Top 20 Best Vietnamese Street Foods You Must Try | 2024 Guide

20 Delectable Vietnamese Street Foods You Can't Miss

Pho (Noodle soup)

For the most comforting Pho, you may want to head to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. Keep in mind that each place has its own style of cooking and enjoying this food. A few suggestions of this best Vietnamese street food include Pho Ly Quoc Su in Hanoi and Pho Vu Phuong in Ho Chi Minh City.

Flavorful Pho differs from South to North

In a nutshell, the dish mainly consists of flat rice noodles, beef or chicken, and a murky bone broth simmered with traditional spices like star anise, cinnamon, and black cardamom. It is usually accompanied by fresh herbs and bean sprouts, and last but not least, green onions, lime, and chili.

The flavor is simply divine, with a rich, savory broth that is balanced by the sweetness of the bones. The tender noodles and chewy meat, combined with the fresh herbs, create a truly harmonious taste sensation.

Bun Cha (Grilled pork noodle soup)

Originating from Hanoi, Bun Cha has always been a beloved dish among the locals around lunchtime. To fully experience this best Vietnamese street food, there is no better place to approach it than in Hanoi itself. Bun Cha Huong Lien, made world-famous by a visit from former US President Barack Obama, is a go-to choice.

Composed of rice vermicelli, grilled pork patties, thin slices of seasoned pork belly, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce, Bun Cha is a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Besides meat, this specialty is eaten with herbs, and you can customize the fish sauce-based broth with crushed chili and garlic to your liking.

Bun Cha is a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam

Xoi (Sticky rice)

Xoi is a familiar dish in Vietnamese cuisine, cherished for its versatility and comforting flavors. You can find it just about anywhere, especially from street vendors. It is a great way to start your day or grab a quick bite. Some famous spots to try are Xoi Ba Thu in Hanoi and Xoi Bat, which even got a shoutout in the Michelin Guide for Ho Chi Minh.

Two main types of Xoi are sweet and savory

The way people make Xoi varies from region to region. Up North, it is usually pretty simple - sticky rice colored with turmeric, mung bean paste, and fried shallots. It is a classic combo of chewy, sweet, and savory. But down South, they like to get creative and add all sorts of stuff like meat, sausages, and eggs.

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Banh Xeo is one of the best Vietnamese street food that has its roots in the Mekong Delta but has gained popularity all over the South and Central parts of the country. If you are hoping for the real deal, check out Banh Xeo Thien Phuoc in Ho Chi Minh City or Banh Xeo Ba Tinh in Da Nang.

Delicious Banh Xeo must be crispy and golden before being rolled up

In fact, this kind of pancake is basically made from rice flour and coconut milk fried in a hot pan and stuffed with yummy and diverse toppings like bean sprouts, prawns, and minced pork. You wrap it up in rice paper or a lettuce leaf with some herbs and then dunk the roll into a bowl of fish sauce. After taking a big bite, you will feel that it has got a crispy outside and a soft, flavorful inside.

Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls)

A visit to Vietnam would be incomplete without giving Nem Ran a try. This is one of the best Vietnamese street food and a nice way to get a bit of a feel of Vietnamese culture. Some places that serve up amazing Nem Ran are Com Tam Vi in Hanoi and Bep Me In in Ho Chi Minh.

Nem Ran has a beautiful color after being completely fried in oil

Original Nem Ran is said to be a deep-fried spring roll filled with a delectable mixture of pork, shrimp, vermicelli, and veggies. You can eat it with rice or noodles and a generous assortment of fresh herbs.

The crispy exterior gives way to a savory and aromatic filling, making it the perfect accompaniment to a sweet and sour sauce created with the restaurant’s recipe.

Pho Cuon or Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Rolls)

Pho Cuon is a Hanoi thing, while Goi Cuon is more of a Southern favorite. Once you stay in Vietnam, do not miss a chance to swing by Pho Cuon Ngu Xa in Hanoi and Goi Cuon Le Van Sy in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dipping Pho Cuon in fish sauce is the definition of perfection

Pho Cuon is similar to spring rolls but lighter and healthier, stuffed with a stack of leafy greens, a layer of meat or seafood, and coriander, all wrapped up snugly in a thin sheet of rice paper. It is served with a small cup of fish sauce added a little heat from ground chilli. Goi Cuon has a fresh and healthy taste; hence, you can eat a ton without feeling guilty.

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches)

Banh Mi, Vietnam's baguette sandwich, may have been the idea from France, but it is now as Vietnamese as it gets. In each region, there is a different way to take on this staple, and you should not miss out on trying them all. Start with Banh Mi Huynh Hoa in Ho Chi Minh, Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An, or Banh Mi Pho Hue in Hanoi.

The bread at the beginning is baked to be hot and crispy, and later, spread across by margarine, cucumber, and cilantro. The best part is that there are many variations regarding meat fillings depending on where you find them.

Try to taste Banh Mi during a trip to Vietnam

In the north, your Banh Mi may have pork floss, grilled pork loin, and boiled sausages. Meanwhile, head to the South, much more complicated elements can be found, like fried fish with turmeric and dill, Chinese sausage, roasted pork belly, meatballs, and cold cuts. Have a bite of the crunchy crust and savor the warm roll bursting with a symphony of textures.

Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)

Ca Phe Trung is a beverage born out of challenging times. As such, it is considered a Hanoian trademark. Giang Cafe and Kem Trung Ba Khanh are two of the most popular spots to drink it.

Savor the well-known egg coffee in Hanoi

The recipe is made with coffee, egg yolk, condensed milk, and a little cinnamon powder. This drink is best enjoyed hot to appreciate its rich and creamy flavor to the fullest. The bitterness of the coffee complements nicely with the sweetness and fragrance of the whipped egg, leaving you wanting more.

Banh Cuon (Rolled Rice Pancake)

Banh Cuon is one of the best Vietnamese street food in Hanoi for breakfast. At the same time, this dish can be a perfect snack at any time of day. Coming to Vietnam, remember to spare some time to dig into this fctvesh-to-order treat at Ban Cuon Ba Xuan, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, or Banh Cuon Ba Trieu in Hanoi.

Banh Cuon is a breakfast staple of Hanoians

Made from rice flour mixed with water and steamed, Banh Cuon is gathered around wood ear mushrooms and pork, then gently rolled and topped with dried shallots. It goes along with a side bowl of fish sauce and Vietnamese bologna for an unforgettable taste.

The soft, chewy texture combined with the savory filling and sauce is sure to brighten up every moment you bite.

Banh Trang Nuong (Grilled Rice Paper)

Inspired by pizza, Banh Trang Nuong is a popular and savory snack that you should try when setting foot in the South or Central. Experience it at renowned establishments like Banh Trang Nuong Da Lat Chi Huyen in Da Lat or Banh Trang Nuong Co Chin in Ho Chi Minh City.

Savor the simple yet flavorful ‘Vietnamese pizza’

Simply said, it is a piece of rice paper slathered with quail egg yolk, sliced green onions, sausage, and grated cheese set atop a coal brazier until it has a yellowish hue. This best Vietnamese street food is so delicious and full of flavor, given that all the ingredients bind together well, that you will be hooked after just one take.

Cao Lau (Pork Rice Noodle)

A dish exclusive to Hoi An, Cao Lau is always one of top best Vietnamese street foods for tourists to the little town. When staying in Hoi An, it is best to include a move to Cao Lau Ba Be or Cao Lau Thanh in your itinerary.

Flavorful Cao Lau is a must-try in Hoi An

The heft, chewy noodles, the same as Japanese udon, are the star of the food, paired with a little broth, slices of barbecued pork, lettuce, bean sprouts, and some herbs. If you like, you can squeeze a little lime or put some chili into the bowl for an extra kick.

Nem Lui (Lemongrass Skewers)

Nem Lui is a delicacy from Central Vietnam, particularly Hue. To eat the perfect Nem Lui, some good places to go are Nem Lui Hue Phuong and Nem Lui Ku Hue.

The food features a decent blend of lean and fatty pork marinated in a mixture of chopped shallots, fish sauce, a touch of black pepper, monosodium glutamate, and pork stock. Cooked on a chargill, it is then wrapped in rice paper with herbs, pickles, and sour fruits and dipped into a special regional peanut sauce to be a delight.

Tender and juicy pork skewers marinated with lemongrass

With a smoky aroma that flavors the meat beautifully, no wonder that the dish is so addictive that foreign diners cannot resist coming back for more.

Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)

Com Ga Hoi An can be regarded as a signature dish of the quiet old town. If you do not know where to give it a shot, then just follow BestPrice Travel's recommendation: Com Ga Ba Buoi.

A plate of Com Ga is a must for food lovers in Hoi An

Before tasting it, you may want to know what ingredients are inside as well as what makes this name stand out from the rest, only by two simple foods that can be easily found all across Asia: chicken and rice.

The rice is cooked not in water but in local chicken broth instead. Apart from the tender shredded chicken, classic Com Ga Hoi An is decorated with a hint of hot mint and coriander; all are clean and healthy products from the countryside. After a day of exploring lantern-filled streets, a plate of golden chicken rice is a nice way to reward yourself.

Mi Quang (Quang-style Noodles)

Another dish on the best Vietnamese street food list is Mi Quang from the Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam. Visitors can try it at My Quang 163 Ho Nghinh or Michelin-starred My Quang Co Sau, both in Da Nang.

Be sure to try Mi Quang on a trip to the gorgeous Da Nang City

Light and springy rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, or pork belly are covered in a special soup made rich with peanut oil. Other notable ingredients that can be noticed in a bowl of Mi Quang are toasted sesame rice crackers and sliced banana flowers, and outside is a cup of sweet and sour fish sauce for those interested.

Grabbing a first bite, sweet and clear broth, chewy noodles, the rich flavors of shrimp and meat, and the buttery taste of peanuts are what you can feel the most.

Bun bo Hue (Hue-style Beef Noodle Soup)

Bun Bo Hue first came from Hue, a central city in Vietnam. The highlight of this dish is that it has strong broth, and you can see lots of meat toppings in a single bowl. Even though tourists can spot Bun Bo Hue in numerous places, not everyone can cook it properly.

Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba Market and 3 Tran Cao Van in Hue are two of the most renowned. Or else, if you travel to Ho Chi Minh, you can pop in Bun Bo Hue Mu Roi to get the most complete experience.

Meat eaters go try Bun Bo Hue when in Vietnam

In a typical serving, there is a portion of rice vermicelli noodles in red broth as a result of hours spent simmering beef bones and lemongrass stalks. Lurking in the bowl are tender beef shanks and Vietnamese sausage, making it a dynamic affair. As with other noodle dishes, it is eaten with vegetables, bean sprouts, lemons, and chili to add a more striking flavor.

Com Hen (Clam rice)

Com Hen is worth being one of the best Vietnamese street food in Hue City. It is both tasty and unique, so you should not ignore this kind of food when transferring to Hue. Enjoy it at Com Hen restaurants in Con Hen or at 2 Truong Dinh Street, Hue, or in Ho Chi Minh City at Com Hen 17 Tran Cao Van, District 3, and it will not let you down.

Com Hen - Traditional rice dish from Hue

The food will be displayed in a large or small bowl. All things inside are kept cool and complex. They are as follows: rice, mussels sauteed with seasoning, fried pork skin, roasted peanuts, fried onion, and shrimp paste. The clam rice is often served with really hot chili, vegetables, lemon, and mussel water to taste.

By mixing all the above ingredients, you can feel the delicate flavor of clams, the salty shrimp paste, spicy chili, and crunchy pork crackling at the same time.

Com Tam (Broken rice)

Com Tam is a popular dish among the best Vietnamese street foods in Ho Chi Minh. It is prepared in countless ways, so there is something for everyone. A few delicious restaurants you should try for an original taste are Com Tam Ba Ghien at 84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan, and Com Tam Thuan Kieu, District 5.

A typical Com Tam platter in a local restaurant

To help you visualize the food, it is a generous heap of broken rice paired with a fried egg, a drizzle of green onion oil, and a variety of meats such as caramelized grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and steamed pork and egg patty. It is also accompanied by a selection of vegetables that are finely sliced, including cucumber, tomato, and carrot. The last touch is a small bowl of fish sauce placed on the side.

Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk)

Ca Phe Sua Da symbolizes a one-of-a-kind component of Vietnamese culture, especially in Saigon. It is cheap and is sold in practically every Vietnam street food market. But where to go for the best flavor? Stopping at Ca Phe Vot Phan Đinh Phung in Phu Nhuan District or Highlands Coffee in any shopping mall that is near you.

You will fall in love with Ca Phe Sua Da on a hot day

As its name suggests, it is made with strong coffee, dripped through a small metal filter into a cup containing condensed milk. The mixture is then stirred and poured over ice, making it a refreshing and robust drink for scorching hot weather.

Tra Da Via He (Sidewalk Iced Tea)

It is a common sight in Vietnam to see people sitting at small tea stalls on nearly every street corner. This is a quintessential part of Vietnamese street culture. In Hanoi, popular spots include the area around the Cathedral, the Old Quarter, and Hoan Kiem Lake. In Ho Chi Minh, Bui Vien Street in District 1 is a great place to have it a try.

Sidewalk tea culture in the capital city, Hanoi

The tea is made by steeping loose-leaf tea in hot water, then cooling it and adding ice. Its refreshing and slightly bitter taste is a go-to for cooling down on a hot day.

Che (Vietnamese sweet soup)

Che is a sweet dessert that can be found throughout the country, but Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are in particular famous for their unique versions. In Hanoi, you can try Che Bon Mua on Hang Can Street or Che Xoan on Hai Ba Trung Street. Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh, Che Ky Dong in District 3 and Che Nam Bo in District 5 are popular choices.

Che is a delightful dessert in Vietnam, known for its variety and unique flavors

Che comes in many varieties, but it normally includes mung beans, black beans, red beans, coconut milk, jelly, lotus seeds, fruits, and sweet syrup. It is called a freshen-up treat since it is served over very much crushed ice.

The sweet and creamy coconut milk, combined with the mashed beans and the colorful jellied ingredients, names itself as a number 1 dessert in the form of soup.

Tips on how to explore street food in Vietnam

Start with popular dishes

If you are new to Vietnamese food, begin with the classics like Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi. These best Vietnamese street foods can be found in almost every city and are a great introduction to what Vietnamese cuisine is all about.

Venture into local markets

To try the best Vietnamese street food, local markets are the place to be. You can pay a visit to such sites as Ben Thanh Market or Dong Xuan Market and sample a wide variety of dishes. You will find everything from savory snacks to sweet treats.

Explore the authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Ben Thanh Market

Follow the locals

It is a good idea to pay close attention to where locals eat. They are the ones who know the best and most hygienic places to dine. Plus, do not forget to observe how natives order and eat the same food as they do to get the most authentic experience.

Pay attention to hygiene

Make sure to put food safety first when selecting a place to eat. Look for restaurants that are popular with locals, where ingredients are freshly prepared on-site and appear appetizing. You can also follow local hygiene practices, such as wiping your chopsticks and spoons before eating, using hand sanitizers or wet wipes to clean your hands, and carrying your own napkins to maintain cleanliness throughout the meal.

Remember to bring hand sanitizer to stay clean

Explore Regional Specialties

Vietnamese cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. Each region has its own signature dishes, such as Cao Lau in Hoi An and Com Hen in Hue. As a result, when you come across one of them, be sure to try the regional specialties to get a sense of the diverse flavors of the nation.

Go on a Street Food Tour

BestPrice Travel has many food tours in place for travelers, providing an optimal way to discover the most famous and typical Vietnamese dishes. You will be accompanied by an experienced, friendly guide who will take care of all the details and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The only thing you need to do is to relax and enjoy the food.

BestPrice Travel offers thrilling food tours across Vietnam, showcasing the country's rich and diverse culinary traditions:

• Real Taste of Vietnam 13 days - From US $1149 /pax
• Luxury Gourmet Explorer Vietnam 13 days - From US $1599 /pax
• Vietnam Flavors Experience & Beach Relax 11 days - From US $1359 /pax
• Experience Vietnamese Food 9 days - From US $999 /pax

Join a food tour for a better experience

How to explore street food in Vietnam

To assist travelers in ordering and enjoying the best Vietnamese street food, BestPrice Travel has compiled a list of essential vocabulary in the table below.

FAQs

How much is street food in Vietnam?

Considering street food Vietnam's price, there is a wide variety of affordable options catering to all budgets. On average, a street food meal can cost anywhere from US $0.79 to US $1.98, depending on the dish and location.

Popular choices like Pho and Banh Mi typically range from US $1.19 to US $1.98, while lighter options like Nem Ran or Goi Cuon tend to be more cost-effective.

Is Vietnamese street food safe to eat?

Vietnamese street foods are safe to eat, but only if you choose reputable and clean vendors. Just look for crowded stalls with clean environments and food that is prepared fresh and publicly in front of you.

Where can I find the best street food in Vietnam?

With each city in Vietnam, there is a different street food scene:

• Hanoi: Explore the Old Quarter for traditional dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao, and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street offer a spectrum of local delicacies.
• Da Nang: Enjoy fresh seafood at Ba Na Hills and along the coastal areas.
• Hue: Indulge in royal and eye-catching cuisine like Bun Bo Hue and Nem Lui in Dong Ba Market and Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street.

What should I avoid when trying street food in Vietnam?

To ensure a stress-free and rewarding experience on a street food tour, you should keep these tips in mind:

• Choose busy stalls: Places with lots of customers often indicate good quality and hygiene standards.
• Check for cleanliness: Observe the overall cleanliness of the vendor, preparation area, and food storage.
• Avoid food from questionable sources: Stay away from dishes sold in messy, dirty conditions or without proper storage.
• Drink bottled water: Avoid tap water to prevent potential health issues.
• Bring sunscreen and water: This is necessary, especially when enjoying street food outdoors during the day.

Conclusion

This blog offers an overview of the best Vietnamese street food and tips for navigating the vibrant street food scene. Whether you’re exploring local markets or dining where the locals do, these insights will enhance your culinary experience in Vietnam. Contact BestPrice Travel for expert advice and tailored experiences to make your food journey unforgettable!