39 Must Try Vietnamese Food & Best Dishes You’ll Love

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You are about to have a tour in Vietnam but you do not know which Vietnam must-try food. Find out now the 40 best Vietnamese food, that many tourists love. This list will help you have a more perfectly in Vietnam 10 day itinerary, 3 week Vietnam itinerary and Vietnam 1 week itinerary. In addition, you can also check out our Vietnam travel guide to know more interesting information about Vietnam

Read more: WEIRDEST DISHES IN VIETNAM

1. Pho

Pho is a popular Vietnamese food originating from Nam Dinh, Hanoi, and is considered one of the typical dishes for Vietnamese cuisine. Each region has its own way of making pho, but generally, this iconic Vietnam must try food consists of thinly-sliced rice noodles doused in piping-hot broth, topped with protein (beef, chicken, and more). Besides, you can eat herbs with Pho. Related tour: Hanoi Street Food Tour

Where to eat: Pho Thin, 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District in Hanoi or Pho Le, 415 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7, District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City

Pho is a popular Vietnamese food
Pho is one of the Vietnam must try food (Source: Internet)

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2. Banh Mi

The French colonization of Vietnam brought wheat into the country, from which came bread, and today Banh Mi, a hearty loaf stuffed with fillings, is healthy. Banh mi is one of the Vietnamese street foods chosen by many people here for their breakfast and beyond. 

The loaf is only the vessel for various filling choices: eggs, pâté, butter, pork floss, pickled vegetables, grilled meat, pork pies, cucumbers, and much more. Related tour: Hanoi Tours (Daily Tour)

Where to eat: Banh My Phuong, 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An or Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, 26 Le Thi Rieng, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese ‘s Banh Mi is ranked 2nd among the best street food in the world
Vietnamese dishes Banh Mi is ranked 2nd among the best street food in the world (Source: Internet)

Read more: BEST TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM & WEATHER EACH MONTH

3. Com Tam

Due to their inability to purchase unbroken rice, the impoverished originally had com tam (broken rice) as a primary meal. It is now considered one of the most famous dishes of Ho Chi Minh City. Along with grilled pork ribs, cooked pig skin, and steamed egg-and-meat loaf, the cooked rice is served with a small sauce dish for drizzling flavor.

Where to eat: Com Tam Ba Cường, 263 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City or Com Tam Minh Long, 607 Nguyen Thi Thap, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

You should try Com Tam when traveling in Saigon
You should try Com Tam when traveling in Saigon (Source: Internet)

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4. Mi Quang

Quang Noodles or Mi Quang is one of the delicious specialties of Central Vietnam that is both simple and rustic. Mi Quang (Quang noodle) combines a salad and noodle soup. Yellow noodles colored with turmeric are served with a small amount of broth, generous amounts of your preferred proteins, coriander, basil, and banana blossom slices.

Where to eat: Quan Mi Quang Ba Mua, 95 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang or Mi Quang Ong Hai, 61 Truong Minh Luong Street, Hoi An

Mi Quang is one of best Vietnam food, loved by many tourists
Mi Quang is one of best Vietnamese food, loved by many tourists (Source: Internet)

Read more: [VIETNAM] BEST TIME TO VISIT HA GIANG- WHEN TO TRAVEL & IDEAL MONTH

5. Banh Cuon

These rice crepes are made by spreading thin layers of steamed rice flour and wrapping them around savory fillings. They are then sprinkled with fried shallots and dunked into a sauce before being eaten. These crepes can also be eaten without fillings (Banh Cuon Chay) or in broth (Banh cuon Cao Bang). 

Where to eat: Banh Cuon Ba Xuan, 16 Doc Hoe Nhai, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi or Banh Cuon Ha Noi,  Alley 29 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Banh Cuon is a popular breakfast in Vietnam
Banh Cuon is a popular breakfast in Vietnam (Source: Internet)

Read more: BEST TIME TO VISIT NORTH VIETNAM: WEATHER AND REMARKABLE LOCATIONS?

6. Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is named after the sizzling sound that this savory, stuffed rice pancake makes as it forms in a hot skillet filled with oil. The batter’s golden color comes from turmeric powder, rice flour, and water. Popular options for fillings include diced green onion, pork, mung bean, prawns, and bean sprouts. Various herbs and vegetables are served on the side.

Where to eat: Banh Xeo Ba Hai, 49 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Ward 15, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City or Banh Xeo Long Huy, 21 Truong Dinh Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Banh Xeo is a rustic dish, bold in Vietnam but equally delicious and attractive
Banh Xeo is a rustic dish, bold in Vietnam but equally delicious and attractive (Source: Internet)

Read more: BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH VIETNAM: PLACES WORTH VISITING

7. Bun Bo Hue

A steaming bowl of Bun Bo Hue (literally “Hue beef vermicelli”), a lemongrass-flavored soup with beef shank and oxtail, will warm your body after you’ve visited the many interesting destinations that the old capital of Hue has to offer. 

The dish has the main ingredients of vermicelli, beef, and pork rolls, with a distinctive red broth and lemongrass and shrimp sauce. Sometimes the bowl of vermicelli is also added to rare beef, grilled shrimp, and other ingredients depending on the preferences of the cook.

Where to eat: Bun Bo Hue Ba Tuyet, 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue or  Bun Bo O Phung – Chu Vong, 14 Nguyen Du, Phu Cat, Hue

Bun Bo is one of the specialties of Hue
Bun Bo is one of must-try Vietnamese dishes (Source: Internet)

Read more: Must try food in Hanoi

8. Bun Dau Mam Tom

Hanoi is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. There is a dish originating from this place that is loved by many people, it is Bun Dau Mam Tom. First-time diners might balk at the thought of eating fermented shrimp paste, but this noodle dish has become one of the best Vietnamese foods with good reason. This “cheap and cheerful” platter is one of the hallmarks of working-class food. Cooked rice vermicelli is served alongside crispy fried tofu, blood sausage, fried patties, and an array of herbs, surrounding a bowl of dipping sauce made by skilfully combining the paste with lime juice and chili.

Where to eat: Bun Dau Trung Huong, 49 Phat Loc Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi or Bun Dau Mam Tom – Doan Tran Nghiep, 42 Doan Tran Nghiep, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a dish loved by both young and old in Vietnam
Bun Dau Mam Tom is a dish loved by both young and old in Vietnam (Source: Internet) 

Read more: 26 Best Things To Do In Hanoi That You Cannot Miss [2023]

9. Goi Cuon

Known as “summer rolls” abroad, this dish consists of pork, shrimp, rice vermicelli, vegetables, and other ingredients wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper. This dish can be served as plated ingredients for diners to make their own, or the cook can help by rolling the goi in advance. 

Goi Cuon originates from the South of Vietnam. This dish has ingredients including lettuce, basil, perilla, dried shrimp, herbs, boiled meat, and fresh shrimp.. all rolled in rice paper shells.

Where to eat: Quan An Ngon, 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi or Goi Cuon Hanh 420A Hoa Hao, Ward 5, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Goi Cuon, also known as “Vietnamese salad rolls” or “Vietnamese summer rolls”
Goi Cuon, also known as “Vietnamese salad rolls” or “Vietnamese summer rolls” (Source: Internet)

10. Ca Phe Sua Da

Today, Vietnam is one of the world’s leading coffee exporters, which the French brought into the country as an industrial crop in 1857. Among coffee lovers of the world, Vietnamese coffee has earned a reputation for its strength due to the slow brewing method with metal filters. The drink served as “Vietnamese coffee” worldwide is called Ca Phe Sua Da (iced milk coffee) at home; filtered coffee drips into a layer of condensed milk and ice at the bottom, stirred according to the drinker’s sweet tooth.

Where to eat: Ca Phe Co Ba Dong Khoi, 1st Floor, No. 2 – 4 – 6 Dong Khoi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City or Thi Cafe 33/72 Nguyen Trung Truc, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese coffee has earned a reputation for its strength due to the slow brewing method with metal filters
Vietnamese coffee has earned a reputation for its strength due to the slow brewing method with metal filters (Source: Internet)

11. Banh Mi Bo Kho

Bo Kho is a hearty beef stew that is slow-cooked. Originally, Braised Beef was used by Southern Vietnamese people with a variety of coriander to enhance the dish’s flavor. Braised beef is cooked with many different steps, the broth is kept, and not all the water is cooked. This creates a rich soup that can be eaten with toasted banh mi or steaming hot rice.

Where to eat: Bo Kho Ganh, Ngo Gia Tu Apartment, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City or Bo Kho Vo Van Tan, 194 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

You can eat bread, rice, or Pho with Bo Kho
You can eat bread, rice, or Pho with Bo Kho (Source: Internet)

Read more: Vietnam 6 day itinerary

12. Xoi

Xoi (sticky rice) is not a single dish or a monolith; the name stands for a group of dishes made with glutinous rice that can be savory, sweet, or something in between. Variations in Northern Vietnam alone include xoi lac (peanut rice), xoi xeo (rice topped with green bean paste and fried shallots), xoi gac (sticky rice dyed with red gac fruit). 

Where to eat: Xoi Xeo Thap Cam, 325 Truong Dinh, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi or Xoi Xeo Co May, 35 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hang Bai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Xoi is a popular food made from the main ingredient of sticky rice
Xoi is a popular food made from the main ingredient of sticky rice (Source: Internet)

Read more: Vietnam 12 day itinerary, 9 days in Vietnam itinerary, South Vietnam 1 week itinerary

13. Che

Similarly, Che is a group of sweet-cooked desserts often eaten as snacks. Most Che is served with ice in the summer. Che Do Den (black bean Che) is a great treat to cool the body down on scorching days, with optional black grass jelly and coconut milk. There is also a hot variation, cooked thick and sweet, to warm, cold winter nights. Amusingly, there is also Xoi Che – a sweet soup eaten with sticky rice coated in green bean powder on top.

Where to eat: Quan Diep Phuong, 9 Bui Thi Xuan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi or Che Muoi Sau 16 Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Che is very suitable for hot days
Che is must-try Vietnamese food and very suitable for hot days (Source: Internet)

14. Goi Ngo Sen Tom Thit

The lotus is Vietnam’s national flower partially because it represents the nation’s resilience, growing out of the mud to blossom beautifully and perfume the air. It also represents another facet of the Vietnamese spirit: ingenuity. Every bit of the lotus, from root to petal, has some use in food, medicine, or both. This lotus root salad is made with shrimp, pork, peanuts, and a shop’s worth of herbs and vegetables.

Where to eat: Ban Co Market, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Goi Ngo Sen Tom Thit has the chewy taste of meat mixed with the sweet and sour taste of vegetables
Goi Ngo Sen Tom Thit has the chewy taste of meat mixed with the sweet and sour taste of vegetables (Source: Internet)

15. Oc

The world may gape, shudder, and look down upon the French for eating escargot, but the Vietnamese have been enjoying snails in various forms for centuries before the first fork ever touched a French snail. This rustic dish can be found in bowls at roadside stalls, where diners carefully pick the savory, chewy creatures out of their shells with safety pins or special triangular metal tools.

Where to eat: Vua Cua 376 Vo Van Kiet Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City or Oc Xuyen 174/43 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

One of the best Vietnam street food you must try is Oc
One of the best Vietnam street food you must try is Oc (Source: Internet)

16. Banh Can

Another Vietnam must try food is Banh Can. These mini savory pancakes originated as a Cham dish to which the Viet people considerably added. The batter is made of a blend of rice flour and water (eggs are often added to make them larger and fluffier, but these also burn quicker). They are eaten with a variety of sauces and sides such as fish sauce, boiled eggs, fish patties, or siu mai.

Where to eat: Banh Can Le, 27/44 Yersin, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong or Banh Can Nha Chung 1 Chung House, Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong

Banh Can is a famous food in Da Lat – Viet Nam
Banh Can is a must-try Vietnamese food in Da Lat (Source: Internet)

17. Bun Thit Nuong

Far from being a strictly local delicacy, Bun Thit Nuong (rice vermicelli with grilled meat) is a dish well-loved in all three regions of Vietnam. Variations may exist, but the grilled patty should be golden brown and fragrant with the aroma of lemongrass and sesame seeds, the sweet-sour dipping sauce should complement the dish, and the vegetables on the side should be diverse and crisp.

Where to eat: Bun Thit Nuong Tiem Ba Trai, 49 Pham Van Dong, Son Tra, Da Nang or Bun Thit Nuong Phu Hong, 19 Yen Bai, Hai Chau, Da Nang

Bun Thit Nuong is a popular dish but extremely delicious and loved by many people
Bun Thit Nuong is a popular and must-try Vietnamese food but extremely delicious and loved by many people (Source: Internet)

18. Canh Chua

On hot days, the meal of a Vietnamese family would be incomplete without a bowl of Canh Chua (sour soup). This term refers to a group of dishes around the country that shares one commonality: sourness as a predominant flavor. They are made with local fish, ribs, and vegetables. The sourness does not come from citruses but from other plants and ingredients native to Vietnam, even the fermented byproducts of making wine.

Canh Chua is an indispensable dish in the daily meals of Vietnamese people
One of the must-try Vietnam dishes in the family food is Canh Chua (Source: Internet)

19. Banh Canh

Even though this dish has “banh” in the name, it’s not a “cake” – the word refers to the thick sheet from which these noodles are cut. Originating from Southeast Vietnam, these noodles made from tapioca (or a mixture of tapioca and rice) are served in a savory broth with a variety of toppings to make different types: crab, fish cake, pork knuckle, shrimp, etc.

Where to eat: Quan Ba Ba, 84 Nguyen Bieu District 5, Ho Chi Minh City or Banh Canh Co Ha, 14 Phan Chu Trinh, Nha Trang

Banh Canh originated in the Southeast, then popularized throughout Vietnam
Banh Canh originated in the Southeast, then popularized throughout Vietnam (Source: Internet)

20. Cao Lau

Cao Lau is an incomparable, unique Vietnam must try food of Hoian. The dish originates from the coastal trading port while honoring its history. This flavorful bowl of noodles is a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese. The thick noodles are similar to Japanese Udon noodles. Slices of pork are placed on top of Cao Lau noodles. All are dipped in a seasoning broth and topped with fresh herbs and crispy golden pork.

Where to eat: Thanh Cao Lau: 26 Thai Phien, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam or Khong Gian Xanh Cao Lau: 687 Hai Ba Trung, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Cao Lau is an incomparable unique dish of Hoian
Cao Lau is an incomparable unique dish of Hoian (Source: Internet)

21. Com Ga

Com Ga is a perfect combination of Vietnam must try food, especially in Hoian. This dish is enhanced by using fresh ingredients from the countryside. Tender pieces of shredded chicken marinated with fish sauce and onions. You can serve it with a bowl of turmeric rice and serve it with radish, pickled chives, and herbs. Each turmeric rice dish has its secret of making the rice taste different. Add a few coriander leaves and mint to balance out the fragrant chicken sauce and tender young eggs. After a long day of exploring Hoi An, it was ordering a plate of Com Ga is a perfect choice.

Where to eat: Com Ga Hien: 593 Hai Ba Trung Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam or Com Ga Ba Buoi: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Com Ga is a perfect combination, especially in Hoian
Com Ga is a perfect combination, especially in Hoian (Source: Internet)

22. Bun Cha

Bun Cha became even more famous overnight. The reason is that President Obama enjoyed this dish when he came to Hanoi. However, Bun Cha is still always a favorite dish not only for Hanoians but also for tourists. The aroma of pork being grilled on hot coals at Bun Cha restaurants spreads everywhere. Making the diners also smell extremely hungry and craving food.

This traditional dish of the North is made from rice vermicelli, and pieces of seasoning pork belly. Besides that, fresh herbs of all kinds and lettuce are also available. The indispensable ingredient is a bowl of sweet fish sauce and spring pork patties inside. The way to eat it is simply to put rice vermicelli in the bowl of that broth and alternately eat it with spring rolls and raw vegetables.

Where to eat: Bun Cha Huong Lien (Bun Cha Obama): 24 Ward Le Van Huu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi or Tuyet Bun Cha: 34 Hang Than, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Bun Cha is still always a favorite dish not only for Hanoians but also for tourists
Bun Cha is still always a favorite dish not only for Hanoians but also for tourists (Source: Internet)

23. Banh Beo

Banh Beo is considered a Hue fast food in the central region of Vietnam. The Banh Beo is steamed and delicious. Each cake plate is chewy and soft, and a spoonful of green beans with grilled shrimp will be covered. Sometimes you can see how to decorate the cake with deep-fried patties or toasted bread. Each center of each Banh Beo will have a dimple to indicate that the cake is fully cooked. Banh Beo is usually served with dipping sauce

Where to eat: Hanh Quan: 11-15 Pho Duc Chinh Street, Phu Hoi, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue or O Le Quan: 104, 17/9 Kim Long, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue

Banh Beo is steamed and delicious
Banh Beo is steamed and delicious (Source: Internet)

24. Bun Rieu

The combination of tomatoes and crab made Bun Rieu an extremely outstanding dish. A complete Bun Rieu dish is a blend of sour and sweet. The ingredients for this dish include Noodles, fresh crab meat, tofu, and stewed tomatoes. Such an authentic bowl of Bun Rieu takes a lot of work to cook. Fresh crab meat is separated and the crab shell will be ground into powder. Then filter through a sieve to form the main broth. When the dish is done, the minced crab pieces, ground pork and broth will melt in your mouth.

Where to eat: Thanh Hong Bun Rieu: 42 Hoa Ma Ward, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi or Huyen Thu Bun Rieu: 2F, Quang Trung Ward, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Bun Rieu an extremely outstanding dish with a combination of tomatoes and crab
Bun Rieu an extremely outstanding dish with a combination of tomatoes and crab (Source: Internet)

25. Hu Tieu Nam Vang

Hu Tieu is often considered the standard street food of the south. This is a dish that can be eaten in two ways: dry or wet. In addition, Hu Tieu originated from Cambodia but was reprocessed by the Chinese community in Nam Vang (Han Vietnamese is Phnom Penh) and brought back to Vietnam. Authentic Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a broth made from pork bones. The main ingredients will include shrimp, pork liver, minced meat, quail eggs and boneless pork. The broth is quite spicy, and the aroma of chopped green onions create a complete Hu Tieu Nam Vang dish.

Where to eat: Co Huong Hu Tieu: 152/7/2 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City or Nhan Quan: 122D Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Hu Tieu is often considered the standard street food of the south
Hu Tieu is often considered the standard street food of the south (Source: Internet)

26. Cha Ca La Vong

One of the special delicacies of the Northern capital of Vietnam is Cha Ca La Vong. Cha is seasoned with fresh dill and contrasts color, flavor, and texture. Initially, the pieces of fish are marinated with turmeric before being pan-fried over high heat. Finely chopped scallions and dill are scattered throughout the pan and stand out on the golden fried fish cakes. You can eat it while it’s still hot or freeze it for your next use.

Where to eat: Vua Cha Ca: 269 Giang Vo Ward, Cho Dua, Ba Dinh, Hanoi or Cha Ca Ha Thanh: 32, Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Quan Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi

Cha Ca La Vong is one of the special delicacies of the Northern capital of Vietnam
Cha Ca La Vong is one of the special delicacies of the Northern capital of Vietnam (Source: Internet)

27. Nom Hoa Chuoi

Nom Hoa Chuoi is a rustic dish made from banana flowers. Banana flowers will remove the old sheaths, wash them and cut them into thin strips. A small tip is to cut to where it is, and soak it in water mixed with salt and lemon juice to avoid darkening. To make Nom Hoa Chuoi, you can mix it with pickled carrots, lotus root, cabbage, and herbs,… In addition, depending on the season, there is a recipe for adding green mango or shredded papaya. In some other recipes, there will be pork ears, beef, chicken, shrimp or vegetarian Nom Hoa Chuoi. This salad can be sprinkled with crushed peanuts and chili and served with dipping sauce. Finally, to complete the Nom Hoa Chuoi, squeeze an extra lemon and enjoy.

Where to eat: Vo Bo: 88 Hoa Ma Ward, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi or Phuong Nam Restaurant: No. 2, Lane 69 Chua Lang, Lang Thuong, Dong Da, Hanoi

Nom Hoa Chuoi is a rustic dish made from banana flowers
Nom Hoa Chuoi is a rustic dish made from banana flowers (Source: Internet)

28. Bun Thit Bo Cuon La Lot

Bun Thit Bo Cuon La Lot is a delicious traditional dish handed down for generations. The first ingredient is ground beef marinated with spices. Then take the washed piper lolot and roll the beef mixture, using Use a toothpick to fix it near the stem. This is followed by grilling over hot coals. Finally, you can enjoy a beef roll with guise leaves and vermicelli. In addition, you can also try rolling with rice paper and herbs. Dipping it with a cup of spicy fish sauce makes the Bun Thit Bo Cuon La Lot even more perfect.

Where to eat: Quan Co Lieng: 321 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City or Bo La Lot Hoang Yen: 121 Co Giang, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Bun Thit Bo Cuon La Lot is a delicious traditional dish handed down for generations
Bun Thit Bo Cuon La Lot is a delicious traditional dish handed down for generations (Source: Internet)

29. Bun Cha Ca

My favorite dish for its delicious and rich flavor is Bun Cha Ca. All ingredients will have vermicelli, fish cakes, and some herbs. The fish is separated from the meat, and the bones can be used as a broth. Seasoned fish, scallions, and sliced strips of ginger are stuffed together into a smooth, flexible mass and shaped into round pieces. Then heat the pan and fry fish cakes until golden brown with tomatoes, fragrant for a slightly sour taste. Besides, enjoy green vegetables and squeeze more lemon in. Bun Cha Ca in Nha Trang is considered the most delicious and famous by locals and tourists.

Where to eat: Bun Ca Nguyen Loan: 123 Ngo Gia Tu, Phuoc Tien, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa or Quan Min: 170 Bach Dang, Tan Lap, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa

Bun Cha Ca in Nha Trang is considered the most delicious and famous by locals and tourists alike
Bun Cha Ca in Nha Trang is considered the most delicious and famous by locals and tourists alike (Source: Internet)

30. Sup Bap Cua

Sup Bap Cua is a nutritious and aromatic Vietnamese dish. The soup will include crab meat or shredded chicken, shrimp meat, quail eggs, corn, mushrooms,… and some coriander. Significantly the egg fibers are dropped and floated in the broth made of tapioca starch. The broth has a special sweet taste because it is stewed from pork bones. After cooking, you can add green onions to make the dish more fragrant. This is one of the traditional dishes worth trying and enjoying while still hot.

Where to eat: Sup Cua Mo Chanh: 33 Tran Thai Tong, Ward 15, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City or Sup Cua 92: 41 Tran Cao Van, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Sup Bap Cua is a nutritious and aromatic Vietnamese dish
Sup Bap Cua is a nutritious and aromatic Vietnamese dish (Source: Internet)

31. Banh Cong

Banh Cong is considered a rustic dish and a specialty of the Soc Trang region. This dish is toasted from whole taro, green beans, and shrimp. To make Banh Cong, you must mix rice flour, crispy flour, and flour, … depending on each person’s will. This type of cake must be poured into the mold with the ingredients mentioned above. Dip in oil and fry until crispy, then take out. You can eat Banh Cong with sweet and sour fish sauce and herbs. When eating the cake, the texture will be soft and fluffy with the flavor of green beans, taro, and the aroma of meat and shrimp.

Where to eat: Banh Cong Co Nga: 12 National Highway 1A, Dai Chi Hamlet, Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District, Soc Trang or Banh Cong Phuong Vi: 101 Phú Lợi, Phường 2, Sóc Trăng, Việt Nam

Banh Cong is considered a rustic dish and a specialty of the Soc Trang region
Banh Cong is considered a rustic dish and a specialty of the Soc Trang region (Source: Internet)

32. Nem Cua Be

Nem Cua Be is a fried dish that is not too picky but makes every meal delicious. This spring roll is a deep-fried spring roll made with crab meat. Nem Cua Be is a specialty of Hai Phong in Vietnam. Crab and shrimp are prepared and chopped; Carrots, cassava, and mushrooms are cut into fibers. Mix all the above ingredients with spices to make spring rolls. You have many other options for filling, such as pork, cabbage, wood ear, bean sprouts, etc. Then you use rice paper rolls to roll the mixture into rolls. Finally, bring it to deep fry and then take it out. Nem Cua Be can be dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. At the same time can be eaten with raw vegetables; noodles are very delicious.

Where to eat: Nem Cua Be Thuan Yen: 88 Tran Nhat Duat Ward, Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong or Nem Cua Be Quan Nga: 92 Tran Nhat Duat Ward, Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong

Nem Cua Be is a fried dish that is not too picky but makes every meal delicious
Nem Cua Be is a fried dish that is not too picky but makes every meal delicious (Source: Internet)

33. Bot Chien Trung

Bot Chien Trung is one of the famous street food in Vietnam. This is also a popular snack in Ho Chi Minh City. The origin of fried dough is imported from China, so soy sauce is the main dipping sauce. Over time, the Vietnamese gradually changed to suit everyone’s taste here. Fried dough is quite simple when it is just steamed tapioca flour mixed with rice flour. The fried dough is then cooled and cut into pieces before frying with some eggs and scallions. When the dough is crispy golden brown, it can be enjoyed while still hot.

Where to eat: Bot Chien Trung Dat Thanh: 277 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City or Bot Chien Trung Quan Sau: 426 Tên Lửa, Bình Trị Đông B, Bình Tân, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Bot Chien Trung is one of the famous street food in Vietnam
Bot Chien Trung is one of the famous street food in Vietnam (Source: Internet)

34. Banh Tom

One of delicious Vietnam must try food of Hanoi is Banh Tom. The ingredients for this Banh Tom must of course have shrimp, sweet potatoes, carrots, kohlrabi,… You should preliminarily prepare shrimp, thinly sliced carrots, and thinly sliced sweet potatoes, then take them to soak in vinegar: mix flour, tapioca, and two eggs to make fried dough. Marinate the shrimp with seasoning, roll in the fried flour mixture, and fry in a large saucepan over high heat. Deep fry in oil until golden brown, then take it out. So you’ve got Banh Tom served with raw vegetables and delicious sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Where to eat: Banh Tom Co Am: Dong Xuan Alley, Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi or Banh Tom Hien Hao: Lane 9, Hoe Nhai Ward, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

One of the delicious dishes of Hanoi is Banh Tom
One of the delicious dishes of Hanoi is Banh Tom (Source: Internet)

35. Bun Thang

A sophisticated and original noodle dish in Hanoi is Bun Thang. Bun Thang is made of shredded chicken, shrimp paste, pork, eggs, spring rolls and coriander. Ready-made chicken is washed and boiled first. Then wait for the chicken to cool, then shred it to taste. Soak the peanut worm in warm water until soft, then cut off the ends and cut along the body to bake. Ca la thau blanched in boiling water, thin omelet, spring rolls, green onions,… All are cut into fibers. Peanut worms with chicken will be simmered with the tubular bone and blanched vermicelli in boiling water. Finally, pour the broth over all the ingredients in a bowl and enjoy Bun Thang with the shrimp paste.

Where to eat: Bun Thang Ba Am: 28 Le Duc Tho Street, My Dinh, Tu Liem, Hanoi or Bun Thang Bun Bung: 32 Cau Go Ward, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

A sophisticated and original noodle dish in Hanoi is Bun Thang
A sophisticated and original noodle dish in Hanoi is Bun Thang (Source: Internet)

36. Com Hen

Com Hen (also known as Bun Hen) is a specialty dish of Hue. The dish is made of rice or vermicelli with stir-fried clams. Other accompanying ingredients include vegetables, shrimp paste, fish sauce, pork skin, banana flowers, etc. The mussels will be preliminarily processed and boiled with boiling water. Pork skin, finely chopped coriander, deep fried; banana flowers, along the mosquito net, star fruit… are also thinly sliced. North pan up to stir-fry mussels, seasoning. Interestingly, you can use the original mussel broth mixed with shrimp and sugar to make a dipping sauce. After all, you mix all the above ingredients with the rice. At the same time, when you are done with the freshly made broth, you will have an incredibly delicious Com Hen Vietnam must try food.

Where to eat: Com Hen O No: 22 Tran Phu, An Cuu, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue or Com Hen Hoa Dong: 64 masterpieces 7 Ung Binh, Vy Da, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue

Com Hen is a specialty dish of Hue
Com Hen is a specialty dish of Hue (Source: Internet)

37. Nem Lui

Nem Lui is a dish of sausages and pork balls grilled on skewers. The pork in this dish is greasy with garlic, shallots, sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper. You will often hear the Nem Lui dish in Hue and served with skewers. When eating this dish, you will wrap spring rolls in rice paper with herbs and salads. There are also vermicelli and other ingredients with peanut sauce dipping. The flavor is smoky from the barbecue and sweet, salty, and greasy from the dipping sauce. All have created a great taste for this Nem Lui Vietnam food.

Where to eat: Quan Tai Phu: 2 Dien Bien Phu, Vinh Ninh, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue or Nem Lui On Me: 25 Dao Duy Tu, Phu Binh, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue

The Nem Lui dish you will often hear is in Hue and served with skewers
The Nem Lui dish you will often hear is in Hue and served with skewers (Source: Internet)

38. Thang Co

One of the dishes of the Sapa mountains in the North of Vietnam is Thang Co. This is a dish of the H’mong people made from horse meat and is a traditional stew of this place. The H’mong ethnic group has used horses in this area as a means of transportation for generations. When the horse is too old or sick, they take the meat. Although the main ingredient of Thang Co dish is horse meat, other types of meat are also used, such as pork, buffalo, cow, and goat… The meat will be simmered for many hours with more than ten different spices to cook Thang Co. This will help the dish remove the pungent smell from the meat and create a characteristic aroma. Thang Co will be eaten with rice vermicelli rolls and dipped in a flavorful stew.

Where to eat: Thang Co Ngua 2 Restaurant: 09 Branch Connect 10, Sa Pa Town, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam or Thang Co A Huynh 15 Thach Son, Sa Pa Town, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam

One of the dishes of the Sapa mountains in the North of Vietnam is Thang Co
One of the must-try Vietnamese dishes in the North of Vietnam is Thang Co (Source: Internet)

39. Chao Tom

Chao Tom is a Vietnamese food specialty of the Central region – Hue. The Chao Tom dish contains seasoned shrimp. These seasoned shrimp are then stuffed into a paste and wrapped around a cane stick. Chao Tom bars will be steamed to shape before being fried or grilled. When enjoying this dish, cut the meat from the sugar cane stick and roll Chao Tom with herbs. Dipping with a little sweet chili sauce is delicious; the sweet and salty taste makes Chao Tom a favorite in traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Where to eat: Tasty Kitchen: 212B/D18AB, Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City or Co Do Restaurant: 367 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 3, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Chao Tom is a specialty dish in Central Vietnam – Hue
Chao Tom is a specialty Vietnamese dishes in Hue (Source: Internet)

FAQs about Vietnamese Food

  1. What is the famous food in Vietnam?

    Pho is one of Vietnam must try food and the most popular and famous food in this country. Pho with beef and Pho with chicken are the two primary types. A special cut of white rice noodles and a clear beef broth with thin slices of meat are served in a bowl as pho (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket).

  2. Is Vietnamese food spicy?

    In general, the cuisine of each region of Vietnam has different flavors. However, Vietnamese food is usually not too spicy. Especially the dishes originating from the south are barely spicy.

  3. What is Bun in Vietnamese food?

    Bun is a soft white food made from rice starch, created through a mold, and boiled in boiling water. Bún is the main ingredient in famous Vietnam foods such as Bun Bo, Bun Rieu, Bun Thit Nuong,..

Choose Ftrip’s tours now:

If you have a Vietnam 10 days itinerary or another tour, these are Vietnam must try food. For more wonderful experiences in this beautiful S-shaped country, choose FTrip tours right now!

Reviewed by

Diep Van

Phone: +84901166884

Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


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