Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers. From bustling street markets to family-run restaurants, every region offers unique flavors shaped by centuries of history and local traditions. If you’re planning a trip, tasting the must try Vietnamese food is one of the best ways to experience the country’s culture.
Whether you’re wandering through the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the ancient charm of Hoi An, or discovering Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll find unforgettable dishes waiting around every corner.
Here are 15 traditional Vietnamese dishes you shouldn’t miss.
1. Pho – Vietnam’s Most Famous Noodle Soup
No list of must try Vietnamese food is complete without Pho.
Made with slow-cooked beef or chicken broth, fresh rice noodles, aromatic herbs, and tender slices of meat, Pho is loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s commonly enjoyed for breakfast but is delicious at any time of the day.
Best places: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
2. Banh Mi – Vietnam’s Legendary Sandwich
Influenced by French cuisine, Banh Mi combines a crispy baguette with grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and homemade sauces.
Affordable, flavorful, and easy to find, it’s one of Vietnam’s most popular street foods.
3. Bun Cha – Hanoi’s Signature Dish
Bun Cha features grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a savory dipping sauce.
The balance of smoky meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy broth makes this dish a favorite among both locals and international visitors.
4. Bun Bo Hue – A Bowl Full of Flavor
Originating from Hue, Bun Bo Hue offers a richer and spicier broth than Pho.
Thick rice noodles, beef shank, pork, herbs, and chili oil create a bold and satisfying meal.
5. Mi Quang – Central Vietnam’s Culinary Treasure
Mi Quang comes from Da Nang and Quang Nam Province.
Unlike traditional noodle soups, it contains only a small amount of flavorful broth and is topped with shrimp, pork, peanuts, fresh herbs, rice crackers, and quail eggs.
6. Cao Lau – Only Found in Hoi An
Cao Lau is one of Vietnam’s most unique noodle dishes.
Its chewy noodles, roasted pork, crispy crackers, bean sprouts, and fragrant herbs reflect Hoi An’s rich trading history. The dish is closely associated with the city and is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
7. Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork with Vermicelli
This refreshing dish combines grilled pork, rice vermicelli, lettuce, herbs, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and fish sauce.
It’s especially popular in southern Vietnam during warm weather.
8. Com Tam – Broken Rice with Grilled Pork
Originally considered a humble meal, Com Tam has become one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most beloved dishes.
A typical plate includes broken rice, grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce.
9. Goi Cuon – Fresh Spring Rolls
Healthy and refreshing, Goi Cuon consists of rice paper wrapped around shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, herbs, and cucumber.
It’s usually served with peanut sauce or fish sauce.
10. Cha Gio – Crispy Fried Spring Rolls
Unlike fresh spring rolls, Cha Gio is deep-fried until perfectly crispy.
Filled with minced pork, vegetables, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles, they’re a popular appetizer throughout Vietnam.
11. Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Crispy Pancake
Banh Xeo is made from rice flour and turmeric, creating a thin crispy pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
Wrap each bite in fresh lettuce and herbs before dipping it into fish sauce for the full experience.
12. Bo La Lot – Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves
A hidden gem of Vietnamese street food, Bo La Lot features seasoned minced beef wrapped in fragrant betel leaves and grilled over charcoal.
The smoky aroma makes it incredibly addictive.
13. Hu Tieu – Southern Vietnam’s Favorite Noodles
Popular in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, Hu Tieu can be served dry or with soup.
Toppings often include pork, shrimp, squid, quail eggs, and fresh herbs.
14. Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, and its coffee culture is unlike anywhere else.
Don’t miss local favorites such as:
- Traditional Vietnamese iced coffee
- Egg coffee
- Coconut coffee
- Salt coffee
Each offers a unique taste of Vietnam’s rich coffee heritage.
15. Che – Vietnamese Sweet Dessert
End your culinary journey with Che, a colorful dessert made from beans, coconut milk, fruits, jelly, sticky rice, and ice.
There are dozens of regional variations, making every bowl a little different.
Tips for Enjoying Vietnamese Food Like a Local
To make the most of your food adventure:
- Visit local markets and street food stalls.
- Don’t be afraid to try regional specialties.
- Eat where local families gather.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese food names.
- Join a guided food tour to discover hidden local favorites.
Final Thoughts
Trying must try Vietnamese food is much more than tasting delicious dishes—it’s about discovering Vietnam’s history, culture, and daily life through every meal.
From a comforting bowl of Pho in Hanoi to crispy Banh Xeo in Central Vietnam and fresh seafood in the south, every region offers unforgettable culinary experiences.
If you’re planning to explore Vietnam, make sure food is at the heart of your journey. Better yet, join a local food tour of WoknRoll Travel and experience these authentic flavors with expert guides who know where the locals eat.
