Vietnam is known for its rich culinary culture that combines fresh ingredients, unique flavors, and colorful presentation. From street food to fine dining, the country offers a diverse range of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for new culinary experiences, Vietnam is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and good eats.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 20 must-try dishes in Vietnam, from the famous Phở to the lesser-known but equally delicious Bánh Xèo. Each dish offers a unique flavor and cultural experience that will leave you wanting more. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to explore the many flavors of Vietnam!
Table of Contents
Phở
Phở is a quintessential Vietnamese dish that is beloved both in Vietnam and around the world. This delicious soup consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meats such as thinly sliced beef, chicken, or even seafood. The broth is made by simmering beef or chicken bones with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, resulting in a fragrant and complex flavor profile.
Phở is often served with fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and chili peppers on the side, allowing diners to customize the soup to their liking. This dish is commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch in Vietnam and is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. If you’re looking to explore the delicious cuisine of Vietnam, then trying a bowl of Pho is an absolute must.
Bánh Mì
Bánh Mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that has gained popularity worldwide for its unique combination of French and Vietnamese flavors. The baguette is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with pate, cold cuts, herbs, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce. Bánh Mì is a great choice for a quick snack or lunch on the go, and you can find it in street vendors and bakeries all over Vietnam.
Bún Chả
Bún Chả is a traditional Hanoi dish made of grilled pork patties, rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce. The pork is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor. The dipping sauce is a mixture of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili, and lime juice, which balances the richness of the pork. Bún Chả is usually served with a side of pickled vegetables, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Gỏi Cuốn
Gỏi Cuốn, also known as fresh spring rolls, is a healthy and refreshing appetizer made of rice paper wrappers filled with herbs, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, or tofu. The rolls are usually served with a peanut dipping sauce, adding a creamy and nutty flavor to the dish. Gỏi Cuốn is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, and you can find it in many restaurants and street food vendors across the country.
Chả Cá
Chả Cá is a Hanoi specialty consisting of grilled fish, turmeric, dill, and spring onions. The fish is marinated in a mixture of turmeric, garlic, and fish sauce before being grilled and served on a sizzling pan. The dish is often accompanied by vermicelli noodles, herbs, peanuts, and shrimp paste sauce, creating a unique and flavorful experience.
Mì Quảng
Mì Quảng is a noodle dish originating from the central region of Vietnam. The dish consists of thick rice noodles, slices of pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and herbs, all topped with crispy rice crackers. The broth is made of pork bones, turmeric, and chili, giving it a spicy and aromatic flavor. Mì Quảng is a specialty of Quang Nam province and is a popular dish among locals and tourists.
Mì Quảng is a perfect representation of the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the many flavors of Vietnam. Whether you’re in a restaurant in Vietnam or trying to make it at home, Mì Quảng is a dish that is sure to impress.
Bún Bò Huế
Bún Bò Huế is a spicy noodle soup originating from the central city of Hue. The broth is made of beef bones, lemongrass, and chili, giving it a rich and complex flavor. The dish is usually served with thick rice noodles, slices of beef or pork, and herbs, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Bún Bò Huế is a must-try dish for those who love spicy food and want to experience the flavors of central Vietnam.
Whether you’re looking for a warming bowl of soup on a chilly day or an adventurous and flavorful dining experience, Bún Bò Huế is one of the must-try dishes in Vietnam that should be on your list.
Cao Lầu
Cao Lầu is a specialty of Hoi An, a small coastal town in central Vietnam. The dish consists of thick rice noodles, slices of pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, all topped with crispy rice crackers. The unique aspect of Cao Lầu is the use of water from a specific well in Hoi An, which is said to give the noodles their distinct texture and flavor. The dish is often served with a side of chili sauce or lime wedges for a burst of tanginess.
Cơm Tấm
Cơm Tấm, also known as broken rice, is a popular dish in southern Vietnam. The rice grains are broken during the milling process, giving them a shorter and rounder shape. Cơm Tấm is usually served with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg, creating a protein-packed meal. The dish is often accompanied by pickled vegetables, soy sauce, and chili sauce, adding layers of flavor to the dish.
Cơm Tấm is a filling and delicious dish that is popular for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse flavors of Vietnam.
Bánh Xèo
Bánh Xèo, also known as Vietnamese crepes, is a crispy and savory dish made of rice flour batter, filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. The dish is often served with a lettuce wrap and a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili. Bánh Xèo is a fun and interactive dish to eat, as you can tear off a piece of the crepe, wrap it in a lettuce leaf, and dip it into the sauce.
Bánh Cuốn
Bánh Cuốn is a light and delicate dish made of steamed rice noodle rolls filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. The dish is often served with fried shallots, herbs, and a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and garlic. Bánh Cuốn is a popular breakfast dish in northern Vietnam and can be found in many street food stalls and restaurants.
Cá Kho Tộ
Cá Kho Tộ is a traditional Vietnamese dish made of caramelized fish in a clay pot. The fish is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and spices before being cooked in the clay pot, creating a tender and flavorful dish. Cá Kho Tộ is usually served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Bánh Canh
Bánh Canh is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is made with thick, chewy noodles that are similar to udon noodles. The soup is typically served with a variety of toppings such as shrimp, pork, and herbs and is a popular street food in Vietnam.
Bún Riêu
Bún Riêu is a popular noodle soup in northern Vietnam, made of a tomato-based broth, crab meat, tofu, and vermicelli noodles. The soup is often garnished with herbs, fried tofu, and shrimp paste, creating a refreshing and aromatic dish. Bún Riêu is a great alternative to the more well-known pho and is a must-try dish for those who love seafood.
Xôi
Xôi is a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice dish that is often eaten for breakfast. The rice is mixed with various ingredients, such as mung beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp, and is often topped with fried shallots and meat. Xôi is a hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for those looking for a quick and easy meal.
Nem Nướng
Nem Nướng, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, is a popular appetizer made of crispy fried rolls filled with minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The rolls are often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, creating a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Nem Nướng is a great snack or side dish and can be found in many street food stalls and restaurants.
Bún Ốc
Bún Ốc is a noodle soup that is made with snails, tomatoes, and pork. The soup features a savory and slightly tangy broth that is flavored with lemongrass and other herbs, and is often topped with fried tofu and fresh herbs. Bún Ốc is a popular street food in Vietnam and is often eaten for breakfast or lunch.
Bánh Tráng Nướng
Bánh Tráng Nướng is a Vietnamese pizza that is made with rice paper, eggs, and various toppings, such as pork, shrimp, and scallions. The pizza is cooked over a charcoal grill, giving it a crispy and smoky flavor, and is often served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Bánh Tráng Nướng is a popular street food in Vietnam and is often eaten as a snack or appetizer.
Bánh Bèo
Bánh Bèo is a traditional Hue dish consisting of small steamed rice cakes topped with minced shrimp, pork cracklings, and scallions. The dish is often served with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and garlic, creating a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Bánh Bèo is a great snack or appetizer and can be found in many street food stalls and restaurants.
Miến Gà
Miến Gà is a Vietnamese chicken noodle soup that is often enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal. The soup is made with thin, transparent noodles made from mung bean starch, which are cooked in a flavorful broth made with chicken bones, onions, and ginger. The soup is often served with shredded chicken, chopped scallions, and cilantro, creating a healthy and satisfying meal.
Miến Gà is one of the must-try dishes in Vietnam, where it is often enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and nutritious meal, as the broth is low in calories and high in nutrients. The mung bean noodles are also gluten-free, making them a good option for those with dietary restrictions.
Summing up, Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise that offers a plethora of delicious and unique dishes. From savory soups and noodle dishes to sweet desserts and beverages, Vietnam’s cuisine is diverse and complex. Each dish offers a unique blend of flavors that reflect the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to try these top 20 must-try dishes. Each dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you with lasting memories of your culinary journey through Vietnam.
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