Vietnam is a culinary paradise where every dish tells a story. From Hanoi’s bustling street food stalls to Saigon’s elegant restaurants, Vietnamese cuisine offers an explosion of fresh flavors, aromatic herbs, and contrasting textures. After living in Vietnam for a year and traveling the country from north to south, I’ve created this essential guide to help you discover must-try dishes and the best places to enjoy them.
1. Noodle Soups – Vietnam’s Soul Food
Phở (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
- What it is: Vietnam’s most famous dish – rice noodles in rich beef bone broth with fresh herbs and meat (typically beef – phở bò or chicken – phở gà).
- Where to try it:
- Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư (Hanoi): Serves clear, fragrant broth with cinnamon and star anise.
- Phở Hòa Pasteur (Ho Chi Minh City): A southern-style version with bolder flavors.
- My experience: In Hanoi, I learned real phở is a breakfast food – the best stalls close by noon.
Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
- What it is: A spicy central Vietnamese soup with thick noodles, beef, pork, and fermented shrimp paste.
- Where to try it: Bún Bò Huế O Xuân (Hue) – locals’ favorite spot.
Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles)
- What it is: Thick noodles with roast pork, herbs, and crispy noodle croutons – only found in Hoi An.
- Fun fact: The noodles must be made with water from Hoi An’s ancient wells!
2. Rice Dishes & Street Food Classics
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice with Pork)
- What it is: Fragmented rice grains served with grilled pork chops, fried egg, and sweet fish sauce.
- Where to try it: Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền (HCMC) – legendary 24-hour spot.
Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
- What it is: Crusty baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled veggies, and cilantro.
- Best places:
- Bánh Mì Phượng (Hoi An) – famous for perfect balance.
- Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa (Saigon) – overloaded with meats.
- My favorite: The bánh mì trứng (with fried egg) I bought every morning in Hanoi for under $1.
3. Fresh Rolls & Appetizers
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
- What it is: Rice paper rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli.
- Where to try: Any local market, but Saigon versions are typically juicier.
Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crispy Pancake)
- What it is: Turmeric rice flour crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
- How to eat: Cut pieces, wrap in lettuce, and dip in fish sauce.
4. Seafood & Regional Specialties
Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
- What it is: Grilled pork patties served with cold noodles and herbs.
- Origin: Hanoi (Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate at Bún Chả Hương Liên).
Ốc (Vietnamese Snails)
- How they’re served: Steamed with lemongrass, stir-fried with chili, or cooked in coconut milk.
- Where to try: Hanoi’s Snail Street or Quán Ốc Như (Saigon).
5. Drinks & Desserts
Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
- Where to drink: Any café, but Café Giảng (Hanoi) invented the original in the 1940s.
Chè (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup)
- Varieties: Chè ba màu (three-color dessert) or chè chuối (banana with tapioca).
Final Recommendations
✅ First-timers: Start with phở and bánh mì
✅ Adventurous eaters: Try snails (ốc) or bún đậu mắm tôm (tofu with shrimp paste)
✅ Best street food experience: Bến Thành Market (Saigon) or Đồng Xuân Market (Hanoi)
What’s your favorite Vietnamese dish? Share in the comments! 🍜🇻🇳
