50+ Best Vietnamese Dishes You Must Try in Vietnam

Vietnamese food is one of the best reasons to visit Vietnam.

From a steaming bowl of pho in Hanoi to spicy bun bo Hue, fragrant cao lau in Hoi An, crispy banh xeo in the South, and fresh seafood along the coast, Vietnamese cuisine changes dramatically from one region to another.

Vietnamese food is known for its:

Fresh herbs
Rice and rice noodles
Fresh vegetables
Seafood
Grilled meats
Fermented ingredients
Aromatic herbs
Balanced sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavors
Contrasting textures

But Vietnamese cuisine is not one single style.

Northern Vietnam is generally known for more restrained, balanced flavors.

Central Vietnam is famous for stronger seasoning, spicy dishes and sophisticated royal culinary traditions.

Southern Vietnam often features sweeter flavors, abundant herbs and tropical ingredients.

Vietnam Tourism similarly emphasizes the strong regional differences in Vietnamese cuisine, with each area shaped by its geography, ingredients and history.

At Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women, we believe the best way to understand Vietnam is through its food.

Don’t just photograph a bowl of pho.

Sit down with a local woman and learn why it tastes the way it does.

Don’t simply visit a market.

Walk through it with a local guide who knows the vendors.

Don’t just order street food.

Learn how Vietnamese families actually eat.

Here are 50+ Vietnamese dishes you should try during your trip.

Vietnamese Food at a Glance

Dish	Region	Best Place to Try
Pho	North	Hanoi
Bun Cha	North	Hanoi
Banh Cuon	North	Hanoi
Cha Ca	North	Hanoi
Bun Thang	North	Hanoi
Bun Dau Mam Tom	North	Hanoi
Xoi	North	Hanoi
Banh Tom	North	Hanoi
Bun Rieu	North	Hanoi
Banh Da Cua	North	Hai Phong
Ninh Binh Goat	North	Ninh Binh
Com Lam	Northwest	Ha Giang / Sapa
Thang Co	Northwest	Ha Giang / Sapa
Banh Chung	Nationwide	Tet
Bun Bo Hue	Central	Hue
Com Hen	Central	Hue
Banh Beo	Central	Hue
Banh Nam	Central	Hue
Banh Bot Loc	Central	Hue
Nem Lui	Central	Hue
Cao Lau	Central	Hoi An
Mi Quang	Central	Hoi An / Da Nang
White Rose Dumplings	Central	Hoi An
Banh Mi Hoi An	Central	Hoi An
Banh Xeo	Central / South	Da Nang / HCMC
Com Tam	South	Ho Chi Minh City
Hu Tieu	South	Mekong Delta
Banh Khot	South	Vung Tau
Bo La Lot	South	Ho Chi Minh City
Goi Cuon	South	Ho Chi Minh City
Banh Trang Tron	South	Ho Chi Minh City
Lau Mam	South	Mekong Delta
Ca Kho To	South	Mekong Delta
Chao Tom	Central / South	Hue / HCMC
Banh Canh	Nationwide	Central & South
Banh Mi	Nationwide	Hanoi / HCMC
Banh Xeo	Nationwide variations	Central / South
Chao	Nationwide	Local markets
Che	Nationwide	Everywhere
Vietnamese Coffee	Nationwide	Hanoi / HCMC
Egg Coffee	North	Hanoi
Coconut Coffee	Nationwide	Hanoi / Hoi An
Salt Coffee	Central	Hue

1. Pho

Vietnam’s Most Famous Dish

If there is one Vietnamese dish everyone should try, it is pho.

Pho consists of:

Flat rice noodles
Aromatic broth
Beef or chicken
Fresh herbs
Green onions
Lime
Chili

The most famous versions are:

Pho Bo – beef pho

Pho Ga – chicken pho

Hanoi is particularly famous for its traditional pho culture.

Vietnam Tourism describes pho as one of Vietnam’s quintessential dishes and highlights the Hanoi version as an essential food experience.

Vietnam Women Travel Tip

Don’t only eat pho for dinner.

In Hanoi, try it early in the morning, when locals traditionally enjoy their first bowl of the day.

2. Bun Cha

Hanoi’s Signature Grilled Pork Dish

Bun cha is one of Hanoi’s most iconic foods.

It combines:

Grilled pork patties
Grilled pork belly
Rice vermicelli
Fresh herbs
Pickles
Sweet-sour fish sauce

The smoky pork is usually served separately from the noodles and herbs.

It is a classic Hanoi lunch.

Vietnam Tourism identifies bun cha as one of the capital’s essential dishes.

3. Banh Mi

Vietnam’s Famous Sandwich

A Vietnamese banh mi combines a crisp baguette with fillings such as:

Pâté
Pork
Chicken
Egg
Pickled vegetables
Cucumber
Cilantro
Chili
Homemade sauces

Every region has its own interpretation.

Try it in both:

Hanoi

and

Ho Chi Minh City

to taste the difference.

Vietnam Tourism notes that different regions have their own versions of banh mi.

4. Cao Lau

Hoi An’s Signature Noodles

Cao lau is unique to Hoi An.

It combines:

Thick chewy noodles
Pork
Fresh herbs
Crispy noodles
Local greens
Savory sauce

The dish reflects Hoi An’s history as an international trading port, with culinary influences from Vietnam, China and Japan.

Best experience

Eat cao lau after exploring the Ancient Town.

5. Bun Bo Hue

Central Vietnam’s Spicy Noodle Soup

Bun bo Hue is one of Vietnam’s most flavorful noodle soups.

Expect:

Beef
Rice noodles
Lemongrass
Chili
Fermented shrimp paste
Fresh herbs

Hue’s culinary traditions are particularly sophisticated, reflecting its history as Vietnam’s imperial capital.

6. Mi Quang

Quang Nam’s Famous Noodles

Mi Quang comes from Central Vietnam.

It typically contains:

Wide rice noodles
Pork
Shrimp or chicken
Herbs
Peanuts
Rice crackers
A small amount of rich broth

Unlike pho, the ingredients are not swimming in broth.

7. Com Tam

Southern Broken Rice

Com tam means broken rice.

It is particularly associated with southern Vietnam.

A classic plate may include:

Grilled pork
Pork skin
Fried egg
Pickled vegetables
Fish sauce

This is one of the best everyday meals to try in Ho Chi Minh City.

8. Bun Rieu

Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup

Bun rieu is a tomato-based noodle soup traditionally made with crab or shrimp paste.

Typical ingredients include:

Rice vermicelli
Tomato
Crab
Tofu
Herbs
Vegetables

The slightly sour broth makes it very different from pho.

9. Bun Dau Mam Tom

A Bold Hanoi Street Food

This is not for everyone.

It combines:

Rice vermicelli
Fried tofu
Pork
Fresh herbs
Fermented shrimp paste

The fermented shrimp paste, mam tom, has a powerful aroma and flavor.

For adventurous food travelers, however, it is an essential Hanoi experience.

10. Banh Cuon

Steamed Rice Rolls

Banh cuon consists of thin steamed rice sheets filled with ingredients such as:

Ground pork
Wood ear mushrooms
Herbs

It is often served with:

Fish sauce
Fried shallots
Vietnamese pork sausage

Banh cuon is particularly popular as a breakfast dish in Hanoi.

11. Cha Ca

Hanoi’s Turmeric Fish

Cha ca is a Hanoi specialty made with fish marinated in spices and cooked with:

Turmeric
Dill
Green onions
Peanuts
Rice noodles
Fresh herbs

The combination of fish and abundant dill gives it a distinctive flavor.

12. Bun Thang

Bun thang is a delicate Hanoi noodle soup traditionally associated with elaborate preparation.

It can include:

Chicken
Egg
Vietnamese pork sausage
Mushrooms
Herbs
Rice noodles

It represents the more refined side of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

13. Bun Oc

Snail Noodle Soup

Bun oc combines rice vermicelli with freshwater snails in a tangy broth.

Depending on the version, it may include:

Tomato
Herbs
Tofu
Chili
Banana blossom

It is especially associated with Hanoi.

14. Banh Tom

Hanoi Shrimp Cakes

Banh tom is made by frying shrimp with sweet potato in a crispy batter.

It is typically served with:

Herbs
Lettuce
Pickles
Fish sauce

It is one of Hanoi’s classic snacks.

15. Banh Da Cua

Hai Phong’s Crab Noodles

Banh da cua is a specialty of Hai Phong.

It features distinctive dark-red rice noodles in a flavorful crab-based broth.

Common toppings include:

Crab
Greens
Fish cake
Fried shallots
Tofu

16. Ninh Binh Mountain Goat

Ninh Binh is famous for goat dishes.

The meat can be:

Steamed
Grilled
Stir-fried
Served with herbs

It is often accompanied by local dipping sauces.

A Ninh Binh food experience is particularly good when combined with:

Trang An + Hoa Lu + countryside cycling + local lunch.

17. Com Lam

Bamboo-Cooked Sticky Rice

Com lam is especially associated with Vietnam’s northern mountainous regions.

Sticky rice is cooked inside bamboo tubes over a fire.

It is often served with:

grilled chicken

grilled meat.

The bamboo gives the rice a subtle smoky aroma.

18. Thang Co

A Traditional Highland Dish

Thang co is associated with the H’Mong communities of northern Vietnam.

It is traditionally prepared with horse meat and offal, along with local herbs and spices.

It is particularly associated with mountain markets in areas such as:

Ha Giang

and

Sapa.

This is a dish for adventurous travelers who want to explore regional food traditions.

19. Xoi Ngu Sac

Five-Color Sticky Rice

Five-color sticky rice is particularly associated with ethnic communities in northern Vietnam.

Natural ingredients are used to create different colors.

The dish is often connected with:

Festivals
Celebrations
Family gatherings
Traditional ceremonies

Food becomes cultural storytelling here.

20. Banh Chung

Vietnam’s Traditional Tet Cake

Banh chung is one of Vietnam’s most symbolic foods.

It is made from:

Glutinous rice
Mung beans
Pork

and wrapped in green leaves.

It is traditionally associated with Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year.

21. Banh Tet

Banh tet is the southern and central counterpart to banh chung.

Instead of the square shape associated with banh chung, banh tet is generally cylindrical.

It is especially popular during Tet.

22. Com Hen

Hue’s Baby Clam Rice

Com hen is a humble but intensely flavored Hue dish.

It can contain:

Baby clams
Rice
Peanuts
Crispy pork skin
Herbs
Fried shallots
Chili
Fermented shrimp paste

It is one of Hue’s most interesting local specialties.

23. Banh Beo

Hue Steamed Rice Cakes

Banh beo consists of small steamed rice cakes topped with ingredients such as:

Shrimp
Crispy shallots
Scallion oil
Fish sauce

They are small, delicate and easy to eat as part of a larger food tour.

24. Banh Nam

Banh nam is a traditional Hue rice cake made with rice flour and shrimp.

It is steamed inside banana leaves.

The result is soft, fragrant and delicate.

25. Banh Bot Loc

Tapioca Dumplings

Banh bot loc is made with translucent tapioca dough.

The filling often includes:

Shrimp
Pork

It is particularly associated with Central Vietnam.

26. Nem Lui

Hue Lemongrass Pork Skewers

Nem lui consists of grilled pork wrapped around lemongrass or skewers.

You typically eat it with:

Rice paper
Fresh herbs
Vegetables
Peanut sauce

It is a fun interactive dish because you assemble the rolls yourself.

27. Banh Xeo

Crispy Vietnamese Savory Pancakes

Banh xeo is made from a thin crispy batter filled with ingredients such as:

Shrimp
Pork
Bean sprouts
Green onions

It is usually wrapped in herbs and lettuce before being dipped into fish sauce.

Vietnam Tourism describes the dish as a crispy savory pancake eaten with fresh greens and dipping sauce.

28. Goi Cuon

Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Goi cuon are fresh rice-paper rolls.

Common fillings include:

Shrimp
Pork
Rice noodles
Lettuce
Herbs

Unlike fried spring rolls, these are fresh and light.

They are perfect for hot weather.

29. Cha Gio

Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls

Cha gio are crispy fried rolls filled with ingredients such as:

Pork
Shrimp
Mushrooms
Glass noodles
Vegetables

They are typically served with herbs and dipping sauce.

30. Bo La Lot

Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaves

Thin strips of seasoned beef are wrapped in aromatic betel leaves and grilled over charcoal.

The smoky aroma is fantastic.

This is especially popular in southern Vietnam.

31. Hu Tieu

Southern Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Hu tieu is particularly popular in southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta.

Depending on the version, it can contain:

Pork
Shrimp
Seafood
Fish
Rice noodles
Vegetables

Try it in:

Ho Chi Minh City

the Mekong Delta.

32. Banh Canh

Thick Vietnamese Noodles

Banh canh noodles are thicker and chewier than standard rice noodles.

Different regions use different toppings, including:

Crab
Fish
Shrimp
Pork
Fish cakes

It is a comforting everyday dish.

33. Lau Mam

Mekong Delta Fermented Fish Hotpot

Lau mam is an adventurous southern dish.

The broth uses fermented fish paste and is combined with:

Seafood
Meat
Eggplant
Mushrooms
Fresh vegetables

It is particularly associated with the Mekong Delta.

34. Ca Kho To

Caramelized Fish in a Clay Pot

Ca kho to is slow-cooked fish prepared in a clay pot.

The sauce combines flavors such as:

Fish sauce
Caramel
Pepper
Chili

It is commonly eaten with steamed rice.

Vietnam Tourism includes ca kho to among classic Vietnamese dishes worth trying.

35. Chao Tom

Sugarcane-Wrapped Shrimp

Chao tom is made from seasoned shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane and grilled.

You can:

Eat the shrimp paste directly.
Wrap it in rice paper.
Add herbs and vegetables.

It is especially associated with Central and Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

36. Nem Nuong

Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sausage

Nem nuong is grilled pork sausage served with:

Herbs
Pickles
Rice paper
Vegetables
Dipping sauce

Nha Trang is particularly famous for its version.

37. Ha Long Cha Muc

Ha Long Fried Squid

Ha Long is famous for cha muc.

Fresh squid is minced or pounded, seasoned and fried until golden.

Enjoy it with:

sticky rice

steamed rice.

It is one of northern Vietnam’s best seafood specialties.

38. Seafood in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is not famous for only one dish.

The island is a seafood destination.

Try:

Grilled squid
Crab
Shrimp
Clams
Fish
Sea urchin
Grilled shellfish

For the freshest experience, visit a local seafood market and eat according to the day’s catch.

39. Vietnamese Street Food

Vietnam’s street food culture is one of the country’s greatest culinary attractions.

Street food can be found:

Around markets
On sidewalks
Outside schools
Near train stations
In residential neighborhoods
Around old town districts

Vietnam Tourism recommends eating when locals eat and exploring early-morning markets and neighborhood vendors for a more authentic experience.

40. Banh Trang Nuong

Vietnamese Grilled Rice Paper

Often called Vietnamese pizza, banh trang nuong is grilled rice paper topped with ingredients such as:

Quail egg
Dried shrimp
Green onion
Sausage
Chili sauce

It is especially popular as an evening snack.

41. Banh Trang Tron

Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad

This popular southern snack combines shredded rice paper with ingredients such as:

Dried beef
Green mango
Herbs
Peanuts
Quail egg
Chili
Tamarind sauce

It is particularly popular among young Vietnamese.

42. Oc – Vietnamese Snails

Vietnamese snail restaurants are a cultural experience in themselves.

You may find snails prepared by:

Steaming
Grilling
Stir-frying
Tamarind sauce
Garlic butter
Lemongrass and chili

Go with a local guide if you want to understand which varieties to order.

43. Che

Vietnamese Sweet Desserts

Che refers to a large family of Vietnamese sweet desserts.

Depending on the version, it may contain:

Beans
Coconut milk
Jelly
Fruit
Tapioca
Sticky rice
Sweet corn

Every region has its own versions.

44. Tao Pho

Vietnamese Silken Tofu Dessert

Tao pho is a delicate dessert made from soft soybean tofu served with sweet syrup.

It is especially refreshing on hot days.

45. Banh Da Lon

Layered Vietnamese Steamed Cake

Banh da lon is a soft layered cake traditionally made with:

Rice flour
Tapioca starch
Mung beans
Coconut milk

The layers create a distinctive chewy texture.

46. Kem Xoi

Sticky Rice Ice Cream

This dessert combines:

sticky rice + coconut ice cream + toppings

It is a popular Vietnamese dessert and particularly fun to try in Hanoi.

47. Kem Bo

Avocado Ice Cream

Kem bo is particularly associated with Da Nang.

It combines:

Avocado
Coconut ice cream
Coconut milk
Toppings

Rich, creamy and refreshing.

48. Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Ca Phe Sua Da

Vietnamese iced coffee is made using strong Vietnamese coffee, often paired with condensed milk and ice.

It is one of the country’s essential daily rituals.

Vietnam Tourism describes sitting on a sidewalk with Vietnamese coffee as a quintessential Vietnam experience.

49. Egg Coffee

Hanoi’s Signature Coffee

Egg coffee combines strong Vietnamese coffee with a rich whipped egg mixture.

It tastes closer to a coffee dessert than a conventional latte.

Hanoi is the place to try it.

50. Coconut Coffee

Ca Phe Dua

Coconut coffee combines strong Vietnamese coffee with coconut cream or coconut milk.

Hoi An and Hanoi are particularly good places to discover different versions.

51. Salt Coffee

Hue’s Famous Coffee

Salt coffee combines Vietnamese coffee with a lightly salted creamy mixture.

It sounds unusual.

It works surprisingly well.

Hue is the city most associated with this style.

52. Vietnamese Fruit

Vietnam has an extraordinary variety of tropical fruit.

Try:

Dragon fruit
Mango
Rambutan
Mangosteen
Longan
Lychee
Durian
Jackfruit
Pomelo
Passion fruit
Star apple

Visit a local market and ask your guide to choose seasonal fruit.

Vietnamese Food by Region

Northern Vietnamese Food

Northern cuisine tends to emphasize:

Balance
Subtle seasoning
Fresh herbs
Clear broths
Traditional recipes

Must-try dishes

Pho

Bun Cha

Banh Cuon

Cha Ca

Bun Thang

Banh Tom

Bun Rieu

Bun Dau Mam Tom

Central Vietnamese Food

Central cuisine is famous for:

Strong flavors
Chili
Complex preparation
Small dishes
Royal culinary traditions

Must-try dishes

Bun Bo Hue

Com Hen

Banh Beo

Banh Nam

Banh Bot Loc

Nem Lui

Cao Lau

Mi Quang

Southern Vietnamese Food

Southern cuisine often uses:

Sweeter flavors
Coconut
Abundant herbs
Tropical fruits
Fresh seafood

Must-try dishes

Com Tam

Hu Tieu

Banh Xeo

Goi Cuon

Bo La Lot

Ca Kho To

Lau Mam

Mountainous Vietnamese Food

Northern mountain cuisine is completely different again.

Look for:

Com Lam

Thang Co

Smoked Buffalo Meat

Five-Color Sticky Rice

Khau Nhuc

Mountain herbs

Grilled meats

This is one of the best ways to understand the culinary traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.

Best Vietnamese Dishes for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first trip to Vietnam, start with these 15:

1. Pho

Hanoi

2. Bun Cha

Hanoi

3. Banh Mi

Nationwide

4. Cao Lau

Hoi An

5. Bun Bo Hue

Hue

6. Mi Quang

Central Vietnam

7. Banh Xeo

Central/South

8. Goi Cuon

South

9. Com Tam

Ho Chi Minh City

10. Cha Ca

Hanoi

11. Banh Cuon

Hanoi

12. White Rose Dumplings

Hoi An

13. Nem Lui

Hue

14. Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Nationwide

15. Che

Nationwide

Best Vietnamese Dishes for Adventurous Foodies

If you want to go beyond pho and banh mi, try:

Bun Dau Mam Tom

Thang Co

Lau Mam

Com Hen

Bun Oc

Fermented foods

Regional market specialties

These dishes can introduce you to flavors that many international visitors never encounter.

Best Vietnamese Food for Vegetarians

Vietnam is relatively easy to navigate as a vegetarian traveler because many traditional dishes can be adapted.

Look for:

Vegetarian pho
Vegetarian bun
Vegetarian banh xeo
Fresh spring rolls
Tofu dishes
Vegetable hotpot
Vegetarian rice dishes
Buddhist vegetarian cuisine

Useful phrase:

“Tôi ăn chay.”

This means:

“I am vegetarian.”

For strict dietary requirements, explain your restrictions clearly and ask about fish sauce, shrimp paste, meat stock and other ingredients.

Best Vietnamese Food Experiences

The food itself is only part of the experience.

Try these:

1. Hanoi Street Food Tour

Walk through the Old Quarter with a local guide.

Taste:

Pho → Banh Cuon → Bun Cha → Banh Mi → Egg Coffee

2. Hoi An Food & Cooking Experience

Combine:

Local market → Tra Que → cooking class → Cao Lau → countryside

3. Hue Royal Food Experience

Discover:

Bun Bo Hue → Banh Beo → Banh Nam → Banh Bot Loc → Nem Lui

4. Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour

Try:

Com Tam → Banh Xeo → Goi Cuon → Bo La Lot → Che

5. Mekong Delta Food Experience

Explore:

Local markets → tropical fruit → Hu Tieu → Ca Kho To → Lau Mam

The Vietnam Women Travel Food Experience

Premium Private Food Tours Led by Women

At Vietnam Women Travel, food is not simply something to eat.

It is a way to meet Vietnam.

Our private culinary experiences can connect you with Vietnamese women who work behind the food you taste.

You may meet:

Female chefs
Home cooks
Market vendors
Farmers
Food entrepreneurs
Craft producers
Restaurant owners
Local families

Instead of simply asking:

“What is this dish?”

we want travelers to understand:

“Who makes it?”

“Where did it come from?”

“Why do Vietnamese people eat it?”

“How does this dish change from North to South?”

Why a Women-Led Food Tour Is Different

A local woman guide can often open doors that a standard sightseeing itinerary cannot.

You may:

Shop at a neighborhood market.

Meet a female vendor.

Learn a family recipe.

Cook together.

Eat at a tiny local restaurant.

Visit a family-run food business.

Discover dishes that aren’t obvious to tourists.

This is the philosophy behind:

Vietnam Women Travel

Premium Private Tours Led by Women

Our tours are not women-only.

You can travel privately with:

Your partner
Your family
Your children
Your friends
Your private group

while being accompanied by Vietnamese women who know the food, culture and communities personally.

Best Cities in Vietnam for Food

Hanoi

Best for:

Pho + Bun Cha + Banh Cuon + Cha Ca + Egg Coffee

Hue

Best for:

Bun Bo Hue + Banh Beo + Banh Nam + Com Hen + Nem Lui

Hoi An

Best for:

Cao Lau + White Rose + Banh Mi + Mi Quang + local cooking

Da Nang

Best for:

Mi Quang + Banh Xeo + seafood + street food

Ho Chi Minh City

Best for:

Com Tam + Banh Xeo + Goi Cuon + Bo La Lot + street food

Mekong Delta

Best for:

Hu Tieu + tropical fruit + seafood + local home cooking

Ha Giang

Best for:

Com Lam + Thang Co + grilled meats + mountain specialties

How to Eat Like a Local in Vietnam

Eat early

Many of Vietnam’s best breakfast dishes are served early in the morning.

Vietnam Tourism recommends eating when locals eat and visiting markets and street stalls early in the day.

Eat small portions

Instead of ordering one huge meal, try several dishes.

Follow the locals

Busy neighborhood stalls can be a good sign.

Don’t fear the sidewalk

Some of Vietnam’s most memorable food experiences happen on tiny plastic stools beside the street.

Ask your guide

A local guide can help you understand:

What to order
How to eat it
Which sauces to use
What ingredients are inside
Which dishes are seasonal

Vietnamese Food Etiquette

Vietnamese meals are often shared.

You may find:

Several dishes in the center
Rice bowls
Chopsticks
Shared sauces
Communal vegetables

A few useful habits:

Wait until food is served before starting.

Use serving utensils when available.

Share dishes rather than taking everything for yourself.

Try a little of several dishes.

And remember:

“Chúc ngon miệng!”

means:

“Enjoy your meal!”

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Food

What is the most famous Vietnamese dish?

Pho is probably the most internationally recognized Vietnamese dish, but Vietnam has an enormous range of regional specialties beyond pho.

What food should I try first in Vietnam?

Start with pho, bun cha, banh mi, cao lau, bun bo Hue, banh xeo and Vietnamese coffee.

What is Vietnam’s national food?

There is no single officially designated national dish that represents every region. Pho is the most internationally recognized, while bun cha, banh mi, bun bo Hue, cao lau and many others are deeply regional.

What is the best Vietnamese food in Hanoi?

Try:

Pho

Bun Cha

Banh Cuon

Cha Ca

Bun Dau Mam Tom

Egg Coffee

What should I eat in Hoi An?

Try:

Cao Lau

White Rose Dumplings

Mi Quang

Hoi An Banh Mi

Banh Xeo

What should I eat in Hue?

Try:

Bun Bo Hue

Com Hen

Banh Beo

Banh Nam

Banh Bot Loc

Nem Lui

What food is famous in Ho Chi Minh City?

Try:

Com Tam

Banh Xeo

Goi Cuon

Bo La Lot

Hu Tieu

Banh Trang Tron

Is Vietnamese food spicy?

Not all Vietnamese food is spicy.

Northern dishes are often relatively mild, while Central Vietnamese cuisine is more likely to use chili and stronger seasoning.

Southern dishes can be sweeter.

Is Vietnamese food healthy?

Many Vietnamese dishes use fresh vegetables, herbs, rice, seafood and lean proteins. However, dishes vary considerably, so the nutritional profile depends on what you order.

What Vietnamese food is vegetarian?

There are vegetarian versions of many dishes, including pho, banh xeo, spring rolls, rice dishes and hotpots.

Always check whether broth or sauces contain fish sauce or shrimp paste.

What is Vietnamese street food?

Vietnamese street food includes everything from noodle soups and grilled meats to rice paper snacks, dumplings, pancakes, desserts and coffee.

It is an important part of everyday Vietnamese culture.

Where is the best place for Vietnamese food?

There is no single answer.

Hanoi is outstanding for Northern cuisine.

Hue for Central specialties.

Hoi An for local heritage food.

Ho Chi Minh City for Southern street food.

The Mekong Delta for river-region cuisine.

Ha Giang and the northern mountains for ethnic and highland specialties.

Taste Vietnam Through Its People

Vietnamese cuisine cannot be separated from Vietnamese life.

Food is found:

on sidewalks,

in markets,

inside family kitchens,

at roadside stalls,

in village homes,

beside rice fields,

along rivers,

and around family tables.

That is why we believe the best food tour isn’t simply a list of dishes.

It is a chance to meet the people behind them.

A bowl of pho tells you about Hanoi.

A bowl of bun bo Hue tells you about Hue.

Cao Lau tells you about Hoi An.

Com Tam tells you about Saigon.

Thang Co tells you about the northern mountains.

And a home-cooked meal with a Vietnamese family can tell you something no restaurant menu ever can.

Explore Vietnam Through Food With Vietnam Women Travel

Premium Private Tours Led by Women

From Hanoi’s morning pho to Hoi An’s cao lau, Hue’s spicy noodles and Saigon’s late-night street food, we create private culinary journeys around your interests.

Travel with your:

partner.

family.

friends.

private group.

Meet Vietnamese women.

Eat where locals eat.

Learn traditional recipes.

Visit local markets.

Explore neighborhoods.

Discover regional specialties.

And experience Vietnam one delicious dish at a time.

Vietnam Women Travel

Premium Private Tours Led by Women

Private journeys. Local women. Authentic Vietnamese food.