30 Traditional Vietnamese Foods To Try
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Take a stroll through Hanoi’s vibrant streets, and you’ll find yourself drawn to food stalls where sizzling pans and fragrant steam captivate every sense. Vietnamese cooking shines through its devotion to fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a spirited mix of influences drawn from centuries of change and cultural exchange.
From the crackling crust of a bánh mì to the fragrant steam rising from a hot bowl of phở, every dish is a celebration of lively markets, family traditions, and the art of gathering around a shared table. There’s a welcoming warmth woven into each recipe, one that invites you to join in, discover something new, and leave with a deeper appreciation for both the cuisine and the people who create it.
1
Bánh Mì (Baguette Sandwich)
Bánh Mì, this sandwich is a snapshot of Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture, offering a blend of flavours and textures that reflect the country’s culinary creativity and history.This Vietnamese baguette sandwich is beloved for its unique combination of fresh, savoury, and tangy ingredients layered into a crispy baguette. Whether enjoyed as a quick street side bite or crafted at home, Bánh Mì provides a delightful experience that showcases Vietnam’s unique twist on the classic sandwich.
2
Bánh Khọt (Mini Savoury Pancakes)
Bánh Khọt, the delightful mini savoury pancakes of Vietnam, are a celebration of vibrant flavours and textures in a single bite. Golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, flavourful filling, these pancakes are loved for their satisfying crunch and aromatic toppings.Originating from Vietnam’s southern region, Bánh Khọt is a perfect example of the country’s street food culture, bringing together the simplicity of rice flour with the freshness of herbs, seafood, and a touch of dipping sauce.
3
Bánh Bao (Steamed Bun)
Bánh Bao is a Vietnamese steamed bun that brings together soft, pillowy dough and a savoury, flavourful filling. This popular street food snack, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick bite, has a way of wrapping comfort and warmth into every bite.With its delicate exterior and rich filling, Bánh Bao offers a unique taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, where influences from various cultures are fused into something distinctly Vietnamese.
4
Gỏi Cuốn (Summer Rolls)
Gỏi Cuốn, often referred to as Vietnamese summer rolls, is a dish that effortlessly combines freshness and simplicity.These translucent rolls, filled with vibrant ingredients and served with a flavourful dipping sauce, are a celebration of balance, a hallmark of Vietnamese cuisine. Perfect as a light appetizer or a satisfying snack, Gỏi Cuốn offers a glimpse into the art of creating harmony on a plate.
5
Thịt Kho Tàu (Braised Pork with Eggs)
Thịt Kho Tàu, a beloved Vietnamese dish, is the epitome of comfort food. This braised pork and egg dish is a staple in many households, offering a rich and flavourful experience that warms both the heart and the palate.Simmered slowly in a savoury sweet sauce, the dish is deeply satisfying and often served over rice, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or festive occasions. Its simplicity and depth of flavour highlight the artistry of Vietnamese home cooking.
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Phở (Noodle Soup)
Phở, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, is much more than just a meal, it’s a sensory journey that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese culinary tradition.With its aromatic broth, tender rice noodles, and layers of fresh herbs, Phở is a dish that comforts and energizes in equal measure. Found on street corners, in bustling markets, and in family kitchens, this beloved soup is a daily ritual for many and a symbol of Vietnam’s rich food culture.
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Nem Nướng (Grilled Pork Sausages)
Nem Nướng, or Vietnamese grilled pork sausages, is a dish that perfectly embodies the vibrant and complex flavours of Vietnam. These smoky, charred sausages are bursting with aromatic spices, delivering a savoury experience that’s both comforting and exciting.Whether served with rice paper for rolling or paired with a fresh salad, Nem Nướng is a versatile favourite that has captured the hearts of locals and travellers alike. It’s more than just a dish, it’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
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Miến Gà (Chicken Glass Noodle Soup)
Miến Gà, is a dish that embodies the soul soothing qualities of Vietnamese cuisine. With its delicate broth, tender chicken, and slippery glass noodles, this soup is both light and deeply satisfying.It’s a staple of home cooked meals, often enjoyed as a breakfast dish or a comforting remedy on a chilly day. Miến Gà’s simplicity highlights Vietnam’s love for balance and harmony in every bite.
9
Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Chả Giò, Vietnam’s iconic fried spring rolls, is a dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine: fresh, flavourful, and irresistibly satisfying. Wrapped in a delicate rice paper or wheat wrapper, these crispy rolls are filled with a savoury mix of ingredients and fried to golden perfection.Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, Chả Giò is a beloved staple that brings joy to both casual gatherings and formal celebrations.
10
Mì Quảng (Quảng Noodles)
Mì Quảng, a signature noodle dish from Vietnam’s Quảng Nam province, is a vibrant expression of the region’s culinary ingenuity. Known for its distinctive combination of rich flavours and textures, Mì Quảng is a dish that feels simultaneously hearty and refreshing.With its golden turmeric infused noodles, savoury broth, and an abundance of toppings, it offers a sensory journey that captures the essence of central Vietnam’s cuisine and culture.
11
Lẩu (Hotpot)
Lẩu, the Vietnamese hotpot, is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. This communal dish brings people together around a simmering pot of flavourful broth, with fresh ingredients ready to be cooked and shared.Lẩu reflects the heart of Vietnamese cuisine: vibrant, versatile, and deeply rooted in the joy of gathering. Whether it’s a family dinner, a festive celebration, or a casual night with friends, Lẩu transforms any occasion into a memorable feast.
12
Gỏi Gà (Chicken Salad)
Gỏi Gà, or Vietnamese Chicken Salad, is a refreshing dish that epitomizes the balance of flavours and textures that Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for.Light yet flavourful, this salad combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, creating a harmony of taste that is both satisfying and invigorating. Whether served as a starter or a light meal, Gỏi Gà offers a vibrant introduction to the culinary traditions of Vietnam.
13
Gà Nướng (Grilled Chicken)
Gà Nướng, or Vietnamese grilled chicken, is a culinary masterpiece that beautifully showcases the country’s love for bold, balanced flavours and simple, time honoured techniques.This dish, known for its smoky aroma and rich, caramelized surface, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, often enjoyed during family meals or festive gatherings.With its carefully marinated chicken and perfectly grilled finish, Gà Nướng delivers a taste that is both comforting and vibrant, offering an authentic glimpse into the culinary traditions of Vietnam.
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Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
Cơm Tấm, Vietnam’s beloved broken rice dish, is a culinary icon that beautifully showcases the country’s ability to turn humble ingredients into something extraordinary.Once considered a meal of necessity, Cơm Tấm has evolved into a popular dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. With its fragrant rice, savoury toppings, and signature sauce, it offers a taste of Vietnamese ingenuity and hospitality in every bite.
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Cơm Chiên (Fried Rice)
Cơm Chiên, or Vietnamese Fried Rice, is a dish that exemplifies the balance and creativity of Vietnamese cuisine.A beloved staple across Vietnam, this vibrant dish is both a practical way to transform leftover rice and a canvas for a variety of fresh, flavourful ingredients. Each spoonful tells a story of resourcefulness and culinary ingenuity, combining textures and tastes that are simple yet incredibly satisfying.
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Xôi (Sticky Rice)
Xôi, or Vietnamese sticky rice, is a dish that captures the heart of Vietnam‘s culinary traditions. Known for its versatility, Xôi is a staple that can be enjoyed at any time of day, from a quick breakfast to a satisfying dessert.Whether it’s paired with savoury toppings or served simply with a drizzle of coconut milk, Xôi is more than just rice, it’s a dish that reflects the richness of Vietnamese culture and the ingenuity of its cuisine.
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Cháo (Rice Porridge)
Cháo, the Vietnamese take on rice porridge, known for its soothing texture and versatility, it’s a meal that adapts to different occasions, be it breakfast, a quick lunch, or even a remedy for the unwell.Made from slow cooked rice, Cháo transforms humble ingredients into a bowl of warmth and nourishment. Whether served plain or with flavourful toppings, it’s a dish that has been cherished in Vietnamese homes for generations.
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Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Fish with Turmeric and Dill)
Chả Cá Lã Vọng, is a vibrant dish, featuring tender grilled fish infused with turmeric and dill, is a celebration of bold flavours and fragrant herbs. Served sizzling hot with fresh accompaniments, it’s an experience that appeals to all the senses, offering a unique taste of northern Vietnam.
19
Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles)
Cao Lầu, a dish from Hoi An, Vietnam, is a culinary masterpiece that tells a story of tradition, flavour, and regional pride.Known for its uniquely textured noodles, savoury toppings, and a harmonious balance of flavours, Cao Lầu is more than just a bowl of noodles, it’s an invitation to explore the cultural richness of central Vietnam.A bite of Cao Lầu is like stepping into the historic streets of Hoi An, where the dish has been perfected over generations.
20
Canh Chua (Sweet and Sour Soup)
Canh Chua, Vietnam’s beloved sweet and sour soup, is a dish that captures the essence of the Mekong Delta’s vibrant cuisine. With its delicate balance of tangy tamarind, sweet pineapple, and savoury seafood, Canh Chua offers a symphony of flavours that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.Often enjoyed as part of a shared meal, it is a dish that brings warmth to family tables and introduces anyone who tastes it to the heart of southern Vietnamese cooking.
21
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)
Cà Phê Trứng, or Vietnamese Egg Coffee, is one of Vietnam’s most unique contributions to the world of coffee. This rich, creamy drink, with its distinctive blend of coffee and whipped egg yolk, offers a taste experience that surprises and delights in equal measure.Invented in Hanoi and cherished by locals and visitors alike, Cà Phê Trứng is more than just a coffee; it’s a warm, comforting dessert in a cup that embodies Vietnamese creativity and resourcefulness.
22
Bún Riêu (Crab Noodle Soup)
Bún Riêu, a Vietnamese crab noodle soup, is a dish that beautifully captures the flavours of Vietnam‘s coastal and agricultural regions. Known for its vibrant broth, tangy tomato base, and delicate crab paste, Bún Riêu is a favourite among street food lovers and home cooks alike.This soup brings together the lightness of fresh vegetables, the depth of crab and shrimp, and the tanginess of tomatoes, making it an unforgettable experience for the senses.
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Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bún Bò Huế is a Vietnamese noodle soup that’s as complex in flavour as it is rich in cultural heritage. Originating from Huế, a city known for its royal cuisine, this spicy, aromatic soup is beloved for its robust flavours and comforting warmth.With a broth that’s both savoury and slightly spicy, Bún Bò Huế draws you in with its fragrant spices, tender beef, and satisfying noodles, creating a dining experience that’s equal parts comforting and invigorating.
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Bò Lúc Lắc (Shaking Beef)
Bò Lúc Lắc, or “Shaking Beef,” is a vibrant Vietnamese dish that brings together tender cubes of marinated beef, fresh greens, and a lively dipping sauce.Known for its juicy, flavourful beef with a seared exterior and tender centre, Bò Lúc Lắc is a delightful combination of savoury, sweet, and tangy elements.Whether served as a main dish with rice or over a bed of crisp salad greens, Bò Lúc Lắc offers an inviting taste of Vietnamese cuisine that’s as satisfying as it is approachable.
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Bánh Xèo (Sizzling Pancake)
Bánh Xèo, the Vietnamese sizzling pancake, is a dish that immediately captures your attention with its golden colour, crispy edges, and unmistakable sound as it sizzles in the pan.More than just a pancake, Bánh Xèo is a culinary experience, a blend of textures, flavours, and aromas that bring together the best of Vietnamese cooking. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed alone, this dish is a true reflection of Vietnam’s vibrant food culture, inviting you to savour each bite.
26
Bánh Tét (Sticky Rice Cake)
Bánh Tét, a beloved sticky rice cake from Vietnam, traditionally prepared and enjoyed during Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Bánh Tét brings together flavours, textures, and stories passed down through generations.Wrapped in banana leaves and packed with rich ingredients, this cake is as vibrant in taste as it is in meaning, offering a unique experience that’s deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.
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Bánh Da Lợn (Pandan Layer Cake)
Bánh Da Lợn, or Vietnamese Pandan Layer Cake, is a dessert that instantly captivates with its vibrant green layers and soft, chewy texture.This delicacy is more than just visually appealing; it’s a beloved treat in Vietnam, enjoyed for its unique flavour and the way it reflects the country’s love for fresh, aromatic ingredients.Made with the essence of pandan leaves, coconut milk, and mung bean flour, Bánh Da Lợn offers a taste experience that’s both delicate and memorable.
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Bánh Cuốn (Rolled Rice Noodles)
Bánh Cuốn, a delicacy from Vietnam, is a dish that’s both elegant and unassuming. Made from thin, steamed rice sheets that are filled and rolled, Bánh Cuốn is a testament to the skill and finesse of Vietnamese cooking.This dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal, combines soft, savoury rice rolls with fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and a tangy dipping sauce, creating a satisfying experience that’s light yet full of flavour.
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Bánh Canh (Udon Noodle Soup)
Bánh Canh, Vietnam‘s comforting udon noodle soup, is a beloved dish that combines hearty noodles with a flavourful broth, creating a satisfying and versatile meal.Known for its thick, slippery noodles and savoury, aromatic broth, Bánh Canh is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It’s a dish that varies by region and household, making it both a personal and cultural experience with each bowl.
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Bánh Bèo (Water Fern Cakes)
Bánh Bèo, or Water Fern Cakes, is a beloved Vietnamese delicacy that captures the subtle elegance of central Vietnamese cuisine. These small, steamed rice cakes are topped with savoury and colourful ingredients, creating a bite sized experience of textures and flavours.Often served in individual bowls or small plates, Bánh Bèo is both visually appealing and deeply satisfying, embodying the refined simplicity that makes Vietnamese cuisine so cherished.