Top 30 Best Vietnamese Cuisine Every Foodie Must Try 2024

Iconic Vietnamese Main Courses: Flavorful Dishes You’ll Crave

Here’s a tantalizing list of iconic Vietnamese main courses that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more!

Bun Cha - Kebab Rice Noodles

Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi. It features grilled pork (both minced and sliced) served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime, and garlic.

Locals marinate the pork and grill over charcoal, giving it a smoky, savory flavor. Bun Cha is enjoyed by combining the noodles, herbs, and pork, then dipping them in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Price: 35,000 - 70,000 VND (US $1.4 - 2.8) Recommended places:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi
• Bun Cha Dac Kim: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

Bun Cha offers a perfect blend of smoky grilled pork and fresh herbs

Pho - Rice Noodle Soup

Pho is perhaps the one of most iconic Vietnamese cuisine dishes, boasting a rich history that traces back to Hanoi. This beloved noodle soup features flat rice noodles immersed in a clear, aromatic broth made from either beef or chicken, which is simmered for hours to achieve a depth of flavor that is both comforting and complex.

The broth is traditionally seasoned with fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, lending Pho its distinctive savory profile. Each bowl is typically garnished with fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro, along with lime wedges and slices of chili, allowing diners to customize the dish to their taste.

Price: From 30,000 - 100,000 VND (US $1.2 - 4)

Recommended places:

• Phở Thìn: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Phở Lệ: 413 Nguyen Trai, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh city

Pho delights with its savory broth, fresh herbs, and tender noodles

Bun Dau Mam Tom - Noodles with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste

Bun Dau Mam Tom is one of the best Vietnamese cuisine dishes, especially in the North. Widely served from street stalls to restaurants, it’s a flavorful dish often enjoyed at lunchtime. This dish has a very unique taste of shrimp sauce that many people favor. Bun Dau Mam Tom consists of rice vermicelli, fried tofu, trotter, Vietnamese sausage, and herbs. All of them are served on banana leaves.

Guests can choose between Shrimp paste or Fish sauce to eat with the dish. If you are trying the dish for the first time, you probably want to eat it with fish sauce as the shrimp paste has a really hard smell. Just dip noodles and other ingredients in shrimp paste or fish sauce and enjoy the good taste of this typical feature in Vietnamese cuisine.

Price: 40,000 - 60,000 VND (US $1.6 - 2.4)

Recommended places:

• Bun Dau Mam Tom Met: 27 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
• Bun Dau Cay Da: 235 Bach Mai, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi.

Bun Dau Mam Tom offers a bold, unique taste with crispy tofu and rich shrimp paste

Bun Bo Hue - Hue Beef Noodles

Bun Bo Hue is one of the best well-known traditional Vietnamese dishes that come from Hue, a city in the Central region and also the old capital of Vietnam in the Nguyen dynasty. Because of its popularity, the dish can be found in every province and city in Vietnam. Bun Bo Hue is made with beef, trotter, pork balls, frozen blood, and some herbs such as bean sprouts, lemon, coriander, etc.

Not only the ingredients but also the broth make the dish different from any other type of noodles in Vietnam. It is much sweeter and the noodles used in this dish are bigger as well. This dish is served in many places all over the country, from street corners to luxurious restaurants.

Price: 30,000 - 60,000 VND (US $1.6 - 2.4)

Recommended places:

• Bun Bo Hue O Cuong Chu Diep: 6 Tran Quang Khai, Hue City
• Bun Bo Goc Hue: 300 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Savore the rich and spicy flavors of Bun Bo Hue

Hu Tieu Go - Chinning Noodle

Hu Tieu Go is a popular street food in Saigon. It can be found in small food carts on pavements on streets which are always crowded with people till late at night. The reason why it is called Hu Tieu Go is that its location is mobile. It has some carts and plastic stools and the staff just walk around the streets and knock a bamboo tocsin to invite guests. Back in the old days, it was a dish sold in small alleys for poor people, but nowadays, people in Saigon have the dish as a snack for their days.

Hu Tieu Go is somewhat influenced by Chinese cuisine. Because the main ingredients are Chinese noodles, pork, Vietnamese sausage, onion, bean sprouts, coriander, egg, herbs, etc.

Price: 20,000 - 40,000 VND (US $0.8 - 1.6)

Recommended places:

• Hu Tieu Go Le Quang Dinh: 260 Le Quang Dinh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh city
• Hu Tieu Go Nguyen Tri Phuong: Near Nguyen Tri Phuong Intersection, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Hu Tieu Go combines savory broth, tender noodles, and fresh herbs perfectly

Bun Mam - Fermented Fish and Seafood Noodle Soup

Bun Mam is a specialty from Southern Vietnam, known for its rich, bold flavor that comes from fermented fish broth. The soup is packed with various types of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish, combined with rice vermicelli, making each bowl a hearty, flavorful meal.

The unique taste of the fermented fish may be intense for newcomers, but it is loved by locals for its depth of flavor. Fresh herbs, eggplant, and chili are added to balance the savory broth, creating a well-rounded dish.

Price: 40,000 - 70,000 VND (US $1.6 - 2.8)

Recommended places:

• Bun Mam 444: 375 Le Quang Dinh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Bun Mam Co Ba: 53 Phan Xich Long, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City

Bun Mam bursts with bold flavors of fermented fish and fresh seafood

Com Tam - Vietnamese Broken Rice

Com Tam is one of the best Vietnamese cuisines made of fractured rice grains that are damaged due to transportation, milling, or during the harvest. The dish is served with grilled pork, ribs, egg meatloaf, cucumber, carrot, spring onion, and other vegetables and it comes along with a small bowl of fish sauce and a bowl of soup.

Despite its widespread popularity across Vietnam, the best Com Tam is famously found in Saigon. Saigon’s version is known for its perfectly charred, juicy pork and the savory, slightly sweet fish sauce that ties everything together, making it a must-try for any visitor.

Price: 40,000 - 70,000 VND (US $1.6 - 2.8)

Recommended places:

• Com Tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Com Tam Moc: 85 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Com Tam delights with tender grilled pork, savory fish sauce, and broken rice

Cao Lau - Hoi An Special Noodles

Cao Lau is a very famous Vietnamese food that comes from the old town of Hoi An, a popular tourist attraction in Quang Nam. Being served with broth, Cao Lau is made with rice noodles, pork or shrimp, greens, bean sprouts, and herbs.

It is easy to recognize Cao Lau as the color of the noodles is yellow or gray, not white like other types of noodles. It also has a subtly sweet flavor profile, much like some Southern Vietnamese noodles, but its preparation and taste make it a truly unique dish.

Price: 30,000 - 60,000 VND (US $1.2 - 2.4)

Recommended places:

• Cao Lau Ba Be: Hoi An Market, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Cao Lau Thanh: 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Cao Lau offers a rich blend of chewy noodles, tender pork, and fresh herbs

Bun Thit Nuong - Noodles With Grilled Pork/Beef/Shrimp

Another best Vietnamese cuisine on the list is Bun Thit Nuong, which stands out for being a dry noodle dish, unlike many other Vietnamese soups. Instead of broth, it features a bed of rice noodles topped with tender, smoky grilled pork, making it lighter yet equally flavorful. This is a popular dish in southern Vietnam, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.

Bun Thit Nuong is paired with a variety of fresh Vietnamese herbs like lettuce, coriander, and perilla, giving it a refreshing and aromatic quality. The dish is also accompanied by crunchy slices of carrot and cucumber, adding a crisp texture that contrasts with the tender meat and noodles.

Price: 30,000 - 50,000 VND (US $1.2 - 2)

Recommended places:

• Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao: 175 Co Giang, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Bun Thit Nuong Nam Hien: 46 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan, Ho Chi Minh City

Bun Thit Nuong combines smoky grilled meat, fresh herbs, and soft noodles

Com Ga - Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a bustling harbor where traders from China, Japan, and other Asian countries came together. As a result, its regional cuisine blends Vietnamese flavors with influences from Southeast and East Asia. Hoi An's famous Com Ga (Chicken Rice) reflects this fusion, combining traditional Vietnamese ingredients with a touch of Chinese culinary style.

As one of Hoi An's most well-known meals, chicken rice has a variety of tastes and textures. Hoi An chicken rice is served with tender shreds of chicken, crisp onions, tangy Vietnamese coriander, and gorgeous yellow rice with turmeric. Since the rice is cooked directly in umami chicken stock, it is very soft and delicious.

Price: 40,000 - 60,000 VND (US $1.2 - 2)

Recommended places:

• Com Ga Ba Buoi: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Com Ga Ty: 25 - 27 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Com Ga delights with tender chicken, fragrant rice, and fresh herbs

Mi Quang - Quang-style Noodle

Mi Quang is a signature dish from Quang Nam Province, offering a unique and flavorful experience. This specialty features thick rice noodles, typically golden in color, paired with tender slices of pork, shrimp, or chicken. Unlike traditional noodle soups, Mi Quang is served with just a small amount of rich, savory broth, allowing the ingredients to shine without being submerged.

Topped with fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers, Mi Quang stands out in the best vietnamese cuisine list with its savory turmeric-infused broth and vibrant mix of ingredients. This noodle dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the authentic flavors of central Vietnam.

Price: 40,000 - 60,000 VND (US $1.6 - 2.4)

Recommended places:

• Mi Quang Ba Mua: 19 - 21 Tran Binh Trong, Da Nang
• Mi Quang 1A: 1 Hai Phong, Da Nang

Mi Quang offers a flavorful mix of rich broth, soft noodles, and fresh herbs

Cha Ca La Vong - Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with Dill

Cha Ca La Vong is an iconic dish from Hanoi, celebrated for its rich flavors and traditional preparation. This culinary gem features tender fish fillets marinated in turmeric and galangal, then cooked with a generous amount of fresh dill and green onions. The turmeric imparts a warm, earthy flavor, while the dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that makes the dish truly distinctive.

Traditionally served sizzling at the table, Cha Ca La Vong is enjoyed with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy fish sauce-based dip. Diners mix everything together, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Price: 120,000 - 200,000 VND (US $4.7 - 8)

Recommended places:

• Cha Ca La Vong: 14 Pho Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Cha Ca Thang Long: 19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Cha Ca La Vong bursts with flavorful turmeric fish, fresh dill, and peanuts

Com Hen - Mussel Rice

As a beloved specialty from Hue, Com Hen highlights the city's rich culinary heritage with its unique blend of flavors and textures. This dish is centered around rice and tender baby mussels, which are sautéed with aromatic spices to create a distinct, savory taste.

Com Hen is typically topped with a variety of ingredients, including roasted peanuts, crispy fried pork skin, fresh herbs, and a hint of chili for a spicy kick. These toppings add layers of crunch and freshness, complementing the tender mussels and fluffy rice.

Price: 20,000 - 40,000 VND (US $0.8 - 1.6)

Recommended places:

• Com Hen Hoa Dong: 64 Kiet 7, Ung Binh, Hue City
• Com Hen Ba Cam: 49 Tung Thien Vuong, Hue City

Com Hen brings a delightful mix of tender mussels, crispy pork, and rice

Bun Rieu - Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup

Bun Rieu is one of the best Vietnamese cuisines, a traditional dish from northern Vietnam known for its rich and tangy broth made from crab, tomatoes, and shrimp paste. The soup has a savory flavor, with a slight sourness from the tomatoes, which balances well with the sweetness of the crab.

The broth is served with soft vermicelli noodles and is typically topped with fresh herbs, crispy fried tofu, and occasionally slices of blood pudding for an added depth of taste. Locals often savor Bun Rieu as a hearty meal for lunch or dinner.

Price: 30,000 - 50,000 VND (US $1.2 - 2) Recommended places:

• Bun Rieu Co Lan: 87 Nguyen Cu Trinh, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Bun Rieu Nguyen Thuong Hien: 195 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Quan 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Bun Rieu bursts with tangy broth, fresh crab, and soft noodles

Side dishes: Unique combination of spices and ingredients

Here’s a list of Vietnamese side dishes that showcase a unique combination of spices and ingredients, adding extra layers of flavor to any meal:

Banh Mi

Banh Mi is one of the best Vietnamese cuisines, blending French influences with local flavors. The sandwich is made with a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled meats, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a dash of chili sauce.

Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors - savory from the meats and pate, tangy from the pickled veggies, and a subtle heat from the chili sauce. This makes Banh Mi a versatile and satisfying meal, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack on the go. Although the preparation of Banh Mi varies across regions, it always maintains its signature savory taste, with each area adding its own unique twist to this beloved dish.

Price: 20,000 - 70,000 VND (US $0.8 - 2.8)

Recommended places:

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh Mi Phuong: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Banh Mi offers a perfect blend of crispy bread, savory meats, and fresh herbs

Banh Cuon - Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls

Banh Cuon is a delightful Vietnamese dish made of steamed rice rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. The rice batter is delicately steamed to create thin, soft rolls that are both light and satisfying.

Typically served with nuoc cham, a tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce, Bánh Cuốn is accompanied by fresh herbs and crispy fried shallots, which enhance the dish's savory and fresh flavors, commonly enjoyed for breakfast

Price: 20,000 - 40,000 VND (US $0.8 - 1.6)

Recommended places:

• Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Banh Cuon Tay Ho: 127 Dinh Tien Hoang, Quan Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City

Banh Cuon delights with silky rice rolls, savory fillings, and fresh herbs

Banh Goi - Fried Pillow Cake

Banh Goi, also known as the Vietnamese Fried Pillow Cake, is a popular street food from Hanoi. Shaped like a pillow, locals fill this crispy pastry with a mixture of minced pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and quail eggs.

The outer layer of Banh Cuon is golden and crunchy, providing a delightful contrast to the juicy and flavorful filling inside. Typically enjoyed with nuoc cham (a tangy dipping sauce) and accompanied by fresh herbs, this dish makes for a perfect snack or light meal.

Price: 10,000 - 30,000 VND (US $0.4 - 1.2)

Recommended places:

• Banh Goi Ly Quoc Su: 52 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Banh Goi Hoang Tich Tri: 1 Hoang Tich Tri, Dong Da, Hanoi

Banh Goi offers a crispy crust filled with savory pork, mushrooms, and quail eggs

Nem Ran - Fried Spring Rolls

Nem Ran, also known as Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls, is considered one of the best Vietnamese cuisine dishes from northern Vietnam.. Each roll is filled with a delicious mixture of minced pork, shrimp, vermicelli, mushrooms, and carrots, all carefully wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp.

Typically served with nuoc cham (a flavorful dipping sauce) and a side of fresh herbs, Nem Ran offers a delightful combination of crispy, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the flavorful filling makes these spring rolls a favorite snack or appetizer, embodying the essence of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

Price: 30,000 - 60,000 VND US ($1.2 - 2.4)

Recommended places:

• Quan Nem Ran Goc Da: 3 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa: 97 Bui Thi Xuan, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Nem Ran delights with crispy wrappers, savory fillings, and fresh herbs

Pho Cuon - Fresh Rolling Pho

Pho Cuon is a unique take on Vietnam’s famous pho, originating from Hanoi. Unlike the traditional soup, Pho Cuon features fresh rice noodle sheets wrapped around a filling of tender beef, vibrant herbs, and crisp lettuce. This dish is light and refreshing, making it an excellent option for those seeking a healthier meal.

Served with nuoc cham (dipping sauce) for added flavor, Pho Cuon offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It’s a popular choice for those who prefer a healthy and satisfying meal without the heaviness of broth.

Price: 30,000 - 60,000 VND (US $1.2 - 2.4)

Recommended places:

• Pho Cuon Hung Ben: 33 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Pho Cuon 31: 31 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Pho Cuon combines soft rice noodles with flavorful beef and fresh greens

Banh Xeo - Vietnamese Crepes

Banh Xeo is known as a crispy Vietnamese pancake, one of the best Vietnamese cuisines that you must try. It is said that Banh Xeo was influenced by French cuisine during their occupation in Vietnam. The dish is made by pouring the rice batter into the hot oil, then stuffing it with shrimp, boiled pork, bean sprouts, and spring onion.

The word “xeo” means the sizzling sound when you make the dish. When it is ready to be served, it has a yellow outer layer and you will roll it with dried rice paper, vegetables, and herbs. The most authentic way to savor Banh Xeo is by using your hands, allowing you to fully appreciate the texture and flavors as you create your own perfect bite.

Price: 15,000 - 90,000 VND (US $0.6 - 3.6)

Recommended places:

• Banh Xeo 46A: 46A Dinh Cong Trang, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem: 190 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Quan 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Banh Xeo is crispy, golden, and filled with savory shrimp and pork

Bánh Tráng Nướng - Grilled Girdle Cake

Banh Trang Nuong, often referred to as Vietnamese Pizza, is a beloved street food originating from southern Vietnam. This delicious dish features a base of rice paper topped with an array of ingredients, including onions, shrimp, sausage, quail eggs, and a drizzle of chili sauce.

Typically enjoyed in small pieces, much like traditional pizza, each bite of Banh Trang Nuong offers a delightful crunch and an explosion of flavor. The combination of savory toppings and the crispy rice paper makes it a favorite snack for locals and visitors alike.

Price: 20,000 - 40,000 VND (US $0.8 - 1.6)

Recommended places:

• Banh Trang Nuong Da Lat: 61 Nguyen Van Troi, Da Lat, Lam Dong
• Banh Trang Nuong Co Chin: 209 Vo Van Kiet, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Banh Trang Nuong is crispy and loaded with savory toppings like eggs and sausage

Trung Vit Lon - Balut

Trung Vit Lon is a very special dish that is popular in Vietnam, the Philippines, and China. Not only is it yummy, but also rich in nutrients. It is said to be good for sick people or pregnant women. It is basically a duck egg but the embryo developed into the shape of a duck. Just by the look of it, it scares many tourists, even Vietnamese people.

Before being served, it is boiled for about 15 - 20 minutes and you will eat balut with salt, laksa leaves, and ginger. This traditional delicacy is not only rich in protein but also considered good for your health, making it a popular choice among locals.

Price: 10,000 - 20,000 VND (US $0.4 - 0.8)

Recommended places:

• Trung Vit Lon Kim Thao: 104 Ly Thai To, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Trung Vit Lon Nguyen Thai Hoc: 81 Nguyen Thai Hoc, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Trung Vit Lon offers a rich, bold taste with a tender, flavorful duck embryo

Com Chay - Vietnam Rice Crispy

Com Chay is a traditional dish from Ninh Binh, loved for its crunchy texture and savory toppings. Made from crispy fried rice, it is typically topped with pork floss, green onions, and chili, giving it a delicious mix of flavors.

Each bite of Com Chay offers a satisfying crunch, making it a popular choice for a snack or light meal. Often enjoyed as a regional specialty, it’s a must-try for travelers exploring Vietnam, as it showcases the unique culinary offerings of the area.

Price: 20,000 - 50,000 VND (US $0.8 - 2)

Recommended places:

• Com Chay Ninh Binh: 1 Trang An, Ninh Binh
• Com Chay Cha Bong Vung Tau: 22 Tran Hung Dao, Ho Chi Minh City

Com Chay is crunchy and savory, topped with flavorful pork floss and chili

Banh Khot - Vietnamese Savory Mini Pancake

Mini pancakes are the kind to eat at any time of day for a particular segment of Vietnamese people. These bite-sized morsels, also called Banh Khot in Vietnamese, taste great when prepared at home. You may stuff them full of as many of your preferred toppings as you can fit, and they will still come out very light and crispy.

They are the ideal addition to a "Wrap and Roll" celebration when the whole family comes to wrap rice paper and a fresh salad with the finest ingredients. These kinds of culinary adventures are what bring families together and create the finest memories!

Price: 30,000 - 60,000 VND (US $1.2 - 2.4)

Recommended places:

• Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua: 14 Nguyen Truong To, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh Khot Co Ba Vung Tau: 1 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ho Chi Minh City

Banh Khot is crispy and savory, filled with shrimp and topped with fresh greens

Banh Bao Banh Vac - White Rose Dumpling

Banh Bao Banh Vac, also known as White Rose Dumpling, is a specialty from Hoi An, famous for its delicate appearance and light, savory flavor. These dumplings are made from rice flour, carefully shaped into a rose-like form, and filled with shrimp or pork.

People often enjoy them with crispy fried shallots and a special dipping sauce, adding a perfect balance of flavors to the dish. For anyone visiting Hoi An, trying White Rose Dumplings is an absolute must, offering a taste of the region's rich culinary heritage.

Price: 50,000 - 100,000 VND (US $2 - 4)

Recommended places:

• Nha Hang Bong Hong Trang: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Banh Bao Banh Vac offers delicate dumplings filled with shrimp and a savory dip

Goi Cuon - Fresh Spring Rolls

Goi Cuon, or Fresh Spring Rolls, is a healthy and light dish enjoyed across Vietnam, especially in the south. These rolls are made with rice paper, and filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and fresh herbs, making them both refreshing and nutritious.

People usually dip them in peanut sauce or nuoc cham (dipping sauce), which enhances the flavors with a perfect mix of sweet and savory. Goi Cuon is a popular choice for a quick snack or a light meal, offering a delicious way to experience the fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Vietnamese cuisine.

Price: 10,000 - 30,000 VND (US $0.4 - 1.2)

Recommended places:

• Goi Cuon Ton That Dam: 35 Ton That Dam, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Goi Cuon Thanh Mai: 25 Ho Xuan Huong, Quan 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Goi Cuon is light and refreshing, filled with shrimp, pork, and fresh veggies

Vietnamese Desserts: Indulge in Irresistible Flavors

Explore a delightful selection of Vietnamese desserts that showcase irresistible flavors and textures, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth:

Che - Sweet Soup

Che is a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot days and enjoyed throughout every region of Vietnam. While it is often considered street food, Che can also be found on the menus of many restaurants, offering a sweet treat to diners. Food lovers will discover a variety of Che types, each with its own unique combination of ingredients.

You can also add fruits and jelly to have more flavor. These places normally serve Che from other Indochina countries as well, such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

Price: 10,000 - 30,000 VND (US $0.4 - 1.2)

Recommended places:

• Che Ba Ba: 5 Tran Hung Dao, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Che Muoi Sau: 16 Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

Che is a sweet, refreshing dessert with a mix of beans, jelly, and coconut milk

Ca Phe Trung - Egg Coffee

It is so obvious that Vietnam has really good and strong coffee. But many tourists come to Vietnam and they will ask for “ca phe sua da” which is coffee with condensed milk and ice, however, you will regret it if you don’t try one special coffee style called Egg Coffee in Hanoi. Although it sounds weird to have coffee with eggs, these two ingredients create an innovative style of coffee that many people love.

Egg Coffee has the greasy taste of the egg and of course the smell of coffee. You definitely want to try it warm to enjoy the best taste. Ca Phe Trung originated in Hanoi and Giang Cafe is the oldest coffee shop serving this type of coffee. That’s why their places are always crowded with tourists as well as the locals in Hanoi.

Price: 25,000 - 50,000 VND (US $1 - 2)

Recommended places:

• Ca Phe Giang: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Ca Phe Dinh: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Egg coffee is creamy and rich, blending strong coffee with sweet egg foam

Banh Ran - Vietnamese Donuts

Banh Ran, also known as Vietnamese Donuts, is a popular street snack enjoyed throughout Vietnam. These crispy, golden balls are made from glutinous rice flour, often filled with sweet mung bean paste or left hollow, and coated with sesame seeds. This best Vietnamese cuisine offers a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, slightly chewy inside.

Best enjoyed as a quick snack, especially when served warm, Banh Ran is a must-try for those seeking a taste of Vietnam’s street food culture.

Price: 5,000 - 15,000 VND (US $0.2 - 0.6)

Recommended places:

• Banh Ran Vong Thi: 242 Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho, Hanoi
• Banh Ran Hang Chieu: 52 Hang Chieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Banh Ran is crispy on the outside, with a soft, sweet mung bean filling inside

Ca Phe Sua Da - Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk

Ca Phe Sua Da is a quintessential drink in Vietnam, known for its rich, robust flavor. Made using a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, sweetened condensed milk, and plenty of ice, this refreshing beverage offers a perfect balance of sweetness and a strong coffee taste.

Vietnamese people love to enjoy Ca Phe Sua Da in coffee shops on pavements, at street corners, or from coffee carts, making it a staple of everyday life. Despite its simplicity, this iced coffee packs a punch in flavor, making it an ideal way to kick-start a productive day. A cup of Ca Phe Sua Da in the early morning is all you need to energize and embrace the day ahead.

Price: 15,000 - 40,000 VND (US $0.6 - 1.6)

Recommended places:

• Cong Ca Phe: 152D Trieu Viet Vuong, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• The Coffee House: 86-88 Cao Thang, Quan 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Milk coffee is bold and sweet, with rich coffee and creamy condensed milk

FAQs

Is Vietnamese food healthy?

Yes, Vietnamese food is generally considered healthy due to its emphasis on fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and cooking methods that retain the nutritional value of foods.

Which part of Vietnam has the best food?

Hue is home to some of the best Vietnamese cuisine, known for its royal cuisine and spicy, flavorful dishes, while nearby cities like Hoi An offer iconic specialties like Cao Lau and Banh Mi. However, both Hanoi in the north and Saigon in the south have their own must-try dishes, making Vietnam a culinary paradise from north to south.

What is the number 1 Vietnamese dish?

The best Vietnamese cuisine dish is Pho, a beloved noodle soup that has become a global symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. Originating from Hanoi, Pho features flat rice noodles in a fragrant broth made from slow-cooked beef or chicken, seasoned with star anise, cinnamon, and other spices.

What is a popular vegetarian option in Vietnamese cuisine?

In Vietnamese cuisine, there are several popular vegetarian and vegan options, particularly among side dishes and desserts. Some of the common ones include:

• Goi Cuon Chay (Vegetarian Fresh Spring Rolls) is a popular vegetarian option. Made with rice paper, tofu, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, these rolls are light, healthy, and served with a peanut or soy-based dipping sauce.
• Che (Vietnamese Desserts): There are a variety of Che (sweet soups and puddings) made with coconut milk, mung beans, sweet potatoes, tapioca pearls, and fruits, offering delicious vegan-friendly options.
• Cha Gio Chay (Vegan Fried Spring Rolls) - Similar to Goi Cuon, but these are deep-fried rolls stuffed with mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, often served with a dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and aromas that offers something for everyone. From the savory pho and fresh spring rolls to the unique banh mi and flavorful seafood dishes, each meal tells a story of the country’s rich culture and heritage.

If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure, consider booking a tour with BestPrice Travel. With expert guides and tailored itineraries, you will discover the best Vietnamese cuisine while ensuring a seamless travel experience. Don’t miss out on tasting the authentic flavors of Vietnam - book your tour today!