TOP must-try Famous Vietnamese foods

1.Banh Mi

Though often referred to as a sandwich, Banh Mi is an experience in itself. A quintessential Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi blends French and Vietnamese influences. Its perfect balance of crispy, chewy bread and savory fillings—like roasted pork, pickled vegetables, and pate—creates a burst of flavors. There are endless variations, each with unique regional twists, like adding local meats, seafood, or even tofu for vegetarians.

It’s so delicious that Vietnamese baguette is ranked the 7th best street food in the world by TasteAtlas, a website dedicated to discovering fresh ingredients, traditional dishes, and authentic restaurants around the world in 2023.

Banh Mi- Famous Vietnamese food

2.Pho

A symbol of Vietnamese cuisine, Pho’s allure lies in its rich, slow-cooked broth. Pho is one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes, so much so that it has been officially added to the English dictionary.  Traditionally made with beef or chicken, this dish consists of a fragrant broth simmered with spices, tender slices of beef or chicken, soft rice noodles, and fresh herbs. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a rich, flavorful bowl that represents Vietnamese culinary artistry. This delicious noodle soup has become beloved worldwide, serving as an ambassador of Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

Vietnamese beef pho is mentioned second on the list of 20 most delicious dishes in the world by CNN.

Pho- Famous Vietnamese food

3.Bun Cha

Elevate your dining experience with Bun Cha, a must-try Vietnamese delight from Hanoi. Originating from Hanoi, Bun Cha offers a smokier, grilled flavor compared to Pho. This savory dish features perfectly grilled pork, marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, served over tender rice vermicelli noodles. The vibrant freshness of herbs and crunchy pickled vegetables add a dynamic contrast to the succulent pork. For an authentic experience, dip each bite into the tangy, umami-rich fish sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is a vibrant representation of Northern Vietnam’s culinary identity, with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Bun Cha isn’t just a meal, it’s a delicious journey into the heart of Vietnam’s street food culture!

Bun Cha- Must try Vietnamese food

4. Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish)

Chả Cá Lã Vọng, or fried fish with turmeric and dill, is one of Hanoi’s most iconic dishes, offering a unique blend of flavors that reflects the city’s culinary heritage. The dish features succulent chunks of grilled fish marinated in turmeric and accompanied by fragrant dill, served sizzling on a hot pan. It’s often enjoyed with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a dash of fish sauce, creating a harmonious mix of textures and tastes. Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a must-try for anyone exploring Hanoi’s rich food scene.

Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish)

5. Bánh cuốn (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls)

Bánh cuốn, or Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, is a delicate dish made from thin sheets of fermented rice batter. These soft, translucent rolls are filled with savory minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, often topped with fried shallots and served alongside a side of refreshing herbs. A small bowl of fish sauce, typically enhanced with lime and chili, accompanies the dish, adding a burst of flavor. Light yet satisfying, making it a favorite breakfast dish across the country, offers a delightful balance of texture and taste.

Bánh cuốn (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls)

6. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Savor the vibrant essence of Southern Vietnam with Goi cuon, or Vietnamese summer rolls. These light, fresh delicacies are a must-try, offering a healthy yet flavorful snack. Delicately wrapped in translucent rice paper, the rolls are filled with tender shrimp or pork, vermicelli noodles, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic herbs like mint and cilantro. Often served with a side of savory peanut dipping sauce or tangy fish sauce, Goi cuon provides a refreshing balance of textures, making it a delightful, guilt-free indulgence for any occasion.

Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

7. Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls)

Chả Giò, also known as Vietnamese fried spring rolls, is a crispy and flavorful dish that is beloved both locally and internationally. These rolls are typically filled with a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, glass noodles, mushrooms, and vegetables, all wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to golden perfection. Often served with fresh lettuce, herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, and garlic, Chả Giò offers a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors, making it a must-try dish in Vietnamese cuisine. 

Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls)- Must try in Vietnam

8. Banh Xeo

Banh Xèo, often referred to as Vietnamese savory pancakes, is a crispy and flavorful dish that delights with its combination of textures and ingredients. Made from a batter of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, the pancake is pan-fried to a golden crisp and filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Traditionally, Banh Xèo is served wrapped in rice paper or lettuce along with fresh herbs, then dipped in a tangy fish sauce. Each bite offers a perfect blend of crunch, freshness, and savory richness.

Banh Xeo Vietnamese pancake

9. Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue is a spicy, flavorful beef noodle soup hailing from Vietnam’s central region, particularly Hue. Unlike the milder Phở, the broth of Bun Bo Hue is infused with bold flavors of lemongrass and chili, creating a rich and aromatic soup with a spicy kick. This savory broth is paired with thick, round rice noodles, tender slices of beef, pork, and sometimes even oxtail or pig’s feet. Topped with fresh herbs, lime, and chili, this dish offers an unforgettable depth of flavors perfect for those who crave heat.

Bun Bo Hue is a spicy, flavorful beef noodle soup

10. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Xôi is a delightful Vietnamese dish made from glutinous rice, celebrated for its versatility as both a sweet and savory option. Whether topped with succulent pork, tender chicken, creamy mung beans, or sweet coconut shavings, Xôi makes for a comforting meal or a satisfying snack at any time of the day.

Xôi- delightful Vietnamese dish

Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)

A beloved staple in southern Vietnam, Saigon, Cơm Tấm features broken rice served with juicy grilled pork chops, fried eggs, and tangy pickled vegetables. Often enhanced with a drizzle of sweet fish sauce, this dish balances savory and sweet flavors, creating a hearty and satisfying experience.

Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)- Famous food in Saigon

Mì Quảng

Originating from central Vietnam, Mì Quảng Hoi An is a distinctive dry noodle dish packed with flavors. Served with tender pork, fresh shrimp, aromatic herbs, and topped with crunchy peanuts, it stands out with its rich, turmeric-infused broth, offering a delightful twist on traditional noodle dishes.

Mi Quang in Hoian

Cao Lầu

Cao Lau is a unique noodle specialty from Hoi An, featuring chewy noodles paired with tender slices of pork, fresh greens, and crispy croutons. Its distinct flavor comes from water sourced from local wells, adding an earthy, traditional essence that makes it a must-try dish.

Famous Cao Lầu in Hoi An

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang

This southern noodle soup, Hu Tieu Nam Vang, showcases a blend of Cambodian and Chinese culinary influences. Known for its clear, savory broth, it features a mix of pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and fresh vegetables, resulting in a nourishing and refreshing meal.

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang- Top dish in Vietnam

Chè ( Sweet soup)

Vietnam’s dessert culture is diverse, and Chè is a standout with its many varieties. Served hot or cold, Chè combines beans, fruits, jellies, and coconut milk for a delightful treat. Popular options include Chè Ba Màu (three-color dessert), Sweet lotus seed gruel, and Chè Đậu Xanh (mung bean dessert), offering a sweet finish to any meal.

Che- Vietnam’s dessert

Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine reflects a deep history and regional diversity. From the bustling street food stalls of Hanoi to the quiet alleys of Hoi An, every dish carries a unique blend of tradition and flavor. Whether you crave the comfort of Pho or the complexity of Bun Cha, exploring these dishes is a journey through Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.

Each dish offers a chance to experience Vietnam’s culture through its ingredients, preparation methods, and flavors.

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