16 Authentic Vietnamese Dishes To Try During Your Trip

It’s hard not to romanticize sitting on the low-rise stools in narrow alleys of Hanoi and savouring the flavours of Vietnam. Or try the ethnic dishes in the streets of Hoi An or Saigon. Delicious, wholesome, nutritious, and satisfying – raise your hand if you agree Vietnamese food is all of these. Rife with aroma, seasoned with fresh herbs, and delectable to the palate – the best Vietnamese cuisine is a symphony of regional ingredients, herbs, and well-balanced flavorful local sauces.

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Despite the regional differences – rice noodles and rice remain staples, often with fresh herbs and leafy veggies. With a unique fusion of flavours derived from French, Thailand, Chinese, and Cambodian food, Vietnam has managed to create its own culinary identity. The traditional Vietnamese foods vary slightly depending on the region. The northern part of the country identifies with bland taste; central leans towards spicier food, while the Southern side hooks the taste buds with a slightly sweeter taste. The majority of the cuisines thrive on the pungency of the fundamental fish sauce. 

If you plan a trip to the country, here’s a list of the best Vietnamese foods to navigate, experience, and try.

1. Bun Cha

Its popularity skyrocketed amongst food connoisseurs after Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain were recorded relishing a bowl of Bun Cha. The authentic cuisine of Hanoi, however, has always pulled locals. Before noon, the smell of smoked pork wafts through the narrow streets of Old Quarter. It is a bowl of pork grilled patties and slices of pork belly added to the fish-sauce broth, served with greens and a helping of white rice noodles (known as the bun). Here’s how you eat it: Add a small bun (rice noodles) portion to the broth bowl. Eat the pork and serve it in rotation. 

Try it at: 40 Cua Dong, Bun Cha Huong Lien (the same place where Obama pictured the dish)

2. Banh Cuon Nong

The traditional Vietnamese dish is steamed rice flour pancakes filled with minced pork, earwood mushrooms, and coriander. The batter of fermented rice is steamed to form a thin, delicate sheet that wraps the minced mixture. The pancakes are topped with fried shallots and served with fish sauce dippings. They are generally eaten for breakfast and are mainly found in northern Vietnam. 

Try it at: 40 P. Hàng Tre, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

3. Xoi Xeo

Apart from noodles, sticky rice is a staple or side dish in numerous Vietnamese cuisines. Xoi Xeo is sticky rice with Mung Bean Paste topped with shredded chicken, mung bean paste, fried onions, and roasted peanuts. Considered a traditional Vietnamese breakfast for Hanoians, it’s filling and slightly heavy on the stomach. 

Try it at: 35B P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

4. Nem Nuong Banh Trang 

There is no doubt that I am in love with the food in Vietnam, but there is always something that finds a soft spot in your taste buds. Personally, it was Nem Nuong Banh Trang for me. Also known as summer rolls, they are freshly rolled rice paper rolls with grilled pork, fresh herbs, sprouted greens, and a slice of raw mango. Dip them in sweet-flavoured peanut sauce and enjoy the delicious bite. 

Try it at: 23 P. Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

5. Banh Da Ca Tron

It’s an authentic North Vietnamese fish noodle salad loaded with rice noodles, crispy fried fish, deep-fried fish skin, and fresh vegetables. All the ingredients are put together and served with a bowl of fish broth. The fish salad is also topped with peanuts and fried shallots. The right way to eat is by pouring the broth into the dry ingredient bowl. 

Try it at: 5 Ng. Trung Yên, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

6. Banh Xeo

If you are tired of eating fresh rolls and soupy noodles, change your taste palate slightly. The crispy crepe or fried pancake is a popular central and South Vietnamese cuisine. It’s made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk cooked into a pancake. As the batter hits the hot pan, it crackles and turns yellow due to the addition of turmeric. Once ready, the pancake is folded like a crepe and filled with meat, bean sprouts, and shrimp slices. 

Try it at: 45 Ngõ 51 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Minh An, Hội An, 

7.  Cha Ca

While much was said and heard about this as one of the best cuisines in Vietnam, I found it slightly overhyped. The North Vietnamese delicacy brings a riveting dose of vibrancy to the picture with turmeric-marinated white fish cooked with spring onion and sprouts. Definitely, the style of cooking on a tableside hot pan and the popping colours make it photogenic, but the taste is just okay. 

Try it at: Cha Ca Thang Long, 6B P. Đường Thành, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

8. Pho

You will find one of the quintessential Vietnamese foods everywhere and on every corner. Enjoy a bowl of soupy flat rice white noodles floating in clear broth with slivers of meat (chicken, pork, or beef), fresh herbs, sprouts, and wholesome greens. Sprinkle minced red chilli and squeeze some local lime for that added taste. You cannot miss the crowd of local food patrons slurping on the soupy noodles, primarily for breakfast. Try Pho in local makeshift eateries rather than more prominent restaurants. 

Try it at: You can try it almost everywhere; you will find it around all the streets

Planning a trip to Vietnam. Here is a 10-day Vietnam itinerary, especially for the first timers.

9. Banh Mi

Vietnam did take the French baguette to the next level by adding its touch. From small portable stalls to mammoth cafes, Banh Mi is a common element across the entire length of the country. The fresh and chewy baguette is stuffed with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, cold cuts, sausage, egg, and cheese. The crunch outside with a burst of flavours inside makes it a popular Vietnamese breakfast. 

Try it at: Banh Mi Queen, 115 Trần Cao Vân, Phường Minh An, Hội An

Note: You can try Banh Mi everywhere. However, this place in Hoi An is quite popular. 

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10. Cao Lau 

You cannot miss sampling this Hoi An speciality cuisine, especially with so much history attached to it. The noodle bowl perfectly fuses Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine. Topped with sliced pork, rice crackers, crushed pork cracklings, and fresh herbs, the spiced-up broth noodles make for a traditional Hoi An meal. Also, authentic Cao Lau is said to be made from water from the ancient Ba Le Well; people believe it has magical healing properties. 

Try it at: Cao Lau Thanh, 26, Thai Phien, Hoi An

11. Mi Quang

A famous Central Vietnamese cuisine, the dish contains turmeric-dyed flat rice noodles with pork and shrimp broth. The springy yellow noodle is topped with shrimp, chicken and pork belly with a ladleful of broth to keep it slightly soupy. Also, to keep it healthy, the noodles are topped with roasted peanuts, sesame rice crackers, and herbs. 

Try it at: Quan An Ty Ty Cao Lao, Hoi An

12. Bun Thit Nuong  

One of the simplest yet sumptuous bowl, the authentic Vietnamese food is popular in Central Vietnam. The bowl contains white rice noodles (bun), grilled pork, along with fresh vegetables. It’s further topped with herbs, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots. To keep the flavours bursting, it’s topped with Vietnamese sauce – mix of lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce.

Try it at: Quan An Ty Ty Cao Lao, Hoi An

13. Com Ga 

Another Hoi An traditional dish, the delicious combination of chicken and rice, makes it to the list. A turmeric rice bowl is topped with shredded chicken and mixed with seasoned fish sauce, pickled or fried shallots, and herbs as sides. With an abundance of coriander and mint leaves, it tastes refreshing. 

Try it at Com Ga Ba Buoi, 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An 

14. Egg Coffee

When in Vietnam, try the iconic egg coffee, which is prepared by whisking together egg yolks with condensed milk, coffee, and sugar. The history of coffee goes back to a shortage of milk triggered by the French War. This led Nguyen Van Giang to create coffee, which had its humble beginnings in the iconic Giang Café in Hanoi. Although it’s spread across the country now, its humble beginnings started in the streets of Old Quarters. 

Try it at: The Giang Café 

15. Banh Troi Tau

Not too sweet but mellow and warm, this is an excellent desert to try after a hearty meal. Try the traditional Vietnamese dessert from the streets of Hanoi: glutinous rice balls wrapped in a paste of mung bean and sesame seeds. It is served with sugar syrup and garnished with slices of ginger. 

Try it at: 85 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

16. Banana Flower Salad

This is a sumptuous salad if you are vegetarian or not up for meat. It mixes grated banana flowers, red pepper, coriander, onion, and herbs (although the ingredients might vary slightly). The chopped salad is then tossed in a sweet, tangy sauce and garnished with crushed roasted peanuts. 

Other culinary experiences you can try in Vietnam:

If you are in a group of 3 to 4, try the Hotpot. It is a traditional way to cook on the go and eat together. A broth pot is placed on a table stove and brought to a boil. Gradually, meat, veggies, noodles, etc., are put in the broth and cooked. Servings are taken out of a bowl after it’s cooked and eaten with traditional sauces. 

Try barbecue on the streets of Hanoi, sitting on small roadside stools. Most outdoor restaurants offer tabletop barbecues with an assortment of raw marinated meat. You can enjoy the experience best with a group of friends or family.

Now that you have a list of ethnic and authentic Vietnamese dishes to try, don’t miss out the phenomenal culinary experience on your trip. Healthy, wholesome, and delicious – food in Vietnam is a major win.