15 Must-Try Vietnamese Culinary Gems for Every Food Lover

Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, offering a unique blend of flavours, fresh ingredients, and time-honoured cooking techniques. From fragrant noodle soups to mouthwatering street food, here are 15 iconic dishes you must try during your visit to Vietnam.

Phở

No trip to Vietnam is complete without tasting phở, the iconic noodle soup. Choose between beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà) and savour the aromatic broth, fresh herbs, and rice noodles.

Bánh Mì

This Vietnamese sandwich is a perfect fusion of French and local flavours. Filled with pickled veggies, meats, and pâté, it’s a street food staple.

Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

These light and refreshing rice paper rolls are packed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and fresh herbs and served with a tangy and delicious peanut dipping sauce.

Bún Chả

A speciality of Hanoi, bún chả, is made with grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh greens, and a dipping sauce.

Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)

This creamy concoction is a Hanoi classic. Whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk are combined to create a rich, frothy coffee.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng

A unique Hanoi dish made of turmeric-marinated fish, stir-fried with dill and green onions, served with noodles and peanuts.

Cao Lầu

This Hoi An speciality is a noodle dish with pork slices, fresh greens, and crispy wonton, offering a perfect blend of textures.

Bánh Xèo

These crispy Vietnamese pancakes contain shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Wrap them in rice paper with herbs and dip them in fish sauce.

Cơm Tấm

Often called “broken rice,” this hearty dish features a fried egg, grilled pork, and a side of fish sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Bún Bò Huế

This spicy beef noodle soup from Hue boasts a flavorful broth spiced with lemongrass and chilli, topped with beef, pork, and fresh herbs.

Hủ Tiếu

A Southern speciality, this noodle soup is made with a savoury pork or seafood broth and topped with tender meats or seafood.

Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Whether sweet or savoury, xôi is a versatile dish loved by locals. Try xôi mặn, sticky rice with shredded pork and egg, or xôi ngọt, topped with coconut and mung bean.

Nem Rán/Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)

These crispy rolls are filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables, making them an irresistible snack.

Bánh Khọt

Small, crispy pancakes filled with shrimp and coconut cream, served with herbs and fish sauce.

Bánh Cuốn

Steamed rice rolls are stuffed with minced pork and mushrooms, topped with fried shallots and served with dipping sauce.