Vietnam is one of the best food destinations in the world. From sizzling street food stalls to family-run noodle shops, the country offers an incredible variety of flavors, fresh herbs, and comforting dishes.
If you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time, deciding what to eat in Vietnam can feel overwhelming. The good news is that Vietnamese cuisine is packed with delicious options from steaming bowls of Pho to crispy Bánh mì sandwiches.
This guide covers the best Vietnamese dishes you must try, including classic street foods, regional specialties, and local favorites loved by travelers and locals alike.
1. Pho (Phở) – Vietnam’s Most Famous Noodle Soup
Pho is the most famous Vietnamese dish and a must-try for anyone visiting the country. This comforting noodle soup is made with a slow-simmered broth, rice noodles, and thin slices of beef or chicken.
The broth is the heart of the dish, often simmered for hours with bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices to create a rich and aromatic flavor. It’s served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili so you can customize every bowl.
Pho is typically eaten for breakfast in Vietnam, but you’ll find it served all day in restaurants and street stalls across the country.
2. Banh Mi – The Legendary Vietnamese Sandwich
Bánh mì is one of the most popular Vietnamese street foods and a perfect quick meal while exploring the country.
This sandwich combines a crispy French-style baguette with Vietnamese fillings such as grilled pork, pâté, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and chili. The result is a delicious mix of savory, crunchy, fresh, and tangy flavors.
Because of its portability and low price, banh mi is a favorite breakfast or lunch for locals.
Popular variations include:
- Bánh mì chay (vegetarian)
- Bánh mì thịt nướng (grilled pork)
- Bánh mì ốp la (fried egg)
3. Bun Cha – Grilled Pork with Noodles
Bún chả is a classic dish from Hanoi and one of the most beloved meals in northern Vietnam.
It consists of grilled pork patties and pork belly served with cold rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet-and-savory fish sauce dipping broth.
To eat it, you dip the noodles and herbs into the sauce along with the smoky grilled pork. The combination of grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.
4. Bánh Xèo – Crispy Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake
Bánh xèo, which literally means “sizzling cake,” is a popular Vietnamese street food made from a crispy rice-flour pancake. The batter is cooked in a hot pan until golden and crunchy, creating the signature sizzling sound that gives the dish its name.
The pancake is typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions, then folded in half like an omelet. It’s served with fresh lettuce and fragrant herbs such as mint and cilantro.
To eat bánh xèo the traditional way, you break off a piece of the crispy pancake, wrap it in lettuce with herbs, and dip it into nuoc cham, a sweet and tangy Vietnamese fish sauce.
The combination of crunchy pancake, savory filling, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible balance of flavors and textures, making bánh xèo one of the best Vietnamese dishes to try when exploring the country’s vibrant food scene.
5. Cao Lầu – Hoi An’s Famous Noodle Dish
Cao lầu is a regional Vietnamese specialty from the ancient town of Hoi An. This unique noodle dish features thick, chewy rice noodles topped with slices of roasted pork, fresh herbs, crunchy rice crackers, and a small amount of savory broth.
What makes cao lầu special is its distinctive noodles. Traditionally, the noodles are believed to be made using water from ancient Cham wells in Hoi An, which gives them their slightly firm and chewy texture.
Unlike many Vietnamese noodle soups, cao lầu is served with only a small amount of broth, making it more like a noodle bowl than a soup. The dish is finished with crisp rice crackers that add a satisfying crunch.
The result is a perfect balance of savory roasted pork, fresh herbs, chewy noodles, and crunchy textures, one reason why cao lầu is considered one of the best Vietnamese dishes to try in Hoi An.
6. Hủ Tiếu – Southern Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Hủ tiếu is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup from southern Vietnam, especially common in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City and throughout the Mekong Delta.
This versatile dish features a clear, lightly sweet pork broth served with rice noodles and a variety of toppings such as sliced pork, shrimp, ground meat, or beef. Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy fried garlic are often added for extra flavor and texture.
One of the unique things about hủ tiếu is that it can be served in two ways: as a comforting noodle soup or “dry style,” where the noodles are tossed with sauce and the broth is served separately on the side.
Compared to pho, hủ tiếu is typically lighter but still rich in flavor. The subtly sweet and savory broth makes it a comforting bowl that many locals enjoy for breakfast or lunch.
Because of its versatility and balanced flavors, hủ tiếu is considered one of the best Vietnamese noodle dishes to try when exploring southern Vietnamese cuisine.
7. Com Tam (Cơm Tấm) – Vietnamese Broken Rice with Grilled Pork
Cơm tấm, which means “broken rice,” is a beloved southern Vietnamese dish that’s commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. The dish is especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City.
This classic Vietnamese meal features fragrant broken rice served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of savory nuoc cham fish sauce.
The rice grains are smaller and fractured during the milling process, giving the dish its distinctive slightly coarse texture. When paired with tender, smoky grilled pork and tangy pickled vegetables, it creates a satisfying balance of flavors.
Hearty, flavorful, and affordable, cơm tấm is one of the best Vietnamese dishes to try if you want to experience authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine.
8. Goi Cuon (Gỏi Cuốn) – Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Gỏi cuốn, also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, are a light and refreshing dish made with delicate, translucent rice paper wrapped around shrimp or pork, vermicelli noodles, crisp lettuce, and fragrant herbs.
Unlike fried spring rolls, gỏi cuốn are served fresh and cold, making them one of the healthiest and most refreshing Vietnamese appetizers. The rolls are typically paired with a rich hoisin-peanut dipping sauce or a tangy nuoc cham fish sauce dip.
Each bite delivers a balance of soft rice paper, tender protein, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic herbs like mint and cilantro. This combination of textures and bright flavors perfectly represents the fresh ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.
Because they’re light, healthy, and full of flavor, gỏi cuốn are considered one of the best Vietnamese dishes to try, whether as a snack, appetizer, or a quick light meal.
9. Cha Ca (Chả Cá) – Hanoi’s Famous Turmeric Fish Dish
Chả cá is a famous seafood specialty from Hanoi and one of the most unique dishes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
This flavorful dish features chunks of fish marinated with turmeric, garlic, and spices, then grilled and served sizzling in a hot pan. At the table, the fish is cooked with fresh dill and spring onions, creating an incredibly fragrant aroma.
Chả cá is usually served over vermicelli rice noodles and topped with roasted peanuts and fresh herbs. Diners mix everything together and add a splash of fish sauce or shrimp paste for extra depth of flavor.
The combination of crispy turmeric-marinated fish, aromatic dill, and soft noodles creates a distinctive flavor profile that’s unlike any other Vietnamese seafood dish. For travelers looking to explore authentic northern Vietnamese food, chả cá is a must-try dish in Hanoi.
10. Kem bơ (Avocado Ice Cream) and Coconut Ice Cream
Kem bơ, or Vietnamese avocado ice cream, is a rich and refreshing dessert that has become a must-try treat for visitors exploring Vietnam. The dessert is especially famous in the cool highland city of Da Lat.
This creamy dessert is made by blending ripe avocado with sweetened condensed milk to create a smooth, buttery base. It’s typically topped with a scoop of coconut ice cream, crunchy toasted coconut flakes, and sometimes extras like jelly cubes or roasted peanuts.
The combination may sound unusual at first, but the flavors work beautifully together. The creamy avocado adds richness, while the coconut ice cream brings a light tropical sweetness that keeps the dessert refreshing rather than heavy.
Popular in southern Vietnam’s cafes and dessert shops, kem bơ offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and tropical flavor, making it one of the best Vietnamese desserts to try after a savory meal.
11. Nem Ran – Crispy Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls
Nem rán, known as chả giò in southern Vietnam, is one of the most popular Vietnamese appetizers and a staple of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
These crispy fried spring rolls are made by wrapping a savory filling of ground pork, shrimp, glass noodles, mushrooms, and vegetables in delicate rice paper. The rolls are then deep-fried until golden brown and perfectly crunchy.
Nem rán are typically served with fresh lettuce, herbs, and vermicelli noodles. To eat them the traditional way, you wrap the crispy roll in lettuce and herbs before dipping it into nuoc cham, a sweet and tangy Vietnamese fish sauce.
The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the flavorful filling makes nem rán incredibly satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a starter or part of a larger meal, these crispy rolls are considered one of the best Vietnamese street foods to try.
12. Mi Quang (Mì Quảng) – Central Vietnam’s Turmeric Noodle Dish
Mì Quảng is a noodle dish from central Vietnam, especially associated with the region around Da Nang and Hoi An.
This colorful dish features wide rice noodles lightly coated in a small amount of rich, turmeric-infused broth. It’s typically topped with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, chicken, or even quail eggs, along with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables.
One of the signature elements of mì Quảng is the crunchy sesame rice crackers served on top or on the side, which add texture to the dish. Roasted peanuts and fresh herbs like mint and basil are also common garnishes.
Unlike traditional Vietnamese noodle soups, mì Quảng uses only a small amount of broth, allowing the bold flavors and textures of the toppings to stand out. The result is a balanced dish that is savory, slightly nutty, fresh, and wonderfully aromatic.
Because of its unique combination of textures and flavors, mì Quảng is considered one of the best traditional Vietnamese noodle dishes to try when visiting central Vietnam.
13. Lau Hai San (Lẩu Hải Sản)- Vietnamese Seafood Hot Pot
Lẩu hải sản, or Vietnamese seafood hot pot, is a popular communal dish enjoyed across Vietnam and especially loved in coastal cities like Nha Trang.
This flavorful hot pot features a simmering broth placed in the center of the table, where diners cook a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, fish, and clams. Vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and rice noodles are also added to the pot, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.
The broth is typically tangy, savory, and slightly spicy, often flavored with lemongrass, chili, tomatoes, and tamarind. As the ingredients cook, the broth becomes richer and more complex.
Lẩu hải sản is not just a meal but a social dining experience. Friends and family gather around the pot, sharing ingredients and enjoying the fresh seafood together. Because of its vibrant flavors and interactive style, it’s considered one of the best Vietnamese dishes for sharing.
FAQ
What is the most famous food in Vietnam?
The most famous Vietnamese dish is pho, a fragrant noodle soup made with slow-simmered broth, rice noodles, herbs, and beef or chicken.
What Vietnamese street food should tourists try?
Popular Vietnamese street foods include banh mi, bun cha, banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls.
Is Vietnamese food healthy?
Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world because it uses fresh herbs, vegetables, lean proteins, and light cooking methods.
Most Vietnamese food is not halal.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering, “Is Vietnamese food good?” , the answer is a massive yes. It’s flavorful, affordable, and incredibly diverse. But here’s something important, especially for Muslim travelers:
Dishes commonly contain pork, fish sauce, and animal-based broths. Halal options do exist, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but you’ll need to be more cautious. Look for:
- Certified halal restaurants
- Vegetarian (chay) eateries, often run by Buddhists
- Places that use fish or tofu as protein instead of meat
Pro tip: Use “Tôi ăn chay” (I eat vegetarian) when needed, and double-check ingredients when ordering.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated around the world for its balance of fresh herbs, vibrant flavors, and diverse textures. From comforting noodle soups like pho to crispy street foods like bánh xèo and refreshing bites like gỏi cuốn, the variety of dishes reflects the country’s rich culinary traditions.
Whether you’re exploring the food stalls of Hanoi, enjoying seafood along the coast of Nha Trang, or tasting local specialties in Hoi An, every region offers something unique to discover.
Trying these best Vietnamese dishes is one of the most delicious ways to experience the culture and everyday life of Vietnam. Each meal tells a story through its ingredients, preparation, and the local traditions behind it.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam or simply exploring Vietnamese cuisine at home, these dishes are the perfect place to start.
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