Photo: Mi quang (screenshot youtube.com/@CookingWithMamaMui_chelle)

Vietnam has something to offer everyone, regardless of their interests—foodies, beach bums, history buffs, or natural world lovers. Since some foods are unique to this region of the globe and are a must-try if you come to this Southeast Asian nation, we’ll concentrate on cuisine in this piece.

Vietnamese Cuisine Varies from One Provincial Border to Another

What’s Vietnamese food like? Vietnam is a country full of must-try foods, so you won’t have to go far to discover them. Vietnamese cuisine offers a wide variety of ways for you to savor a wide range of flavors.

Like its cultural richness, Vietnamese food is regionally specific while being a relatively small nation. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its diverse range of flavors and forms, which are largely influenced by the provinces you visit. This is a useful list of Vietnamese foods that visitors should make sure to sample when they are in the nation.

Vietnam’s Top 10 Dishes You Must Try

When you visit Vietnam, you can get these delicacies in streetside cafes, fine-dining establishments, and food courts in shopping malls. Enjoy these Vietnamese meals, which are a must-try irrespective of where you decide to dine.

# 1 Pho

Foodies never find it boring to hear about the origins of “pho” (originally spelled phở), one of the greatest traditional Vietnamese meals that embodies the spirit of the country’s cuisine. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the variety of flavors in a serving of pho satisfies your palate. It truly is the epitome of soup perfection. Pho’s popularity is so big that it even got a dedicated online slot called “Phở Sho”. Betsoft, the gaming market leader for slot content, which was confirmed by its position in the ranking of the best online casinos in Vietnam here, is the most deserving of this.

Pho is a meat-based soup made with flat noodles made of rice and spices including cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. Vietnam’s regions have different Pho recipes and ingredients. The most well-liked variation is “pho bo” (phở bò), which has beef and juicy meatballs. Other mouthwatering pho-related meals include “pho ga” (phở gà – with chicken), “pho kho” (phở khô – dry pho), “pho cuon” (phở cuốn – steamed rice rolls), and many more.

# 2 Bun Cha

The unusual meal known as “bun cha” (bún chả) was first prepared in Hanoi and swiftly expanded to many other parts of Vietnam. There must be a solid reason why it’s believed that a visit to Vietnam’s capital wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some bun cha. Both upscale restaurants and modest street vendors serve bun cha. One of the must-do activities in Vietnam that you may arrange in advance is to eat bun cha in Hanoi.

Bun cha is a light meal consisting of charcoal-grilled pork, rice noodles, pickled vegetables, and sweet chili sauce. The aroma of the dipping sauce, which typically contains a bit of everything— onions, carrots, chilies, green papayas, fish sauce, garlic, lime juice, and vinegar—and the juicy grilled pork are irresistible. To experience the best combination of bun cha, request an extra portion of crispy pig spring rolls or sea crabs.

# 3 Banh Mi

Vietnamese baguettes, or “banh mi” (bánh mì), are without a doubt the most beloved street dish in Vietnam of all time. International media and culinary experts have honored banh mi on multiple occasions. CNN refers to it as “The king of sandwiches in the world”, while The Guardian listed it a decade ago as the second-best street food option worldwide.

Fusion cuisine is best exemplified by banh mi. The genuine flavor and texture of banh mi, along with its French influences from pates, baguettes, Vietnamese herbs and veggies, and mayonnaise, make it a favorite among foodies worldwide. At any time of day, you can come across banh mi practically anyplace on the street. It showcases the traditional foods of Hoi An (Hội An, a city on Vietnam’s central coast), represents the street food scene in Saigon, and introduces Vietnamese cuisine to a global audience.

# 4 Mi Quang

Noodles prepared in the “quang” manner are a superb representation of the cuisine of Central Vietnam. The addition of “mi quang” (mì quảng) to your vintage-style tour of Hoi An Ancient Town will enhance its color and taste. This Vietnamese cuisine is a must-try because of its bright turmeric noodles, which give it its unique flavor. Another thing that distinguishes mi quang from the others is the minuscule amount of broth.

Pork, chicken, duck, shrimp, crushed peanuts, and toasted sesame rice crackers are the usual toppings for mi quang. A dish of vegetables, usually consisting of cabbage, coriander, and mint leaves, is also offered to you. The arrangement is quite enticing, even when you don’t eat it.

# 5 Goi Cuon

Vietnamese spring rolls, available in busy restaurants, roadside cafes, and local markets, make a delicious appetizer that is bursting with vegetables. Vermicelli noodles, rice paper-wrapped pork pieces, shrimp, cucumber, lettuce, and basil make up a classic roll. The thin transparent rice paper that contributes to making “goi cuon” (gỏi cuốn) look prettier allows you to view the ingredients within.

The dipping sauce, which is typically comprised of crushed peanuts, hoisin, and chilies, is what gives goi cuon its essence. The combination is amazing for those who dare to taste “mam nem” (mắm nêm, a sauce made of fermented fish). It tastes exactly as good as it sounds, every bite. For those who have had enough of deep-fried food, goi cuon is a great substitute that’s also healthier.

# 6 Banh Xeo

In Southern Vietnam, “banh xeo” (bánh xèo), or sizzling pancakes, are much sought after. They are known as sizzling pancakes due to the sound produced when the rice batter is thrown into a hot pan. One of Vietnamese cuisine’s must-tries, banh xeo, is always a memorable occasion. The delectable secret fillings are kept inside by the crunchy yellow crust. Banh xeo is similar to omelets in appearance, but instead of eggs, it contains shrimp, pork, green onions, and bean sprouts. The more common version of banh xeo, found in Nha Trang, a seaside resort city in southern Vietnam known as the country’s seafood capital, uses squid in place of pork.

One thing to remember is to wash your hands well before consuming banh xeo! It is customary to consume this treat with your hands. Accompanying it will be a platter of fresh veggies and herbs. It’s wise to think about having banh xeo with rice sheets.

# 7 Bun Bo Hue

When looking for food in Hue (Huế), spicy noodles made from beef are a good option. “Bun bo hue” (bún bò huế) is a gourmet that originated in Hue, the earlier capital of Vietnam, as the name suggests. You may anticipate a genuinely wonderful gourmet experience as this fiery meal is influenced by intricate royal cooking techniques.

Although there are numerous distinctions between the two dishes, some people think of bun bo hue as just another pho variation. Bun bo hue’s secret is the harmonious combination of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors derived from its special broth made with citronella and shrimp paste. Thinly sliced sirloin and an abundance of fresh herb options are featured in the dish.

# 8 Banh Cuon

The thin layers of Vietnamese steamed rice batter are called “banh cuon” (bánh cuốn). Additionally, you should taste the amazing pinky-steamed rice rolls prepared with dragon fruit. Ground pork, finely chopped shallots, and wood ear mushrooms make up the fillings. Bean sprouts, cucumber slices, and Vietnamese pork sausage are typically served with this meal.

In Vietnam, this is a must-try dish that is popular in both the hot summer months and the chilly winter months. “Bánh cuon ha noi” (bánh cuốn hà nội), “banh cuon phu ly” (bánh cuốn phủ lý), and “banh cuon thanh tri” (bánh cuốn thanh trì) are a few well-known brand names associated with banh cuon you should try. They completely enhance your culinary experiences because they are bursting with a plethora of diverse flavors and textures.

# 9 Com Tam

The once-forgotten flawed rice grains are now transformed into the popular street dish “com tam” (cơm tấm, or broken rice). Although it’s smaller in size, it tastes like regular rice. There are countless ways to personalize your favorite dish by adding more ingredients on top. “Com tam suon” (cơm tấm sưển – broken rice with marinated grilled pork chops) is the most well-liked com tam meal.

You may enjoy street food in Saigon at any time of day, including late at night, at com tam. Additionally, the wait time for your order is minimal. A delicious meal of broken rice appears before your very eyes in a matter of minutes. A world of exquisite sensations will be completed with colorful dipping sauce and pickled vegetables.

# 10 Che

Vietnamese “che” (chè) sweet soup desserts round up a fantastic culinary walking tour in Vietnam. Particularly, Saigon’s sweet delicacies can be found all across the city because the inhabitants in Vietnam’s south have a sweet craving. You can serve the soup hot or cold, with a wide range of tastes and toppings.

One of Vietnam’s must-try foods is che, which is also the ideal way to beat the heat in the summer. Get some “che ba mau” (chè ba màu, a three-colored dessert) to experience a long-lasting sweet flavor in your throat. Additionally, there’s still something delicious for you to eat on the che menu even if you happen not to be a lover of sweet desserts. Try “sam bo luong” (sâm bổ lượng), which is the Vietnamese equivalent of “ching bo leung”, the Chinese six-herb soup, which is healthful as well as delicious. To tantalize any gourmand, there are also sweet sticky rice dumplings, sweet corn pudding, and lotus seed sweet soup.

Conclusion

One of the nicest aspects of traveling is usually eating. Vietnam offers a vast array of traditional dishes that will open your palate and eyes. It’s also a great method to become familiar with Vietnamese customs, history, and social mores. So, to get the most out of your vacation, develop a list of the foods you simply must sample in Vietnam.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us