnam, start with these iconic dishes:
1. Phở – Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Pho – Vietnam’s national dish. A bowl of pho includes flat rice noodles, slow-cooked broth, beef or chicken, and herbs. Try it at Pho Bat Dan in Hanoi or Pho Hoa in Saigon.
2. Bánh Mì – Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Filled with pork, pate, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs.
Where to try: Banh Mi 25 (Hanoi), Huynh Hoa (HCMC)
3. Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh Spring Rolls
Also known as summer rolls, these are fresh rice paper rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, noodles, and herbs, dipped in peanut or fish sauce.
4. Bún Chả – Grilled Pork with Vermicelli
Grilled pork belly served in a tangy fish sauce broth with rice noodles and herbs. Famously eaten by Obama in Hanoi.
5. Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice with Grilled Pork
A southern Vietnamese street food classic. Comes with grilled pork chop, egg, and pickled veggies.
6. Cao Lầu – Hoi An’s Signature Noodle Dish
Found only in Hoi An. Chewy noodles, pork, herbs, and croutons in a light broth.
7. Mì Quảng – Turmeric Noodles from Central Vietnam
A dry noodle dish with shrimp, pork, herbs, and roasted peanuts. Served with rice crackers.
8. Chả Cá – Grilled Fish with Dill
A specialty from Hanoi, served with rice noodles, herbs, and fermented shrimp paste.
9. Bánh Xèo – Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake
Crispy crepe stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Wrap it in rice paper with herbs and dip in sauce.
10. Cà Phê Trứng – Egg Coffee
A Hanoi invention: whipped egg yolk over strong Vietnamese coffee. Rich, sweet, and unforgettable.
🍽️ Vietnamese Food Guide
Vietnam’s street food scene is world-famous — and rightfully so. You’ll find carts, stalls, and open kitchens serving dishes that are not only cheap but packed with authentic flavors.
Top cities for street food:
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Hanoi: Bún chả, phở, egg coffee
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Ho Chi Minh City: Cơm tấm, bánh tráng trộn, hủ tiếu
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Hue: Bánh bèo, bánh nậm, nem lụi
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Da Nang: Mì Quảng, bánh xèo, chè
Tip: Go with a local food tour for context, translation, and hidden gems!
Join Hanoi street food
🌍 Vietnamese Food for Tourists: Tips & Etiquette
If you’re a first-time visitor, here are a few cultural and practical tips to enjoy Vietnamese food safely and respectfully:
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Don’t be afraid of street food – just pick busy stalls (high turnover = fresh food)
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Use chopsticks & a spoon – most dishes don’t come with forks
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Don’t pour sauce directly on rice — dip instead
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Vietnamese meals are shared – order multiple dishes for the table
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Be adventurous – but check if something is spicy, fermented, or unfamiliar to you
🍲 What to Eat in Vietnam by Region
Vietnam’s food culture is regional — each area offers unique flavors.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa)
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Known for balance and simplicity
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Famous dishes: Pho, Bun Thang, Cha Ca
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)
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Spicy, complex, smaller portions
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Try: Banh Beo, Mi Quang, Bun Bo Hue
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
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Sweeter flavors, coconut milk, herbs
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Must-try: Com Tam, Hu Tieu, Bun Rieu
🧳 Join a Vietnamese Food Tour
If you want to go beyond restaurants and dive into the local food culture, joining a Vietnamese food tour is the best option. These tours often include:
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Visits to local markets
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Tasting street food at hidden gems
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Learning how dishes are made
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Cultural insights and fun stories
Whether you’re in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An, you’ll find great Vietnamese food tours for tourists that fit any budget or schedule.
See more: Best Vietnamese Food to Try
✅ Final Thoughts: Taste Vietnam One Dish at a Time
This Vietnamese food guide only scratches the surface of what you can taste in Vietnam. From fresh herbs to fermented sauces, from street snacks to home-style meals — the flavors of Vietnam will stay with you long after your trip ends.
🍽️ Ready to explore Vietnamese cuisine?
Start planning your food journey now — and don’t forget to save room for dessert!