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Vietnamese Food Guide
59
items Vietnamese cuisine is a celebration of balance—sweet and sour, salty and spicy, hot and cold, fresh and cooked all in one bowl. More than just phở and bánh mì, the country's culinary landscape stretches from the sophisticated broths of the north to t...
Sections
7
The National Icons
Northern Vietnam
Central Vietnam
Southern Vietnam
Street Food Snacks & Bites
Vietnamese Drinks
The National Icons
These are the dishes that have put Vietnamese cuisine on the global map. If you only try a few things, start here—these are the flavours that define the country.
Vietnam's essential noodle soup and arguably its most famous dish. A deeply satisfying bowl of harmony—light yet hearty, with aromatic broth simmered for hours with star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon. Northern phở in Hanoi has a clearer, more savoury...
Vietnamese Pho recipe
The perfect pick-me-up and arguably the best-known Vietnamese street food. A crusty French baguette stuffed with grilled pork, pâté, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chilli. Eaten all day long, from street carts to larger shopfronts. ...
Bánh mì Việt Nam
Light, refreshing rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and fresh herbs. A perfect starter or light meal, served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.
Gỏi Cuốn Tôm (Vietnamese Shrimp Summer/Spring Roll) ...
Crispy, golden rolls filled with minced pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vegetables. A beloved appetiser found everywhere from street stalls to fine dining restaurants.
Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)
Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnamese cuisine is characterised by subtle sophistication, balanced flavours, and clear, savoury broths. Dishes are often lighter and more delicate than their southern counterparts.
Hanoi's signature lunchtime dish. Grilled pork patties and slices served over rice noodles with a bowl of sweet and sour fish sauce-based dipping sauce. Assembled bite by bite at the table—a DIY experience that's part of the fun. Gained worldwide fam...
Bún Chả Hanoi Recipe
A vermicelli noodle soup with a light, tomato-based crab broth. Features crab meatballs and cubes of blood pudding. Northern versions have a clearer broth and include snails, while southern versions are more tomato-forward with dried shrimp.
Bún Riêu Cua Recipe By Hoàng Ngọc
Hanoi's famous grilled catfish. Turmeric-marinated fish is sizzled at the table with dill and spring onions, served over vermicelli with peanuts and shrimp paste. A one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Chả cá Lã Vọng
A delicate rice noodle soup from Hanoi that may take hours to prepare. Features shredded chicken, pork, egg, and shrimp paste in a clear, refined broth.
Bún Thang - Vietnamese Noodle Soup (Pork, Chicken & ...
A square, glutinous rice cake stuffed with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. A Lunar New Year (Tết) specialty with its own legend.
Bánh chưng – Wikipedia tiếng Việt
A Michelin-recommended pho featuring heel muscle and fatty flank, served at a Hanoi spot that opens at 5:30 a.m. and sells out by 8 or 9 a.m..
Phở Lõi Gầu Vàng Hoàng Quốc Việt Ngon
A Hanoi delicacy made from young, green rice flakes (cốm) and pork. A seasonal treat that captures the essence of autumn.
Cốm - Young rice, a flavour of Hanoi autumn
Vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste. A polarising but beloved Hanoi dish—the pungent shrimp paste is not for everyone, but locals swear by it.
Bún đậu mắm tôm — Recipes - HAAS
Steamed rice rolls filled with seasoned ground pork and mushrooms, served with fried shallots and dipping sauce. A Northern breakfast staple.
Bánh cuốn – Wikipedia tiếng Việt
Hundreds of variations on sticky rice are found across Vietnam. In the north, try xôi xéo (with mung beans and fried shallots) or xôi gà (with shredded chicken).
Vietnamese Sticky Rice (Xôi Mặn)
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is the country's culinary heartland, home to the imperial cuisine of Hue and the vibrant street food of Hoi An. Dishes here are often more complex, spicier, and influenced by royal court cooking.
The iconic spicy beef noodle soup from Hue. Features thick vermicelli noodles, beef, pork pie, and congealed pig's blood in a rich, lemongrass-infused broth. Bolder and spicier than phở—a must-try for chilli lovers.
Bún bò Huế – Wikipedia tiếng Việt
Hoi An's signature noodle dish. Thick, chewy yellow noodles (made with lye water ash from local wells) served with grilled pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. The noodles have a unique texture found nowhere else.
Cao Lau: The taste of Hoi An and Vietnam in a dish
A signature dish of central Vietnam. Flat rice noodles blended with yellow egg noodles, served with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, and a small amount of flavourful broth. Often topped with crunchy sesame rice crackers.
What Is Mi Quang - the Noodle Dish that Defines Da Nang
Tiny, round steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp, fried shallots, and crispy pork skin. Eaten with a spoon from a small ceramic bowl. The name means "duckweed" because the cakes are as light as duckweed.
Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes Bánh Bèo
A crispy, golden pancake from Hue, similar to bánh xèo but smaller and thicker. Stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with a tangy peanut dipping sauce.
Bánh khoái là bánh gì? Cách phân biệt bánh khoái và bánh xèo
Small, chewy, translucent tapioca dumplings from Hue, filled with shrimp and pork. Wrapped in banana leaves or served open.
Cách Làm Bánh Bột Lọc Kiểu Mới - Rất Dễ và Nhanh Lẹ by Vanh Khuyen
Flat, steamed rice cakes from Hue, topped with seasoned ground shrimp and wrapped in banana leaves.
BÁNH NẬM Cách Làm Đơn Giản Tại Nhà
Grilled ground pork on lemongrass skewers, a traditional dish from Hue. Often wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in peanut sauce.
Nem Lụi Recipe
A noodle dish from central Vietnam featuring fermented anchovy sauce, rice noodles, and pork. Bold, salty, and not for the faint-hearted.
Ngán cơm thì mình ăn Bún Mắm Nêm nha Cả Nhà | Thạch ...
Hoi An's famous delicate dumplings—translucent white wrappers filled with seasoned shrimp or pork, shaped like roses.
White Rose Dumplings & Best Places to Eat in Hoi An ...
Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnamese cuisine is bolder, sweeter, and more vibrant, reflecting the region's tropical climate and abundant produce. Dishes feature more coconut milk, sugar, and fresh herbs.
Saigon's signature dish. Broken rice grains served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. A complete meal with a side of fish sauce.
Cơm Tấm (Vietnamese Broken Rice) Recipe
A noodle soup that originated in southern Vietnam, with Chinese and Cambodian influences. Features clear broth, rice noodles, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and squid. Popular for breakfast and late-night meals.
Hủ tiếu – Wikipedia tiếng Việt
A crispy, turmeric-infused crêpe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Eaten by wrapping pieces in rice paper or lettuce with fresh herbs and dipping in sweet fish sauce. The name comes from the sizzling sound it makes when cooked.
Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes
Caramelised fish in a clay pot—a southern home-style classic. Catfish is simmered in a rich, sweet and savoury sauce with fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Served with steamed rice.
Bí quyết nấu cá kho tộ ngon chuẩn vị, cá dai màu sắc chuẩn đẹp
A signature southern soup featuring catfish, pineapple, tomatoes, okra, and a native green vegetable called "zoh munn". Sweet, sour, and refreshing.
Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Soup (Canh Chua)
The symbol of southern food. Originated in An Giang Province as a humble dish. A rich, pungent hotpot made with fermented fish paste, served with vegetables, seafood, and noodles.
Lẩu mắm, the symbol of southern food
Western noodles with fish sauce, a specialty of the Mekong Delta. Bold, savoury, and deeply flavourful.
Cách nấu Bún mắm thơm ngon chuẩn miền Tây Nam Bộ
A rich, aromatic beef stew with carrots and lemongrass. Served with a fresh baguette for dipping or over rice noodles. A perfect breakfast or lunch option.
Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) Recipe
A refreshing salad with shredded green papaya, dried shrimp, peanuts, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. Light, crunchy, and flavour-packed.
Gỏi đu đủ / Green Papaya Salad
A broad category of sweet desserts and drinks made with beans, fruits, and coconut milk. Southern versions include chè ba màu (three-colour dessert) and chè chuối (banana and tapioca pearls).
How to Make Chè Bà Ba (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup)
Street Food Snacks & Bites
Some of Vietnam's best food comes from a cart, a stall, or a tiny plastic stool on the sidewalk. These snacks are the heart of Vietnamese food culture.
Silver bowls of tiny snails are a common sight in Vietnamese markets. Boiled with lemongrass, then dipped in fish sauce, chilli, garlic, and sugar. Endless variations—stir-fried with coconut milk, sautéed with chilli, or steamed with ginger.
Snails & Shellfish: A Guide
A crispy, grilled rice paper "pizza" topped with egg, minced pork, dried shrimp, scallions, and chilli. A popular street snack in central and southern Vietnam.
Bánh Tráng Nướng (Grilled Vietnamese Rice Paper With Egg ...
Steamed fluffy buns filled with seasoned pork, quail eggs, and Chinese sausage. A grab-and-go favourite.
Tự làm bánh bao tại nhà: Cách làm đơn giản, hương vị tự ...
Mini savoury pancakes from southern Vietnam—crispy, turmeric-coloured, and topped with shrimp. Eaten with lettuce and fresh herbs.
Bánh Khọt (Vietnamese Rice Cakes w/ Pork & Shrimp)
A comforting rice porridge often served with chicken, pork, or duck, garnished with scallions and fried shallots. Popular for breakfast and late-night meals.
Cháo Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Rice Porridge / Congee)
Vietnam's version of crème caramel, often enjoyed with crushed ice and a drizzle of strong coffee.
Bánh Flan (Vietnamese Flan)
A must-try category of sweet treats. Chè ba màu (three-colour dessert) and chè chuối (banana and tapioca pearls) are southern favourites.
Authentic Che Thai (Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail)
A popular street food snack—sticky rice topped with shredded chicken, fried shallots, and a drizzle of chicken fat.
Sticky Rice with Roast Chicken (Xoi Ga Ro Ti)
Vietnamese Drinks
Vietnam's drinks are as diverse as its food—from world-famous coffee to refreshing sugarcane juice and local beers.
Vietnam's most famous drink. Strong, bitter robusta coffee brewed through a metal filter, sweetened with condensed milk, and served over ice. A cultural symbol of meeting and chatting.
Classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) Recipe
A Hanoi specialty. Rich, creamy egg yolk whipped with condensed milk, poured over strong black coffee. Tastes like a liquid tiramisu.
Vietnamese Egg Coffee Recipe (Cà Phê Trứng) – How to Make It
A Hue specialty where salted cream meets rich coffee for a unique, sweet-savoury finish.
Salted Coffee | Cà Phê Muối
Vietnam's ubiquitous street beer. Light, refreshing, and incredibly cheap—brewed fresh daily and served in plastic cups on tiny plastic stools.
Bia hơi
A refreshing street drink. Freshly pressed sugarcane juice served over ice with a squeeze of lime. Perfect for hot, humid days.
Sugarcane juice (Nước Mía)
Tropical fruit blended with condensed milk and crushed ice. Try sinh tố bơ (avocado), sinh tố mãng cầu (soursop), or sinh tố xoài (mango).
Top 10 Best Vietnamese Sinh Tố (Fruit Smoothies) You ...
The everyday drink served free at countless street food stalls. Simple, refreshing, and ubiquitous.
How to Make Thai Iced Tea Like in Thailand
A premium tea infused with the aroma of lotus flowers. A traditional and refined Vietnamese tea experience.
Vietnamese Phuc Long Lotus Tea 100g
Young coconuts chopped open on the spot and served with a straw. Available throughout the country, especially in the south.
Coconut Water Cocofresh 1L
Sweet soups and drinks made with beans, fruits, and coconut milk. A dessert and a drink in one.
Chè Thái Recipe (Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail)
Yogurt's mild sourness combined with the sweetness of sugar and richness of milk. Often served with fresh fruit or toppings.
Sữa chua • Vietnamese-style yogurt - MM Bon Appétit
A traditional rice wine, often drunk from a communal jar through long bamboo straws. A unique cultural experience in the highlands.
Ruou can and ruou de: a traveler's guide to Vietnamese rice ...
Michelin-Recommended Gems
The MICHELIN Guide's Vietnam 2025 edition features 63 Bib Gourmand spots across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Here are the standout dishes that caught inspectors' attention.
A showstopper from Hanoi. A wok-fried, golden-brown rice cracker shaped like a bowl, served with slow-braised beef brisket and tendon in a rich tomato-based broth.
Cơm Cháy Chiên Giòn (Crispy Rice Crackers) - The Spices Of Life . . .
A Hanoi pho spot that opens at 5:30 a.m. and sells out by 8 or 9 a.m.. More than ten beef cuts available daily, with the signature heel muscle served slightly pink and tender.
Pho Tai Gau 45000 Randomly walked ...
A nearly 40-year-old Hanoi spot in the Old Quarter. Crispy, deep-fried eel shreds contrasted with soft, silky noodles. Served with homemade pickles and a clear eel broth.
Miến Lươn: Hanoi's Flavorful Glass Noodles with Crispy Eel
Locally sourced black pork, expertly grilled to a golden char and tender finish. Dried galangal adds subtle earthy-ginger notes. Served with fresh herbs.
Thit Ba Roi Nuong / Grilled Pork Belly
Michelin-recommended dishes from Da Nang. Mì Quảng features flat rice noodles blended with yellow egg noodles.
MỲ QUẢNG, BÚN CHẢ CÁ ĐÀ NẴNG Lô HG01-31 Vincom Đông Hà (Đối ...